‘It takes less than 2 minutes to make': Alaya F starts her day with this gut-cleansing detox water, suggests having it on an empty stomach

Indian Express

07-06-2025

Alaya F is a self-proclaimed health and wellness enthusiast, and her social media is a journal of her experiments and tips. In a recent Instagram post, the Jawaani Jaaneman actor shared her go-to morning detox drink, which promises great benefits.
'What if I told you that this little morning drink helps my gut, clears my skin, boosts my metabolism, and gets rid of bloating?🤔🌸✨ (And it takes less than 2 minutes to make!!) I have this drink every single morning and I swear by it!🤍,' she said in a video.
Here's how you can make it:
Ingredients:
warm water
2 tsp soaked chia seeds
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp honey
'Pour some warm water in a glass, add a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons of soaked chia seeds, and a teaspoon of honey. Stir it and enjoy,' she walked us through the recipe in the video.
Mentioning three critical points to remember, Alaya added:
– Have it on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning
– Make sure the water is warm, not boiling
– Consistency is key, have this regularly for the best results
Indianexpress.com reached out to health experts to understand the benefits of starting your mornings with this concoction:
Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician and certified diabetes educator, tells indianexpress.com, 'Drinking honey-lemon water in the morning can support weight loss, aid digestion, and promote hydration. Replacing high-calorie drinks with honey-lemon water can reduce overall calorie intake, potentially leading to weight loss.' Increased water intake can boost metabolism and create a feeling of fullness, which helps shed pounds, she added.
According to her, lemon juice encourages the production of digestive juices, and honey acts as a prebiotic, supporting beneficial gut flora. Moreover, the drink's hydrating properties can prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements.
According to Dr Bimal Chhajer, Cardiologist, former consultant at AIIMS, and founder of SAAOL Heart Institute, consumption of raw honey, instead of added sugar, can help lower fasting blood glucose and the amount of bad cholesterol present in the blood because honey is a natural substance found in nature. It is unprocessed, without any preservatives or chemicals. 'Consuming 35-45 grams of unprocessed honey in a day, be it through tea, raw, or any other way, can lead to several beneficial effects on the human body,' he added.
Malhotra said chia seeds are full of fibre, which helps keep the stomach healthy. 'Eating chia seeds daily can help regulate your bowel movements if you struggle with constipation. Chia seeds provide a slow release of energy, keeping you active throughout the day,' she said, adding that they contain protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, which help maintain energy levels. These seeds also expand in your stomach and make you feel full for a longer time, which can prevent overeating and help with weight control.
According to her, it is always a good idea to kick-start your day with some apple cider vinegar. It helps balance the pH of the gut and aids in digestion. It also helps flush out toxins from the body. Adding a pinch of honey enhances the flavour and nutritional benefits of the drink.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.