Lemon Water
Lemon water is the juice of the lemon fruit combined with water. Here are a few reasons to consider taking lemon water:
Hydration
When your body is dehydrated, it holds on to fat cells, and dehydration can also make you feel hungry. Staying hydrated is crucial for your overall body health, so starting your day with a glass of water is a no-brainer. Plus, the lemon gives it a flavor boost.
Antioxidant
Like all produce, lemons contain phytonutrients, which protect your body against disease. These phytonutrients have powerful antioxidant properties, which prevent cell damage from oxidation, the exact mechanism that causes rust.
Digestion
Lemon water may aid digestion and cut down on bloat. Some people find drinking a glass of lemon water, particularly first thing in the morning, aids digestive regularity. Although this is mainly subjective and reports are anecdotal, studies on mice show some promise. The citric acid in lemons can supplement your natural stomach acids to help process food. Lemon water is also a good source of potassium. This mineral helps keep sodium levels in check, potentially reducing salt-induced bloating. A 2019 study suggests that long-term consumption of a drink rich in lemon polyphenols appeared to delay the age-related changes seen in the gut, including changes in the balance of beneficial gut bacteria.
Weight loss
Lemon water can prevent spikes in hunger thanks to its blood-sugar-balancing pectin (a type of soluble fiber) and hydrating mojo. If you feel like snacking after a meal, mix 1 cup of warm water with the juice of 1/2 lemon and a pinch of lemon zest. It will help curb your eating impulse. Staying hydrated is a key part of any weight loss journey for a number of reasons related to optimal bodily functioning. Peak hydration levels help to stimulate the metabolism, boost the effects of exercise, and allow the brain to better respond to hunger cues. Try beginning your day by drinking a full eight-ounce glass of lemon water to help meet your daily hydration goals.
Potassium
Your body can’t function without potassium. It’s necessary for nerve-muscle communication, transporting nutrients and waste, and regulating blood pressure. Fruits and vegetables are important sources of potassium. Lemon water is good for potassium.
Vitamin C
For centuries, lemons were highly regarded for treating scurvy. This rare condition can develop through a lack of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Vitamin C is often claimed to support the immune system; however, studies remain inconclusive. One study found that although vitamin C did not prevent otherwise healthy people from catching a common cold, it may shorten the duration of symptoms. It may halve the common cold risk in people exposed to short periods of extreme physical stress (e.g., marathon runners).
Prevent kidney stones
The citric acid in lemon juice may help prevent kidney stones caused by a build-up of calcium oxalate. The extra fluid from the water may help maintain hydration and flush out potential stones. Lemon water helps prevent painful stones in those deficient in urinary citrate (a form of citric acid). More importantly, increased fluids help prevent dehydration — a common cause of kidney stones. Drink the juice of 2 lemons diluted in water every day, and you can reduce your risk of kidney stones. Citrine, a salt in citric acid, binds to calcium, helping block the formation of the dreaded stones. In fact, chronic kidney stones are often treated with potassium citrate, but studies have shown that lemon can do the job just as well.
Skin health
Some evidence has linked vitamin C (or ascorbic acid) and flavonoids, which are protective compounds found in citrus fruit, to improvements in skin condition. Vitamin C is known to help the body produce collagen, which contributes to the integrity of the skin and helps cuts and scrapes heal faster. Lemons have loads of vitamin C, more than orange juice, which assists in decreasing the production of wrinkles and defends your skin against free-radical damage. Water helps carry nutrients to your cells, so staying well hydrated is essential.
How to enjoy lemon water?
Juice half a lemon into your water, adding a mere 6 calories to your diet. You’ll get more than a sixth of your daily vitamin C. It may be drunk warm or cold, with additions such as lemon zest, honey, mint, or spices like turmeric or cayenne pepper.
Will it hurt teeth?
Theoretically, lemon acid can harm your enamel, but you’re diluting it here. As long as you don’t make a habit of sucking on lemons all the time, you should be fine.
Brush your teeth before your lemony beverage, or wait an hour. Acid softens enamel, so brushing too soon after consuming acidic foods and drinks can aid in erosion.
Rinse your mouth out with purified water after you drink the lemon water.
Drink through a straw, and be sure not to swish the lemon water in your mouth.
Drink the lemon water within a few minutes, rather than sipping on it all morning.
Caution
Avoid lemon water if you have reflux or acidity problems.
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About Us
Dr. Amar Singh, MD, and Dr. Poonam Singh, MD, are board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Obesity Medicine. They specialize in preventing, treating, and reversing chronic diseases using an evidence-based holistic approach. They are specifically interested in weight management, hormone re-balancing, and longevity. The American College of Physicians has recognized them as Fellows, FACP, for their excellence and contributions to medicine and the broader community. They enjoy teaching, volunteering, and advocating for their patients. Their mission is to share simple, effective, and proven strategies that lead to meaningful, sustainable, and long-lasting well-being.
