The practice of drinking lemon water the first thing in the morning is one of the healthiest habits one can pick up. It is an effective way to detoxify the body and supply it with the needed nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
This drink promotes weight loss, helps digestion, strengthens the immune system, and offers a myriad of other health benefits!
“Lemon water is a good source of several alkalizing minerals such as calcium and potassium. When lemon juice is consumed, its minerals may dissociate in the bloodstream to have an alkalizing effect,” according to Dr. Passler, a popular nutritionist.
“Potassium is a key nutrient for healthy metabolism. Also, since it aids in the digestion of proteins and fats, it may play an indirect role in the production and fueling of muscles that can improve your ability to burn calories.”
Here are some of the miraculous properties of lemon water:
1. Boosts the immune system
Being high in vitamin C, lemon water boosts the ability of the body to absorb the needed vitamins and minerals and thus strengthens the immune system. Moreover, it supports the function of the lymphatic system and eases the elimination of pathogens.
According to Dr. Passler,
“Lemon juice contains vitamin C, which in numerous studies has shown immune-boosting properties. The hydrating effects of water consumption can also have a positive effect on immune status. Vitamin C also lends essential support to your adrenal glands so you can handle stress better.”
Fights Inflammation
The regular consumption of this drink treats and prevents inflammation in the body.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
The regular consumption of lemon water for two weeks will drastically improve the symptoms of GERD, also known as heartburn or acid reflux.
Prevents Kidney Stones
The high potassium levels in lemons prevent the increase of citrate in the urine and the formation of kidney stones.
Reduces Joint Pain and Swelling
The consumption of this natural remedy soothes inflammation and reduces the swellings and joint pain.
Treats Flu & Cold
Lemon is a rich source of powerful antioxidants, so it effectively treats colds and flu, quickly relieving the symptoms.
Heals Acne
Lemon water neutralizes the excessive acidity in the body in the morning, and thus prevents and heals acne.
Treats Gallbladder Pain
This powerful natural drink, if consumed after meals, will help you reduce the gallbladder ache.
Relieves Fibromyalgia
Lemon water, combined with some easy stretches, will help you soothe the muscle pain due to fibromyalgia.
Suppress Appetite and helps Weight Loss
Studies have shown that the consumption of lemon water in the morning prevents weight gain, accelerates metabolism, prevents food cravings, and regulates blood sugar levels. Namely, lemons stimulate the bile production, and keep you satiated, preventing food cravings.
Bahram Arjmandi, a professor of nutrition at Florida State University and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Food and Nutritional Disorders, explains:
“Pectin, a kind of fiber found in lemons, has also been linked to some weight loss benefits. “Pectin can lower LDL or bad cholesterol and has some anti-inflammatory benefits. It can also prevent fat absorption and moderate insulin response.”
Prevents foodborne Diseases
Lemon water is a great way to prevent food poisoning, especially when traveling.
Relieves Sore Muscles after a Workout
Lemon water treats pain in the muscles after a strenuous workout, which occurs due to the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles.
Strengthens Nails
Lemon water strengthens the brittle nails and removes the white spots and stains that appear on them. Therefore, start drinking lemon water every morning as soon as you wake up, on an empty stomach, and enjoy its countless benefits!
How to Make Lemon Water
In order to reap any health benefits of lemon water, you need drink it consistently, and you need more than just a single wedge of lemon in your mug.
When making lemon water, always use fresh lemons and not artificial lemon from a bottle. To make lemon water, squeeze half a lemon into 8 ounces of boiling, warm, or cold water. To make the drink as healthy as possible, use filtered water and organic lemons.
Having lemon ice cubes on hand is a great way to add lemon to your water fast. Simply squeeze fresh lemon juice into ice cube trays and freeze. Drop a few cubes into a glass of cold or hot water as needed.
Start your morning with a mug of warm lemon water, and keep a pitcher of water infused with a few sliced, whole lemons in your refrigerator to drink throughout the day.
Side Effects of Lemon Water
Lemon water is generally safe to drink, but there are a few potential side effects to be aware of. Lemon contains citric acid, which may erode tooth enamel (an ironic twist for people using lemon to help bad breath). To limit the risk, drink lemon water through a straw, and rinse your mouth afterwards.
When it comes to heartburn, lemon water can go either way. The acidic citric acid may stimulate heartburn in some people. Others may experience relief from heartburn since lemons become alkaline in the digestive tract. If lemons aggravate your heartburn, avoid drinking lemon water.
Some people report more frequent trips to the bathroom when drinking lemon water. Although lemon juice is often referred to as a diuretic, a substance that increases urine production, evidence doesn’t show that vitamin C from natural sources like lemons has diuretic effects.
If you experience the need for extra bathroom breaks while drinking lemon water, it’s more than likely caused by increased water intake.
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