Recently, there has been a social media trend of drinking concentrated lemon juice in the morning on an empty stomach to “detox” and “flush out toxins.” Many people believe that juicing 5-7 lemons, diluting it with a little water, and consuming it first thing in the morning will help “cleanse the liver and kidneys, and prevent diseases.” But is this method truly effective? Let’s explore the story of a woman who experienced severe consequences due to improper application, as well as insights from medical experts.
A 50-year-old woman’s unfortunate experience
A recent incident served as a stark reminder of the potential dangers. A 50-year-old woman from Hanoi, Vietnam, began following the trend of drinking lemon juice every morning after reading about its supposed detox benefits online. She diligently juiced 5-6 lemons every day and consumed the juice on an empty stomach. Moreover, she also refrained from eating regular meals, believing that this extreme approach would lead to a “cleaner body.”
Despite her husband’s continuous discouragement, she insisted, “If others can do it, so can I.” However, after a month of following this regimen, her health took a severe turn for the worse. She became frail, her skin turned jaundiced, and she experienced frequent stomach aches, bloating, insomnia, and constant fatigue and irritability. Yet, she attributed these symptoms to the “detox process” and believed she was on the path to better health.
As her condition deteriorated, her family had no choice but to take her to the hospital. The medical examination revealed a shocking diagnosis: she had severe gastric ulcers caused by the citric acid in the lemon juice corroding her stomach lining. Not only did her blind faith in unverified information harm her health, but it also created discord in her family due to differing views.
The dangers of drinking lemon juice on an empty stomach
According to herbalist Do Minh Tuan, Director of Traditional Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment at Do Minh Duong, and a member of the Vietnam Southern Medicine Association, consuming concentrated lemon juice on an empty stomach is highly dangerous. He states, “Lemons contain high levels of citric acid, and drinking it on an empty stomach can irritate the gastric mucosa, increasing the risk of ulcers. Especially for individuals with a history of gastric issues or a sensitive digestive tract, this method can exacerbate existing conditions.”
Additionally, Dr. Truong Hong Son, Director of the Vietnam Institute of Applied Medicine, emphasizes, “There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that drinking concentrated lemon juice can ‘detox’ the body or ‘flush out toxins.’ The liver and kidneys are naturally responsible for these functions. Overconsuming lemon juice not only causes harm but also disrupts the body’s electrolyte balance.”
How to safely use lemons
Lemons are a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants and offer numerous health benefits when used appropriately. Here are some safe suggestions for incorporating lemons into your routine:
1. Dilute lemon juice: Never drink pure lemon juice. Always dilute it with warm or filtered water in a 1:2 ratio (1 part lemon juice to 2 parts water). This reduces the acidic impact on the stomach.
2. Drink after breakfast: The ideal time to consume lemon juice is approximately 30 minutes after breakfast. This aids digestion without irritating the gastric mucosa.
3. Avoid overconsumption: One to two lemons per day is sufficient. Excessive intake can damage tooth enamel and negatively affect digestion.
4. Incorporate into meals: Instead of solely drinking lemon juice, integrate lemons into your daily meals, such as salads, dips, or healthy detox drinks.
Safe and effective ways to detox
Instead of blindly following unverified trends, we can naturally and scientifically detox our bodies in the following ways:
1. Stay hydrated: Drink 1.5-2 liters of water daily to help flush out toxins through urination.
2. Eat more greens and fruits: Fiber-rich foods like cabbage, celery, apples, and oranges promote healthy digestion while providing essential vitamins and minerals.
3. Exercise regularly: Physical activity boosts blood circulation, aids metabolism, and helps eliminate toxins through sweating.
4. Get adequate sleep: Sleep plays a vital role in cell regeneration and body recovery. Ensure you get 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
5. Limit processed foods: Sugary, salty, and fatty processed foods contribute to obesity and place additional strain on the liver and kidneys.
As we’ve seen, caring for our health requires scientific knowledge and an understanding of individual bodily needs. Instead of chasing unverified trends, let’s listen to our bodies and seek expert advice. Lemons are fantastic when used appropriately, but it’s crucial to follow safe and evidence-based practices.
I hope this article provides valuable insights for self-care and encourages the sharing of this important message. If you found this helpful, please share it with others so that we can all make informed decisions about our well-being.
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