Lemon water is a healthy drink, but excessive consumption or improper use can have side effects. Drinking lemon water at the wrong time can also affect your stomach. Let’s find out when to drink lemon water and some precautions.
1 What are the benefits of drinking lemon water?
Boosts the immune system
Lemon water boosts the immune system
Lemons are rich in Vitamin C and other antioxidants that can help strengthen the immune system against cold and flu-causing germs. Supplementing with lemon vitamin C can reduce the likelihood and duration of colds.
Vitamin C also helps boost immunity in people undergoing intense physical activity. Try squeezing lemon into a glass of warm water with a teaspoon of honey for a soothing drink when you have a cough or cold.
Aids in weight control
Lemon water aids in weight control
Lemons are considered a weight-loss food as the pectin fiber in lemons expands in your stomach, helping you feel fuller for longer.
Drinking warm lemon water after meals can aid in weight loss by reducing the absorption of sugars and boosting metabolism due to its vitamin C and beneficial plant compounds.
Prevents kidney stones
Lemon water prevents kidney stones
Citric acid in lemons helps prevent kidney stones by increasing urine volume and making it more alkaline, creating an environment less favorable for stone formation. Just half a cup of lemon juice daily can provide enough citric acid to help prevent stone formation in those prone to them.
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Improves digestive health
Lemon water improves digestive health
Lemons consist of about 10% carbohydrates, mostly in the form of soluble fiber and simple sugars.
The primary fiber in lemons is pectin, a type of soluble fiber that can improve gut health and slow the digestion of sugars and starches. This effect can lead to reduced blood sugar levels.
Promotes healthy skin
Lemon water promotes healthy skin
Vitamin C in lemons plays a crucial role in forming collagen, which helps protect the skin. Consuming lemon in food or applying it topically can help protect against sun and pollution damage, reduce wrinkles, and improve overall skin texture.
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Enhances healing and freshens breath
Lemon water enhances healing and freshens breath
Lemons can aid in healing inflamed, red skin. Additionally, the vitamin C in lemons not only provides a refreshing feeling when consumed but also helps freshen breath and prevent halitosis.
Acts as a diuretic
Drinking lemon water also helps flush out toxins from the kidneys, acting as a diuretic and cleansing the kidneys. However, avoid consuming excessive lemon water in a day.
2 When is the best time to drink lemon water?
A glass of lemon water with honey after waking up helps cleanse the stomach and hydrates the body while providing Vitamin C for the day.
– After waking up: Your stomach is empty at this time, and drinking lemon water can improve constipation, cleanse the stomach, and hydrate the body while providing Vitamin C for the day. However, only add a few drops of lemon juice; excessive consumption can irritate the stomach.
– After meals: Drink a glass of lemon water 1.5–2 hours after breakfast, lunch, or dinner to aid digestion.
– In the evening: You can drink lemon water with honey in the evening, but only before 8–9 pm to avoid disrupting your sleep.
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3 How to drink lemon water correctly
People often mix lemon with sugar and water, but this method can lead to health issues like diabetes and cardiovascular problems due to excessive sugar intake. So, how should you drink lemon water correctly?
Drink diluted lemon water
This is the most common and popular way to drink lemon water. Mix 500ml of water with half a lemon, preferably using warm water for better nutrient absorption. Daily consumption of diluted lemon water will give you a rosy and brighter complexion.
Drink diluted lemon water
Drink lemon water with salt
Similar to diluted lemon water, lemon water with salt will also give you a rosy and smooth complexion. Mix half a lemon with 250ml of warm water and add a pinch of salt to taste.
This method also helps improve digestion and reduce belly fat.
Drink lemon water with salt
Drink lemon water with honey
Honey is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and when combined with lemon, it offers multiple health benefits, including detoxification, improved digestion, skin health, and weight loss.
To make lemon honey water, mix half a lemon with two teaspoons of honey in warm water until dissolved. For best results, drink this mixture in the morning after waking up.
Drink lemon water with honey
4 Harmful effects of drinking lemon water incorrectly
It is best to drink 1–2 glasses per day. Do not replace water with lemon water.
Do not drink lemon water in the morning
Lemon water with chia seeds
A popular weight-loss method is to drink a glass of lemon water in the morning. However, drinking cold lemon water on an empty stomach can be disastrous for your stomach, leading to stomach pain and gastroesophageal reflux disease. The acidity of lemon water can also cause heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.
Therefore, mix lemon with warm water and add a few drops of honey if you don’t have stomach issues. Otherwise, avoid drinking lemon water in the morning.
Do not drink lemon water at night before bed
Lemons are highly acidic, so drinking lemon water before bed can affect those with mouth ulcers and cause frequent urination.
Additionally, the high acidity of lemons can erode tooth enamel, making your teeth yellow and rough to the touch. Thus, try to drink lemon water through a straw to minimize acid contact with your teeth.
Do not drink lemon water if you have stomach issues
The acid in lemons can irritate the stomach, increasing acid secretion and causing acid reflux.
Do not drink lemon water if you have stomach issues
If you have stomach problems, avoid drinking lemon water in the morning or limit it to 1–2 times a week, with a few drops of lemon juice each time.
Instead of using a lot of lemon water, try infusing a slice of lemon in a large bottle of water; the lemon flavor will be very mild and less likely to harm your stomach.
Do not mix lemon juice with very cold or very hot water
Do not mix lemon juice with very cold or very hot water
Lemon water with ice should be avoided when you’re exhausted, as it can cause heat shock to the body and irritate the throat. Conversely, mixing lemon with very hot water can break down its beneficial enzymes, reducing its effectiveness.
It’s best to mix lemon water according to your preferences, avoiding extreme temperatures, to ensure your body’s well-being. For adults, consume up to four lemons per week, and for children, limit it to two lemons per week to maintain good health.
Now you know when to drink lemon water. Lemons are a great source of Vitamin C, polyphenols, and antioxidants for your body. So, drink lemon water daily to improve your health, boost your immunity, and prevent certain diseases.