Every single morning, before I eat or drink anything—and that includes my coffee—I reach for a big glass of lemon water. I squeeze about half a lemon into 12 to 16 ounces of room temperature water and sip.
So simple, yet so good for your body!
As a certified personal trainer, this has always been of my favorite tips to share with people who ask for an easy, start today tip, for better health.
Lemons are not just a cute garnish for your glass! You should be gulping lemon water down daily.
Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water
1. Lemon Water Flushes Out Toxins
When you drink lemon water, you are actually helping to cleanse your body. Lemon juice stimulates the natural enzymes in the liver, which in turn, helps it to flush out toxins!
Consider it nature’s built-in detoxifier: starting your day with lemon water helps to reset your body for the new day ahead.
2. Lemon Juice In Water Balances pH Levels
Contrary to what most people believe, lemon water, although acidic in nature, is actually treated by the body as a base once ingested.
Most of us tend to consume an over-abundance of acidic foods, thus lowering our body’s pH level.
Lemon water can help the body maintain a balanced pH state, alkalizing the blood and reversing the negative effects of highly acidic foods.
Related: How To Eat More Alkaline Foods
3. Lemon Water Will Assists in Weight Loss
Lemons contain a soluble fiber called pectin that has been shown to help with weight loss.
And since liquid calories add up faster than we’d like to believe—think about your morning daily Starbucks with whip for a second—lemon juice is a delicious way to add variety to your water without calories!
4. Lemon Juice In Water Is An Immune Booster
When you think of an “immune-boosting” fruit, oranges probably come to mind, right?
Well, lemons should be included on your shortlist, too! Lemons are high in both potassium and Vitamin C.
The potassium will stimulate brain and nerve function and help control blood pressure, while the Vitamin C will help against colds and the flu.
5. Lemon Water Helps With Digestion
A study in the “International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition” released in 2011 stated that taste receptors for bitter substances trigger your pancreas to secrete digestive enzymes and your gall bladder to release bile.
This helps the digestive process along and makes the process of eliminating waste products from the body easier, which, let’s be frank, is a great thing!
But Wait…Is Drinking Lemon Water Bad For Your Teeth?
Some people claim that drinking lemon water can wear away the enamel on your teeth.
If you are concerned about this, know that for one, I have never experienced that (nor has my mother who’s been drinking it daily for her entire life!) but if you feel your teeth could be susceptible to this, there are some precautions you can take.
1. Drink room temperature or cold lemon water instead of hot.
This reduces the amount of acid.
2. Use a straw to drink your lemon water.
This way, your teeth will not have as much direct contact with the lemon water.
3. Use 100% pure lemon essential oil instead of actual lemons.
If you use a kind that is 100% pure (do NOT ingest synthetic lemon oil!!!) then lemon essential oil can be just as good as using actual lemons. I sometimes use lemon essential oil instead of a lemon, and it’s believed that the oil has less acid than the fruit.
So, if you’re worried about your enamel, don’t sweat! You can still enjoy lemon water by utilizing the above tips and protecting those pearly whites.
44 Comments
Sally Larson on January 10, 2022 at 11:28 AM
Hi, Do I have to drink the lemon water first thing in the morning and all at once?
Chris Freytag, CPT on January 11, 2022 at 11:05 AM
I do recommend that but it's good for you any time of the day!
Annette Riddick on January 1, 2022 at 7:46 PM
I started drinking lemon water and it cleared my eczema and also was a great aid in my arthritis
Donna Balsley on January 1, 2022 at 5:07 PM
When I was in 4th grade, our teacher was, to us, at least 100 years old. Every day she drank hot water with lemon. Now I understand why she lived so long. Hmmm
Georgia A Roby on December 30, 2021 at 3:00 PM
Can you use 100 % lemon juice that is used for cooking?
Chris Freytag, CPT on January 3, 2022 at 12:47 PM
you can but fresh is best!
Marla on December 24, 2021 at 3:55 PM
My husband and I have been taking a gallon pitcher of water and adding lemons, limes and orange slices to it. Let it sit for several hours to let the fruit infuse into the water then drink it throughout the day. So refreshing.! (Unless you add to much lime-haha! ) we will continue.
Maree on December 24, 2021 at 1:53 PM
One of the most beautiful actresses, Greta Garbo, always began her day drinking lemon in water!
Vernet on December 24, 2021 at 1:21 PM
I drink warm/room temp lemon water every day. I also use a few slices of lemon and keep it in my bottle of water all day and consume it throughout the day while at work. It has definitely helped with stubborn fat and cellulite.
Debi Coker on December 23, 2021 at 6:55 AM
How many drops of the Young Living oil do you put in 12-16 oz of water?
Chris Freytag, CPT on January 5, 2022 at 12:23 PM
Hi Debi - great question! I usually just do it for the taste, so typically I put around 3 drops in a 12-16 oz water for a little flavor.
Valerie on March 11, 2021 at 11:51 AM
I have been drinking my water with lemon juice for a while now it's totally refreshing
Chris Freytag on March 16, 2021 at 12:38 PM
So happy to hear you are enjoying it :) And the health benefits are so good as well!
Shirley on December 23, 2020 at 2:09 AM
I have to tell you my story. My husband has had kidney stones approximately every 4-5 years, for about 50 years. The other day our son (a nurse) suggested to help break up the stone he should drink a full glass of lemon juice (8 oz.). Then immediately follow that with a another full 8 oz. glass of water with one oz. of lemon juice. He did it and by mid afternoon he came in the room and showed me a stone he just passed. Smiling from ear to ear.... I also was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia a few months ago and I drink the Lemon juice daily now. Interestingly if you look up Chinese procedure to hernia.. it will give you a short routine to do daily, to stop all discomfort....eat a lot of small meals instead of any large meals ..this works like a charm. It recommends doing the excessive (it only takes about one minute to do it.) first thing in the morning. However I am more successful remembering to do it before bedtime. Shirley