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Every single day, I drink lemon water. I squeeze about half of lemon into my water bottle and drink it down throughout the day!
So simple, so refreshing and 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.
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!
[easy-tweet tweet=”Swap your daily can of Coke for a glass of lemon water and save 51,000 cals or 15 pounds a year!” user=”chrisfreytag”]
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.
He should take it to the Shark Tank!
Kat, I plan on making an attempt to get on shark tank next year 🙂
If no fresh lemon on hand, what about bottled lemon juice? And if so, how much? (Like Realemon, etc.) Thanks!
Jackie, I agree with Chris. The fresher the better. Reallemon bottled juice is full of preservatives I believe. It’s shelf stable meaning it can sit on a grocery store shelf at room temperature for years. One thing I always look at is if it’s not in the cooler when it comes to juice based beverages it’s probably artificial or full of preservatives and sugar. Just my opinion.
Real squeezed lemon or real lemon essential oil or real lemon juice is fine. The fresher the better, but no exact amount … I squeeze about a quarter of a big lemon into a 16 oz glass!
I’ve heard about drinking hot lemon water for years and you mention that you drink room temperature water. Does the water have to be at room temp or warmer? I’ve been drinking lemon water every morning since I first read this post but I prefer my water cold. It helps me wake up since I’m not a coffee drinker. Will I get the same benefits?
I’ve been drinking 24 ounces of lemon water every morning – like you, even before coffee – since reading this post. I can tell a difference – lighter, cleaner, healthier. Thanks for posting these tips!
Dear Chris Freytag,
Today is the first day I’m trying lemon water and I have to tell you, it’s not all that great. So, I added some pure natural honey to it so it’s not so bitter. How long do you think it will take for it to flush out all the toxins and really work into my body? Thank you for your website and great health information. It really has been helping me a lot.
Sincerely,
Jessica Bruzek
I add cayanne pepper to mine!
I do 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar,2 tablespoons of fresh squeezed lemons,cayenne pepper (a pinch) ,turmeric,cinammon,ground ginger,and 2 teaspoon of raw organic honey drink first thing in the am before you eat or have your coffee…
That sounds awesome ! I make a pitcher of lemos with a small cap of Apple cider and a pinch of cinnamon…. I drink this everyday.
I drink at least ONE 24 oz tumbler full of lemon water everyday. However I prefer a little lime in my lemon water as well. When I start feeling like I’m getting sick, I double the lemon/like I squeeze into my water. By the end of the day I feel 100% better.
How much lemon EO when you don’t have fresh lemons?
Just a drop or two should flavor it!