Lemon Water: Health Trend

By Dr. Danielle Schwaderer
As a naturopathic doctor, I receive lots of inquiries about my opinion on the health benefits of drinking lemon water. 

Along with many natural treatments, research and scientific evidence is lacking both to prove or dispel many home remedies. As a naturopathic doctor, I can only speak of what I see clinically in the individuals whom drink lemon water frequently and speak to how the chemical composition and energetic characteristics of lemons may contribute to good health and vitality. 

About the Lemon:
We are what we eat. Choosing vibrant and bright colors is thought to bring about similar characteristics to the human frame. Want to feel brighter and more vibrant on an energetic level? Then trying eating foods with similar characteristics, especially in the winter months when gloom sets in. 

Lemon Water as a Health Tonic:
Drinking warm water with the juice of 1/4 - 1/2 of a lemon each morning can have a positive impact on health and wellness. Partly because of the constituents of the lemon, and partly because drinking warm lemon water can replace other unhealthy beverages. Listed below, are some of the benefits that I see in my practice among those who drink warm lemon water each morning or throughout the day:
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Bowel Health:
8-16 oz of warm lemon water first thing in the morning can support the bowels and stimulate a bowel movement. Let's be honest, everyone loves to poop!

Enhance Digestion: 
The acidity of lemons stimulates bile production and release from the liver and bile ducts, which is a necessary component of optimal digestion. Lemon also causes salivation, which is one of the earliest stages of digestion. 

Absorption of Nutrients: 
Lemons encourage optimal stomach acid production. Acid produced in the stomach is necessary to breakdown food matter into small enough molecules to be absorbed in the digestive process. Without adequate stomach acid production, nutrients from food and supplementation will remain too large to be absorbed and utilized by the body.

Promotes an Alkaline Environment:
Sure, it's no secret that lemons are acidic in nature. However, in the body, lemons and many other fruits and vegetables are actually considered to be alkaline-forming foods due to their mineral content and the effect they have on the body. Foods that are alkaline-forming are often rich in potassium and magnesium and may balance mineral-loss through the urine. In general, alkaline-forming foods are thought to be healthier choices to preserve bone health, reduce inflammation and prevent chronic illnesses.

Vitamin C:
Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant and is found abundantly in citrus fruits, including lemons. Vitamin C is necessary for many normal cellular reactions in the body and may beneficial in the following ways:

• Aids iron absorption: Eating foods rich in vitamin C is necessary for optimal iron absorption, both from naturally containing foods and supplements high in iron. 
• Joint and connective tissue health: Collagen synthesis and repair requires adequate vitamin C
• Skin health: As an antioxidant, vitamin C can aid in overall skin health and has anti-aging properties. 

The amount of vitamin C found in 1/4-1/2 a lemon, as used in lemon water, does not satisfy the recommended daily intake for Vitamin C, but can contribute to totals consumed throughout the day.

My Overall Opinion of Lemon Water:
Try it! Water and lemons are both healthy for our body and are definitely worth a try! Drink warm water and lemon every morning or throughout the day. 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, they are not intended to diagnose or treat disease.