When we get up in the morning, the first thing required is to get the body rid of toxins and rejuvenate the cells. The fact, however, is that most of us do not like plain water because of its tasteless nature. Adding few drops of lemon juice adds flavor to the water besides providing many essential nutrients to the body.
Though many reports claim that lemon water detoxes the body, fights cancer, and promotes weight loss, no clinical evidence exists. Yet lemon water remains a popular home remedy that has certain benefits and side effects if overconsumed.
Drinking Lemon Water has its Share of Pros and Cons.
Advantages of Drinking Lemon Water
It is not that lemon water is entirely useless. Many lemon water benefits boost health and metabolism.
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Nutrition
It is common knowledge that lemons contain vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight the damage of cells. It also contains flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory properties that help boost health and fight disease in general. Lemon also does not contain fat, sugar, carbohydrate and has traces of vitamin B.
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Treats kidney stones
Some studies suggest that drinking lemon water helps to treat kidney stones. While this may not be the main line of treatment for kidney stones, it can be used effectively as an alternative or alongside. Kidney stones occur due to the build-up of minerals calcium oxalate in the kidney. The compound which can treat it is citrate. An increasing amount of citrate by drinking lemon water prevents calcium from forming. Drinking lemon water increases the citrate level in urine, which helps to treat kidney stones.
While drinking lemon water is beneficial and does not cause any harm, too much lemon water can be harmful.
Disadvantages of Drinking Lemon Water Daily
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Damaged Teeth
Lemon is acidic, and using it daily can erode the tooth enamel in the long run. One can, however, take precautions by rinsing the mouth with fresh water and avoid brushing teeth immediately after drinking lemon water.
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Cause Heartburn
If you have some digestive problems and suffer from heartburn, then the first thing that comes to mind “is lemon water bad for you”? Heartburn is caused when the acid in the stomach moves back to the esophagus, also known as acid reflux. Lemon is known to be acidic, and consuming it can aggravate the symptoms.
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Trigger Ulcers and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder
Many people have Gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) caused by eating spicy, fatty, and acidic foods. Additionally, having ulcers in the stomach can be aggravated by acidic foods and drinks, which irritate the stomach linings and slow down the healing process. Too much lemon water can aggravate the symptoms.
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Other Health Issues
Lemon can increase the iron content in the body as the lemon is rich in vitamin C and known to absorb non-heme iron. If someone has hemochromatosis, the iron can increase by drinking too much lemon water, damaging other organs. There are also reports which say that lemon water can affect the bones in the long run.
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Dehydration and Frequent Urination
In many cases, lemon juice in water can have a diuretic impact on a person’s body. Vitamin C in lemon encourages urine production, and one has to rush to the washroom too often. However, it can be beneficial for those with kidney stones as the diuretic effect can quickly get rid of fluids and excess salts.
Takeaway
Lemons containing nutrients are known to have several health benefits if taken moderately with water. They may not be beneficial for people with health problems that are triggered by their high acidic nature.
