Lemon Water: Is it Pseudoscience?
Is starting your day with that glass of lemon water a bunch of internet foofoo-ry or does it actually make a difference in your body on a biochemical level? HINT: Not foofoo-ry.
The information in this blog has been clinically tested & validated. Check out our links to academic publications and peer-reviewed journals. If it's wasn't scientifically credible, we wouldn't suggest it!
If you stay updated on the latest health and wellness trends, or you just exist somewhere on the internet, you have likely heard of adding a glass or two of lemon water to your diet. This accessible, affordable and simplistic practice seems to good to be true- does lemon water actually have a research-backed grounding for the variety of positive health benefits it claims? The process of spending copious amounts perfecting a diet and routine for overall health can be tiring and discouraging for many, but adding simple habits such as staying healthy n' hydrated with some lemon water can help establish a strong foundation for one's wellness journey. Successfully implementing small changes like this over time can ultimately result in greater health shifts over time, such as reducing one's chance of being diagnosed with heart disease or
If you are looking to improve your digestion, hydration, and overall health ~vibes~, consider starting your day with a glass of refreshing lemon water.
The Benefits Of Incorporating Lemon Water Into Your Diet
There are a variety of research-backed benefits that come from incorporating lemon water into your diet! Don't throw out those nutritious lemon peels either- throw them in soup or candy them!
1. Use Lemon Water To Boost Your Hydration
Many people struggle to drink enough water throughout their daily lives. Most doctors and health professionals recommend that you drink at least 8 cups of water per day, however, this differs depending on activity level. Many people fall short of meeting this minimum requirement for a plethora of reasons- some people dislike the taste of water while others simply forget to carry water with them.
Adding some lemon juice to your boring ol' water can help add a flavorful burst to the beverage, which may result in you finally feeling encouraged to drink it. Time to turn your pee from that weird color to the nice pale hue indicative of proper hydration; Dehydration can have serious impacts on the body and overall health. The Mayo Clinic explains that dehydration is known to cause dizziness, fainting, fatigue, lots of intense food cravings, and mental confusion.
Also, BEAUTY ALERT, lack of hydration can also lead to dull or dry skin, hair, and nails. To look and feel fresh, REESHI recommends maintaining optimal levels of hydration.
If you are someone who has a difficult time drinking water because its downright tasteless and boring, consider adding a couple organic lemon drops to your next glass of water (yes, you don't even need to buy lemons to make it happen).
2. Use Lemon Water To Incorporate Additional Vitamin C Into Your Diet
Lemons, like many other citrus fruits, are known for containing significant amounts of Vitamin C, AKA ascorbic acid, a tiny-yet-powerful micronutrient that can help with the following:
Boost the immune system: Vitamin C is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system, and can help protect the body against illness and infection, such as the flu or the common cold.
Maintain healthy skin: Vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen, a protein that helps keep skin looking youthful and healthy. It can also help protect the skin against damage from the sun's UV rays.
Iron absorption: Vitamin C helps the body absorb plant-based dietary iron, otherwise known as non-heme iron, which is necessary for the production of red blood cells. This can help prevent anemia and promote overall good health.
Accelerated wound healing: Vitamin C can help wounds heal quicker while minimizing infection risk by promoting collagen network production and maintenance in humans.
Scurvy prevention: Scurvy is a rare condition caused by a deficiency of Vitamin C (typically >3 months). It causes symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, and painful, swollen joints.
Super interesting history note regarding daquiris, sailors and scurvy:
Scurvy is believed to have killed nearly two million sailors between the 1400s and 1800s. However, a Scottish surgeon by the name of James Lind noted in the 1750's that those who consumed citrus on a regular basis did not succumb to scurvy's grip. Lind's vital discovery ultimately resulted in the passing of the Merchant Shipping Amendment act of 1867, which required ships to carry limes, lemons and/or their juices to ration off to sailors. Apparently, some sailors were dubious to the fact that a little citrus juice could keep them from dying. However, once mixed into grog with some freshly colonized West Indies sugar and rum, the citrus juice was happily welcomed by the British sailors. Sounds a lot like the daquiri we now pay $14 for... cheers, mates!
The juice of half a lemon contains roughly 20% of your daily Vitamin C requirement, so keep that in mind when squeezing that lemon wedge of health into that glass of water.
3. Lemon Water’s Citric Acid Might Reduce The Development Of Kidney Stones
Lemon juice is a natural source of citrate, which has been shown to help prevent the formation of kidney stones. Citrate is a chemical that binds to calcium in the urine, preventing it from forming into crystals that can develop into kidney stones. In addition, due to lemon juice's Vitamin C content, lemon water can help increase urine output and reduce the concentration of substances that can lead to kidney stone formation. Drinking lemon water may also help to break up small kidney stones that have already formed, making them easier to pass. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using lemon juice or concentrated citrate salts for the treatment or prevention of kidney stones.
4. Drinking Lemon Water Can Help With Digestion
The citric acid that was discussed earlier is also known to help with the digestive process. Some studies have shown that the citric acid contained in lemons may help facilitate the production of gastric acid in the gut. Gastric acid, also known as stomach acid, helps to break down foods in the stomach, especially those high in protein. Lemon juice's antioxidizing properties also make it a key player in the body’s immune defense system as it can help eliminate potentially harmful bacteria in the gut. Therefore, incorporating a glass or two of lemon water into your daily routine can help optimize your digestive process and minimize inflammation.
5. Lemon Juice May Promote Healthy Metabolism
Lemons, along with other fruits and vegetables, contain secondary metabolites (basically, molecules that us humans don't need to grow, but that still serve our bodies in highly beneficial ways) known as polyphenols and flavonoids. Although the exact mechanisms of these molecules are still being heavily studied, researchers have identified that these beneficial molecules may increase the good stuff in your digestive system while ridding it of the bad, resulting in a reduction in bacterial infections, bowel inflammation, and even fatty-liver disease.
Conclusion
So no, lemon water is not pseudoscience nor internet foofoo-ry. The benefits of utilizing lemon juice in the form of tasty lemon water on a daily basis are rooted in real science!
Adding lemon water to your diet is a wonderful way to incorporate key nutrients into your diet while promoting hydration and overall wellness. This practice is extremely simple and easy to incorporate into your daily routine. Some articles suggest that the acidic nature of lemons may weaken the enamel of your teeth over time, however, most doctors and scientists agree that this risk is minimal as the lemon is diluted significantly by water. Moderation is always key, and enjoying a glass or two of lemon water each day should not heavily impact the integrity of your teeth. If you are looking for a simple way to promote health and wellness in your life, consider adding a few drops of lemon to your next glass of water.
REESHI Recommended Lemon Juice Drops
We scoured the internet and verified the following product's sourcing, processing, and handling to ensure our recommendation to you is ethical, sustainable, and climate-consciousness.
That's the REESHI way.
Organic Lemon Squeeze Ingrilli (Promotes community-based agriculture in Italy and environmentally conscious practices while supporting multiple local charities that serve those in need)