When life gives you a lemon, make lemon water! Drinking lemon water first thing in the morning is one of the easiest things I do to improve my health. It doesn’t take long to prepare, it’s inexpensive and there is nothing better than to wake up to the fresh, invigorating smell of a lemon.
I used to think that lemons were acidic and worried that it would make my body pH too acid. But it actually does the opposite. One of the most important benefits of lemon is that once digested, it is alkalizing to the body and helps keep the body at the correct pH level. When our body is at the correct pH level it is able to heal itself, assimilate nutrients and fight off unwanted illness.
the benefits of drinking lemon water daily
1. Helps with Digestion and Detoxification
2. Promotes weight loss
3. Prevents Kidney stones
4. Keeps Skin Glowing
5. Boosts Energy and Mood
Helps with Digestion and detoxification
Lemon juice stimulates the liver to produce bile, which helps keep food moving through your body and gastrointestinal tract. Drinking lemon water regularly will help the bowels eliminate waste more efficiently and help relieve symptoms of constipation, indigestion, heartburn, and bloating.
Jethro Kloss details the value of lemons in his book, “Back to Eden.” He describes how lemons prevent bacteria buildup, in the body. They are also anti-scorbutic, a term referring to their ability to prevent disease and to help purify the body of impurities.
In her book, “You Are What You Eat,” Dr. Gillian McKeith states,
“A warm cup of water first thing in the morning (and even better with a squeeze of lemon) goes right through the bowels and cleans mucus out from the day before”.
Promotes Weight Loss
It is said that drinking lemon water can also help you lose weight. That is a no-brainer, because if your digestive system is functioning properly, then you are less prone to weight gain.
When you drink water first thing in the morning, before breakfast it is said to slash the calorie intake by 13%.
Prevents Kidney Stones
Lemons are loaded with citric acid, which can increase urine volume to help fight off kidney stones. I know this is true. Whenever I start having kidney pains in my back, I just start drinking my lemon water or more of it, and the pain goes away.
Keeps your skin glowing and radiant
Lemons, being a natural antiseptic, can help with skin problems. The high content of vitamin C enhances your beauty, by rejuvenating skin from within and therefore bringing a glow to your face. Daily consumption of lemon water can make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin.
This is an interesting article regarding the results someone experienced after drinking lemon water for a week. Check it out here.
Mood-boosting
There is nothing more invigorating than the smell of a freshly cut lemon. I love cutting into a lemon first thing in the morning. In this study, the scent of a lemon has been found to reduce stress levels and help improve mood.
“Lemon oil reliably enhances positive mood compared to water and lavender regardless of expediencies or previous use of aromatherapy. Moreover, norepinephrine levels following the cold pressor remained elevated when subjects smelled lemon, compared to water or lavender”.
how do you make lemon water?
It is best to drink lemon water first thing in the morning, preferably a ½ hour before you eat your breakfast. Take the lemon and give it a good roll. Pressing it into the counter with the palm of your hand as you roll it will help get more juice out.
Using a citrus juicer of some kind, squeeze the juice out of ½ a lemon. I usually get about 1 1/2 tablespoons from a half of lemon. Put the lemon juice in a quart jar or large glass. I usually drink a 24-32 oz. a glass of water before breakfast. (If you are not used to drinking that much first thing in the morning, you can work up to it).
This is my favorite juicer. I have had it for years and use it every day. It is simple, doesn’t take any room on my countertop, is inexpensive, and does a great job. I actually have two. At one time, I thought I needed to buy a nice juicer that sits on your countertop and that you pull the lever to squeeze the juice out. Well, I tried one and decided against it. For one thing, it was quite pricey, it wasn’t that easy to use, it was bulky to clean, and where was I going to store it.
I like the least amount of clutter on my countertop as possible. So I found this baby. It is very easy to use and I just give it a rinse after each use and let it dry. I love it and isn’t it cute. I love the bright orange color. This one is actually an orange juicer, but I can use it for oranges and lemons. You can get a set for limes, lemons and oranges.
Add water, preferably not real cold. Warm water is easier for your body to assimilate and it also helps stimulate the bowels.
I recommend drinking lemon water with a straw. (Remember, the lemon is acidic until it is digested and can wear down the enamel of your teeth.)
The importance of keeping hydrated
Our bodies are the most dehydrated first thing in the morning. If you are dehydrated, your blood is thicker therefore the kidneys and heart have to work harder. It’s important to re-hydrate first thing and then continue drinking good water throughout the day.
Use the other half of the lemon the next day. You can wrap it in a plastic bag, plastic wrap, or use one of these nifty babies. I love my silicone food savers.
Don’t throw your lemon peel away
- If it is an organic lemon, you can freeze it whole or sliced. Use when you need some lemon zest.
- Blend up the lemon slices in your green smoothies or green juice.
- Throw them in the disposal. This helps disinfect the blades and keeps them smelling nice.
- You can also rub down your countertop with the juiced lemon to disinfect, then just wipe clean with a damp cloth.
****If you are going to slice lemons and put them in your water, make sure they are washed thoroughly! I used to ask for a slice of lemon in my water at restaurants until I read this article. You may want to rethink that one. If you want the lemon in your water when eating out, slip a slice from home into a little plastic bag and take it with you.
****If lemons are not available, you can place 3-4 drops of lemon essential oil in a big glass of water. Put a lid on it, and shake well.
I hope you make morning lemon water a part of your daily routine. Enjoy a healthier YOU!
Jan Howell
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Jan Howell
Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.
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