We all know the importance of drinking water (in sufficient quantities appropriate for the body and its activity levels) throughout the day. We need it even more in the morning. After sleeping, the body is dehydrated, so a glass of water is a great way to start the day feeling refreshed and energized.
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Adding lemon to water is a smart choice, as lemon water is low in calories and rich in vitamin C.
Drinking lemon water helps hydrate the body and improve digestion. Because of these benefits, many people prefer to drink it in the morning, but is this the best time? And when should you drink it for optimal results? Read on to find out:
Benefits of Lemon Water for Your Health
According to the Cleveland Clinic, drinking lemon water offers some potential health benefits, such as:
Hydration: Most of us don't drink enough water. Drinking lemon water daily is important for hydration and an easy way to start your day feeling refreshed and energized.
Digestive Aid: Lemon helps digest food, which is why there is so much acid in our stomachs. Citric acid may be particularly helpful in raising stomach acid levels, which tend to decrease with age.
Preventing kidney stones: Regularly drinking lemon water can help improve kidney health. The citric acid in lemons prevents kidney stones from forming and can even break down small stones before they start to form. According to the National Kidney Foundation, mixing 120 ml of lemon juice with water is an effective remedy to help prevent kidney stones. However, you shouldn't rely on lemon water alone for this purpose; be sure to take other treatments that your doctor may recommend.
Aiding weight loss: Sure, you can get a good dose of vitamin C from a glass of orange juice in the morning, but replacing it with lemon water is a good alternative if you're trying to lose weight. This way, you're drinking only the essential ingredients—lemon and water—without any added sugars or calories.
Providing the body with antioxidants: Citrus fruits, like lemons, are known for their high levels of vitamin C. This vitamin acts as an antioxidant, fighting free radicals and thus protecting the body's cells from chronic diseases in particular. Instead of relying on a warm cup of lemon tea when you're sick, a daily glass of lemon water may help protect your body from illness.
What are the best times to drink lemon water?
Women suffering from bloating
You can drink lemon water at any time of day—morning, before, during, or after meals, according to the website "Health," but it depends on your goal.
Many people enjoy drinking lemon water in the morning to hydrate, increase their vitamin C intake, and improve digestion. However, you can drink lemon water at any time of day and reap its benefits.
Drinking lemon water after meals may help improve digestion and relieve bloating. Because lemon water is acidic, drinking it with or after food may be more comfortable for people with sensitive stomachs.
Some precautions for drinking lemon water
Although lemon water is refreshing and has some benefits, it's not the best choice for everyone. In some cases, drinking lemon water may cause discomfort or may not be recommended. Some situations where it's advisable to avoid or limit its consumption:
If you have a sensitive stomach: Lemon juice is acidic, with a pH of approximately 2.3.6, and adding lemon to water makes it even more acidic than plain water. People with sensitive stomachs may experience discomfort if they frequently consume acidic liquids or foods in large quantities.
If you have kidney stones: Some people drink lemon water as a home remedy for kidney stones. Lemon water may help treat some types of kidney stones by increasing the citrate level in the urine. However, it may also worsen symptoms for others. Always consult your doctor before using lemon water to treat kidney stones.