Healthy Habits: Lemon Water

Believe the hype. Five reasons you should be adding lemon water to your morning routine.

Promotes immunity and fights infection

Lemons are high in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system, reduces inflammation, and enhances iron absorption in the body. Lemons also contain saponins, which have antimicrobial properties and reduce the amount of phlegm produced by the body.

Aids in digestion

Acid helps break down and digest food. That’s why there’s so much of it in our stomachs. The acid in lemons may be especially helpful in supplementing stomach acid levels, which tend to decline as we age. It also encourages the liver to produce bile, an acid needed for digestion.

The digestive qualities of lemon juice help relieve symptoms of indigestion (i.e. heartburn, belching and bloating) and can also stimulate bowel movements.

Detoxes your system

Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials, in part because lemons (and water!) increase the rate of urination. This means toxins are released at a faster rate, keeping your urinary tract clear and healthy. 

The citric acid in lemons also helps maximize enzyme function, which stimulates the liver and aids in detoxification.

Balances pH Levels 

Lemons are one of the most alkalizing foods for the body. They’re acidic on their own, but when metabolized, their mineral content helps alkalize the blood. 

Disease states occur when the body pH is acidic. Drinking lemon water regularly can reduce overall acidity in the body, including uric acid in the joints, which is one of the primary causes of pain and inflammation.

Prevents oxidation of free radicals

Lemons contain phytonutrients, powerful antioxidants that stabilize free radicals, thereby avoiding oxidation and minimizing our risk of disease. 

Tips on how to make your mix:

1. Use lukewarm water. When water is too cold, it can cause a shock to your digestive system and create more work for your body to process it.
2. Drink it from a straw to prevent the erosion of your tooth enamel from the juice’s acidity/
3. Use fresh lemons or limes, not store-bought concentrate (especially when citrus is in season!).
4. Sprinkle in some cayenne pepper to boost the drink’s natural digestive properties.

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