5 Benefits of Hot Water & Lemon in the Morning

One thing I can't do without in the morning is hot lemon water. For some people, it's coffee or tea, but for me, I feel happy as soon as I take my first sip of hot lemon water. I'll admit that it was not love at first sight, and it did take some getting used to, but now I look forward to it as soon as I wake up every day.

So, why do I love it so much? To begin with, I have felt the benefit of its health-boosting properties over the years, and in addition, I find that it wakes me up and warms up my body. I am a strong believer in using natural foods to improve health, and my interest in hot lemon water began when I wanted to make a natural alternative to Lemsip when I was suffering from a cold. And, I've never looked back! It's perfect for every-day use as well as during colds/flus, and if you like, you can add apple cider vinegar, ginger, honey, or fresh mint leaves for extra flavour and health benefits.

It's quick and easy to prepare too - just squeeze the juice of a quarter lemon into a mug and add warm water! If you really love the taste, feel free to increase the amount of lemon juiced into the water, and throw in the lemon wedge itself after squeezing to get the maximum amount of juice out of it (optional step). Always let the water go off the boil, so that the valuable nutrients in the lemon juice are not damaged by the heat. I usually mix cold water into freshly-boiled water until it reaches a temperature that I can drink immediately. I recommend waiting about 20 minutes before eating your breakfast after drinking the lemon water.

Even if you don't have a fresh lemon to hand, you can add some bottled organic lemon juice (choose a good brand), or alternatively a drop of doTerra Lemon Oil, or another therapeutic food-grade essential oil brand. I've tried both of these alternatives to fresh lemons over the years, and I always bring lemon oil with me when I travel, so that I can still have my lemon water first thing in my hotelroom, or on a plane, train, etc. You may not get the same nutritional benefits, but this is still better than missing out while traveling.

Here are my top 5 reasons to drink hot water and lemon every day.

1. It is Great for the Digestive System

The citric acid in lemon water helps to kick-start your digestive system for the day. Lemon water stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid (also known as stomach acid), which is essential to the digestion of protein, among other functions. In addition, it stimulates the liver to produce bile, which is used by the intestines to remove waste and toxins. Conversely, lemon also helps to control the flow of excess bile, preventing damage to the digestive tract, especially the stomach. It is also said to sweep mucus, and other waste, from the digestive tract, clearing the way for more effective movement and absorption of food.

Drinking the lemon water at a warm temperature prevents any shock to the digestive system as the body wakes up. As lemon water helps to rehydrate the body after the night's sleep, this can further aid digestion.

2. It has Lots of Nutrients

Believe it or not, lemon juice packs a serious nutritional punch! It contains a high amount of the antioxidant, Vitamin C, with sources such nutritiondata.com, quoting the amount per cup (244g) of fresh lemon juice, as 187% of the daily value, making it an excellent infection fighter. If you are using bottled lemon juice, the vitamin C could be reduced, so fresh is better if this is possible.

In addition to Vitamin C, lemons contain smaller amounts of other nutrients, such as potassium, vitamin B6, calcium, iron, magnesium, folate, thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and copper, as well as flavanoids.

It's important not to add boiling water to the lemon juice, as the heat could damage the nutrient content.

3. It Aids in Balancing the Body's pH

Although lemon juice is acidic outside the body, it becomes alkaline once it is metabolised, and its minerals have been dissociated in the bloodstream. Due to the nature of the standard western diet, most of us tend to have a slightly acidic body pH, which is why the alkalizing effect of hot lemon water is necessary. Alcohol, caffeine, meat, dairy, sugar, and even stress, can lower the body's pH, making it acidic. Disease and sickness are more likely to develop in a highly acidic environment, therefore maintaining a balanced pH of 7 is important in building good health. Balance is key here, as having too alkaline a pH could cause other health issues.

4. It Helps to Balance Blood Sugar Levels

Hot lemon water can help to reduce cravings for and dependence on sugar and caffeine. Lemons are high in bioflavanoids, which stimulate the production of insulin in our body, which then balances our blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that people with diabetes tend to have lower levels of vitamin C in their body. Lemons themselves are low in fructose (fruit sugar), and the American Diabetes Association now lists lemons, among other citrus fruits, as a top 10 diabetic superfood.

5. It's Great for Stimulating Detoxification

Lemon's citric acid helps the body to flush toxins from the colon, gallbladder, and liver. The liver is the main cleansing/filtration system in the body, and thanks to the modern diet and lifestyle, it can need a little help to reboot and work at an optimum level. Drinking warm lemon water daily, can help to support the liver in detoxifying the body. Gently removing toxins has many documented benefits, including clearer skin, improved sleep, and better energy.

Is Lemon Water for Everyone?

If you have an ulcer, or are allergic/intolerant to lemons, drinking warm lemon water is not for you. If you have diagnosed issues with your stomach acid, it may also cause you more discomfort.

Always check with your general practitioner or registered health professional before making any changes, such as this, to your diet or lifestyle. This blog does not replace medical advice or diagnosis.