Since I have Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) I’m always looking for ways to take care of my own health, naturally. Back in the days before the internet, yep I’m a dinosaur, before I was even interested in working in the health and fitness industry, I read that animal protein taxes the kidneys. So I quit eating meat and went vegetarian. Now over 20 years later I’m vegan, don’t drink caffeine, eat a low sodium diet, and ensure I thoroughly hydrate each day.
All my life I’d heard how lemon water was “so good” for you, and recently I’d heard many PKD patients switching to lemon water first thing in the morning. While I’m not a great advocate of anecdotal evidence (show me the science!) I tried it and yep, I felt better. Was it all in my head? Doing a search on google will tell you that lemon juice has benefits as does water, so the two together could be a powerhouse right? Read on for 7 benefits of lemon water.
**Disclosure: I am partnering with Btipsy to bring you this post. Although I was compensated and given a free product, these are my own thoughts and opinions. As always, my disclosure policy is to make you aware and keep it 100% real. Links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small percentage of sales. **
Improved digestion
Whether it’s the water or the lemon, or the combination, your digestion might be awakened by taking in water and lemon juice first thing in the morning. You’ve been fasting for 8 hours, time to get the body ready for the day! While older studies showed improvement in digestion with citric acid for some people with stomach sensitivities the combination could exacerbate issues. Everyone is different remember. I know if I eat apples close to exercise I get stomach cramps, like every time. Listen to your body.
Immune system boost
We all know that Vitamin C is an immune booster and lemons, along with other citrus, are full of it. There is a reason that oranges are in during peak cold and flu season. Mother nature provides what we need, when we need it. The RDA of vitamin C is around 60 mg, one lemon contain around 30 mg. Start your day the right way with some lemon water, safe in the knowledge you’re helping to keep scurvy at bay whilst boosting your immune system.
Curb caffeine cravings
Switching to lemon water before breakfast will help curb your craving for caffeine, seriously. We all know that lemons are tangy so the lemon water instantly wakes you up, the upside is if you try and have your morning cuppa joe after your lemon water it’s gonna taste well… funky! I honestly can’t comment on the coffee because I don’t drink it but I know if I drink lemon water in the morning I often won’t drink tea till at least 3 hours later. If you’re looking to cut down on the caffeine it’s worth a shot!
Energy
Lemon water is packed with electrolytes. Rather than reaching for energy waters which may contain artificial ingredients and additives including added sugars and artificial sweeteners maybe try the natural route? Dehydration is a major factor in feeling fatigued and if adding lemon juice helps you to hydrate then great the result means your energy levels will increase, giving you motivation to workout which will increase your energy further as well as provide numerous health benefits.
Sparkling Skin
Since I was a teenager I’ve heard lemon and water as a cure for acne and problematic skin. No wonder, because lemons are full of antioxidants. They are the guys that help combat the free radicals in the body that can cause problems like skin damage, and signs of aging. I don’t think it’s just the lemons, it’s the combination of drinking the water PLUS the lemon that makes the difference. Most people in today’s society are dehydrated and undernourished so water and antioxidants sounds like a great way to stay the day!
Prevent kidney stones
One of the reasons I started drinking lemon water was because of other patients with PKD. Some had seen benefits to drinking lemon water and I wanted to see for myself. While lemon water has long been lauded as a liver and kidney cleanse there may be some truth to this claim. Animal studies have shown that lemon juice has a protective effect against kidney stones. It’s important to remember though that every renal patient is different and needs may vary, please see your nephrologist before making dietary changes.
Daily Detox
I’m not a big fan of the word detox, or cleanse as the body does these things naturally. Heck that’s the job of the liver and kidneys. However I can tell you that when I personally am consistent with my morning lemon water my body feels different. Is it the water, lemon or the combination? I know my digestion is better, my energy is up and I feel generally like my body just functions better. Remember your mileage may vary.
Bitpsy Jumbo Lemon Squeezer
I have to say that I’ve struggled for a while using a traditional lemon squeezer and am so glad I got the chance to partner with Btipsy and discover this amazing tool. I really do only recommend products I love and this is one of them. So simple to use too, in fact I did a YouTube video “how-to’ review of the lemon squeezer, so you can see it in action there!
Interestingly the lemon squeezer is pretty much like a garlic huge round press. You put the lemon in, squeeze the handles together and juice shoots out the bottom. I admit that initially I put the lemon in the wrong way around and ended up with a countertop covered in lemon juice, so put the lemon in CUT SIDE DOWN! Trust me on that one. Cut side down though it works beautifully! You kinda squeeze the lemon into a donut shape and all the juice just gushed out, leaving seeds in the squeezer and out of your drink! Plus clean up was easy as it’s dishwasher safe. This is going to make having my morning lemon water so much easier!
Questions:
Do you drink lemon water?
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