• Nutrition

5 Benefits of Hot Lemon Water

Medically reviewed and edited by Samantha Wannos, FNP-C

From detoxing your body to boosting your immune system, you’ve probably heard the buzz about starting your day with a glass of hot lemon water.

But how much of this hype is actually backed by scientific evidence? 

Separating the facts from opinions can be challenging — especially when it comes to wellness trends like drinking hot lemon water. 

Read on to learn more about the proven benefits of hot lemon water, common misconceptions, and how to safely incorporate this drink into your daily routine to support your health.

Understanding the Nutritional Benefits of Lemons

Lemons are a staple in many homes, not only for their refreshing flavor but also for their nutritional value.

They are packed with essential vitamins — like vitamins B and C — that support your overall health. 

Lemons also contain minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium that play key roles in maintaining a number of bodily functions.

Adding lemons to your diet can be a great way to increase your nutrient intake without consuming extra calories.

This may also improve your health in various ways. We’ll discuss these benefits in the next section.

Top 5 Benefits of Lemon Water 

Promotes hydration 

Staying hydrated is essential for your overall health and preventing issues like constipation, dry skin, and headaches.

Drinking hot lemon water can help you meet your daily water fluid needs — especially if you don’t like the taste of plain water. 

This can make it easier to drink enough water throughout the day, while providing your body with essential nutrients.

Aids in weight loss

Drinking more water is often a key part of weight loss strategies as it promotes satiety and proper metabolic function.

Some of the vitamins and minerals found in lemons may also help you lose weight, including:

• Magnesium and potassium: These minerals help control cortisol levels, which may influence how your body stores fat. Studies show that magnesium may help reduce belly fat, promoting a leaner appearance. Potassium can also help prevent kidney stones by improving hydration.

• B-vitamins: These vitamins are essential for optimal metabolism, aiding digestion, and converting food into energy to maintain bodily functions. When your metabolism functions properly, your body may burn more calories during digestion. This can help you lose weight over time.

It’s important to note that drinking hot lemon water alone isn’t enough to lose weight.

Instead, it should form part of a comprehensive approach that involves healthier eating habits and increased physical activity. 

Supports the immune system

Lemons are rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that plays an important role in immune function. Vitamin C can:

• Protect cells from damage caused by inflammation, reducing your risk of diseases like cancer

• Improve the absorption of iron, a nutrient essential for growth and development

• Improve immune system function by shortening the duration of colds and reducing severe flu symptoms 

By drinking hot water with lemon, you’ll increase your vitamin C intake to help support your overall health. 

Improves digestive health

Hot water may help improve digestion in several ways, including stimulating the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

This acid is responsible for breaking down food, and increased levels may help the body digest and absorb nutrients more efficiently.

Lemons are also rich in pectin, which is a fiber that can promote the growth of healthy bacteria to support a strong gut microbiome.

Improves skin health

Drinking hot lemon water can help you maintain a healthy complexion, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and improve overall skin texture.

This is due to the vitamin C and antioxidant content of lemons.

Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen, which is a protein that helps maintain skin elasticity to reduce the appearance of fine lines.

This can promote a smoother skin texture and brighter complexion, giving you a more youthful appearance.

Lemons are also high in antioxidants, which can combat the damage caused by free radicals, like premature aging and hyperpigmentation.

Common Misconceptions About Drinking Hot Lemon Water

It detoxes the body

Many people believe that drinking hot lemon water can detoxify the body by flushing out toxins and cleansing the liver. However, the concept of detoxifying foods is largely a myth.

The human body has its own detoxification system — involving the liver, kidneys, lungs, and skin — which continuously works to remove waste from the body.

There is currently no evidence to suggest that any food or drink can enhance the efficacy of this system.

It alkalizes the body 

Another widespread belief is that drinking hot lemon water can alkalize the body, balancing its pH levels and making it less susceptible to diseases.

However, there is no scientific evidence that shows any food can significantly alter the body’s pH level. 

The pH balance is regulated by your lungs and kidneys, which aren’t affected by the acidity of foods or drinks. 

Risks and Considerations for Drinking Hot Lemon Water

Dental health 

Drinking too much lemon water may pose a risk to dental health. This is because the citric acid found in lemons can erode tooth enamel over time, making teeth more prone to decay.

To avoid this, you should:

• Use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth 

• Rinse your mouth with plain water after drinking lemon water

• Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after consuming lemon water to avoid further erosion

Gastrointestinal issues

For some individuals, the acidity of lemon water can irritate the stomach lining and esophagus. This can cause or worsen gastrointestinal issues such as:

• Acid reflux

• Heartburn 

• Stomach ulcers 

To reduce the risk of stomach issues, monitor your body’s response to the drink and add more water if you experience any discomfort.

Who should avoid drinking hot lemon water?

Although lemon water is generally safe to consume for most people, there are certain individuals who should avoid this drink. This includes people with:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Active stomach ulcers

• Allergies 

Drinking lemon water can worsen these conditions and cause additional complications.

If you’re unsure if lemon water is safe for you to drink, consult your doctor for a professional opinion.

Practical Tips for Incorporating Lemon Water into Your Diet

How to make hot lemon water

Making hot lemon water is quite straightforward, and you only need a few ingredients. Here is a basic recipe you can try:

1. Choose fresh lemons: If possible, use fresh, organic lemons to avoid pesticides and chemicals.

1. Warm water: Use warm, not boiling, water to preserve the vitamin C and other nutrients.

1. Juice the lemon: Squeeze half a lemon into a glass of warm water (about eight to12 ounces). Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste preference. Be sure to remove the seeds as they can give the water a bitter taste.

1. Stir and enjoy: Stir well and drink it immediately to maximize the benefits.

When is the best time to drink lemon water?

There is no evidence to suggest that drinking water at a specific time is more beneficial, meaning you can enjoy it at any point during the day.

However, some studies indicate that having a glass of water 15 to 30 minutes before a meal may help stimulate digestion and improve nutrient absorption.

Adding variety 

To avoid getting bored with drinking hot lemon water, you can try adding other ingredients to keep it interesting. We recommend adding:

• Honey, for sweetness and antibacterial effects

• Ginger, for added digestive benefits

• Mint, for a refreshing flavor and added digestive benefits

These ingredients can boost the nutritional value of your lemon water, while also offering variety in flavor.

Where Can You Learn More About Healthy Lifestyle Habits?

If you’re looking for more information on healthy lifestyle habits to improve your overall well-being, LifeMD has got you covered.

A team of medical professionals may be able to guide you on how to eat healthy and maintain your overall health — all from the comfort of your home. 

Make an appointment with LifeMD today.

Samantha Wannos, FNP-C

Samantha has 10 years of critical care experience and approximately six years of internal medicine experience. She is skilled in helping patients manage a multitude of chronic health conditions. In her free time, Samantha enjoys spending time with her husband and children, going boating, and attending concerts.

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