5 COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN TAKING LEMON WATER ( Francis Owusu-Banahene T/Dr)

 

 


Lemon (citrus lemon) is a flowering plant of the family Rutaceae with a distinct sour taste (due to its rich source of citric acid). It has a unique flavor, making it a popular ingredient in drinks, desserts, and meals. Until recently, despite the relentless efforts of alternative medicine proponents around the world, lemon used to be regarded as nothing more than a cleansing agent for utensils, among others.

Lemon’s therapeutic secret

Vitamin C stands out in the lemon’s composition, as well as a significant amount of potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Notwithstanding, “the most interesting component of lemons from a dietary and therapeutic standpoint is not its nutrients but rather its so-called accompanying substances or phytochemicals (e.g., flavonoids and terpenes),” says Dr. George D. Pamplona Roger. These phytochemicals (physiologically) possess antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and detoxifying effects.

Lemon’s major health benefits

While lemon comes with an amazing benefit for the entire body, its effect on the blood is paramount to these effects:

1.      Anti-anemic: The vitamin C in lemon improves iron absorption and should form a regular part of the diet of those suffering from anemia. Aside from the fact that lemon contains iron (though in a lower amount), it also increases the absorption of iron supplied in other plant-based foods.

2.       Improves blood fluidity: lemon strengthens the capillary walls, improves the elasticity of the arteries, and reduces the blood's tendency to excessive clotting. This makes it a good option in the case of arteriosclerosis, edema, a tendency to thrombosis, and whenever there is a need to improve blood fluidity and circulation.

3.      Depurant: Lemon facilitates the elimination of toxins from the blood. For example, lemon is highly effective in eliminating uric acid, a major causative factor for arthritis, rheumatic pain, and kidney stones.


The benefits of lemon water

One common and easy way to consume lemon for the above benefits is by squeezing its fresh juice into a cup of water (termed lemon water). Taking lemon in this state enables you to consume it in its raw natural state without losing any of its essential nutrients and minerals as compared to pasteurized lemon juice. By squeezing, there is also the possibility of introducing the essential oil d-limonene from the peels into the juice as well. D-limonene is noted for its anticarcinogenic properties.

 

5 common mistakes to avoid when taking lemon water

Like all other medications and natural remedies, the manner of preparation and application are always key to the potency of a particular remedy. Hence, proper knowledge about the dos and don’ts with regards to lemon water preparation and application is always a prerequisite for attaining the therapeutic benefits of lemon. Below are some common mistakes to avoid when taking lemon water.

1.      Don’t use hot water: at best, warm or room-temperature water is appropriate for your lemon water. Hot water destroys everything, especially the vitamin C content in lemons. It should be noted that lemon’s major therapeutic benefits result from a perfect cooperation between vitamin C and other nutrients and phytochemicals. The absence of vitamin C distorts this mechanism, and one stands to lose most of lemon's therapeutic benefits.

2.      Always take lemon water with a straw: Lemon juice has a higher PH (2–3), similar to hydrochloric acid. Frequently, exposing your teeth to this strong acid could potentially break down or erode the tooth enamel (this is also true with drinking undiluted lemon juice). To prevent this, always drink your lemon water with a straw or rinse your mouth with plain water immediately after drinking.


3.      Don’t take lemon water just before or right after meals: due to its high acid content, most people will want to take lemon water just before or right after eating in order to promote digestion. Once lemon juice gets into your body, the acid content is converted into alkaline by the body. In these cases, the lemon will alkalize the hydrochloric acid in the stomach, and digestion will be delayed instead. At best, always take your lemon water 30 minutes to an hour before your meals.

4.      Don’t take lemon water if you have ulcers or gastritis: taking lemon water in these conditions, especially on an empty stomach, can worsen your condition.

5.      Don’t take lemon water in excess: while there is no doubt about the regular consumption of lemons, there is also the possibility of taking it in excess, especially if taken in a larger amount or on a daily basis for a long period of time. Taking lemon in excess may lead to complications like gastric reflux diseases, migraines (due to the presence of tyramine, which can trigger migraines), canker sores or mouth ulcers, enamel erosion or tooth decay, etc. According to Dr. George D. Pamplona-Roger, “’children, the elderly, and those with low calcium, renal failure, or anemia’’ should desist from consuming large amounts of lemons.

Conclusion

A healthy life isn’t achieved in isolation; it is a product of various positive lifestyle changes, such as regular fruit consumption, of which lemon is part. Generally, it is always better to introduce more varieties of fruits into your diet than to rely on a few. If circumstances make the latter necessary (like going on a lemon treatment), it is always advisable to do it under the supervision of a “medical advisor”.


Francis Owusu-Banahene is a licensed Doctor of Traditional Medicine, Public health Advocate, & the C.E.O of East Eden Health Reform Center

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