5 unexpected benefits of drinking lemon water daily

July 7, 2017

Swedish Nutrition Team

Man sitting on side of bed, drinking water with lemon, side view

[3 MIN READ]

You may not know it, but lemon water does a lot of good for our bodies. Besides aiding digestion and keeping us hydrated, adding lemon to our water each day can give us the energy to approach our day feeling refreshed – without the midday crash that comes with caffeine. If you've never tried drinking lemon water regularly, now is a perfect time to start. Here are five reasons why you should incorporate lemon water into your diet:

1. Keep your skin blemish-free

Lemon juice contains antioxidants, which not only strengthen the skin and decrease blemishes, but they may also help stave off wrinkles due to their ability to fight off free-radical damage. Free radicals live inside and outside the body in sun rays, dust and pollution. Drinking water will keep you hydrated and skin supple, but adding lemon will give your skin a glowing boost!

2. Help prevent infection

Lemon water is packed with vitamin C, which detoxifies your blood and boosts your immune system. While it is an excellent way to prevent colds, you can always drink warm lemon water during a cold to help loosen congestion and shorten the duration of symptoms. Drinking lemon water also promotes healthy kidneys, respiratory systems and cardiovascular systems. It has also been known to fight pneumonia.

3. Freshen your breath

Spicy foods, alcohol and smoking all lead to dry mouth. It’s important to keep hydrated to promote better breath, but if you’re in a fix, lemon water will do the trick. To help get rid of bad breath, you’ll want to incorporate acidic fruits like lemons into your diet. Because fruits are high in vitamin C, drinking lemon-infused water often will create an acidic environment in your mouth that makes it hard for bacteria to thrive. If you’re already drinking lemon water often, try switching it up by adding other fruits.

4. Help regulate stress levels

Dehydration can lead our bodies to experience fatigue and stress. When we get stressed, our adrenal glands release a hormone known as cortisol. Cortisol is known as the “stress hormone” and can have many adverse effects on the body, including weight gain, high blood pressure, and sleep deprivation. The vitamin C in lemons helps minimize the effects of cortisol in the body and, when combined with water, can help you stay relaxed, hydrated and energetic throughout the day. Vitamin C supplements can also be taken separately to help cope with stress. However, you should always start with a small dosage.

5. Increase your electrolytes and metabolism

Not consuming enough electrolytes can lead to muscle weakness, cramping, and fatigue. You can get electrolytes from a variety of foods, including the potassium in bananas. Drinking lemon water daily is an excellent way to get electrolytes that help you avoid muscle cramps and support healthy skeletal muscle function.

Besides the benefits listed above, lemon water can be used to boost metabolism, reduce inflammation, balance pH levels in your body and so much more. And while drinking it in the morning is a great replacement for coffee, you can drink it throughout the day and still get the same benefits. Like most food and beverage, lemon water should be consumed in moderation.

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If you have questions about improving your nutrition, contact the nutrition care department at Swedish. We can accommodate both in-person and virtual visits.

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This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional's instructions.