An internal medicine specialist, and several of my own medical practitioners, encouraged me to follow a simply daily habit to support liver health.
The daily practice is simple: I start my day with warm water and fresh lemon juice.
Lemon water offers significant health benefits. Lemons contain vitamin C, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, vitamin B-6, and minerals such as zinc, calcium, and potassium. Lemon water is hydrating, energizing, and supports digestion. Drinking this blend early in the day is important since you’ll want to have an empty stomach which allows the lemon water to enter the digestive tract more quickly. Remember, the complex act of digestion requires energy…which is why it’s best not to overeat in the evening. Do your best to eat your evening meal a few hours before it’s time for sleep. Other benefits of lemon water include:
Liver health: The liver is a crucial organ that helps to restore and detoxify our body. Lemon juice supports liver health, activates digestive enzymes, and improves bile production.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Lemons are natural diuretics, helping to remove waste, alkalize the body and balance pH levels. and can relieve pain related to rheumatism. Lemon water also increases metabolism and is a natural appetite suppressant - by adding lemon water to your morning routine, you may even lose a bit of excess weight!
How much lemon water and how often? The recommendation is to squeeze 1/4 to 1/2 of a small lemon into a cup of water and drink daily. Why do I prefer warm water? Simply because it’s less taxing on my stomach early in the morning…if you prefer cool or cold water, go for it! Adding an adequate amount of water to the lemon juice is important, the acidity of undiluted lemon juice can damage tooth enamel. After drinking the mix, rinse your mouth to protect your teeth.
The Cleveland Clinic has more to say about the benefits of drinking lemon water here.
This information is not a substitute for the medical advice of physicians. Take what is useful, investigate these options, and speak to your doctor before incorporating something new into your personal wellness plan.
Be Well. ~Tiffany Anderson, LMT, RMT, BS, CHES
*Portions of this blog first posted on June 7, 2018
