Improves detox, digestion, hydration, skin and liver function! Top 10 health benefits of lemon water in the morning and before bed with a simple method and recipe to enjoy warm or hot lemon water every day!
Is lemon water good for you
The benefits of drinking hot lemon water in the morning and at night is a hot topic in the wellness circle and for good reason! Not only do lemons add abundance of flavor to otherwise bland water, it’s also a quick solution to staying hydrated and for the removal of toxins.
According to medical advice and studies, citrus flavonoids improves digestion to detox the body and cleanse it for weight loss which promotes metabolic health. In addition, a glass of lemon water also promotes radiant and clear skin, boosts the immune system to ward off the common cold, improves liver function, heart health, and blood pressure. Adding lemon to water promotes overall wellbeing – so drink up! You can also try adding salt to the water for additional nutrients.
A lemon water drink is good for you and a wonderful detox drink to add to your everyday routine along with the widely favored apple cider vinegar drink, apple cider vinegar shots, these 4 detox water recipes, fruit infused detox waters, carrot juice (great for skin and weight loss), and lemon cucumber mint detox water.
Drink lemon water, along with these drink recipes, to assist to lose belly fat and cleanse the body with the combination of a healthy diet. To jumpstart the body for success, it begins with what you put into your body first thing in the morning.
Drinking enough water is important and consuming lemon water hot or warm is best for the body. Chilled lemon water does not absorb as quickly in the body.
10 Benefits of lemon water
1. Better digestion and is good for the liver
Lemons have fiber to flush the body and stimulate healthy digestion, only we don’t quite get the fiber when we squeeze the juice from citrus fruits. Citrus flavonoids in lemons do come out of the juice which helps to protect the liver from toxins, flush those toxins out with water and promote liver production of bile, which also aids in healthy digestion.
2. Reduce inflammation
Lemons are packed with fiber and warm lemon water increases hydration as it is quickly absorbed into the body. When the body is hydrated it has less need to hold onto the fluid which presents itself as inflammation and swelling because the body thinks it needs to hold on that extra fluid. It is a fight or flight situation that can be tackled by giving the body the hydration it needs.
3. Natural detox and weight loss drink
As lemon water flushes out the body from toxins, hydrates the body and promotes digestion – these components help to detox the body and prepare it for weight loss. Lemons are also low calorie so its a much healthier alternative to those high-calorie sugary drinks.
When your body can digest foods properly and is hydrated, it is able to work efficiently like a well-oiled engine. This fruit water also contains pectin fiber which ward off cravings and hunger to promote weight loss.
4. Provides natural energy without caffeine
When your body is hydrated the brain thinks clearer, and you have more natural energy to function. That means you can ween off the caffeine kick!
5. Boosts the immune system
Vitamin C is in lemons and is a powerful antioxidant to help fight off colds, sickness, and reverse oxidation in cells, which keeps the immune system strong.
6. Balances the body’s pH levels
Lemons are acid but they alkalize the blood so colds and disease can not flourish.
7. Decreases depression and anxiety
The smell of lemons and citrus has a calming effect on the brain that has been linked to decreasing depression and anxiety.
8. Glowing vibrant skin
Getting rid of toxins in the body helps your skin radiate with a lively glow! Thanks to vitamin C and hydration, your skin will look brighter and can even help clear acne.
9. Helps beat bad breath
Drinking lemon water can kill bad bacteria which can get rid of bad breath.
10. Lemons helps flush and prevent kidney stones
Lemons are made up of citric acid which is citrate. Citrate breaks down calcium, which is what kidney stones are made of. Drinking fresh lemon squeezed into water when you have kidney stones puts the citrate in the urine to break down those stones and flush them out. It also adds prevention against stone formation before they develop [source].
Benefits of lemon water in the morning
One of the top benefits of lemon water in the morning is drinking this beverage warm or hot to jump start the digestive tract. It activates the enzymes in the stomach and assists the liver to start to produce bile. This bile improves digestion to assists in speeding up the metabolism, therefore also helping with weight loss.
Warm water with lemon juice in the morning also helps to hydrate the body and pushes out toxins and free radicals that the body has processed after fasting when sleeping.
The body is completely interconnected so when the liver is functioning properly it is able to allow other vital organs to do their job.
I suggest drinking warm lemon water first thing in the morning then wait 20 minutes before eating or drinking anything else, even coffee.
Benefits before bed
Drinking hot lemon water before bed (or warm lemon water) releases digestive enzymes to settle the stomach for sleep mode. Sleep is the time when the body heals and the liver starts to do its job best. It works similar to drinking hot lemon water in the morning by activating the liver to cleanse the body and release toxins. Night time processes toxins and when we wake up we flush those toxins from our system. That is why good sleep is so important for healing- it is the time the body reboots it’s system😍!
How to make a lemon water drink
Heat 1 cup of water to either a boil or warm and pour it in a mug or heat-proof glass cup. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and/or lemon slices. Enjoy warm or hot first thing in the morning when you awake and 20 minutes before eating or drinking coffee. Alternately consume at night right before bed on an empty stomach.
Infuse it
In addition to the above basic ingredients, for extra health benefits to enjoy mid-day, add:
- 1 inch ginger
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- or herbs such as fresh mint, basil, oregano or thyme for garnish
Add any of these in lemon water and let set 3-4 minutes before drinking.
Lemon Water: Frequently Asked Questions
Lemon water contains lemons which is citrus acid. Citrus acid is known to erode tooth enamel. To avoid harming teeth, make sure to rinse with extra water after drinking lemon water.
Drinking hot lemon water morning and night often shows results of better digestion, sleep, and weight loss. It also acts to detox and balance the body’s pH levels which creates an alkaline body.
Yes water helps flush out toxins as water helps to push fiber through the digestive track and push toxins out of the body. Lemon activates enzymes to start the detoxification process through the liver. The liver is the organ that works to rid the body of toxins.
Drinking warm lemon water on an empty stomach first thing in the morning helps burn belly fat. Lemon activates digestive enzymes to ignite a sluggish metabolism.
Drinking too much lemon water can lead to erosion of tooth enamel, tooth decay, acid reflux, and heartburn.
Anytime you increase water intake it stimulates intestines and the gut, helping to promote bowel movements and relieve constipation. Lemon contains pectin which supports bacteria, toxin removal, and colon health during bowel movements.
Conclusion
- Adding lemon juice in water is a wonderful way to stay healthy. Enjoy warm or hot lemon water in the morning and before bed for optimal health benefits. When drinking it in the morning, wait 20 minutes before eating, drinking, and even having coffee to activate the digestive system.
- To drink lemon mixed with water during the day, squeeze a bit of lemon juice into a warm, hot or cold glass of water. Feel free to add cinnamon, ginger, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, or cucumber and fresh herbs for anti-inflammatory benefits and extra flavor!
- Lemons are acidic and can erode the enamel of teeth, so it is important after drinking beverages with lemon make sure to rinse your mouth out with fresh water.
If you want to find balance, a good detox drink, lose weight, reduce inflammation and swelling, breakdown fats, then start drinking lemon water as a first step. Enjoy!
More recipes
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Warm or Hot Lemon Water Drink
Ingredients
- ½ lemon
- 8 ounces filtered water hot or warm for morning and night, chilled throughout the day
Instructions
- Heat 1 cup of water to either a boil or warm and pour it in a mug or glass heat-proof cup. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and/or lemon slices.
- Enjoy warm or hot first thing in the morning when you awake and 20 minutes before eating or drinking coffee. Alternately consume right before bed on an empty stomach.
Notes
- Enjoy first thing in the morning 20 minutes before eating or drinking. Alternately consume before bed on an empty stomach, at least 20 minutes after consuming anything.
- In addition to the above basic ingredients, for extra health benefits to enjoy mid-day, add 1 inch ginger, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or herbs such as fresh mint, basil, oregano or thyme for garnish. Let set 3-4 minutes before drinking.
- Rinse with plain water after drinking to protect tooth enamel from citrus acid.
Nutrition
This post was originally posted in October 2019 and has been updated with more content to answer questions and supporting resources.
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