Consider drinking warm lemon water to feel refreshed when you wake up. The crisp tartness of lemon can make you more alert, while warm water improves digestion. In ancient Chinese and Indian medicine, it’s said that drinking a glass of warm water in the morning cleanses the digestive tract. In addition, it enhances breathing by eliminating congestion and mucus from the respiratory system.
Lying in bed for seven to eight hours each night is a perfect opportunity for mucus to build up. Especially during allergy and cold seasons, you may feel stuffy and congested in the mornings. But drinking warm lemon water breaks up thick, stubborn phlegm and mucus, much like hot soup. Studies have even found that cold water exacerbates sinus congestion and thickens nasal mucus, making breathing difficult.
Warm water may seem unappealing, but it offers numerous health benefits for the mind and body. It relaxes the nervous system since your body won’t have to work as hard to heat the water. Also, digestive and circulatory functions improve because hot water expands blood vessels, allowing more oxygen in the body.
As you can see, drinking warm lemon water can enhance your health in various ways. Read on to find out more about the benefits of this revitalizing beverage.
Here’s Why You Should Drink Warm Lemon Water Each Morning
1. You’ll get a potent dose of antioxidants.
Lemons contain natural compounds called phytonutrients that help combat disease and enhance health. They have potent antioxidant properties that inhibit oxidation, which causes cell damage and deterioration. The most common antioxidants in lemons include flavonoids, polyphenols, limonoids, quercetin, and kaempferol. Studies show that consuming lemons daily can improve intestinal bacteria and even slow the effects of aging.
2. Warm lemon water can prevent kidney stones.
Drinking lemon water daily can also avert kidney stones because it contains high citric acid. Many people who develop kidney stones have a deficiency in urinary citrate, a type of citric acid. Plus, staying adequately hydrated can flush out toxins and improve kidney function.
However, if deficient in citric acid, you may need large quantities of lemon to improve your levels. The National Kidney Foundation recommends combining 4oz of lemon juice concentrate with a glass of water to prevent kidney stones and other measures.
3. Lemons have high Vitamin C levels.
Lemons have some of the highest Vitamin C levels of any fruit. The juice from a 48-gram lemon squeezed in water contains around 19mg or 21% of the Daily Value (DV). Vitamin C helps combat damage from free radicals, aids in iron absorption, and even lowers blood pressure. This essential vitamin also boosts the immune system, which explains why doctors recommend it when you have a cold or flu. Finally, since Vitamin C is an antioxidant, it can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, helping improve overall health.
However, it’s best to supplement the Vitamin C from lemon water with other sources in your regular diet. Other foods high in this vitamin include oranges, grapefruits, bell peppers, strawberries, and tomatoes.
4. Warm lemon water may help prevent migraines.
You should drink warm lemon water if you suffer from frequent headaches and migraines. A 2001 study discovered that cold water could exacerbate migraines in people who already experience them. Therefore, drinking warm water may ease headaches and other painful symptoms of migraines.
Some experts believe that the anti-inflammatory properties in lemon may relieve tension in the body and, therefore, alleviate headaches. Also, studies show that lemon can help regulate emotions and stabilize mood, which could positively impact migraines.
5. Lemon water can aid digestion and ease constipation.
As we said earlier, warm lemon water can encourage digestion and eliminate constipation, especially in the morning. Many people today have digestive issues, but drinking lemon water activates the intestinal muscles and promotes healthy bowel movements.
Studies show that the citric acid in lemons increases gastric acid, which helps break down food and promotes digestion. Also, lemons contain a soluble fiber called pectin, which enhances gut bacteria and helps stabilize blood sugar.
Combining enhanced gut health and improved digestion make lemons a powerful ingredient to add to your diet.
6. It improves hydration and curbs cravings for sugary drinks.
Of course, both cold and hot water can improve hydration levels. However, some people don’t enjoy the taste of plain water, so adding lemon juice can help increase water intake. Also, adding an artificial sweetener to your water, such as stevia or monk fruit, may eliminate sugar cravings. Many people drink coffee in the mornings, but sugary creamers can make a cup of joe unhealthy. Therefore, it’s better to drink lemon water to feel alert and refreshed when you wake up.
7. Drinking lemon water helps eliminate toxins.
Finally, warm lemon water can help your body detox because it improves kidney functioning and dilutes waste products in the blood. Plus, warm water stimulates the digestive system, allowing your body to eliminate waste quickly. Many forget that water is one of the most potent, straightforward ways to detox the body.
But maintaining adequate hydration in our fast-paced world is often difficult. If you need help meeting daily water recommendations, try carrying a reusable bottle to work or school. You can refill it throughout the day and ensure you get enough water.
Final Thoughts on Reasons to Drink Warm Lemon Water
Do you drink warm lemon water each morning when you wake up? If not, consider adding it to your daily health routine. Drinking lemon water will improve energy levels, digestion, and kidney function. Plus, it can help curb sugar cravings, detox the body and blood, and prevent migraines. Finally, lemons have high Vitamin C and antioxidant levels, which will help your body flush out toxins more efficiently.
You can squeeze fresh lemons or use lemon juice concentrate to make this refreshing drink. Hopefully, you’ll notice improved health and energy levels in no time!
