12 Health Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water You Probably Didn’t Know About

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Two half lemons floating on water.

Lemon water is a simple and surprisingly healthy internal cleanser to start your day with. I certainly noticed a difference myself when I first started having the juice of a whole lemon in water first thing in the morning. I really like the way the sharp taste wakes you up and gets you going.

Some resources say that it’s good to have it in warm or even hot water. I suppose in this way you could use it as a healthier replacement for your morning coffee, but I personally prefer it in room temperature filtered water. It’s best to not have it in chilled water though as this can be a bit of a shock to your digestive system when you’ve only just woken up.

It’s also far better to use real lemon juice rather than lemon juice concentrate as these products usually contain sulfites, a preservative some people have a negative reaction to. Natural enzymes, antioxidants and vitamins are also likely to be lost in the manufacturing process so go for real lemons for the most benefits.

Quick and Simple Lemon Juice in Water

  • Grab a lemon.
  • Squeeze it in a citrus juicer like this.
  • Remove the seeds and pour water over the juicer to get as much of the lemon as possible.
  • Then pour it into a glass and drink it straight down.

There are a lot of health benefits associated with fresh lemon water with 12 of the best listed ahead. With a little practice you can make it up in under a minute so there’s no good excuse not to give it a try.

A white ceramic bowl of six lemons next to a smaller wooden bowl with four quarter lemon slices on deep green leaves.

12 Good Reasons to Drink Lemon Water

1. Fresh lemon water, especially first thing in the morning, can help relieve or prevent digestive problemslike bloating, intestinal gas and heartburn and stimulate better digestion in general.

2. Lemons are antiseptic and have a powerful cleansing effect on you liver, kidneys and blood. An overworked liver in particular has an influence on how good you feel so having a simple way to cleanse it each morning can make a big difference to your daily energy over time.

3. Lemon water in the morning is a great way to get a good portion of your essential daily vitamin C. They are also a good source of folate and minerals like potassium, calcium and magnesium.

4. The high mineral content of lemons makes them alkalizing to the body, despite their citric acid. It’s actually not the acid content of a food outside the body that determines whether it will have an acid or alkaline effect, but rather the way it is metabolized during digestion that counts.

5. Lemon water assist in elimination and will help prevent either extremes of constipation or diarrhea. Another good reason to have them first thing in the morning.

6. Drinking lemon water is even said to be good for improving your skin. The high vitamin C content would help here, but the overall cleansing, detoxifying, antibiotic and antioxidant effects are likely to be even more important.

7. Limonoid glucosides are an interesting flavonoid compound present in lemons that some research has shown may have anti-carcinogenic properties. Its protective effect also seems to last much longer in the body than most other natural anti-cancer compounds.

8. Lemon water helps your liver to produce more bile to aid in the digestion of fats. This makes them particularly beneficial if you’re planning a big breakfast fry up after a heavy night. And realistically, the nutrients in lemon are far more likely to help clear your head than greasy and potentially dangerous sausages or bacon.

9. The antibacterial properties of lemon can help in curing a throat infection. If you have a sore throat you could make a warm lemon drink to sip every couple of hours. That said, if you are having a lemon water every morning you’re probably unlikely to get one in the first place.

Personally, I can’t remember ever having a throat infection since I started regularly having fresh lemon water first thing.

10. Lemon water is also thought to decrease the amount of mucus and phlegm produced in the body. If you’re drinking cow’s milk often (a big culprit in mucus production) then lemon water each morning may help to lessen mucus levels in your body.

11. Many weight loss resources cite the benefits of lemon water and its citric acid in fat burning.

I’d be cautious of too many miracle claims – you’ll still need to avoid the kind of foods that make you fat, get some good exercise and ideally change your meal frequency to one that improves weight loss potential – but lemon water is certainly a beneficial addition to any body fat reduction plan.

12. Lemon water is great first thing in the morning to reduce bad breath. The high antioxidant and antibiotic compounds may also help reduce body odor over time. There really are a lot of good reasons to start your day with the freshly squeezed juice of a lemon in a glass of water.

Here’s a video on how to prepare lemon water:

Lemon Water Precautions

A few precautions to go along with all the lemon water benefits.

To start with, citrus seeds are not good for you. While one or two won’t hurt, it’s best not to swallow or particularly chew them. If you use a citrus juicer with slots to catch them just leave them in the strainer. If any do make it through then the smaller ones will usually float and are easy to remove with a teaspoon, while the larger ones can be left at the bottom of the glass.

Try to avoid having sugar, honey (unless it’s local raw or manuka honey), maple syrup or other sweeteners with your lemon water as the simple sugars will reduce the benefits.

If you don’t like the sharp citrus tang then just shot it down quickly and you’ll barely taste it.

That said, what’s with our obsession with everything having to be sweetened? The human palate is designed to enjoy a variety of different flavors and tastes. Ayurvedic medicine for instance, recognizes the importance of having a range of different tastes in your diet to maintain both physical and emotional balance.

Some people are also concerned about the citric acid in lemons having a sensitizing effect on their tooth enamel. Personally, I haven’t noticed any problem with this but it would make sense not to let the lemon water linger in your mouth and just drink it straight down.

I tend to follow my glass of lemon water with another glass of plain water and swirl it around a bit to wash my mouth clean. If you’re concerned about this another option could be to use a straw to sip it so less comes into contact with your teeth. It’s also probably best to wait half an hour before brushing your teeth.

A glass of lemon water with ice cubes and leafs of mint, surrounded wit two full two half lemons on a small medium brown wooden table.

Conclusion

Having a glass of fresh lemon water first thing in the morning can have a lot of health benefits. Even the busiest person should be able to find the time for this simple step to better health and energy, especially if you have a Super Juicer Like This One.

As with any new habit, I’d suggest trying it for at least two weeks every morning and see how it is making you feel. I’d love to hear your thoughts and results in the comments below.

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274 thoughts on “12 Health Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water You Probably Didn’t Know About”

  1. I think that it’s a great article, I have read a lot about the benefits of lemon, and I eat lemon every single day with my meals, but as of tomorrow I will begin my day with a glass of lemon water. Thank you,

    Reply
  2. Two questions . One how important if at all it the temp of the water . i ask because some sites are saying warm is the only way to get most benefits . Two ok i know i am being lazy here but what if on days when i am super rushed i mix a to go bottle of the concentrate stuff (it says it is 100% pure ) granted there are other things in there but would it not be better to get those AND the lemon rather than none at all ?

    Reply
    • Hi Steve and thanks for your questions.

      Warm is slightly preferable but I don’t think it’s the ‘only way’. Room temperature water will warm up as soon as it gets into your digestive tract anyway. The advice is primarily to avoid drinking ice cold water, which is a shock to the system, especially early on.

      On the second question, I’m afraid it’s not the same thing. Lemon concentrate is reconstituted so the above information regarding enzymes and electrolytes doesn’t apply. It also contains sulfur dioxide which is a problematic additive for many people. If you think it will help you drink more water you could have a little. But I’d recommend making the real thing. With practice you can do it in two minutes.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  3. Thank you for all the information. I believe that PLJ lemon juice is pure lemon. Can’t find it in the shops,so I get it via the internet. Kind Regards. M.E.Bowen

    Reply
    • Hi there Major.
      PLJ still contains sulphur dioxide and is reconstituted unfortunately. While it’s beneficial if it is making you drink more water, the health benefits of lemon water in this article can really only be applied to fresh lemon.

      Best Regards.

      Reply
  4. What I do is make a pitcher of lemon water is that good can I have it more than once all day or only one and then regular water?? I like to leave it on the counter and have it ready whenever I need but I want to make sure I can drink more than 1 glass a day ..

    Reply
    • Hi Patricia,

      I think it’s fine to have throughout the day if you enjoy it, though there is a special benefit to having a big glass of it first thing. Lemon juice doesn’t oxidize quickly like some other kinds of fresh juices and it’s so good for you I’d generally say the more the better.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  5. I’ve started the morning with lemon and water and dry brushing routine while watching a bit of T.V. on awakening.

    Later I do have coffee.

    Will start using bottled spring water or artesian water.

    I think it is helping my achey joints. Probably uric acid buildup as I can get crystals in one middle finger with the wrong foods such as too many shrimp or sea food or asparagus.

    It is only a few days into this regime and it seems to be working for me.

    Reply
    • Hi Anne and thanks for your comments.

      That’s very positive that you are noticing benefits only a few days into making changes. Glad to hear it.

      Good clean water can only help and dry brushing is another very beneficial thing to do to get your energy going in the morning as well.

      Hope it continues to go well. If you are following the Hacking Your Kitchen email series there’s a lot more to come like this.

      Reply
    • Hi Sathish and thanks for your question.

      Lemon water is recognized as beneficial for controlling high blood pressure. It may also help stabilize blood sugar so yes he could certainly take lemon water in the morning and it may really help him if he has it regularly.

      Reply
  6. I have my lemon water during the day. I cut up a lemon into slices and then drink during the day.

    I consume about two litres of water with the lemon. Is this OK. Will there not be any advserse effects?

    Reply
    • Hi Adrian,

      It’s good to drink plenty of water each day, especially during hot weather. According to the Mayo clinic: ‘The Institute of Medicine determined that an adequate water intake for men is roughly 3 liters (about 13 cups) a day and for women is 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) a day. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283 This can include healthy beverages like herbal teas but there’s no reason why you couldn’t have a bit more as long as you’re not forcing it down. Having it with fresh lemon juice makes it even better.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  7. Is drinking lemon juice with warm water in the morning the best way aid in digestion?? If I drink it throughout the day will it have the same effect and how should the water and lemon be mixed for best results?

    Reply
    • Hi Ryan,

      Regular lemon juice in warm water first thing is considered an excellent way to improve your digestive system. It is also good throughout the day and would be best just before a meal but there’s no reason not to have it whenever you’re thirsty.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  8. Hello jim! I want to know what to do if u get sore throat due to the intake if lemon? A few months back I used to drink lemon water all day long, even in school but then my throat was really aching afterwards so I left the water. Wanting to start it again so I asked you for help! Anyways thanx for the great information which propelled me to pick up the habit again! 🙂

    Reply
    • Hi Chelsea. That’s unusual as fresh lemon juice is highly antibacterial and should help prevent a sore throat. I’d try it again with half a lemon diluted in a big glass of water for a week. Have this first thing in the morning before any food and you should be able to work up to a full lemon the following week and start noticing the beneficial effects on your energy levels.

      Best Regards,

      Jim

      Reply
  9. Is drinking lemon water with the cold water in the morning is good for wieght reduce?? I drink one big cup of water with the half lemon juice. i feel good in morning and even through out the day. I really want to be slim will drinking lemon juice can help me?
    I thank you from bottom of my heart for introducing me lot of benefits of drinking lemon water.

    Reply
    • Hi Suresh and thank you for your comment.

      Lemon juice in water first thing in the morning clears out your digestive system and aids detoxification. Both of these are beneficial for natural weight loss. This page though has a dietary change that is even more important for losing weight – https://healthambition.com/cutting-carbs-lose-weight/ The best part is, you don’t have to go hungry eating this way. Just cut out a few uniquely fattening foods from your diet.

      Reply
  10. Hi sir,

    Ive read in a website that we cannot leave the drink more than 48 hours. As it will give maybe bad effects to the body. Thus, i would like to seek for your opinion on this as im thinking of preparing one lemon squeezed into 1 litre of mineral water. So, is more than 48 hours okay? And could i use mineral water instead of filtered water?

    Reply
    • Hi Lynn,

      I think it’s better to make up the lemon juice when you’re ready to drink it. Ideally each time, but in the morning for the rest of the day would be ok as well. Lemon juice would have a longer shelf life than most juices but fresh is always better from a nutritional viewpoint.

      Plain water is preferable, particularly first thing in the morning, but if you think you’ll drink fresh lemon juice more often throughout the day with mineral water then this is ok to use. Make sure it’s plain though and not sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  11. What is the suggested amount/ratio of water to 1/2 lemon? Also, if I am going to have the water warm, is it okay to microwave it for 1 minute with the half of the lemon in it instead of squeezing or juicing?

    Reply
    • Hi Korinne,

      A full glass of at least 8 oz, preferably more is good. I’d strongly recommend against microwaving the lemon as the it can affect some of the enzymes and nutrients like vitamin C, which is particularly heat sensitive. If you have good quality tap water in your area you can use warm water from there. Otherwise, if you are using filtered or bottled water I’d use it at room temperature rather than microwaving it.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  12. I drink Lemon Water ……everyday …………..all day !!! Moreover, my skin is so clear that you may literally see yourself in it, as it acts as a ” reflective mirror. “

    Reply
  13. I can not wait to try this! Ann, my husband has a problem with uric acid levels and found cherry pills work great. The only time he has had pain or swelling is when he has not taken for a few days. Jim, will the water help with my energy ?

    Reply
    • Hi Nicole and thanks for your comments. Most people find a noticeable increase in their energy levels after a few weeks of having fresh lemon juice in water first thing in the morning. For some the effects are even more immediate.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
    • Hi Denise,

      It’s probably best to take them separately. For example, have the lemon juice when you first wake up, go to the bathroom and then have the medication after that but still before food if necessary. There’s not specific reasons I can see not to have lemon water at all on this kind of medication but if in doubt please consult your doctor.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  14. Not really remembering all the benefits of lemon juice i just started drinking lemon water because I know it helps detox your body. However, since i ave been drinking it for about a week now I have seen a change in my energy level. I am 25 weeks pregnant and my energy level started to go down about two weeks ago or so and I just happened to start drinking lemon water ( but not for energy which i didnt know it helped in that area.) But my energy level is up and I’m not constipated anymore. Question.Is it okay to drink lemon water throughout the day or should I just stick to one glass of lemon water a day and keep the rest just plain water?

    Reply
    • Hi Jada and thanks for your question.

      It’s ok and beneficial to drink lemon water throughout the day. It’s just extra good first thing in the morning so I’d recommend having it than and whenever else you feel like it throughout the day.

      Hope this helps and all the best with your pregnancy.

      Reply
  15. I really appreciate this website and all the comments they are great!! I just want to ask i read the benefits for drinking first thing in the morning(hot water) and I do….I also drink lemon water(cold) through out the day 2- 3 32oz to be exact…my question is i am usually tired towards the evenings (after work..during hw time..im active with 2 kids..15 & 11…after my last meal…2hrs later right before bedtime i drink lemon water(hot)…is the benefit still the same by taking it at night? Thank you

    Reply
    • Hi Machelle and thanks for your question.

      It’s fine to have lemon water throughout the day and in the evening as well. I think two hours after your dinner is ok though it’s best not to drink too much liquid straight after dinner as it can dilute the digestive juices.

      Lemon water is still beneficial at other times throughout the day. I just think it’s especially cleansing first thing in the morning.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
    • Hi Bodgan,

      The vitamin C in lemon is associated with a reduction in eye pressure. The antioxidants in carrots and particularly carrot juice is also said to be very good for this condition.

      Reply
  16. I have asthma, highblood sugar, occasional diarrhea. Since drinking lemon water all day, everything has disappeared. I am feeling so much better. On top of that, my skin looks incredible. I will not stop drinking lemon water any time soon. I feel and look incredible at 57. The benefits are too numerous to count.

    Reply
    • Hi Carol Ann and thank you for your positive comments. It’s really great to hear that something so simple to do is having so many benefits for you. It just goes to show how important cleansing and improving the digestive environment is.

      Reply
    • Hi Michelle,

      Limes are quite similar nutritionally so you could replace lemons with them if you like. They are a bit smaller though and after the first week you’d want to use 2 or more which would probably make them a bit more cost wise than lemons.

      Reply
  17. Our well water is slightly acidic. We changed to plastic pipes because of occasional pinhole leak in copper lines. Does adding lemon to our drinking water move it toward neutral/alkaline? For a two quart pitcher, how many lemon(s) would you add to the water?

    Reply
    • Hi Gary,

      While fresh lemon juice in water contains citric acid it is considered to have one of the most alkaline effects on your body of any drink.

      To get the same sort of strength as I’d have first thing in the morning, you’d be using the juice of around 5 or 6 lemons for that much water. You could of course use less for having it throughout the day and perhaps have a whole lemon in a regular glass of water first thing before breakfast. This is when it’s most cleansing, though it’s still definitely beneficial to have throughout the day, especially before meals.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  18. Hello Jim,

    Lemon water has been my favorite drink for over at least two years now. I drink 4-5 large glasses a day! It wasn’t until recently that I actually looked into the health benefits, and I am happily surprised that there are so many!! I am often complimented on my ‘beautiful’ skin, and must give the credit to a healthy diet that includes fresh organic lemon juice in water, and when organic lemons aren’t available, I always have organic lemon juice on hand. Thank you for such an encouraging and informative article!

    ~ Trish

    Reply
    • Hi Trisha Lynn and thanks for your great comments. I think our bodies often know what we need if we can just get clear and really listen to them.

      Lemon juice is water is definitely good for you skin, not just for the Vitamin C and other antioxidants in it, but also for the way it improves digestion and elimination, thus easing the strain on the liver and other body systems.

      Reply
  19. hi sir !!!!
    really feel thrilled 2 read about d great health benefits of lemon water u had mentioned. thx indeed. i have a question 2 ask . does lemon water help in decreasing the growth of cancerous cells as my mother is suffering from stomach cancer type 3 n surgery is not ideal, she has undergone chemo. will the lemon juice with warm water help in this case. kindly oblidge. thx indeed

    Reply
    • Hi Firdous,

      As mentioned above, limonoid glucosides may have some anti-carcinogenic properties, but this is more considered preventative. While I’d encourage drinking lemon water for it’s many beneficial properties I wouldn’t advise viewing it as a cancer treatment. I’d suggest discussing it with whoever is treating her or finding a knowledgeable healthcare professional who specializes in her condition with such a serious disease.

      Best of luck in her healing.

      Reply
  20. I recently read about this and decided to try it out to help with my IBS and it has been a huge help. I was surprised it help me loose about 10 lbs over the last 2 months. I don’t have time with kids, family and life to stop so I found at Whole Foods a Organic Lemon Squeeze that has organic Lemon Juice/oil-nothing else. It taste so great and let’s me take it to go throughout my day.

    Reply
  21. GREAT ARTICLE JIM. QUICK QUESTION… I MADE A GALLON OF LEMON WATER EARLIER THIS WEEK AND I WANTED TO KNOW THE SHELF LIVE OF LEMON WATER IF ANY AND SHOULD I ONLY MAKE A GLASS A DAY

    Reply
    • Hi Jamell and thanks for your question.

      I think it’s better to make the lemon juice in water first thing each morning as some of the enzymes may not remain stable for long periods once juiced from the lemon. If you need to make it up for an extra day or so though that’s fine.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  22. Hello Jim, i stopped taking lemon in warm water first thing every morning because i noticed a drop in my body weight( i easily loose weight and i think the warm water raises my BMR). i am so slim and DO NOT want to loose weight, on the contrary i really need to gain. i miss the benefits i enjoyed while taking it and want to start it again, are there suggestions on how to prevent weight loss while still taking lemon water? some one suggested taking it with cold water but i read that cold water takes a lot energy to process, PLS HELP.

    Reply
    • Hi Rachel,

      Most people obviously have the opposite problem but in your situation, perhaps you could still get the benefits of lemon juice in water with just half a lemon in room temperature water. This would be better for you than hot or cold water.

      To help you gain weight, you could follow this with a breakfast of rolled oats with sliced banana and a tablespoon of high quality weight protein concentrate mixed in if it agrees with your system. Using a coconut based milk alternative should help even more.

      For lunch and dinner you could add more starchy vegetables like potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes and the like. For many people wheat is a big cause of weight gain but if you are currently eating it and feel you are underweight it may be a gastrointestinal irritant for you and prevent you from assimilating your food properly.

      Hope this helps

      Reply
  23. Hello. I’ve started drinking lemon water first thing in the morning today. I drink green tea everyday, too. When is the best time to drink it? And what’s the effect of including both in my regular diet. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Hi there,

      Lemon juice in water first thing in the morning and a couple of cups of good green tea away from meals are both very beneficial for improving your overall health. The lemon juice has all the benefits listed in the article and probably quite a few more while the green tea gently increases metabolism and has anti-cancer compounds.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  24. I find it hard to skip my morning coffee so I don’t however I do take 1 teasp of pure honey mixed with real cinnamon (not Cassia) prior to my morning workout. After my workout I drink 8-12 oz of lemon water. The honey keeps me energetic during my workout and after my workout the lemon water is refreshing and hopefully replenishes electrolytes. I am serioiusly not hungry until about 2:00pm! Thanks for posting all the great benefits of lemons, this was great confirmation.

    Reply
    • Hi Vicki,

      Real cinnamon is being shown to be extremely good to fat burning and reducing carbohydrate cravings. Perhaps that is part of the reason why you’re not hungry.

      Lemon water after a workout is a great idea and you’d probably benefit even more by having it first thing before your coffee. Perhaps over time it could even replace it some mornings. If you are interested in the future, here’s my method for replacing coffee with something similar tasting but much healthier – https://healthambition.com/substitute-coffee-caffeine-withdrawal/

      Reply
  25. Hiya.
    I thoroughly enjoyed reading your article and the various comments too.
    I started drinking lemon and water two weeks ago.
    However, my teeth have become do sensitive it IS painful. I can’t eat even a slice of bread without wincing in pain.
    I am getting discouraged about continuing with it.
    It I’d s shame

    Reply
  26. taking lemon juice water every morning before breakfast and green tea for the rest of the day..has really helped me slim down without exercise. thanks to you.
    wish to maintain this..i will appreciate more tips to burn fats be made known to me..

    Reply
  27. Hi, I love the website. I have also started drinking lemon water and also 3/4 cups of hot green tea daily. My question is: Is it okay to cut the fresh lemons and limes up and put them in a container and keep them in the fridge so that they want start turning brown or dry out before I can use them? will they still have the same affect as a fresh lemon? Thanks in advance*

    Reply
    • Hi Tonya and thanks for your question. If it suits to cut the lemons in half in advance I don’t think there’s too much of a problem with this. They’ll dry out on the surface but most of the juice will be fine underneath this layer. If you’re cutting them smaller than halves you might dry them out a bit much so it’s probably better to do it just before juicing.

      Reply
  28. Thanks Jim. A month or two back I started a regime of drinking a litre of water with one whole lemon squeezed into it. I started doing this simply because I like the taste of lemon and in the summer months I found the drink (with ice) to be far more refreshing than sugary sodas or just plain water. I do this daily now, or whenever convenient, and I have noticed health benefits -the most notable being that my complexion has improved to the extent that people around me notice and comment favourably upon it. Sometimes I substitute a lime for variety, or mix the two up.

    Reply
    • Hi Nathan. That’s great to hear. If many more people could swap out fattening soda for lemon juice in water that nation’s health would be in a lot better state.

      I’ve noticed lemon water is great for the skin too and many other people have commented on this.

      Cheers

      Reply
  29. Hi Jim

    Just wondering if the regime works for balance problem as well. I have been suffering from light-headedness for over 3 years and doctors can’t find anything. I had all kind of tests/ENT/Head MRI and everything is normal. However I am 47 and post menopausal. What else do you think might be wrong?

    Reply
    • Hi Mitra,

      It’s difficult to say as this is a complex problem with a lot of potential underlying causes. Low level dehydration and blood pressure problems are two of the possible factors of which a big glass of lemon water each morning would help with, but hormonal balance would be even more important. The article on healing adrenal fatigue, while a different problem, has information on this – https://healthambition.com/heal-adrenals/

      Reply
  30. Hi, what a wonderful website, thank you! I have just learned of the benefits of drinking lemon water, will be starting today.
    My question is, both my husband and I take high blood pressure pills and different vitamins and minerals, can we take these 1/2 hour after drinking the first glass of lemon water in the morning. Is it best to take them with plain water, I usually take
    mine with orange juice, now I am not sure what to do, would greatly appreciate your opinion,
    Thank you very much.

    Reply
    • Hi Shirley,

      Half an hour after drinking lemon water is better than half an hour before with medication and first thing in the morning is ideal. It’s best to consult your doctor if you are unsure but it’s usually best to take important medications with water only.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  31. HI Jim,
    Do I lose any benefit if I put the fresh squeezed lemons in the freezer with plastic ice cube tray so I don’t have to squeeze it every single day?

    Reply
  32. Hi, Jim!
    In your article about Apple Cider Vinegar, you mentioned that drinking a few tablespoons mixed with water could have a lot of benefits, and I am determined to try it since I already use it on my hair and face. My question, however, is how you would suggest using the ACV as well as lemon water. Should I drink the lemon water first and then the ACV, can I mix them together, or should I wait a while between?
    Thank you so much for your articles and answers! You are amazing!

    Reply
    • Hi Anna and thanks for your question and positive comments. I prefer to have lemon juice in a big glass of water first thing and then my apple cider vinegar in a glass of water before lunch or a couple of hours afterwards in the late afternoon. I quite enjoy ACV in water and often have a few glasses a day. The only time I wouldn’t recommend it is soon after a meal as that can dilute the digestive process.

      Reply
  33. Hi there!
    I am just starting to drink warm lemon water in the morning. While I love the way it tastes, and the warmth feels good in the morning, I really would like to drink it ice cold in the afternoons. Will it still shock my system if i drink it cold later in the day?

    Reply
    • Hi Brittney and thanks for your question. Some health resources advise against having drinks that are too cold but I don’t think it’s as much as an issue late in the afternoon. Far more important to get the health benefits of lemon water however you enjoy it personally.

      Reply
  34. Hi Jim,

    I ran across your post here while searching for adverse effects of citric acid on my tooth enamel. I have been drinking lemon water for over a year now without any noticeable negative side effects at all. My complexion is improved and I feel amazing overall, lots o f energy and focus. My elimination pattern is like clockwork, and that is the most noticeable difference from before. I do realize these benefits may also have much to do with eliminating artificial sweeteners and for the most part any refined sugar. But the lemon water has been a major part as well. I often use 100% real lemon concentrate for the time s lemons are not available. Do you have any research on the differences between the concentrate and real lemons? I know with vegetable, the cooking removes many of the beneficial properties. I was wondering if the same was true for concentrate lemon juice.

    Great Article!
    Rob

    Reply
    • Hi Rob and thank you for sharing how well lemon juice in water is working for you. I must say I do think fresh lemons are significantly superior for this purpose though as they’ll contain enzymes which would not be present in lemon juice concentrate. Vitamin C is also likely to be greatly diminished but the biggest reason that it’s generally advised to have fresh lemon juice is that the concentrate, even 100% real lemon concentrate, usually contains sulfur dioxide as a preservative. Some people are affected by this preservative more than others but all things been equal I’d go with the fresh lemons where possible.

      On the tooth enamel issue this page might be useful – https://healthambition.com/what-causes-yellow-teeth/

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  35. I would love to try the lemon water for all the health benefits, I take Lansoprazole for heartburn, would you know if lemons are a BIG no no??? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Hi Tena,

      I can’t find any reason why you shouldn’t take lemon juice in water while taking Lansoprazole but the general rule is to take medications away from lemon water (or any other natural treatment) so it would be best to have it in the morning and wait at least 15 minutes before taking Lansoprazole. Most people report lemon water good for heartburn but I’d still have it well diluted. Perhaps half a lemon in a pint sized glass of water would be a good start of the first week and slowly increase the amount if you’d like to from there.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  36. Hi Jim,
    This is Mukti .Please tell me, is it safe to keep sliced lemon pieces inside water bottle and to drink that water through out the day….?

    Reply
  37. HI I’ve been drinking hot water and lemon for about 2 weeks now and noticed that I don’t have gas pains and or digestive issues. I have been going to the bathroom 2x a day and feel energized. I do have issues with my stomach and have been eating very clean for the past year but adding hot water and lemon to my diet has made a huge difference in the bowel movement dept. I drink it about 3-4 times a day. Also noticed that my asthma and anxiety levels are down. Thank you for this site. Very helpful.

    Reply
    • Hi Suzanne and thank you for sharing your positive results with hot water and lemon juice. I’ve heard a lot of similar results from people and am still surprised at how effective something so simple can be. I really hope more people are inspired to give lemon water a try.

      Best Regards,

      Jim

      Reply
  38. Hi Jim,
    Greetings of the day!!!

    Thank u for giving health tips for all, my question is,If i take more than 10 lemons for a day what happens and one more question i smokes cigarretes daily,Is there any benefit to cure the effect of cigarrette smoking to health,Please give me good tip for effectless smoking.

    Thanking You.

    Reply
  39. Thank you Jim for this article on lemon juice.
    I usually buy a bag of lemons, squeeze them and freeze in icecubes and then pop one or two in a glass of water each morning. Does freezing lemon juice diminish the advantages of freshly squeezed juice?

    Reply
    • Hi Barton and thanks for your question.

      Some resources suggest the enzymes may be affected a little but in general I think this is quite a good way to store lemon juice if you don’t have time to make it fresh. Definitely better than the commercial lemon juice. It would be best to use it within a week or so if possible.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
    • Hi Foong,

      I prefer glass over plastic bottles as some can leech estrogenic compounds, especially if they get hot.

      Lemon water is full of antioxidants that help lower your risk of cancer and improves your digestion as a preventative to colon cancer, but you couldn’t call one treatment like this a cure.

      Reply
  40. Hello Jim, thank you for replying me earlier. i have just been diagnosed with gastric ulcer and currently on omeprazole tablets, my doctor says lemon water is a big no until my ulcer heals(he said lemon is acidic and can irritant my stomach lining).
    i have read in some online sites that lemon water is good for ulcer, please how true is that? are there other natural ways to make the body alkaline apart from lemon?

    Reply
  41. Hi Jim,

    Is it okay to drink the lemon juice without water. I tend to do this, but wondered if I should be adding water despite preferring it without. I’ve been drinking the juice for just four days and I’ve observed that my skin is less oily and generally looks better.

    Regards

    Reply
    • Hi there and thanks for your question. I tend to think it would be better with a big glass of water. While during digestion lemon water has an alkalizing effect, it does contain a lot of citric acid freshly squeezed. It’s also a good excuse to get more water into you – something almost everyone needs.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  42. Thanks for all tips about lemon and water will start this friday drinking it… but will take your advice and drink a warm glass first thing in the morning!

    Reply
    • Hi Gugu,

      Unfortunately no. Bottled lemon juice will have been heat treated, lacks enzymes and likely vitamins as well. It also contains sulfur dioxide preservative that can be problematic for some.

      Fresh is best where possible. It really only takes a minute once you do it a few times.

      Reply
  43. My wife and I are diabetic and kidney problems.I’ve been drinking 5 bottle water a day with slice of lemon and have slow up going to bath room. How much should my wife drink? Thank you and Have a Bless day.

    Reply
    • Hi Danny and thanks for your question.

      If you’re drinking 5 one liter bottles a day then that’s probably a bit much. Around half that is often sited as a good amount. Exercise or hot weather will increase water needs.

      5 smaller bottles would usually be considered fine though you could consult your doctor if you’re unsure.

      One of the issues often cited with having large amounts of water is that you don’t get enough electrolytes. Lemon water is rich in these so would tend to offset this issue, though you wouldn’t want to force too much water down. Drinking a glass of lemon water regularly, especially before meals is best.

      Reply
    • Hi Aasa. Lemon juice contains vitamin C and thiamine, both of which help with virility if you are low. The benefits of lemon water improve your health generally but I wouldn’t really consider it an aphrodisiac.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  44. Hi, Jim!
    I really enjoyed this article, thank you for it. I was drinking lemon water for a while and noticed the amazing benefits it had on my skin, energy levels, digestive system and so much more. However, I’m trying to lose weight. My question is how many ounces of water should I be drinking in the morning with fresh lemon in it? I’ve heard that 16oz of water right when you wake up is really good for your metabolism, but does it matter if it’s 8oz or 16, or 32, etc? Thanks again, so much!

    Reply
    • Hi Julia and thanks for your question.

      I think lemon juice in water first thing in the morning is great for weight loss. 16ozs would be good. If you’re spreading it out over a while before breakfast then you could use a second lemon and have 32ozs.

      It can also be very beneficial to have a big glass of water before meals or snacks throughout the day, with or without lemon juice. This tends to fill you up and bit before eating and often mild dehydration can be confused with hunger.

      I’d also recommend reading this page on weight loss – https://healthambition.com/cutting-carbs-lose-weight/

      Hope this helps.

      Hope this helps

      Reply
  45. thanks Mr. Jim for the information. i want to start the lemon water thingy first in the morning but does it in any way affect sperm count or quality/potency of sperm cells with respect to fertilization? i heard it contains citric acid and may increase overall body acidity, i also heard that internal alkalinic body environment is better than acidic.
    Does it affect women’s egg production too? thanks.

    Reply
    • Hi Shigo and thanks for your question.

      Despite the citric acid, lemon water actually increases alkalinity in the body due to their high mineral content. The vitamin C and vitamin B1 are believed to have a positive effect on sperm count as well and there is also no reason to think lemon juice in water would have any negative effect of a woman’s egg production.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  46. Hi thanks for the post. I live in Cancun and yellow lemons are rarely available. Over here everyones uses the green limes are they as beneficial? Do they have the same health benefits as the yellow lemon? Additionally organic limes or lemons are not available here but I assume conventional is better than none at all? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Hi Catherine and thanks for your question.

      Limes are quite similar nutritionally to lemons with similar electrolytes and flavonoids. Using them as a replacement would be fine, though you might want to work up to two rather than just one to take into account the smaller size.

      Lemons and limes you generally don’t need to get organic unless you are using the rind in a recipe as they are not considered a pesticide risk.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  47. Hi Jim,

    Thanks for the info. I would just like to ask if it is true that lemon or any citrus juice (like calamansi) has to be taken in its pure form to preserve its alkalinity, and that when you add water to it will lose its alkalinity and turn into acid? I am just curious about the science behind it, if it is true.

    Thanks,
    Ricky

    Reply
    • Hi Ricky and thanks for your question.

      Lemon juice, with its citric acid, could be measured as acidic outside the body, regardless of whether it is added to water. Importantly though, fresh lemons are also very anionic. When you drink lemon water, it becomes alkalizing in your body as the lemon’s anions are absorbed during the digestive process. This article goes into the science of it – http://www.awaken.cc/awaken/pagesE/library/eReamsLemon.html – but essentially, fresh lemon juice is recognized as having a highly alkaline effect. The same can’t be said of lemon juice concentrate so make sure you get them fresh.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  48. Ok here goes- I started doing this about 9 months ago and I can honestly say that while others around me have had common things like phlegm build up, sinus congestion, the flu, common cold, etc… I really have been unaffected by all of this and have been healthier than an ox. I am on a strict regiment though. I have 1-28oz glass of water with a 1/4 lemon totally squeezed to death in the morning, usually one of these in the middle of the day, and always one around dinner. I would say I consume 3/4 of a whole lemon every day. My weight is 170 consistently and I’m 6’1″, I have incredible energy as I run my own business and I tell everyone I can about this fountain of goodness. Its the real deal after 9 months. Also, I can sometimes feel when a cold is trying to knock on the door of which then I supplement with honey and cinnamon in the morning and evening mixed with a hot cup of water. Hope this helps, it has me.

    Reply
    • Hi Nathan and thanks for your comments. It sounds like lemon water is really working well for you. I prefer a bit more in the morning myself but if you’re getting such great results I’d stick with what’s working for you. The honey and cinnamon combination is great for preventing colds from taking hold or soothing a sore throat as well. Perhaps I’ll write about using them for this soon.

      Reply
  49. hi Jim, You are A STORE HOUSE OF INFORMATION ON LEMONS.My question is should one take it daily or is taking it every other day ok ? the reason is i swallow half a clove of raw garlic also & hence can i take both daily or should i take lemon juice one day & garlic the other day ?
    Secondly i tend to take the lemon juice in raw form without adding water to it .Is this ok ?
    I have slight bp & slight sugar for which i take a daily medication .I am also overweight .

    Reply
    • Hi Rajesh and thank you for your positive feedback. To your questions, it would be ok to take every second day but more beneficial every morning. I see no reason why you couldn’t have your lemon juice in water first thing and then your garlic after that or whenever suits. They may well compliment each other with their different properties.

      You can take lemon juice straight but it’s quite tart. The reason I recommend having it in a big glass of water is both to improve hydration (especially first thing this is something everyone needs) and get it quickly from the stomach into the small intestine where it’s electrolytes, enzymes and nutrients can be absorbed. Taking lemon water like this may help with both blood sugar control and weight loss.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  50. Hi jim

    I just took a glass this evening n noticed my energy levels was high as I normally feel weak. My question is since it helps move bowels I’m scared of taking it in the morning as I don’t want to have my bowels move on my way to work.pls help out

    Reply
    • Hi Viv and thanks for your question.

      Lemon water is quite gentle so it shouldn’t make the urge uncomfortable in any way, just help it along a little if needed.

      Ideally it’s best to go to the bathroom early in the morning soon after waking. You’ll generally feel much better once this becomes your normal pattern and lemon water first thing should help with this.

      Reply
  51. I’ve been on lemon water for 2 weeks now and I can safely say that I have seen a positive difference. After living with M.E (CFS – Chronic Fatigue System) for 5 years now I have tried and tested most tonics, cleansers and immune boosters, but I can honestly say that lemon water has made me feel brighter, more energetic and aided in weight loss. Due to me have a very low immune system I have opted to drink lemon water as a replacement for standard tea and coffee so I’m probably having a cup every couple of hours. Once a day I will have a cup of green tea and add a slice of lemon just for that extra boost.
    Personally I’m very happy with the benefits of lemon water, cheap to make and easily available to everyone.
    A very happy 36 year old!

    Reply
  52. Hi Jim

    I have been reading through your responses. I did not know that Lemon has so much effect on our body. I just want to know i am 5’6 and my wt is 74..I have been looking to reducing my wt as i face irregularity in menstruation.

    As u say, if i consume lemon water early morning will that help reduce my wt? If so in a week how much wt can i shed??

    Thanks…

    Reply
  53. Can i use Calamansi (i think it is also called Key Lime, not sure though) for substitute? and what would be the ratio?
    I rarely see lemons in my place. thanks 🙂

    Reply
    • Hi Anzhelika,

      Key limes have a similar nutritional profile and would be fine as a replacement. You’d probably want to start with one and then work up to two at a time with the smaller size of them.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  54. I drink warm lemon water 3 times a week, when i have a workout. I actually squeeze a lot of juice and freeze them in ice cube trays and add 2 to the cup. Helps to cool it down. My question is, i have to eat before working out and for me it has to be at least a good hour. My class is at 9 am, so drink the water at 7, but have to eat almost immediately, so it digests before i work out. Is this too soon to eat after drinking it? I also put water and cucumber in my water that i take to workout as i hear that is good to do also. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated. Cynthia

    Reply
    • Hi Cynthia,

      This is a good way to prepare your lemon juice in advance. Much better than the commercial lemon juice with its sulfites.

      I think it’s fine to eat soon after lemon water. It goes down quickly and may help with digestion of your meal. It’s definitely better to have it before rather than after though.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  55. my dad have a sore throat for more than a week. then one of my friend told me to try lemon in water…. then i buy lemon and do what my friend told me. then i ask my dad to drink it. my dad drinking it for two days already but we wont see any improvements in my dads voice.

    Reply
    • Hi Louella,

      I’d consider lemon juice in water more of a preventative than a cure for a sore throat. You could try a little honey mixed with a teaspoon of cinnamon which can be very effective for sore throats if you suck on a spoonful and let it slowly go down the throat.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  56. Hey Jim,

    Got couple questions for ya… I’ve heard and read a lot of great things about having lemon water first thing in the morning… The question is Can I also take it before going to sleep and if so how early before going to bed, I’m assuming it probably won’t have the same effect as drinking it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach but just wondering I can still have it before going to bed and any benefits at night as well?

    And last question is if I am squeezing the lemon into water myself every morning am I still getting the benefits you mentioned or do you think I might be leaving some potential nutrients and benefits as one cannot manually squeeze everything out of a lemon by hands?

    Thanks…

    Reply
    • Hi there and thanks for your question.

      Having lemon water in the evening is fine if it suits your schedule better. I’d probably prefer it before dinner if possible. You could have it just before bed as long as you’ve given your meal several hours digestion time, but as it’s quite energizing this might not be the best time.

      Manually squeezing lemons is pretty ineffective. I think a cheap citrus juicer like this https://healthambition.com/go/citrus-juicer-with-non-skid-silicone-base/ would pay for itself in a month of juicing lemons with how much more you’d get out of them.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  57. Hi Jim! Is it okay to slice the lemon then plunge it into a pitcher of water then leave it overnight in the fridge and drink it first thing in the morning?

    Reply
  58. Hi Jim,
    Thank you so much for all the good info on lemon water. It is so refreshing to see someone
    devote their time to helping people with safe home remedies. I too have used lemon water
    with great success, more energy, cleansing effect, sense of well being and just plain enjoyable to
    drink. Again Thank you so much for your time! 🙂 Dianalynn

    Reply
  59. Hi,
    I just started having lemon and lime juice today and have noticed a few sores starting on my body would this be common with detoxing. I also have been on a fairly strict 1500 to 1600 calorie a day diet for the past 2 months. I have currently got rid of in excess of 30 pounds in that time.
    Thanks,
    James

    Reply
    • Hi James,

      This could be a detoxing issue but may be unrelated as well. If your intuition says it is related then you could try reducing the amount of lemon water you have by half and then slowly increasing it back up. This can build up the bodies tolerance and detox a little more gently.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  60. Hi Jim

    Thanks for your Article. This has inspired me to start with having lemonade in the mornings from now on.

    I have a question. How much sugar do we add? or do u recommend not adding sugar at all?
    I know honey is a substitute for sugar right, but my body is not a big fan of honey.

    and how many times a day should this be taken? or just in the mornings?

    Awaiting your reply.

    Thanks a lot

    Reply
    • Hi Samy and thanks for your question.

      Definitely don’t add any sugar to your lemon water. This would defeat the purpose of having it as sugar is incredibly destructive to your health.

      This video explains exactly why:

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UU3GvRsFHqY

      You can have it several times a day before a meal but first thing in the morning is particularly beneficial.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  61. i started lemon and water this morning.my husband whats to try it to.we both work and i wanted to know can i make a large amount the day before

    Reply
    • Hi Belinda,

      This should still be healthy but there does seem to be a bit of an extra benefit in freshly made lemon juice in water, perhaps due to the delicate enzymes. I’ve found I can now squeeze a lemon, have the juicer washed and be drinking it in around 1 minute so it doesn’t have to take that long.

      All the best.

      Reply
  62. Hello Jim dillan i am 17 weeks pregnant and prior to my pregnancy i would drink a cup of hot tea in the morning every morning in my tea i would put 2 tea bags, lemon wedges, sometimes lemon juice even if i have lemon wedges in it so both, i also put honey and sugar… I know that is a lot of ingredients but that is how i like my tea. Now that I am pregnant I know i need better i love water and lemon so both together would not be a problem for me but is it safe to drink everyday until i have my baby and even after???!!.. Please help.

    Reply
    • Hi Cornelia,

      Lemon juice in water is generally considered beneficial during pregnancy and can help prevent constipation. Cutting back on the honey and especially sugar is also a good idea.

      All the best with your pregnancy.

      Reply
    • Hi Ruby,

      I’d imagine that upwards of 3 lemons juiced in water would be quite detoxifying and may lead to toxins being eliminated a little fast for some. A generally healthy person may be able to have more without problem.

      The general advice if you have a detoxification reaction like feeling a little nauseous or a skin breakout is to stop taking it for a day or two and then restart at half the amount you had previously and then work up to higher dosages slowly from there.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  63. I hv been taking lemon juice with honey empty stomach for 3 weeks already. I see some improvement in my complexion.
    I’m on thyroxine for hypothyroidism and I take it before the drink. Is it okay ?
    Secondly, can I mix lemon juice with honey and dandelion supplement? I usually drink it after meal. I’m trying out to overcome my hand eczema. Pls advise.

    Reply
    • Hi Sam and thanks for your question.

      I don’t think there’s any problem with taking thyroxine with a big glass of lemon juice in water. Some resources suggest the vitamin C in citrus juice may aid in absorption. Dandelion is also fine though I’d perhaps suggest limiting the honey if it’s the regular kind from the supermarket. This can be full of fructose and simple sugars aren’t great for skin conditions so cutting them down where ever you can is good. A drop of stevia is a healthier sweetening option, though I think lemon juice is best in a big glass of water. This will also help the thyroxine go down quickly.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  64. Hello Jim. I started drinking water with lemon today. But I’m drinking ginger tea in the middle of the day. Do you think it could affect the health benefits of the lemon?

    Reply
  65. Hi Jim,
    You may have already covered these questions but there are too many to read all of them. How long after my lemon drink before I can eat my breakfast and have my one and only coffee of the day? Also, I noted that adding sugar isn’t advised, and fair enough too but what about plant based sweeteners such as stevia?
    I have very dry skin on my legs and I’ve been using organic moisturising creams for the past few weeks. It’s working slowly but do you think the lemon juice will help speed up the process? It’s the start of summer here in Australia and anything to help speed up the skin healing process would be a blessing. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.
    Thanks.
    Lexie.

    Reply
    • Hi Lexie,

      I’d say 10 minutes after would be fine. It’s just best to have the lemon water first before food or coffee. Stevia is definitely better than sugar or honey.

      I tend to think diluted raw apple cider vinegar, perhaps 1 to 3 ratio, would be better for dry skin on your legs as it balances the skin’s pH. You could use this underneath the moisturizer.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  66. This article was really helpful. Thank you.

    Today is Day 1 for me of drinking warm lemon water first thing in the morning. I usually struggle with digestive issues and hope this helps. I’ll keep you posted.

    Reply
  67. Hi Jim,

    Thanks for all the useful info. I read through all the posts & only saw one question similar to mine. My average weight is between 148-152, I f I were to start this regimen, what would be a safe schedule & amount I should intake & not lose weight? Do you have any suggestions as to what I can consume to make up for any weight loss?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Hi Steven,

      I don’t think lemon juice in water should make you lose weight if you are already thin. It more helps people who have health issues that lead to weight gain. More healthy fats like those in avocado can be beneficial here. Not because these fats make you gain weight but because they are needed for hormone creation that regulates proper body weight.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  68. I’m 5.4 feet, 75 kgs, 35 years female. i had two ceaserians, last was in 2010. my target is to loose 10 kgs without excersize, i’m office desk worker and i spen 2 hrs in the kitchen in a day. If i take warm lemon water and cinnamon powder mixed in the morning will it be helful to reduce my wieght. i have belly fat. thanks for your time & patience.

    Reply
  69. Loved your post.
    I have been a lemon water loyalist ever since I was goaded by my mother into trying it as a teenager. At that point I was willing to try anything to put an end to the innumerable zits that started popping up on my face. This elixir has held me in good stead for years now.
    A GOOD TIP is to add a dash of cinnamon powder, its anti microbial properties add a host of benefits to the already amazing drink.
    http://blue-arc-en-ciel.blogspot.in/

    Reply
  70. Hello..
    I just went through ur post which sounds to me preety interesting….but I have a question to ask…
    I heard one can also hav 1-2 lemons in a glass of warm water to loose weight. ….so I would want to know is it safe to take 2 lemons in water in the morning even if I am pregnant…..will it harm my baby in anyway….
    Please do reply…..waiting…..

    Reply
    • Hi Jess and thanks for your question.

      There’s no warnings against lemon water for pregnant women and it’s often recommended for constipation problems. I’d start off with just one though and work up to two after a week or so as it can initially give mild detoxification. Starting at the lower dose and building up is usually better.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  71. hello Jim,
    i read your article about lemon water,, i wanted to know that, as i do not get time in the morning for exercise .. i do it in the evening and after tht i have lemon juice iwth warm water at around 8 to 9pm ..is tht a problem?

    Reply
  72. Hi, Jim. Thanks for the very informative article! For the last couple days, I’ve been squeezing half a lemon into warm filtered water first thing upon waking up. While it’s still too soon to notice positive effects, I have experienced some headaches and digestive issues. I’m wondering if this is just a side effect of the cleansing process and will improve over time, and also if others report the same kind of effect? Maybe it’s actually a positive effect as my body is likely being cleansed! Love to hear your thoughts. Thanks 🙂

    Reply
    • Hi there,

      It does sound like a detoxification reaction and it should ease shortly. It would be helpful to increase the amount of water you drink with your lemon juice as well. So if you are having it in half a glass make it a full one, or follow one glass with another of plain water straight after.

      It’s unlikely but if it does get worse then it’s best to stop lemon water for a day or two and see if the symptoms stop. If not it may be unrelated. If they do you could restart at half the dosage you were taking previously, again with lots of water, and slowly build up to a larger amount of lemon juice.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  73. Hi, Jim. Thanks for the very informative article! For the last couple days, I’ve been squeezing half a lemon into warm filtered water first thing upon waking up. While it’s still too soon to notice positive effects, I have experienced some headaches and digestive issues. I’m wondering if this is just a side effect of the cleansing process and will improve over time, and also if others report the same kind of effect? Maybe it’s actually a positive effect as my body is likely being cleansed! Love to hear your thoughts. Thanks 🙂

    Reply
  74. Dear Jim,
    Thanks for your efforts for writing such a extensive health knowledge to people even replying to the questions is awesome, actually I used to take lemon water first thing in the morning before taking any thing which I read as a traditional remedy used to heal constipation and gastric problems. But one of my friend has told me that drinking lemon can effect on married life. Is this true please help me in this regards I am male and I had this concern so I want it to be clear from an expert opinion.

    Reply
    • Hi Shah. There’s nothing in lemon juice to lower sex drive. With it’s alkalizing effect and high mineral content it would likely be the opposite. I think this myth may be due to a mild calming effect from citrus juice but this should be a good thing for men in this department.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  75. Thanks for the information.
    1. Does drinking lemon water through the day cause weakness of sexual desire?
    2. Am i right if i squeeze one lemon with its peel in 1.5 liter of water and drink it through the day?

    Reply
    • Hi Abdualziz,

      No lemon water should not affect libido in a negative way. As it makes you healthier it’s more likely to be the opposite.

      Yes this is fine but I’d wash the skin well first and avoid drinking or especially chewing on the seeds.

      All the best.

      Reply
  76. Hi Jim

    About lemon water
    – I prefer the water slightly cold (not in excess), any problem?
    – Can I pour a little drops of Stevia (not Aspartame nor Sacarina) sweetener in order to break the acid flavor of lemon?
    – Could it (Stevia sweetener) reduce some benefits?
    All in all I noticed several benefits on drinking lemon water, specially about digestive issues.

    Thanks for all

    Mariano
    Porto Alegre, RS – Brazil

    Reply
    • Hi Mariano,

      As long as it’s not ice cold first thing in the morning this is fine.

      If you think it will help you drink it more often a drop of stevia is ok (definitely not aspartame if you value your health). Ayurvedic medicine does recommend getting a balance of flavors, including sour, for good health but getting the lemon water regularly is probably more important, particularly for digestion.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  77. Hi Jim,
    Thanks for all the great information and advice. I have been cold-free for at least three years. One week ago, I started drinking lemon juice in water first thing in the morning. I have been sick for the past 4 days now with sinus congestion, slight cough but not a lot of phlegm and no appetite. Could this or is this a common side affect of drinking lemon water? I prefer not to stop drinking it at this point but if I have to, I will. And if I do stop for a few days and start the routine again, will these cold symptoms re-surface?
    Thank you.

    Reply
  78. I love that you answer each persons questions… thank you! I was wondering what your thoughts are on this product: http://www.truelemon.com/true-lemon I drink 4-5 16 oz. water bottles everyday and I put two packets of TrueLemon in each bottle. It has stopped me from drinking pop… I love it! I was just curious if you think I still get the same benefits as I would squeezing fresh lemons?

    Reply
  79. Hi, how are you Mr. Jim Dillan hope great, I asked a query couple of days ago that does taking lemon juice effects on your married life/Sex life. Please awaiting for your response regarding this.

    Thanks

    Reply
  80. Hey Jim, im pradeep from India nd Im in need of serious help and I think you can help me,

    Ive been facing gas problems for a month, I have also consulted a doctor and have been eating lots of medicine which wer of no help at all.. The worst part is I feel like vomiting early in the morning while sittin in the classroom,I have been exercising for a week and have been eating food on time, Im also avoiding food that can cauuse gas problems..!!
    It would be very helpful if u could find me a soluion
    Thank you……..

    Reply
    • Hi Pradeep,

      I think you’d need to visit a health care practitioner personally for a diagnosis. If the first option isn’t working then I’d look for another. Ayurvedic tradition treats these kind of conditions if you can find a good practitioner.

      Reply
  81. drinking lemon juice with sugar is good r not??

    daily morning I’m drinking a glass of lemon juice by adding a teaspoon full of sugar with small amount of salt using one normal sized lemon,,,

    so adding and sugar and salt with it is good r not????,

    Reply
    • Hi Sathish,

      You really want to avoid sugar as much as possible. Lemon water benefits your digestive system, while sugar damages it and many other parts of your body. You’re kind of cancelling out the benefits by using sugar.

      I’d recommend it fresh and plain but if you really can’t drink it without it being sweet try having a drop of stevia or juicing an orange at the same time and mixing the two.

      Reply
  82. Hi Jim,
    I love the idea of lemon water and want to start right away. My concern is the timing in the morning with my other meds. I hate getting up in the morning and always go from getting up to out the door in just under an hour. I take synthroid before getting up – I often wake around 5:30am, take my synthroid then, get up just after 6 , take my Wellbutrin after washing, dressing… Then head down stairs for a fast breakfast and out the door before 7. When is it best to fit in the lemon water. If I have it before breakfast then there is no time to eat and I’m on the road to work. Getting up earlier is almost impossible and I wouldn’t be able to maintain it.

    Heather

    Reply
    • Hi Heather,

      It does sound like your current schedule is problematic for fitting lemon water in first thing and it’s best to keep meds separate. Perhaps straight after you come back from work could be beneficial, especially as the nutrients in lemon water generally have a mildly calming effect.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  83. Question Jim,

    Can you squeeze multiple lemons and store it in a bottle and leave it out( not in the refrigerator) for two to three days at a time? Or will it be safe to store the fresh squeeze juice in the fridge and just use room temp water when ready? Also, what is considered a big glass of lemon water. I don’t want to have a 24oz glass of water with only a half cup of juice.

    Reply
    • Hi Takiyah,

      While lemon juice is a natural preservative, I think it’s better kept refrigerated for that long.

      The bigger the better with water as so many of us are dehydrated but 12 oz would be fine or even 6 oz if you’ve already had enough water.

      All the best.

      Reply
  84. I am curious on your thoughts of True Lemon. I drink up to 4-6 16 ounces of water every day. I put two packets of True Lemon in in bottle. I am really enjoying it, but curious if I am getting the same benefits as if I was using fresh lemons. It’s helped me get off soda. Thanks… I can’t wait to hear from you.

    Reply
    • Hi there. It doesn’t list sulfites as an ingredient like most lemon concentrates which is good. I’d say real lemon juice in water is superior due to it’s enzymes and lack of processing but if this is working for you and got you off damaging soda then that can only be a good thing.

      All the best.

      Reply
  85. Well boss… Just readin sum of that, seems good..been drinkn bottled water with lemon & lime slices init and wen bottle finishes i just refil it with same slices init… I waz wondern if half or whole squeezed lemon in green tea in mornin wud b the same or better with jst water?
    Cheers 🙂

    Reply
  86. Hi there,
    I drink lemon water with lemon slices in my bottle. I’m wondering how long is the “effective period” of those slices?
    How many times should I refill my bottle? Usually I put in 4-5 slices into my bottle and refill it for a whole day and have new slices on the next day.

    Reply
    • Hi Khoo. I think whatever juice is going to come from the slices will come quite quickly and I don’t think there’d be much lemon juice in a refilled bottle unless you crushed up the slices a bit.

      I tend to prefer a lemon juicer as it breaks the juice out of their juice sacs within the lemon.

      All the best.

      Reply
    • Hi Trish,

      If your drinking lemon water very regularly I’d suggest using a straw so not too much comes in contact with your tooth enamel. If you notice any stomach upsets it would be best to cut back a little bit but generally lemon juice in moderately large amounts is very healthy for all the reasons listed in the article.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  87. Hi jim,
    i had read a lot of benifits from your reply the benifits of lemon water,but not to my case.
    i have a multiple gallbladder polyps and the biggest is 7mm.
    my question is…does drinking lemon water helps remove my polyps?
    thank you jim..pls. reply on me!

    Reply
    • Hi Marlon,

      Lemon juice and olive oil is sometimes used as a gallbladder flush. A search on http://curezone.com/ should provide much more detail on this but I’d suggest consulting a knowledgable health care professional for the best cause of action in your individual case.

      All the best.

      Reply
  88. Hello Jim,

    Very nice article. I am only curious if you maybe know if it’s true that lemons can protect yo from radiation and even cure if you’r poisoned.
    Thank you.

    Reply
  89. Hi Jim,
    I have been drinking lemon water for the past 3 months, at least 5 days a week not knowing the health benefits. I normally do a 1/2 lemon in a 32 oz nalgene bottle and drink it throughout the day. Most of my friends and co-workers came down with colds and flus, but I somehow avoided it. When they would ask, I would jokingly say “It’s the lemon water!”
    I guess that this is true! Thank you for the great article!

    QUESTION: Do you think drinking it over the course of the day is less effective than taking down a concentrated glass in the morning?

    Thank you.

    Reply
  90. Hello Jim, Great so helpful! you are star

    Just more thing need your expertise, i get acidity problem after drinking lemon.

    Reply
  91. HI Jim,

    So much amazing Info !!! thanks so much I can’t wait to start drinking lemon water. I have acne prone skin and really hope it helps. I had a quick question…. I read up there ^^ that we shouldn’t microwave the water with lemon in it. What if we just microwaved the water to warm a little and then added the lemon to it. I live up north and “room temp” is sometimes cold this time of year .
    Thanks so much ,
    Alli 🙂

    Reply
  92. Hey Jim just a question, i don’t drink squeezed lemon juice in water every morning, instead i cut up whole lemons into pieces put them in a jug fill it up with water then put that in the fridge then constantly fill up my drink bottle with that lemon water, so im always drinking water with lemon in it. Is that bad for me? to be drinking so much lemon water i drink this more then i do just plain water.

    Reply
    • Hi Rachael,

      That’s fine if this works for you and I don’t think it’s too much to drink it like this. I tend to find I get more out of the lemon with a citrus juicer that really squeezes everything out though.

      All the best.

      Reply
  93. Hi Jim:

    This is a great article! I’ve been drinking lemon water for a few weeks now and really enjoy it!

    QUESTION: Is it necessary to drink the lemon water first before anything else, or is it okay to drink it while eating breakfast?

    Thanks again!

    Reply
    • Hi Daniel and thanks for your positive comments.

      Lemon water is a bit better before a meal as it stimulates better digestion. Too much liquid of any kind with or directly after a meal on the other hand can impair digestion. I suppose if you were going to drink something anyway it would certainly be better than milk, coffee or sugary commercial juice. Perhaps you could try drinking most of it before breakfast and saving a small amount for a few sips during breakfast if needed.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  94. Hi Jim,
    I have just started drinking lemon water but I have been squeezing half of a navel orange into it as the lemon water is too tart by itself for me. Would doing this affect the lemon properties?
    Thank You 🙂

    Reply
  95. Hi Jim. I started drinking lemon water about 3 weeks ago, but for the last week I’ve started adding the juice of half a lemon to a lukewarm mug of green tea. Do you think that is a benificial way to have it? I’m making my husband drink it too. We have been trying to conceive our 2nd child for almost 2 yrs now and I’m hoping the lemon water might improve our chances. We’re both healthy but my husband has low sperm motility. I’m blaming that on smoking, which we are both currently trying to kick. I was wondering what you think about it improving fertility. And my last question is about its affects on skin. For about a week I’ve been breaking out on my face and back. I’m wondering if it’s the lemon juice drawing impurities out of my skin and if I should continue, or if it’s a bad reaction to it. Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

    Reply
  96. I’ve started drinking lemon water for the Alkalizing benefits, and although I do feel more energetic, it would be interesting to see if this is due to the alkalized level in the water, or a boost in minerals and vitamin C

    Reply
  97. Hi Jim,
    I have been drinking lemon juice a month ago as per below practice, please advise if need correction:
    1. a big glass of plain water, follow by half a lemon’s juice in 1 cup of warm water after 15 mins.
    2. 2 lemons’ juices in 2 litres water for whole day consumption.
    3. half a lemon’s juice in warm water after lunch and dinner.

    Questions:
    1. to help digestion and weight loss, should i drink the lemon juice before or after meal (lunch & dinner).
    2. what is the healthy volume of lemon juice to be taken everyday?
    3. What is the time limit to finish the lemon juice for the best effect?
    4. Lemon skin has benefit too, right? is it ok to soak it in water for whole day drinking?
    5. is Dried lemon skin having same benefit added in tea/ hot water?
    6. My brother and husband commented that they felt uneasy with the throat after drank the lemon juice, though i don’t experience it.
    7. My hubby had a bad coughing last 2 weeks, i let him drank lemon juices every morning but doctor advised to stop it. why?

    Looking forward to hearing from you.

    T.Q.

    Reply
    • Hi there,

      As long as the lemon water is making you feel good I think these amounts are fine. It would be best to have it a little before rather than directly after a meal as too much liquid may interfere with digestion whereas before actually helps it.

      There’s no real ideal amount as it depends on the person. Potentially very high amounts could cause loose bowels due to high vitamin C but this would probably take at least a bag of lemons daily. There’s also no time limit on finishing it but before a meal is better.

      Lemon skin has some volatile oils that can be beneficial though it’s probably better washed if it’s not organic.

      Diluting the lemon water more should help if it’s a bit strong for them.

      Lemon juice is often recommended for a sore throat. Perhaps the doctor didn’t like that lemons don’t come from a bit pharmaceutical company.

      All the best.

      Reply
  98. Great article. Thanks for sharing this advice with us. I started drinking lemon water months ago because i have Chron’s disease and was preocupied with the large intake of medications. I did squeeze 3 big lemons juice in a very big glass of water and drink a big one without lemon after first thing in the morning…after a week i noticed a big relief, no diarrea, mucus, no blood in stool and no gas at all…haven’t stopped since. I talked to my doctor and he was surprised but asked me to reduce the medcation and now i’m taking only 2 capsules from 6 i was taking in the begining. My question is: Do i have to reduce the amount of lemon juice, continue with 3 lemons or add some more. Thanks

    Reply
    • Hi Maria,

      Lemon water seems to be working very well for you if your doctor has noticed an improvement and asked you to reduce your medication. It sounds like a good strong amount that is having benefits so I’d stick with what’s working for you.

      Thanks for sharing your positive results too.

      Reply
  99. I have always liked ICE COLD drinks. I used to drink tons of Mountain Dew.. till I developed an intolerance to caffeine. Then I moved on to Orange Kool Aid sweetened with Splenda…. which caused kidney and liver problems. NOW, I’m making pitchers of lemon water ( 2 lemons squeezed into a gallon) and drinking that all day. I have a couple of questions. 1) is that enough lemon juice to make a difference? 2) is the ice cold lemon water “not good” for me or is it just what “health food” people prefer? I cant gag down room temp or hot drinks!

    Reply
    • Hi Ron,

      Glad you’ve got off the Mountain Dew and Kool Aid. Lemon water is definitely a healthy upgrade. If 2 lemons works for you strength wise then that’s fine and the more water generally the better.

      There are a few recommendations against ice cold water when you first wake up as it can be a bit of a shock to the system but it should be fine during the day. There are some resources that say chilled water may help a little with weight loss as well.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  100. Hi. Is it ok to have sliced lemons in water and then drink it like the entire day? Will the water get acidic or anything, which can even harm my body?

    Reply
    • Hi Cla,

      Lemons actually have an alkaline effect on your body, despite their citric acid. Many people like to have sliced lemon in a big jar all day. I’d suggest it would be best made up at least daily rather than stored for several days though.

      Reply
    • Hi Alice,

      Regular lemon water is usually beneficial for normalizing blood sugar though people with hypothyroidism are sometimes advised to avoid citrus fruits like oranges so it would be worth consulting a knowledgeable healthcare professional on this.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  101. HI i drink one glass of warm water with fresh one lemon juice and i also start the drink water 3 ltr with 1 spoon of lemon juice throughout the whole day for weight loss purpose i also do the diet but still i have not proper weight loss so pls suggest me is it good for drink plain water or lemon water throught the whole day or water is cold or room temp

    Thanks

    Reply
  102. Hey Jim,

    I read both your articles on the benefits of drinking lemon and apple cider vinegar in the morning, but what is better? Should I go back and forth? One day, Lemon, the next day vinegar? Or biweekly? Or based on what I have in the refrigerator/pantry? I am looking for a morning routine, and I have been trying to compare the benefits to see which one would better suit me.

    Thanks,
    Ray

    Reply
    • Hi Ray,

      Good question. I tend to switch every couple of weeks depending on whether I have a good supply of lemons. I probably think lemon water is a bit better but ACV is a great substitute if you’re short.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  103. Hi Jim, I JUST started using a half a lemon in 16 oz of water and will start using a whole. My question is
    I have been puting like 1 inch of gingerale in it to tone it down. Is that alright thing to do?

    Reply
    • Hi Jennifer,

      Lemons generally don’t have pesticide issues unless you’re using the rind. Carrots, apples and berries are all best organic. Organic lemons can be better for the superior soils but generally lower on the organic priority list.

      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  104. Hi Jim:

    I have a navel orange tree and a tangerine tree. Is it ok to use their juice with water instead? Or does it have to be lemons?

    Reply
  105. Thanks for the article. Its been a week since i started having lemon water each morning, and boy, my appetite has increased. It seems to have increased my metabolism and i crave real food than snacks like before. Prior drinking it my diet was dominated by processed food than organic stuff.

    Reply
  106. Hi Jim, just came across this article. I drink a lot of water and have always put two lemon wedges in the cup that I leave in throughout the day. Are those two lemon wedges enough to reap any benefits or should I be juicing a whole lemon each morning as you suggest?

    Reply
  107. Hi Jim,
    My wife has ulcers in her colon ,I read about Cabbage juice ,will it work on Colon as well or any other thing that you would like to suggest?
    Thanks!!

    Reply
  108. Everyone says something different. They say not to drink RO water because the ph is low. What about lemon in RO water? Is the acid bad for your teeth?

    Reply
  109. Hi Jim, I am a breast cancer survivor and I have a question to ask you. I’ve heard that lemons are 10,000 times more powerful than chemo and can kill cancer cells but not damage good cells. Had I known that before, I think I’ve would’ve prefered to have taken lemons over chemo! Is it really beneficial to consume lemon water now that the damage has been done with chemo? Don’t worry though, I’ve been a survivor for almost five years and I have been done with chemo since then. I would realky love to hear from you and greatly appreciate any information you can share with me.

    Reply
  110. Him Jim: my question is … can I mix the juice of two lemons instead oj water the juice of one or two oranges (early in the morning, at the breakfast). Would the benhefits be the same? Any problem? I love oranges, and I think tix mix (lemon/orange) would break the excessive ‘acid flavor’ of the lemon. What do you think about? Thanks for the attention. MARIANO – Porto Alegre, Brazil.

    Reply
  111. I just read about the lemon water.. going to start tomorrow. How should I mix it? And do I drink on warm glass in the morning and stop or drink cold lemon water the rest of the day?

    Reply
  112. Hi, what about gooseberry juice every morning on empty stomach. I am currently drinking gooseberry every morning, should i replace with lemon or take both ?

    Reply
  113. hello Jim. I have been drinking lemon water for decades now and being a natural health practitioner have advised many people concerning the benefits of drinking lemon water. one powerful benefit is that lemon water can dialate blood vessels and assist in lowering high blood pressure. love the article and the comments. yahsmessenger

    Reply
  114. Okay, I live pretty healthy as it is, but I think I could use a boost on at least 6 of these 12 benefits.

    Off to the store to find organic lemons in the morning…..

    Thanks for a great post

    Reply
  115. Hi Jim! That lemon water precautions along with its benefits is really great. I’ve read a lot about the benefits of lemon water but the difference between your blog post and the others is that precautions you included in your post. Thanks for that! Prevention is better than cure.

    Reply
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    Regards,
    YTS.PE

    Reply

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