Lemon Juice is a refreshing drink that can provide numerous health benefits. However, many people make some common mistakes when consuming it, which can have adverse effects on their health. In this article, we will discuss four common mistakes that people make while drinking lemon Juice and how to avoid them.
Drinking Lemon Juice Right Before a Meal
One of the biggest mistakes people make when consuming lemon water is drinking it right before a meal. The citric acid in lemon water is acidic in nature, but when it enters the body, it gets burned and turns into an alkaline substance. This alkalization can inhibit digestion and prevent your stomach from breaking down the food properly. Hence, it’s best to consume lemon water at least 30 minutes to an hour before eating anything.
Drinking Straight Lemon Juice
Another mistake people make is drinking straight lemon juice without diluting it. Lemon juice has a pH of two to three, which is similar to hydrochloric acid. Routinely exposing your teeth to such a strong acid can potentially break down the enamel on your teeth, leading to tooth decay. Therefore, it’s advisable to dilute the lemon juice with water and consume it using a straw to avoid exposing your teeth.
Consuming Lemon Water with Ulcers or Gastritis
If you have an inflamed stomach, ulcer, or gastritis, consuming lemon water could be contraindicated. The acidic nature of lemon water can further irritate the inflamed areas and worsen the condition. You can avoid this mistake by seeking medical advice before consuming lemon water, especially if you have any underlying stomach or digestive issues.
Drinking Lemon Water with Alkalosis
Alkalosis is a condition where the blood becomes excessively alkaline. The alkalizing effect of lemon water can further aggravate the condition and make the symptoms worse. Some common symptoms of alkalosis include lightheadedness, numbness, tingling sensations, and muscle spasms. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s best to avoid consuming lemon water.
Benefits of Lemon Water and Juice
Apart from avoiding the mistakes mentioned above, drinking lemon water and juice can provide numerous health benefits. Lemon juice is an excellent source of citrate, which is essential in preventing kidney stones. It interferes with the formation of calcium oxalate, one of the main components of kidney stones.
Lemon juice is also rich in vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant and plays a crucial role in boosting the immune system. However, pasteurized lemon juice loses its vitamin C content due to heat treatment. Therefore, it’s best to use fresh lemon or lime and squeeze it in water or blend the whole fruit in a blender to obtain maximum benefits.
Lemon juice has antihistamine and anti-fungal properties that make it an excellent natural remedy for allergies, candida fungus, and bacterial infections. It also helps prevent the formation of uric acid, making it effective in treating gout and pseudogout.
Conclusion
Lemon juice is a refreshing and healthy drink that can provide numerous health benefits. However, it’s essential to avoid the common mistakes mentioned above while consuming it. By drinking lemon water correctly, you can reap the benefits of this fantastic drink and lead a healthier life.