Can Lemon Water Detox Your Body?
You've heard you should drink eight glasses of water every day. While that's a good baseline for most people, the exact amount can vary depending on body size, physical activity, and other factors. [1] Sixty percent of your body is water and water is part of many, if not all, internal processes. [2] Water helps all your organs function properly, the body uses it as a joint lubricant, and it helps flush waste and toxins. Studies show that people who get more water have greater energy and focus more easily. The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center even reported that men and women who drank less water developed colorectal cancer at higher rates than the men and women who drank more water. [3] Suffice to say, staying hydrated is important to your health.
Some people say water lacks taste and can be boring, right? Well, it doesn’t have to be. Adding a little lemon to your water is a great way to add flavor and experience the benefits offered by lemons. It'll also help cleanse your body of toxins and waste. The American Cancer Society recommends hot lemon water for alleviating constipation and clearing the bowels. [4] Let's look at four more benefits of lemon water.
4 Benefits of Adding Lemon Water to Your Diet
1. Lemons Are Loaded with Nutrients and Phytonutrients
Phytonutrients are the organic compounds responsible for the health benefits offered by plants. The phytonutrients in lemons, specifically, have antioxidant and antibiotic properties. Lemons also contain limonin, a compound found in citrus fruits with possible anti-viral and anti-obesity effects. [5]
| Nutrient | Value Per 100g | 1 Lemon Yield 48g | 1 Wedge Yields 5.9g |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 92.23g | 44.31g | 5.45g |
| Energy | 22kcal | 11kcal | 1kcal |
| Protein | 0.35g | 0.17g | 0.02g |
| Total fat | 0.24g | 0.12g | 0.01g |
| Carbohydrate | 6.90g | 3.31g | 0.41g |
| Fiber | 0.3g | 0.1g | 0g |
| Sugars | 2.52g | 1.21g | 0.15g |
| Minerals | |||
| Calcium, Ca | 6mg | 3mg | 0mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 6mg | 3mg | 0mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 8mg | 4mg | 0mg |
| Potassium, K | 103mg | 49mg | 6mg |
| Vitamins | |||
| Vitamin C | 38.7mg | 18.6mg | 2.3mg |
| Folate, DFE | 20µg | 10µg | 1µg |
| Vitamin A, IU | 6IU | 3IU | 0IU |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.15mg | 0.07mg | 0.01mg |
2. Lemons Support Digestion
Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges contain pectin, a dietary fiber that supports digestion. Lemons actually contain more pectin than oranges as well as high levels of citric acid. [6] Citric acid supports digestion, as does pectin, which slows down the speed that food leaves the stomach and improves the way it's broken down. One study found that five grams of pectin mixed with orange juice produced a greater feeling of fullness after eating. This might help reduce the amount of food consumed and support weight loss efforts. [7]
3. Lemons Are High in Vitamin C
Immune cells need vitamin C and medical experts have recommended vitamin C to boost the immune system. [8] Vitamin C also neutralizes free radicals, creates energy, and defends against certain environmental toxins. [9]
Vitamin C protects skin from the premature aging that can be caused by the accumulation of toxins. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey reported that women who consumed more vitamin C had stronger, firmer skin, less dryness, and fewer wrinkles. [10]
4. Lemons Support Normal Kidney and Liver Function
Lemons support both the liver and kidneys. In animal studies, the pectin in lemons lowered liver cholesterol levels and supported normal liver function. [11] Polyphenols, plant compounds that promote liver enzyme activity and regulate metabolism, are likely the cause. [12]
Some studies have found that the citric acid in lemon juice can help discourage kidney stones. [13] One study found lemon juice worked as well as potassium citrate for urinary calcium stones. [14]
What’s the Best Way to Thoroughly Cleanse Your Body?
Lemon juice is a powerful way to clear toxins, support the immune system, improve digestion, and protect the liver and kidneys. But it’s just the tip of the detoxification and cleansing iceberg. For a thorough, gentle cleanse, try an oxygen based colon cleanser such as Oxy-Powder®.
Great health starts in your gut. When waste and toxins accumulate in your colon, it puts pressure on your liver and kidneys. Set yourself up for the best possible health and keep your colon clean and detoxed. Boost your results by adding a natural cleansing agent like lemon juice to your day.
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References (14)
- The Water in You. Water Properties: (Water Science School). USGS, 9 Dec. 2015. Web. 19 Feb. 2016.
- Is Eight Enough? U Researcher Says Drink Up and Tells Why. University of Utah, 14 Jan. 2003. Web. 19 Feb. 2016.
- Shannon J, White E, Shattuck AL, Potter JD. Relationship of food groups and water intake to colon cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 1996 Jul;5(7):495-502.
- American Cancer Society. Constipation. Last Revised: 06/08/2015.
- Lemon/Limes. The World's Healthiest Foods. n.d. Web. 19 Feb. 2016.
- Penniston KL, Nakada SY, Holmes RP, Assimos DG. Quantitative Assessment of Citric Acid in Lemon Juice, Lime Juice, and Commercially-Available Fruit Juice Products. Journal of endourology / Endourological Society. 2008;22(3):567-570. doi:10.1089/end.2007.0304.
- Tiwary CM, Ward JA, Jackson BA. Effect of pectin on satiety in healthy US Army adults. J Am Coll Nutr. 1997 Oct;16(5):423-8.
- Ströhle A, Hahn A. Vitamin C and immune function. Med Monatsschr Pharm. 2009 Feb;32(2):49-54; quiz 55-6.
- Wax, Emily. "Vitamin C: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia." U.S National Library of Medicine, 2 Feb. 2015. Web. 19 Feb. 2016.
- Cosgrove MC, Franco OH, Granger SP, Murray PG, Mayes AE. Dietary nutrient intakes and skin-aging appearance among middle-aged American women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Oct;86(4):1225-31.
- Terpstra AH, Lapré JA, de Vries HT, Beynen AC. The hypocholesterolemic effect of lemon peels, lemon pectin, and the waste stream material of lemon peels in hybrid F1B hamsters. Eur J Nutr. 2002 Feb;41(1):19-26.
- Fukuchi Y, Hiramitsu M, Okada M, et al. Lemon Polyphenols Suppress Diet-induced Obesity by Up-Regulation of mRNA Levels of the Enzymes Involved in ?-Oxidation in Mouse White Adipose Tissue. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition. 2008;43(3):201-209. doi:10.3164/jcbn.2008066.
- Oussama A, Touhami M, Mbarki M. In vitro and in vivo study of effect of lemon juice on urinary lithogenesis. Arch Esp Urol. 2005 Dec;58(10):1087-92.
- Aras B, Kalfazade N, Tu?cu V, Kemahli E, Ozbay B, Polat H, Ta?çi AI. Can lemon juice be an alternative to potassium citrate in the treatment of urinary calcium stones in patients with hypocitraturia? A prospective randomized study. Urol Res. 2008 Dec;36(6):313-7. doi: 10.1007/s00240-008-0152-6. Epub 2008 Oct 23.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
