Photo: Timur Weber

Who should not drink lemon water?

3. It can aggravate stomach problems and heartburn. People who consume too many citrus fruits often suffer from gastrointestinal problems, heartburn, acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting. Therefore, you should consult a doctor before drinking lemon water if you experience any symptoms.

healthshots.com - Ladies, drinking too much lemon water for weight loss can be harmful

Can someone with high cholesterol do keto?

The keto diet is likely not the best option for you if you have kidney disease, liver diseases, familial hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol...

Last updated Mar 12, 2019

What bread is OK for keto?

Regular white, wheat, oat, rye or multigrain breads are very high in carbs and are not allowed on the Keto diet. Instead you can make your own or...

Last updated Mar 15, 2019

Promotion

Listen to this article

Is lemon water your go-to morning drink to kickstart your weight loss journey? Well, this popular morning beverage is said to support digestion, boost weight loss journey, benefit skin, and enhance immunity. But drinking too much lemon water may not deliver such benefits. In fact, there are many side effects of lemon water if you consume it excessively. Yes, lemon, besides giving flavour to water, is full of essential nutrients such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals such as potassium, and folate. Oh, and how can we forget vitamin C? Vitamin C is one of the prime reasons why people drink lemon water as it is necessary for growth, development, and repair of all body tissues. But moderation is the key! Drinking too much lemon water can result in several issues.

How can drinking too much lemon water be harmful?

If it’s mentioned that a particular food is good, that doesn’t mean it has to be taken in excess. It can harm your body. “We’ve all heard about the benefits of drinking lemon water, such as promoting weight loss, preventing dehydration, and helping with indigestion. But excess lemon water can be dangerous for you,” shares Dr Swathi Reddy (PT), Consultant Physiotherapist and certified diet counsellor and MIAP, Motherhood Hospitals, Bengaluru, with HealthShots.

Here are 5 side effects of drinking too much lemon water:

1. It can cause enamel erosion or tooth decay

Lemons are highly acidic citrus fruits. If a person consumes lemon juice frequently and in excess, they may experience dentinal hypersensitivity and tooth decay because of the acidic nature of lemon. Some ways to slow the process of tooth decay are using a straw to avoid direct exposure to lemon on teeth, avoiding brushing teeth after consuming lemon juice, and drinking lots of water alongside lemon juice.

2. Lemon juice may cause migraines

Citrus fruits often trigger migraines and headaches. This may be because lemons produce tyramine, a natural monoamine that often causes headaches. If you are someone who experiences extreme headaches, it is recommended to reduce your intake of lemon juice. There is no proven link but studies have shown a link between intake of citrus fruits and migraines.

3. It can aggravate stomach problems and heartburn

People who consume too many citrus fruits often suffer from gastrointestinal problems, heartburn, acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting. Therefore, you should consult a doctor before drinking lemon water if you experience any symptoms. People with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should avoid excess intake of lemon juice.

4. It may worsen canker sores

Can I put chicken directly on baking pan?

Place the chicken in a single layer on the baking sheet and drizzle with the olive oil. Rub the oil all over each chicken breast. Season the...

Last updated Jun 7, 2021

Is Mushroom good for keto?

Mushrooms, like oyster, shiitake, white button, and portobello, are naturally low in carbohydrates, making them a keto-friendly food. Enjoy them...

Last updated Apr 14, 2019

Promotion

Canker sores or mouth ulcers are non-contagious, painful, small lesions that develop in the mouth. Citrus fruits are known to cause mouth ulcers. It is better to wait for mouth ulcers to heal completely before drinking lemon juice.

5. Lemon skin acts as a host for harmful germs

Restaurants often put lemon wedges in lemon-based drinks. However, various studies prove that lemons contain microorganisms that may cause dangerous diseases. To reduce the risks, it is advisable to squeeze the lemon into your drink instead of adding lemon skins to it. If you’re drinking lemon water to fulfill your daily requirement for vitamin C, you can switch to many other foods which are loaded with vitamin C.

Here’s the list of foods rich in vitamin C except for lemon:

1. Oranges: After lemon if any food that is popular for vitamin C is orange. But guess what, vitamin C content in oranges is slightly higher than a lemon in oranges. 2. Potatoes: This may come as a surprise to you but it is true. Potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and act as an antioxidant that helps to prevent cell damage. 3. Broccoli: Broccoli is a powerful food. Not just vitamin C, it’s packed with many other nutrients such as fibre iron, calcium, protein, potassium, magnesium, selenium, and vitamin A, B, E, and K. 4. Kiwi: According to a study published by the US National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health, kiwi is packed with vitamins like A, C, and E, and minerals like calcium, potassium, iron, manganese, copper, and magnesium. 5. Papaya: This fleshy tropical fruit is a storehouse of vitamin C, A, E, K fibre, and potassium. Thus, a perfect addition to your diet. 6. Amla: Amla or Indian gooseberry is loaded with vitamins and minerals. Being one of the richest sources of vitamin C, it can support your immune system and digestive function. 7. Strawberries: Strawberries are very good for your skin and your overall health. Packed with fibre and antioxidants, this red, juicy fruit is a rich source of vitamin C.

healthshots.com - Ladies, drinking too much lemon water for weight loss can be harmful

How much weight can you lose eating only eggs?

That said, most people claim they lose 5–10 pounds (1.4–2.7 kg) in 3–5 days. An egg fast can help you lose weight by restricting calories and...

Last updated Mar 8, 2019

Why do I smell on keto?

Because the keto diet often results in increased burning of body fat, the theory goes that the body is “detoxing” all these pollutants, and that's...

Last updated Sep 19, 2018

Promotion

What sandwich at McDonald's has the least carbs?

Your best bet is to go with the artisan grilled chicken sandwich. With no bun, it contains zero carbs! If you're craving something more flavorful...

Last updated Oct 10, 2018

Promotion

Can you lose weight in keto without exercise?

Keto diets definitely work without exercise. In fact, many personal trainers and nutritionist would not recommend the keto diet if you were about...

Last updated Jun 5, 2018