As far as routines go, it's a pretty simple one to get into. Keep a pitcher of room temperature water and lemons on hand, and each morning, squeeze the juice from half a lemon (or a whole lemon if you're over 150 pounds) into a cup of water. According to Sacred Source Nutrition, it's important to make sure the water is room temperature, because cold water can shock your system and prevent all of the many health benefits from starting to work.
And what exactly are these health benefits? Well, much like lemon can be used for all manner of cleaning products, the citrus fruit has the potential to clear up anything from your skin to that nasty cold you've been harbouring for ages. And of course, smell great while doing it.
Check out these 12 reasons to start drinking lemon water first thing in the morning:
Hydration
There may be arguments in the health community about exactly how much water to drink each day, but we do know it's important to stay hydrated. For those who find water boring, lemon has long been suggested as a tasty addition to help compel them to chug.
Constipation Help
If you're having trouble pooping, warm water and lemon might be just the thing to help you go. Taking in plenty of water is helpful for constipation in general, and the citrus can give some help to get things moving inside.
Stop UTIs
If you're suffering from a UTI or want a way to prevent them, lemon water can help. According to Ask A Naturopath, lemon helps change the pH blood and the urinary tract so harmful bacteria can't stick around.
Battle Breath
Of course, there's no way to avoid morning breath, but drinking lemon water can combat the bacteria in the mouth, according to Conscious Connection magazine, and therefore, lessen the potential for bad breath. Be careful, though — lemons can also erode the enamel on your teeth, so it's a good idea to rinse with plain water after your glass.
Weight Loss
There are a variety of theories as to why lemon water might cause weight loss (including feeling more full from the pectin contained within). Though it hasn't been definitively proven, we do like what Fox News had to say, which is that drinking lemon water will undoubtedly have fewer calories than drinking, well, anything else except for water.
Freshen Your Skin
Thanks to all the vitamin C within lemons, your skin reaps the benefits of you drinking the fruit as well. According to FitDay, vitamin C assists in the production of collagen, so having more in your diet can prevent wrinkles from forming. And of course, drinking lots of water is great for skin in general.
Pump Up The Immune System
There's a reason you're always drawn to oranges when you're sick — once again, the power of vitamin C at play. Consuming the vitamin daily (via lemon water) can help keep you healthy and stave off infection, notes The World's Healthiest Foods.
Recover From A Workout
Sports drinks have long been seen as the best way to 'rehydrate' after a workout, but as CBC found earlier this year, they're often unnecessary for the kind of exercise most people do regularly. Lemon water, meanwhile, provides the hydration needed, and according to Best Health, is what Hayley Wickenheiser drinks when working out.
Helps With Aches And Pains
As Lily Gold of Simply Healthy and Happy says, lemon water can help reduce uric acid in our joints, which is one of the main causes of inflammation, especially as related to arthritis.
Reduces Phlegm
It's a sad fact of our cold weather existence — phlegm happens, especially in the morning, but lemon juice can help. Dr. David Williams recommends adding a little honey to help rid your body of the mucous.
Strengthens The Brain
Lemon may be known best for its vitamin C, but it also contains potassium, which helps with brain and nerve function. So for a quick natural way to feel more alert, lemon water is a great bet.
Cleanses The Liver
As reported by LiverSupport.com, in Dr. Alexander F. Beddoe's Biological Ionization in Human Nutrition, he notes the liver can make more enzymes out of lemon juice than any other food. While we aren't advocating for an intensive cleanse (we know those are unnecessarily), this can help give your organ a boost.
