Lemon Water benefits

We're all always looking for easy tricks to improve our lives, and time and again, one keeps coming up — the completely wonderful health benefits of drinking lemon water.

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.

Drinking Hot Water & Lemon

Drinking Hot Water & Lemon in the Morning

By Linda Tarr Kent

Consider swapping your standard cup of coffee for a glass of hot water and lemon first thing in the morning, recommends nationally known nutritionist Ann Louise Gittleman, author of "Fat Flush for Life" and other books. The combination can benefit your body in numerous ways, including helping you to lose weight and keep hydrated, improving your digestion and upping your vitamin C intake. You can even spice up this morning drink to boost its benefits.
 
Types  

Gittleman recommends combining the juice of half a lemon with 1 cup hot water. If you don't want to squeeze your own lemons, you can substitute 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Make sure to use 100-percent organic lemon juice. You can spice up this drink and further rev your metabolism by adding a pinch of ground cinnamon and a pinch of ground ginger, Gittleman says. Lemons will keep for up to 10 days at room temperature, so you can shop for them weekly. You also can store fresh lemon juice in an ice cube tray without losing any of its potency.

Function

Drinking lemon water first thing in the morning stimulates your digestive system, according to Louise Atkinson's "Daily Mail" article, "Lose Weight for Christmas with the Lemon Juice Diet." This improves your body's ability to absorb nutrients. Poor absorption of nutrients can cause you to feel hungry, even when you are not.
 
Effects

Lemon water cleanses your palate on the way down. Once in your body, it helps to gently flush your kidneys and your liver of wastes and toxins, says Gittleman. It also can help cleanse your lymphatic system, another body system that eliminates toxins. 

Significance

Both lemons and water are on Gittleman's list of fat flush foods. Water helps you stay hydrated. Your body stores more fat when you are dehydrated because your kidneys need help from your liver to function when your body is in this state. This hampers the liver's ability to burn fat. Water also is a natural appetite suppressant. Being dehydrated, in contrast, can cause feelings of hunger. Lemons may help reduce cellulite because they stimulate blood flow to your skin and help your body flush out waste. Lemon also boosts your body's ability to metabolize fat, Gittleman says.
 
Benefits

Lemon juice provides a high amount of Vitamin C, notes Atkinson. One lemon gives 30.7 mg vitamin C, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The recommended daily amount is 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men. People who consume more vitamin C have more efficient digestive systems than people who don't. Lemon also increases acidity of your digestive system, which helps you better absorb calcium. Calcium absorption helps you lose weight, says Atkinson, because calcium is stored in fat cells. The more calcium in your fat cells, the easier it is to stimulate their burn. Vitamin C also boosts your immune system, helps prevent coronary heart disease, and lowers your risk for stroke, cataracts and gout. This antioxidant vitamin also may help lower cancer risk when consumed via fresh fruits, according to Oregon State University.
 
Potential

Adding a tablespoon of lemon juice along with some of the lemon's zest can provide 1,600 oxygen radical absorbency capacity, or ORAC, units to your diet, according to "Women's Health" magazine. An ORAC unit is a measurement developed by the National Institutes of Health to measure a food's antioxidant capacity. The higher the value, the higher the antioxidant benefits, such as fighting cell-damaging free radicals. One antioxidant lemon juice provides is eriocitrin, which may protect against oxidative stress in the liver.

Eating Lemon Peel

Lemon not only tastes delicious but it can also help stimulate good health. When applied topically, it can also do wonders for our skin and hair. Most of the time when focusing on the benefits of lemons, people tend to think of lemon juice, but lemon peel can be just as effective as it has some enzymes that help us live a healthier life.

Nutritional Facts of Lemon Peel

Nutrients	Amount per serving (6g)
Calories	3
Total fat	0.02 grams
Saturated fat	0 grams
Cholesterol	0 milligrams
Sodium	0.36 milligrams
Potassium	9.6 milligrams
Total carbohydrates	0.96 grams
Sugars	0.25 grams
Dietary fiber	0.64 grams
Protein	0.09 grams
Vitamin A	3 IU
Vitamin C	7.74 milligrams
Calcium	8.04 milligrams
Iron	0.05 milligrams

The USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard References states that:

• Every 100 grams of lemon peel has 134 milligrams of calcium.
• The same amount has 160 milligrams of potassium.
• The same amount contains 129 milligrams of vitamin C.
• The same amount contains 10.6 grams of fiber.

Benefits of Eating Lemon Peel

The scientific name of the lemon peel is citrus limonum whether it is fresh or dried and this part of the lemon can be used for many medical, cooking and cosmetic purposes. Both consuming it and using it topically has helped those who suffer from scurvy, cholesterol, acne, heart issues and others. That is because it contains many essential vitamins, minerals and enzyme.

 

1. Decrease Cholesterol Level

Eating lemon peel can help decrease the body’s cholesterol level which in turn can promote better heart health. In addition, the potassium found in the peel can help maintain blood pressure levels. The peels are able to lower LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) because of the polyphenol flavonoids. In addition, the vitamins C and P help clear the blood vessels and by doing so reduce the risk of developing certain conditions such as diabetic heart disease, heart disease and high blood pressure.

 

2. Fight Cancer

We already mentioned that two of the nutrients in lemon peel are limonene and salvestrol Q40 and these two components both fight cancerous cells. In addition, the flavonoids that can be found in the peel can help counter cancerous cell division. Because of that, eating lemon peel is considered a preventive action against several types of cancers such as skin, colon and breast.

 

3. Improve Bone Health

In order to develop strong, healthy bones, we need to ingest a good quantity of calcium and lemon peel contains this in addition to vitamin C. because of this, eating lemon peel has shown to help prevent osteoarthritis, inflammatory polyarthritis, bone fractures, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.

 

4. Boost Immunity and Digestion

Lemon peel contains essential nutrients including vitamin C which allow the body to resist infections as well as the subsequent ailments. Because of this, eating lemon peel is considered a good method for treating sore throat, flu, cold and similar infections. It can also help boost healthy digestion due to its dietary fiber that encourages healthy bowel movements.

 

5. Improve Oral Health

A deficiency in vitamin C can lead to several gum and dental problems such as gingivitis, bleeding gums and scurvy. Because lemon peel is rich in citric acid and vitamin C, it is able to prevent these and other related gum and dental problems.

 

6. Neutralize Free Radicals

Free radicals are unpaired electrons that occur in our body’s cells and they are responsible for certain health problems including autoimmune diseases, swelling, aging, heart issues and some types of cancer. Lemon peels contains vitamin C which can help neutralize these free radicals and therefore prevent those health concerns. Free radicals are also associated with blood vessel damage so vitamin C is also able to help maintain healthy blood circulation.

 

7. Improve Skin Condition

Free radicals play an important role in signs of aging and skin problems such as dark spots, acne, pigmentation and wrinkles. The citric acid and vitamin C in lemon peel help purify blood vessels as well as remove the impurities found in skin cells which in turn promotes healthy skin. In addition, the antioxidants in lemon peel detoxify the skin, making it great for pimples and acne. While there are topical options, consuming the peel is ideal.
One option for topical application is the following: cut the lemon into two to four pieces, squeezing the juices into a bowl. Cut up the lemon peel and mix it into the juice, storing the mixture somewhere cool and dry. Add an optional teaspoon of honey and apply it to your face. Leave it on for around 5 minutes before rinsing.

 

8. Boost Metabolism and Reduce Weight

One of the elements in lemon peel is pectin which has been shown to help in weight loss. This substance has some properties that will convert it into a jelly which prevents your body from absorbing excessive quantities of sugar, helping maintain your weight.

 

Cautions and Tips for Eating Lemon Peel

 

1. Wash Properly and Go Organic

You must wash lemon peel before eating it as pesticides or insecticides may have been used during the growing process. Lemons that have been shipped great distances may contain a wax coating that prevents damage but it can be made using animal, plant or insect based products. Therefore, it is best to opt for organically grown peels.

 

2. Be Aware Of Crystallization

Lemon peels contain a high amount of oxalates which are found in humans. When we have high concentrations of oxalates it can lead to problems which are associated with crystallization such as kidney or gallbladder stones. Therefore if you already suffer from these problems, avoid eating lemon peel.
Click here to watch a video on the benefits of lemon peels as well as how to eat them.

Arthritis/Fibromyalgia home remedies

Eliminate gout, arthritis and fibromyalgia pain FAST with 3 natural home remedies

These remodies are great for heartburn relief.  I personally have used lemon water and apple cider vinegar as a morning cleanse drink for overall health as well...and highly recommend it to get your digestive system optimal during its morning cleaning phase.    

Anyone experiencing the pain of an acute gout or rheumatoid arthritis attack would sell their soul to get fast relief from the agony. Most drugs take time to build up in the system before relief occurs; and, many of those same drugs cause unacceptable side effects. What if you could make a drink, that in the matter of just a few minutes, would help the pain subside to tolerable levels or relieve it entirely? Sounds too good to be true? Well, it's not.

The underlying cause of arthritis, gout and fibromyalgia is an imbalance in the system causing acidosis, which is the basis of most physical disease. In simple terms, this means your pH is out of balance and your body is trying to get back into balance in any way it can. Even in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, imbalance is at the root of its cause. The body's attempt to regain stasis is what causes arthritis, high uric acid, muscle spasms and a host of other problems. The solution is to help the body's pH return to normal by consuming alkalizing foods.

Here are three potent home remedies that can help relieve inflammatory arthritis and rheumatism pains, gout attacks and debilitating fibromyalgia episodes in a very short time. No one remedy works for everyone; so it's important to use them all, one at a time, and find what works best in each circumstance.

Baking soda

Baking soda mixed in water can relieve gout joint pain almost instantly and reduce high uric acid. In some cases it may take up to two days to experience relief; however, if taken regularly, it will prevent attacks before they occur. Mix 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in 8 oz. of water and drink it all at once. The maximum recommended dose is 4 teaspoons divided up throughout the day during an acute attack. Then reduce the dose as the pain subsides. Baking soda can raise the blood pressure. Persons taking medication for hypertension should consult a health practitioner before using baking soda in this manner.

 


Apple cider vinegar
Anecdotal evidence and clinical reports indicate that apple cider vinegar relieves joint pain, acid stomach, headaches, gout, muscle spasms and arthritis. ACV acts to help create an alkaline-forming state in the body by stimulating digestive juices, including bicarbonate, that's released by the pancreas. This highly alkaline substance neutralizes the acidic vinegar and stomach acids, helping to balance the pH. Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of vinegar with 8 oz. of water and drink all at once. Some people prefer to sip on it; however, it seems to be more effective when consumed at one time. If it's too strong use less vinegar and work up to a full dose. Apple cider vinegar is known to be especially helpful in relieving acute gout attacks. Always use organic vinegar with the mother intact.

Lemon juice and baking soda

Another alkalizing drink that works miracles for some people is a lemon juice and baking soda cocktail. Mixing the highly acidic lemon juice with the highly alkaline baking soda creates a perfectly balanced pH that matches the body's natural healthy pH, which helps to restore balance almost instantaneously. Pour the juice of one lemon - about 2 oz. - into a tall glass. Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and allow it to fizz and bubble until it is completely flat -- about two minutes. It can also be stirred. Add 8 oz. of water and drink immediately. It should taste like flat water.

Lemons

 Lemon is an inexpensive, easily available citrus fruit, popular for its culinary and medicinal uses. It is used to prepare a variety of food recipes such as lemon cakes, lemon chicken and beverages like lemonade and lemon-flavored drinks. It is also used for garnishing. Lemon juice consists of about 5% citric acid that gives a tarty taste to lemon. Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C. It also contains vitamins like vitamin B, riboflavin and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium as well as proteins and carbohydrates. Lemon is generally consumed in the form of lemon juice or lemon water. Lemon water makes a healthy drink, especially when taken in the morning. Daily consumption of lemon water provides a number of health benefits like:

1. Good for stomach

Lemon can help relieve many digestion problems when mixed with hot water. These include nausea, heartburn and parasites. Due to the digestive qualities of lemon juice, symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn, bloating and belching are relieved. By drinking lemon juice regularly, the bowels are aided in eliminating waste more efficiently. Lemon acts as a blood purifier and as a cleansing agent. The intake of lemon juice can cure constipation. It is even known to help relieve hiccups when consumed as a juice. Lemon juice acts as a liver tonic and helps you digest your food by helping your liver produce more bile. It decreases the amount of phlegm produced by your body. It is also thought to help dissolve gallstones.

2. Excellent for Skin Care

Lemon, being a natural antiseptic medicine, can participate to cure problems related to skin. Lemon is a vitamin C rich citrus fruit that enhances your beauty, by rejuvenating skin from within and thus bringing a glow on your face. Daily consumption of lemon water can make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin. It acts as an anti-aging remedy and can remove wrinkles and blackheads. Lemon water if applied on the areas of burns can fade the scars. As lemon is a cooling agent, it reduces the burning sensation on the skin.

3. Aids in Dental Care

Lemon water is used in dental care also. If fresh lemon juice is applied on the areas of toothache, it can assist in getting rid of the pain. The massages of lemon juice on gums can stop gum bleeding. It gives relief from bad smell and other problems related to gums.

4. Cures Throat Infections

Lemon is an excellent fruit that aids in fighting problems related to throat infections, sore throat and tonsillitis as it has an antibacterial property. For sore throat, dilute one-half lemon juice with one-half water and gargle frequently.

5. Good for Weight Loss

One of the major health benefits of drinking lemon water is that it paves way for losing weight faster, thus acting as a great weight loss remedy. If a person takes lemon juice mixed with lukewarm water and honey, it can reduce the body weight as well.

6. Controls High Blood Pressure

Lemon water works wonders for people having heart problem, owing to its high potassium content. It controls high blood pressure, dizziness, nausea as well as provides relaxation to mind and body. It also reduces mental stress and depression.

7. Assist in curing Respiratory Disorders

Lemon water assists in curing respiratory problems, along with breathing problems and revives a person suffering from asthma.

8. Good for treating Rheumatism

Lemon is also a diuretic and hence lemon water can treat rheumatism and arthritis. It helps to flush out bacteria and toxins out of the body.

9. Reduces Fever

Lemon water can treat a person who is suffering from cold, flu or fever. It helps to break fever by increasing perspiration.

10. Acts as a blood purifier

The diseases like cholera or malaria can be treated with lemon water as it can act as a blood purifier.

How much should I drink?

In case you are in good health and weigh 150 lbs or less, it is advisable for you to have juice of one-half of the lemon squeezed into one glass of water, twice daily. However, if you weigh more than 150 lbs, juice of one whole lemon in a glass of water should be preferred. For maximum benefit, this mixture should also be taken two times a day, though you may dilute more lemon juice according to your taste if you wish.

Do not just remain oblivious to the gifts of nature such as this, for you should always try to make the most of them. So, make it a part of your daily routine to drink a glass of lemon water in the morning and then open your gateway to enjoy its health benefits.

Natural Face Exfoliate

Natural Face Exfoliate

Naturally get younger, super smooth, beautiful clear skin.

Be sure to scroll all the way down for more uses of the almighty Lemon!

Lemony Face Exfoliate

 What you need to get from your kitchen:

• 1/2 Lemon
• 1 teaspoon Sugar (brown or white)

How to use it

There are 2 ways you can apply this.

1.) with a cotton pad you can squeeze the lemon onto the cotton pad and sprinkle the sugar on it.  Then after cleaning your face and patting it dry, rub the cotton pad all over your face exfoliating your skin. Rinse after 5-10 minutes with warm water. And make the last splash of water cold to close your pores. Your skin May appear slightly red from the citric acid, this will fade very shortly.

2.) with the half lemon sprinkle the sugar right on it and apply directly to your face, you get more lemon but the scrub isn't as abrasive. Keep squeezing a little to get more lemon out...tastes yummy if some drips on your lips! Rinse after 5-10 minutes with warm water. And make the last splash of water cold to close your pores. Your skin May appear slightly red from the citric acid, this will fade very shortly.

*Be sure not to get any lemon in your eyes...it's ok to get some in your mouth:p unlike unnatural products*

It may sting a little the first time you try it...I can't remember if it did when i first used it, but it doesn't sting at all when I used it now. So guys who want to try this I would recommend doing it Before shaving:p

I try to conserve on lemons so with both remedies I use the lemon more than once. If I want more of a scrub i use a cotton pad (very rarely). Then to keep the lemon to reuse I just refrigerate it...or use it as mentioned below (which doesn't include the sugar). 

*What I usually do- almost every morning and evening I squeezing half a lemon in water and drinking it (part of my daily routine for naturally detoxing my body) I then sometimes use the lemon I just squeezed and turn the peal inside out and just rub the inner part all over my face. There is always juice left in it and it has a nice texture, so I get double duty out of my half lemon! This then is my toner after washing my face. (if you want a leave on toner dilute about 10 drops of lemon with half a cup of water and with a cotton ball apply over face...this does not need to be rinsed off).  If I feel i need a moisturizer after I rub in some extra virgin cold pressed olive oil...great for the eyebrows and eyelashes too, so rub it all over, it soaks right in and doesn't leave your skin shiny like you may assume.   

My face is so soft from doing this!! I can't stop touching it:p

You can do this daily or weekly...it's up to you.  Either way your skin will feel better than ever before guaranteed;)

LEMONS applied on your face help get rid of acne, freckles, age spots etc.  It's refreshing and contains alpha hydroxy that works wonders on your skin. Your skin produces sebum (oil) that causes acne for some people and needs to be removed...this is what the lemon will do:) It's like getting a professional face peal without the cost or pain. And the vitamin C is perfect for aging skin! Using lemon will fade acne scars and prevent future breakouts, along with reduce unwanted shine, and clear up skin while evening skin tone and tightening pores making your skin super soft.  One half lemon can last you a week, either squeezing it on a pad or using the lemon directly.  You will see results the first time you use it, but try it daily for a week and you will really be impressed!

Other Uses for the almighty Lemon

• You can also use lemons to rub over elbows and knees to soften and lighten skin naturally. Like you do for the face, you will rinse after 5-10 minutes. This lightens skin over time...great for lightening freckles, scars and age spots/sun damage spots. 
• Use a slice of lemon, lemon juice or even the pulp of the lemon to soothe skin irritations caused by insect bites and stings.
•  For chapped lips create a mixture of 1 teaspoon lemon juice and honey and then rub it onto your lips several times a day.
•  If you have persistent dandruff or an itchy scalp then you can use fresh lemon juice mixed together with an egg white in equal proportions to treat it. Just massage this mixture into your scalp, leave for 30-45 minutes and then wash it out. Do this before each shower and you will soon see the results of a cleaner, smoother scalp.
•  If you have brittle finger nails then rubbing sliced lemon everyday on them will help you to achieve much stronger and sturdier nails.
•  Lemon juice has been known for years to promote good internal health and vitality. Not only is it full of vitamin C to help boost your immune system but it is also full of natural glucose and fibre to help relieve constipation and replace lost fluids on a hot day. Place a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice in a glass of water and drink this every morning for good personal health. This also helps to detox your body (I drink it every morning and night...but if you can do this at least every morning during the cleansing faze of your body that's great!) *Make sure that you remember to brush your teeth after consuming any strong form of lemon juice as its acidic properties can weaken your teeth's enamel over time.*
• A natural way to stop body odor is to rub lemon juice or a lemon on skin areas that cause problems (ie: under the arms) and then pat it dry. Doing this will change to pH level of your skin and make it much harder for any odor causing bacteria to survive. (I have yet to try this...I sorta fear the sting lol but will try it one day!)
• If you have a sore throat or a bad cough you can mix lemon juice, honey and red cayenne pepper in a glass and then swallow it. The honey will help to sooth your throat, the cayenne pepper will improve circulation and the lemon juice will reduce inflammation, as well as providing you with much needed vitamin C.
•  If you have a wart and want a natural method to get rid of it try using lemon peel. Simply tape the lemon peel over the wart before you go to bed each night and a chemical in the lemon skin will dissolve the wart and discourage it from regrowing. (don't have any warts to try this but a great natural tips for those who need it!)
• I also use lemons in almost all my favorite raw dishes like my raw kale/avocado salad and my raw pasta marinara:)