The Health Benefits
of Drinking Lemon Water
by Nancy Hearn, CNC

glass of lemon water

Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

I remember first learning about the health benefits of drinking lemon water probably twenty-five years ago. 

At that time, I was told that drinking lemon water first thing in the morning was especially good for cleansing the liver.

In my nutrition studies, I learned that lemons are a good source of citric acid, potassium, calcium, phosphorous and magnesium.

Recently I was given a large bagful of fresh, hand-picked Arizona lemons. And someone else asked me, “Are there any health benefits of drinking lemon water?”

I took these two events as a hint that I needed to know more about lemons. It was time to do a little more research. What I found is truly amazing.

The following is a brief summary of a few of the key health benefits of drinking lemon water regularly.

Medicinal Values

In his book Back to Eden, Jethro Kloss explains some of the medicinal values of a lemon:

  • It helps prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria and the decomposition of tissue
  • It assists in “cleansing the system of impurities” and will help prevent disease
  • It is effective at dissolving uric acid (often the cause of pain and inflammation in joints) and other poisons in the body
  • It can help reduce symptoms of malaria, rheumatism, gout, rickets and tuberculosis.

Liver Benefits

Kloss also states that lemon is an excellent stimulant to the liver, thus confirming what I had learned as a twenty-something.

Lemon water liquefies the bile and helps control excess bile flow. For liver complaints, Kloss recommends drinking warm lemon juice one hour before breakfast.

A.F. Beddoe, author of Biological Ionization as Applied to Human Nutrition, writes that the liver can make more enzymes out of fresh lemon juice than from any other food.

He says the primary purpose of the lemon is to:

  • Provide a natural strengthening agent to liver enzymes when they are too dilute
  • Help fix oxygen and calcium levels in the liver, which ultimately affects blood oxygen levels.

Digestive Aid

One of the most important benefits of drinking lemon water regularly is its effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Lemon water assists in the process of digestion and elimination.

Lemon juice is similar in atomic structure to saliva, hydrochloric acid, bile and the stomach’s other digestive juices.

The digestive qualities of lemon juice help to relieve symptoms of indigestion, such as heartburn, belching and bloating. For the relief of heartburn, Kloss recommends taking a teaspoon of lemon juice in half a glass of water.

Lemon water will also help to eliminate waste through the bowels more efficiently, thus preventing or alleviating constipation, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disorders.

Oxy-Powder® is a safe and effective colon cleanse product that harnesses the power of oxygen to gently cleanse and detoxify the entire digestive tract.


Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties

Bacteria and viruses that cause cold and flu symptoms thrive in an acidic environment in the body, due to excess stress and unhealthy foods and lifestyle.

Drinking lemon water has an alkalizing effect on the body. Increasing body alkalinity is one of the key benefits of drinking lemon water.

In addition, because of its antibacterial properties, lemon water will help control unhealthy bacteria.

For a sore throat, Kloss recommends gargling frequently with lemon juice, diluted half and half with pure water. Gargling with straight lemon juice would be more effective if tolerable.

However, frequent use of straight lemon juice can ruin tooth enamel.

Thus it’s a good idea to rinse the mouth with pure water after gargling with straight lemon juice.

Other Benefits of Lemon Water

Just a few more significant health benefits of lemon water, according to Kloss and Beddoe, include:

  • Helps purify the blood and will also control a tendency to bleed
  • Assists in lowering high blood pressure
  • Reduces the amount of phlegm in the body
  • Relieves symptoms of asthma, allergies and other respiratory problems
  • Nourishes brain and nerve cells due to its potassium content
  • Helps dissolves gallstones, calcium deposits, kidney stones, and pancreatic stones
  • In pregnancy, it will help build strong bones in the child.

Cautions

  1. Drinking lemon water can diminish tooth enamel. You can find out how to prevent this on this page.
  2. If you have ulcers or a known citrus allergy, you should not drink lemon water.
  3. Pregnant women should only drink lemon water in moderation and should consult a doctor first.


Further Reading . . .

Drinking Lemon in Water - How Much, How Often, Hot or Cold?

A Lemon Juice Diet for Healing -- The Master Cleanse

Lemon Home Remedies for Internal Use and Topical Application


Return from Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water to Water Benefits Health Home


whole house water filtration system



Question and Answer Forum
about Lemon Water

  1. Sorry, but this forum is currently closed for questions.
  2. You can use our Google site search box below and type in a few key words regarding your question.
  3. Review the results and see if you find your answer. 



What Other Visitors Have Said

This comment forum is no longer active. Click below to see questions or comments from other visitors to this page...

Can lemon water cure diabetes? 
How can you use lemon water to cure diabetes? Nancy's Response: I would never suggest that lemon water or any specific food or beverage, for that …

Can lemon water be substituted with lime water 
It is quite difficult to find fresh lemons here in town, so I ask can lime water also give the health benefits of lemon water? Is it advisable to take …

Drinking lemon under sun light 
When drinking lemon water under the sun, it will cause the skin to absorb sunlight to develop spots on our skin! Response: Hi James. This is interesting. …

well water 
When i distill a gallon of water from my well, i end up with a cup of a white calcium-like substance that dries as hard as a rock. Is it safer to drink …

How much weight can I lose and how fast? 
I am drinking the lemon juice early in the morning before food !

Will lime juice substitute? 
I have lots of limes on my tree. Will they do? Response: You can compare the benefits of lemons and limes here.

Lemon water vs apple cider vinegar 
What is healthier drinking lemon in water or apple cider vinegar in water on a daily basis? Response: The short answer is that I don’t think one …

Intestinal and esophagus yeast  
Will lemon water help yeast infection in esophagus and stomach? RESPONSE: According to my research, lemon water is anti-bacterial and anti-viral, …

Is there any other method to remove ecoli problem? 
Yes. I used to take ginger, lemon water mixing with some honey so that it help me a lot. This is a good tonic to keep good health. Method to prepare …

Combining lemon water with salt 
Is it ok to kill two birds with one stone and drink a glass of water combined with lemon and salt. Or is it best to consume each separately? For a …

Lemon water by the gallon 
Ii want to know how to make Lemon Water by the gallon to drink cold. RESPONSE: You can squeeze the juice of about 4 lemons and then add the juice …

Lemon water for piles is good or not 
Drinking lemon water is good or not after piles surgery? RESPONSE: I have not seen any factual or clinical information on the benefit of drinking …

Green limes 
I live in mexico and its hard to get yellow lemons. We do have green limes. Is that ok? RESPONSE: Yes, limes and lemons are very similar in nutrient …

Lemon juice for kidney stones 
Can I drink lemon juice without water because i have 14 mm stone in ureter and i want to remove it with lemon juice? So tell me can I drink and if yes, …

Lemon and low oxygen levels 
How do I use lemons to improve my nephew's low oxygen levels? He often is at 85-89. At this time, we have an oxygen concentration system. I would …

Drinking lemon water with ulcers? 
If a person is having ulcer problems, then how can he/she take lemon water? Please give your guidelines to them also... ANSWER: Anyone with ulcers …

Lemon water is acidic and can lead to demineralized teeth 
So let me understand this—acidic water/ lemon water is good for you, but not reverse osmosis water (because it might be slightly acidic)? Seems contradictory. …

Ozonated water plus fresh lemon juice 
MY QUESTION IS IF WE USE AN OZONATED WATER MADE WITH A PORTABLE O3 GENERATOR PLUS ADDING A FRESH CUT LEMON JUICE. IS THIS THE BEST WAY TO PRODUCE …

Intestinal issues with lemon water. 
Several months ago I started the warm water and lemon juice (organic fresh squeezed) first thing in the morning. I have to tell you first that I have, …

Boiled water with added lemon 
Should I boil water, let it then chill overnight in fridge, then add lemon? ANSWER: I am not sure why you would boil the water, unless you know …

Morning lemon cleanse and medications 
I am currently on high doses of Prednisolone, and I take a weekly tablet of Alendronic Acid and daily dose of Lansoprozole, plus cadesartan and aspirin. …

Effects of lemon on acidity 
Is there any adverse effects of lemon on excessive acid reflux and calcium level? RESPONSE: Is there any adverse effects of lemon on excessive …

Bottled lemon juice to kill fleas 
Can I use lemon juice bought already squeezed to kill and repel fleas in my house and kittens?? Please help

Lemon water at night 
Is it ok to drink lemon water at night. I wake 2 or 3 times most nights and have a few sips of water. I take several medications in the morning and …

Will lemon water dehydrate you? 
Will lemon water dehydrate you more? RESPONSE: Lemon water is a mild diuretic (i.e., it makes you pee more.) Thus, drinking more than 12 to …

Thyroid issues with lemon water? 
Hi, Few months back I got to know that I have hypothyroidism and doctor recommended me thyronorm 100mcg. After 3 months I found the thyroid level to …

Too much lemon juice? 
Suffered from IBS for 40 years. Can too much fresh squeezed lemon juice cause stomach pain? I freshly squeeze 2 lemons each morning and have in 3 C. …

Squeeze lemon juice in water or put lemon slice? 
I was so happy to learn that something so simple and easy could help with gastrointestinal problems,and naturally too! RESPONSE: Drinking fresh-squeezed …

Can drinking lemon juice stop me from getting pregnant? 
I have been taking a glass of lemon in warm water every first thing in the morning, and now it seems it is difficult for me to conceive. RESPONSE: …

Lemon water for children with constipation 
My son is 2.5 yrs old and since last 1 year he is having severe constipation. I tried many medications and home remedies but nothing worked really well. …

Does lemon water destroy libido? 
I drink lots of bitter lemon and was told it might be linked to my increasing lack of interest in sex. Please help answer the question. ANSWER: …

Warm lemon water causes nausea 
I sometimes feel nauseated and slight discomfort when I drink my half squeezed lemon in warm water upon waking. I generally follow this with a cup of …

Lemon water and acid reflux or heartburn 
I began drinking a slice of lemon in a glass of cold water each morning one week ago. My joint pain almost disappeared. Now I have severe heartburn. …

Barrett's esophagus and lemon water 
I have Baretts esophagus due to acid in stomach. I am supposed to stay away from citrus. Will drinking warm lemon water hurt me? ANSWER: I agree …

Lemon Water vs Pure Water 
QUESTION: Great website and interesting information. Ok, so there's a lot of talk about the benefits of drinking water first thing in the morning, …

Lemon Water and Ulcers 
How will the lemon water affect peptic ulcers in stomach. Is it harmful? ANSWER: Hi, Irma. We do not recommend drinking lemon water for anyone …

How to Restore Health and Weight 
I am 52 yearS old. Since 2006 I have had problems in my system. One night I had severe uncomfortable feeling like burning, hypertension, indigestion, …

Lemon Water for Young Children 
Hi, is lemon water good for children aged 5 and under? ANSWER: I would not recommend giving lemon water to children under 6 years on a daily basis. …

Eating the Lemon After Drinking Lemon Water 
I feel sorry for the lemon after finishing my lemon water dosage for the day--to the point I sometime end up eating it. I've been raised by good parents …

Lemon Water Limitation per Day? Possible Combinations? 
Hello, I'm Ramzy from the Middle East. Thank you so much for this wonderful site. My story is simple with lemon water. I've been through a lot of diet …

Can lemon water relieve gas? 
Can lemon water help with bad gas? I would just like to know if lemon in water helps gas as I keep getting gas and abdomen pains, trapped wind, etc. …

lime water benefits 
I have been eating one full meal meal a day, and having two small snacks. I drink lime water all day long. I have lost 17 lbs in 4 months. Not quick results, …

How does acidic lemon juice make you more alkaline? 
So since lemon juice is acidic, how does it assist in making the body ph more alkaline.. Thank you! ANSWER: Even though lemon water contains citric …

Lemon water helps arthritis in knee 
I have Arthritis in my right knee. I just started drinking lemon water three days ago, and I have already begun to to have amazing results. I feel less, …

Low pH for RO water vs lemon juice 
Why is drinking RO water bad for you because the ph is low, but lemon juice good for you? ANSWER: I apologize for the delayed response . . . I …

Lemon water and under-eye bags 
I have terrible bags and fat deposits under eyes. ANSWER: I don't know if drinking lemon water would help or not. But I think it is worth a try …

I am allergic to lemons - what else can I use? 
QUESTION: My eyes swell if I use to much citrus of any kind. I have used lemon juice before but now if I drink a half a lemon in water every day, …

Lemon pith and zest 
I have started to finely grate the lemon peel and as much as the zest as I can and then I mix in my lemon water and drink it with a straw. Wondering …

Lemon slices in water 
I am trying to recover from some adverse conditions caused by a sensitivity to Vitamin D3 and fish oil. Everything I read says to make your lemon water …

How long can lemon water sit on counter? 
If I have a glass dispenser sitting on my counter filled with water and sliced lemons, how long can it sit for before I should not drink it anymore? …

Does lemon water with artificial sweetener have the same effect as without? 
QUESTION: Does lemon water with artificial sweetener have the same health benefits as not adding artificial sweetener? ANSWER: I honestly …

Lemon in water during pregnancy to reduce weight? 
QUESTION: Is it good to drink lemon water during pregnancy to reduce weight and lessen the food craving and heart burn? Worst situation with me …

Will lemon water interfere with my medications? 
QUESTION: I'm suppose to take my thyroid medication on an empty stomach each morning. I also take my water tablet at this time. When should I …

Lemon juice, statins and high cholesterol 
QUESTION: Are there any benefits in having lemon juice in water for high cholesterol? ANSWER: Drinking lemon water is known to help with lowering …

Lemon Rind Zest in Water 
I am on an alkaline diet and I drink about 3 or 4 juiced lemons in my water daily. I'm wondering if adding the lemon rind zest with the lemon juice would …

Lemon Juice Helps With Gastritis 
I have gastritis and drinking a half a glass of lukewarm water with one tablespoon of lemon juice every morning takes care or the bloating in the stomach …

Does adding Sugar to Lemon Juice Negate Benefits? 
I read that it is the taste buds 'noticing' the bitter taste of the lemon that triggers the stomach juices. (Apparently this is the reason behind using …

Can Lemon Water Lower Fasting Sugar Levels? 
I find my fasting sugar to be around 140 and pp to be around 150. I don't want to medicate myself. Will a regular intake of warm lemon water first …

How Much Lemon in Lemon Water 
Hi! I am Maurin from the Philippines. I am amazed on the many benefits of Lemon. I am glad to have come across your site and learned about this amazing …

Would lemon water help vaginal yeast infections? 
Question: I am a diabetic controlled by diet, medication not yet needed but I have thrush constantly. Would the lemon drink help? WBH response: …

Lemon and Impotence 
Does lemon cause impotence in men or reduces libido? WBH response: I am not aware of any reason why lemon would cause impotence in men or reduce libido. …

Lemon Water with Barrett's Esophagus 
QUESTION: My Mother could benefit greatly from lemon juice in water, but will not take it for fear of inflaming her ailment. Is there a potential …

Lemon water on empty stomach 
I work grave yard or over night so I wake up around 12 noon. It is still ok to drink lemon water with empty stomach??? WBH response: As long as you …

Lemon Water During Monsoon? 
Question: I have heard that during monsoon season we must not drink warm lemon water in the morning. Is it true? WBH response: Hi Rajesh, as I …

Does Lemon Water Cause Flu? 
Does lemon water cause flu..? WBH response: I am sure you probably know that viruses cause flu symptoms. If you are asking if drinking lemon water …

Lemon Water Helps with Adrenal Fatigue 
I recently discovered that warm lemon water also helps with a condition known as adrenal fatigue, which when I began researching I realized is something …

Eating Lemons and Drinking Water 
I have severe carpal tunnel syndrome and will be having surgery soon, and even the thought of freshly squeezing lemons each day hurts. I also have …

Frozen lemon juice in water 
We have a neighbor that brings us TONS of fresh lemons each year. We usually squeeze all of them (what doesn't end up in pies) & freeze it in ice cube …

Lemon Water with Hypothyroidism 
Question: I was diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism since I gained a lot of weight after my second delivery....... I just want to know whether …

Lemon Water and Autoimmune Disease 
QUESTION: Can the lemon water help autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or vasculitis? ANSWER: I cannot think of any type of autoimmune disease …

Lemon Water During Pregnancy 
Hello, I am in my first trimester and having a constipation problem. Is it safe to drink whole lemon in hot water every morning and does it help with constipation? …

Drinking lemon water with wheat grass or spirulina 
QUESTION: Is it ok to drink (first thing in the morning) warm lemon water with wheat grass and honey in it? Does it give the same benefits of drinking …

Breast Feeding and Lemon Water 
Question: I am a breast feeding mother and I was wondering if drinking lemon water will do anything to my baby . . . Good or bad? My baby has a lot …

Muscle Soreness After Exercise 
Hi there, After exercise, my muscles remain somewhat stiff and sore for days! I was just wondering if lemon juice would ease it! I am a senior in his …

Demerits of Drinking Lemon Water? 
I will like to know if there are some demerits of drinking lemon water? Secondly, can drinking lemon water cure hepatitis B? WBH response: I don't …

Too Much Iron in Blood 
I have too much iron and B-12 in my blood. What effect will warm lemon juice have on my system? I have changed my diet to a strict low iron as possible …

My Healing with Lemon Water 
Hi, my name is Ian and i would like to share with you and your guests the story about my Lemon water experience. To set the picture, i was living in …

I Dislike Lemons 
I am trying to get healthier and I was advised to include lemon water into my diet, but the taste makes me gag. Is there anything else that I can take …

Lemon Water Helps Endometriosis 
QUESTION: Does lemon juice in water help with getting rid of endometriosis? My daughter has had surgery, has tried acupuncture, and is now seeing …

Drink Lemon Juice without Water? 
Question: I often drink lemon juice with sea salt, sometimes without water. I worry whether it will cause any harm to my stomach. Please advise. Thank …

Lemon Allergy Symptoms 
Question: How can I know if I am allergic to lemons? Nancy’s Answer: Lemon allergies are uncommon, but like any citrus allergy, a lemon allergy …

Lemon Water and Cystitis 
Question: I suffer a lot with cystitis or at times urethritis. I would love to know if lemon water can help reduce an attack and if it's good during …

Benefits of lemons and limes 
QUESTION: I ran out of lemons. Can I use limes? ANSWER: Yes, you can. I have compared the nutritional benefits of lemons and limes and they …

Lemon water and food intolerance and IBS 
QUESTION: How beneficial is lemon water for food intolerance and inflammation? About 5 years ago, I started reacting to corn in any form. So I withdrew …

Lemon water and uric acid 
QUESTION: You write that lemon water is effective at dissolving uric acid. Are you sure about this?? ANSWER: When writing the article The …

Lemon water and bones 
QUESTION: Drinking lemon water in the mornings is quite a common thing, particularly hot water and lemon. People believe that other than improving …

Lemon water and blood thinners 
QUESTION: In the other benefits section where it says that lemon water helps purify the blood and will also control a tendency to bleed, how will …

Lemon water and neutropenia 
QUESTION: How beneficial will warm lemon water be for a patient with low neutrophils blood count? ANSWER: For the benefit of our site visitors, …

Can lemon juice cause arthritis? 
QUESTION: My mother has been drinking lemon juice in water for years with excellent results for almost everything. Then a 'friend' comments …

Benefits of cut lemons 
QUESTION: I have read that once cutting open a lemon and it is exposed to the air and poured into a drink, you only have 30 minutes to drink it or …

Lemon Water and Menopause Symptoms 
I think drinking lemon water has helped me with hot flashes, night sweats, and menopause. I have tried everything under the sun with drugs and this has …

Lemon drink with ionized water 
QUESTION: Was just wondering what ionized water is and how to get your water like this? Would you get the most benefit with this type of water with your …

Acne, cancer and lemon water 
My acne cleared up in a week of drinking lemon water every day! Also I heard that lemon juice is one of the biggest natural cancer fighting agents available! …

Lemon juice helps asthma 
I have had asthma for the past 20 years. And in 2010 I put myself on lemon juice, as I learned that it was good for people with asthma disease. I have …

Lemon water for gall bladder and bloating 
QUESTION: After unnecessary gall bladder removal 5 years ago, severe intermittent bloating became CONSTANT the past year, until last week when I tried …

Losing weight with lemon water 
QUESTION: Can lemon juice or lemon water help someone lose weight? Can it burn fat in the body or help get rid of fat? ANSWER: First, I encourage …

Lemon water and diabetes 
QUESTION: Is lemon water good for a diabetic? ANSWER: In general, since fresh-squeezed lemon in water helps to alkalize and cleanse the body of …

Lemon water for hangovers and hemorrhoids 
COMMENT: I just love the lemon mix!!! I regularly take lemon squeezed in warm water or tea. The benefits are immense. Warm lemon juice is also good for …

Lemon water benefits for bacterial and viral infections 
COMMENT: I began to drink lemon water since March 2004 and since then I never use any type of antibiotics. Prior to 2004, I often caught Flu type …

Lemon water and teeth 
QUESTION: I have been doing a lemon cleanse and have decided to continue this daily intake of lemons. It has really benefited me greatly. Now my …

Drinking lemon water right after meals 
QUESTION: Is it okay to drink lemon water right after meals because I have heard that it is good to drink it on an empty stomach??? ANSWER: It is …

Constipation, Wrinkles, Purify Blood 
One of my friends told me that drinking lemon in lukewarm water on an empty stomach in the early morning will only reduce your skin from inside that will …

Bottled lemon juice and lemons by the bag 
QUESTION: If you don't have fresh lemons, can you use the bottled lemon juice? ANSWER: Yes, of course you can use the bottled lemon juice, but you …

Best lemon water temperature 
QUESTION: Some say lemon water has to be warm or at room temperature - does it really matter? ANSWER: It is best to drink lemon water at room temperature …

Lemon water benefits eyes and teeth 
I started drinking lemon water for some health issues. After doing it for one week, I noticed that I no longer felt COLD in the winter month of July (down …

If you would like to reproduce or republish this article or any other article on this site, feel free to do so but please include a reference or link to the article at WaterBenefitsHealth.com. 


Did you find this page helpful? Please share it . . .

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.


Sign Up for Our Monthly
Newsletter



50% Off Select Filtration Systems

Visitor Comments

"This was the best and most straight forward info on the net yet. I asked a question and got an answer that made sense. Thank you so much!" - Linderlinder

FINALLY!!! I have been wondering about this for years with no 'solid' answer. This is exactly what I've been wanting to know! Thank you for this share..." by Andy

"Thank you for the information, Nancy. I appreciate it. Your article and findings are very helpful,  referring to dehydration." -  Carolyn

"Lemon water is one drink both my wife and I can't drink. It upsets our stomachs. We are in our sixties and in very good healthwell, better health now that we drink about 2 liters plus of water each day. It has made so much difference to our digestive systems and recovery every day. Thank you for your website and effort." - Rod