by Ochefu
(Nigeria)
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.
They simply do not need it because in most cases their bodies already have the optimal pH balance and their bodies usually do not need assistance with cleansing and detoxification. They have not lived long enough to accumulate the same degree of toxicity as most adults.
However, if a young child is having issues with constipation or has symptoms of a cold, drinking a dilution of lemon water for a day or two might be helpful. You could add the juice of a fresh-squeezed lemon (about 1/8 teaspoon) to about 8 to 12 ounces of water, which the child could sip on throughout the day.
However, in my experience, most young children do not like the bitter taste of plain lemon water. But adding sugar would defeat the purpose.
Thus, if sweetness is needed, I would warm the water first, then add a small amount of honey (or agave) and stir until the honey dissolves, then add the lemon juice.
The child could then drink this either warm or at room temperature throughout the day for best benefits.
As always, parents should consult with their pediatrician as needed or if the child has a specific condition.
Nancy Hearn, CNC
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"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 health—well, 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