Lemon Water on Empty Stomach

by Mae Rivera
(Henderson, NV US)

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 don't have an ulcer, it is fine to take lemon water on an empty stomach.

Start with a weak dilution, one-fourth of a fresh-squeezed lemon, in 8 to 12 ounces of water to test it if you are concerned.

Then work up to one-half lemon in water once or twice a day.

Drinking lemon water at whatever time you wake up is the best time to take it because the body has "fasted" during sleep and is ready to eliminate waste and toxins.

Drinking lemon is a gentle liver cleanse and blood purifier that will also aid with digestion and elimination.

Drinking Lemon Water on Empty Stomach

by Animesh
(India, Jharkhand)

Does drinking lemon water on an empty stomach make the digestive juices of the stomach dilute and cause indigestion??

WBH response: Lemon water actually improves digestion and elimination.

The only time I would not recommend lemon water on an empty stomach would be if someone had citrus allergies, stomach ulcers or problems with the esophagus from long-standing acid reflux.

As noted in my article on "The Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water":

"One of the most important benefits of drinking lemon water regularly is its effect on the gastrointestinal tract. . .

"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."

Since lemon water is so similar in structure to stomach acid, it does not dilute stomach acid. In addition, the body does not actually produce stomach acid unless food is present.

In general, I do not recommend drinking lemon water with food.

I mean, I believe you get more benefits if you drink lemon water at least one half hour before eating (preferably breakfast) and right before bed (at least 2 hours after eating the last meal or snacks).