Lemon juice contains electrolytes like sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) which makes lemon water one of the best drinks for fitness purposes. Lemon water works for rehydration, may improve skin quality, and prevent kidney stones.
To make this super simple drink, just combine a dash of sea salt (up to a quarter teaspoon) with some warm water, stir, and then squeeze in as much lemon juice as you can handle (we recommend at least 1 quarter to 1 half of a lemon).
Lemons are the queen of citrus when it comes to electrolytes. They're a good source of potassium, calcium and magnesium. Add that to their ability to detoxify the liver, balance pH levels and boost the immune system with vitamin C, and lemons are officially a solid addition to any drink.
Both lemons and limes have similar nutrients. Lemons contain more vitamin C and antioxidant flavonoids than limes. However, limes have slightly higher levels of minerals and vitamins than lemons. For example, limes have more niacin, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium than lemons.
Of course, part of the benefit of drinking lemon water is simply that it helps you stay hydrated, which is important for overall health. So, “if consuming more water flavored with lemon juice helps you meet your daily fluid goals, then it is a great habit,” Prest explains.
Hydration from Drinking Lemon Water
Consequently, drinking lemon water is seen as a great way to hydrate yourself and replenish the fluids you lose throughout the day. It's arguably better than just drinking glasses of water as you get the added vitamin C, antioxidants, and citrate.
Consuming large amounts of lemon water daily can damage the stomach. Due to its acidity, it can cause heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. One of the downsides of drinking lemon water daily is that it can trigger the development of ulcers. The acid in lemons can harm the stomach and intestinal linings, leading to ulcers.
Magnesium is one of the body's primary sources of electrolytes, and this means that a mix of magnesium citrate powder and water can create a truly refreshing drink. You can also obtain natural electrolytes from a variety of fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, kale, avocados, coconut, lemons, and bananas.
Lemon water can worsen heartburn and GERD symptoms. Its acidity can irritate the esophagus, causing pain. People look to it for health benefits, but those with these conditions need to beware. Symptoms of heartburn and GERD include chest burning, acid regurgitation, swallowing difficulty, and chronic cough.
Flushing how much salt is in your body overnight requires drinking plenty of water and adding certain diuretic ingredients to a glass. This includes lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, green tea and baking soda. All of these can help reduce how much sodium remains after sleeping and improve how you feel in the morning.
Saltwater, lemon water, and copper sulphate solution are examples of electrolytes. Sodium chloride is a soluble salt and it has sodium and chloride ions in it. Lemon water is acidic and has potassium, calcium and magnesium ions.
The sweet substance is mostly fructose and glucose — simple sugars that are easily converted by the body into energy — and water. Honey also contains trace amounts of vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, enzymes, amino acids and flavonoids, says Jenny Friedman, a Philadelphia-based registered dietitian.
In general, the lower the concentration and the lower the charges on the ions, the "stronger" the electrolytes will be. Alkali metals other than lithium are usually strong electrolytes especially when the anion also has a small charge, and in dilute solutions (<0.1M).
In general, however, it usually takes about two hours for your body to rehydrate fully after drinking a significant amount of water. As for how you should rehydrate, water is the best choice. Sports drinks, such as Gatorade, can be helpful for athletes who need to replenish electrolytes.
By adding a small amount of salt to your drinking water, “you can help replenish these lost electrolytes, promoting better water absorption and preventing dehydration,” Crumble Smith said.
1 lemon to 8 cups water.
Here's how to make lemon water: Thinly slice a lemon and place it in the bottom of a large pitcher.
They are heart-healthy
The potassium in lemons may help control blood pressure, but that's not all. The vitamin C you'll get from drinking warm lemon water in the morning may reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Lemons contain citrate, which helps prevent calcium from building up and forming stones in your kidneys. Interestingly, the benefit doesn't seem to be present in oranges, making lemon a unique tool in kidney stone prevention.