Drinking lemon water is the first thing I do every single morning. I have done it for as long as I can remember. Why? It keeps me hydrated, supports digestion, and boosts my immune system—and it might even make my skin glow.
I love water, but lemon makes it more fun. Starting every morning with lemon water helps hydrate me after sleep and sets me up for my morning workout. It also knocks several cups of water off my daily hydration goal of at least ten.
I always appreciate simple digestive aids that don’t require supplements. Lemons are one answer. For example:
- One very small study found that the acid in lemons increases gastric emptying (how quickly the stomach digests food).
- Another study found that taking vitamin C supplements improves “good” gut bacteria called Bifidobacterium, which also helps fight infection.
Citrus fruits like lemons are high in vitamin C and other antioxidants.
- Phenolic compounds are antioxidants that support healthy blood pressure, blood flow, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (“healthy cholesterol”) levels. All of this reduces your risk of heart disease.
- Vitamin C helps with tissue repair and growth. It’s an important part of collagen, a key protein in skin, joints, and bones that loses strength with age.
So, what exactly do I do? (Hint: It’s very simple.)
- Warm up water: I fill a 24-ounce mason jar with water and microwave it for about 45 seconds.
- Add lemon: I add half a lemon per 24 ounces of water.
- Drink slowly: This is the first thing I consume every day, before tea/coffee or breakfast.
I continue this trend when traveling as much as possible—because how hard is it to bring or buy a lemon? It’s especially helpful after later-than-usual bedtimes.
Morning lemon water is simply what I do now: it is a fully-formed habit. It reminds me that health doesn’t need to be overcomplicated, time-consuming, or expensive. It also reminds me that the smallest habit can make a difference.
Lemon water has a few caveats due to its acidic nature.
- Tooth erosion: Highly acidic foods can contribute to dental erosion—loss of tooth enamel, the outer protective layer.
- Acid reflux: Consuming citrus regularly (e.g., daily) can contribute to acid reflux—when acid from your stomach bubbles up into your esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn.
My top tip: Wait about an hour before brushing your teeth. This allows your saliva to wash away the acid and protects tooth enamel.
The American Dental Association (ADA) also recommends rinsing your mouth with water or eating dairy after highly acidic meals or beverages and using a straw for acidic beverages, which I will start doing.
Side note: I often do oil-pulling, otherwise known as swishing coconut oil in my mouth for several minutes and spitting it out. Many people believe it has benefits, but the ADA points out the lack of research. That said, my dental hygienist recently commented on the whiteness of my teeth and told me I have basically no plaque. So, I’m still a believer.
