The Benefits of Lemon Water

One thing that I do every morning, 30 minutes before I eat breakfast, is to drink a pot of hot water with half a lemon's juice squeezed in. Its important to dilute the lemon due to the acidity of the juice, and the implications this could have on your teeth, not to mention you may have a tummy ache for a while afterwards. Lemons are packed with Vitamin C, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium and B complex Vitamins; all necessary and vital to a healthy, and optimum immune system, digestive system, blood flow, and brain health.
So what are the benefits to this habit ? Well, there are quite a few...
1. It reduces Inflammation in the body- despite lemon juice being acidic, drinking lemon water can actually reduce the acidity level in the human body. If the body is in an acidic state then there is an increased risk of disease and illness- The lemon water removes Uric Acid in joints, which is the main cause of inflammation.
2. It aids digestion- It loosens toxins in the digestive tract and helps to remove these from the body. It can also help with heartburn and bloating as it can decrease the time that food is digested and moved through the bowels.
3. It helps people to lose weight- Lemon contains Pectin- a fibre that can help to reduce hunger cravings and helps the body to feel full.
4. It helps to remove blemishes from the face and clears skin- Lemon contains Antioxidants that help 'mop up' free radicals that are produced during the breakdown on chemical laden food and products.
5. Immune system boost- due to the Vitamin C that lemon contains.
6. A good source of Potassium- this is a Micronutrient that is vital for heart health, brain and nerve function.
7. Freshens breath- It can also relieve toothache. Lemon is Antibacterial so can help to kill all those nasties that can lead to poor smelling breath. Can help with Gingivitis too- an inflammation of the gums.
8. It gives an energy boost- The Essential oil of Lemon (not to be consumed orally and should only be used on advice of a qualified therapist), is a superb oil for lifting the spirits, clearing away negative energies and boosting the vitality of s client- the smell of fresh lemons in a morning definitely gives that boost too.
9. It helps to fight viral infections- If ever I have a sore throat Lemon and Manuka honey are my go to saviours !! They are both anti bacterial and will help to soothe the harshness of a sore, inflamed throat.
10. It cleanses the system from top to toe, flushes toxins, stimulates the liver and enhances enzymatic function (the chemical processes that are happening every second in your body to allow you to move, talk, digest food, even breathe!)

There are other ways to use Lemon water- if you decide that one cup is enough, you can put the rest to good use. Add the lemon water to a small spray bottle and use to banish the odours from carpets, sofas and curtains... check t a small amount on a piece of unseen fabric first as the lemon may discolour the material.
Also the lemon water can be added to an equal part of Apple Cider Vinegar to help cut through grease in the kitchen and clean windows !! For example 60ml lemon water with 60ml Apple Cider Vinegar.

It really is a great Holistic, natural way to start the day... and If you are a caffeine addict, after a few days this could change your life completely. It did take a few days to get used to not starting the day with a cup of English tea, but after doing this for so long its now part of a great holistic routine that I follow. It helps wake me up and starts my system firing on all cylinders. I drink a pot full (see picture above) around 30 minutes before breakfast, as it is better to start on an empty stomach so it can be digested and flushed through the system fully. Be careful not to brush your teeth straight away as the acidity in the lemon will help to remove tooth enamel if you brush too quickly afterwards. I usually drink the lemon water, have breakfast, then follow with the Oil pulling and tooth care routine. Give it a go, see what you think !!