5 min read
As a dietitian, I’ve seen countless wellness trends come and go. From celery juice to activated charcoal, the list is long, and the claims are often longer. For years, warm lemon water has held a top spot on that list, with people on social media touting it as a cure-all for everything from weight loss to detoxification. Throughout the years, I remained skeptical. My professional training taught me to look for evidence, so I decided to try drinking lemon water every day for a month to see what happened.
I’m an avid tea drinker, and was sipping cup after cup throughout the day. Recently, I started noticing an unpleasant side effect: a persistently dry mouth. Turns out, the tannins in tea, which give it that astringent taste, were impacting my saliva production. I needed a warm, comforting alternative that wouldn’t leave me feeling parched. With a sigh, I decided to give the influencer-favorite a try. I committed to drinking a glass of warm lemon water every morning for one month. Here’s what happened.
What happened when I drank lemon water every day?
My first and most immediate observation was simple: I felt more hydrated. Starting the day with a full glass of water, regardless of its contents, is a powerful hydration tool. The warm water was soothing on my system first thing in the morning, and the subtle lemon flavor made it feel like a treat rather than a chore. This small but meaningful habit set a positive tone for my hydration for the rest of the day.
However, not all the well-known wellness claims lived up to the hype. My skin didn’t take on a new glow, and I didn’t notice any dramatic changes in my digestion. As for the popular promise of “detoxification,” if anything was happening behind the scenes, I certainly couldn’t feel it. While these results were a bit disappointing, they didn’t overshadow the benefits I did experience.
What truly stood out was how much I enjoyed the process itself. Preparing and drinking warm lemon water became a comforting ritual—so much so that it’s now a lasting part of my morning routine. More importantly, it solved my nagging issue: the dry mouth I’d been experiencing from excessive tea consumption. By swapping out some cups of tea for my new lemon concoction, I think I reduced my tannin intake just enough to help resolve my salivary challenge.
The most surprising outcome, however, had nothing to do with hydration or digestion. It was the impact on my mood. Slicing a fresh lemon each morning and inhaling its bright, zesty aroma genuinely lifted my spirits, which was an effect I didn’t expect but welcomed with open arms. And since research suggests that citrus scents can reduce stress and improve feelings of well-being, I knew this wasn’t just in my head. My daily ritual provided a small but noticeable dose of aromatherapy that started my day on a brighter note, which was the selling point that earned this drink a permanent spot in my routine.
Health benefits of warm lemon water
While my personal experience was positive, it’s important to separate anecdotal benefits from scientifically supported ones. Lemon water isn’t a magic elixir, but it may contribute to your overall health in a few key ways.
A source of vitamin C
Lemons are packed with vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system. This vitamin helps protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals and supports the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off infections. It may also support skin health.
While a single glass of lemon water won’t cover your entire daily requirement, it may still make a meaningful contribution. One whole lemon provides about 45 mg of vitamin C, which is roughly 45% of the daily value (DV). Depending on how much lemon juice you squeeze into your water, you’re giving your body a refreshing boost of this essential nutrient.
Supports hydration
This might seem obvious, but its importance cannot be overstated. Many people struggle to drink enough water throughout the day. By adding a pleasant flavor, lemon may make water more appealing, encouraging you to drink more. Proper hydration is fundamental to nearly every bodily function, including regulating body temperature, lubricating joints, and transporting nutrients.
Starting your day with a glass of warm lemon water rehydrates you after a long night’s sleep and can help you maintain optimal hydration levels throughout the day.
May aid in preventing kidney stones
Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form inside your kidneys. One of the most common types is formed from calcium oxalate. Citrate, a component of citric acid found abundantly in lemons, may help prevent these stones from forming. It does this by increasing urine volume and raising urine pH, creating an environment that is less favorable for stone formation.
For those with a history of kidney stones, doctors sometimes recommend increasing citric acid intake. While lemon water shouldn’t replace medical advice or treatment, regular consumption may be a supportive dietary strategy for kidney health.
May support mood
When you sip lemon water, you can’t help but smell the aroma of citrus before you sip. Research suggests that smelling citrus scents, like lemon, may enhance relaxation from stress and anxiety and help uplift mood. While the effects may vary from person to person, the uplifting nature of citrus aromas has made them a popular choice in aromatherapy for promoting calm and focus.
While it’s not a substitute for professional mental health care, incorporating the smell of citrus into your routine may be a tiny ray of sunshine in your morning cup that, at least for me, makes me feel a little happier.
Who should not drink lemon water?
Despite its benefits, warm lemon water isn’t for everyone. The high acidity of lemons may cause or worsen certain health issues. Individuals with acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may find that acidic foods like lemons trigger symptoms such as heartburn and vomiting (a.k.a. regurgitation). The acid may relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to splash back into the esophagus.
The acid in lemons may be harsh on tooth enamel. Frequent exposure may erode the protective outer layer of your teeth, leading to increased sensitivity and a higher risk of cavities over time. If you have sensitive teeth or weak enamel, you may want to limit your intake or avoid it altogether.
Bottom line
My month-long experiment with warm lemon water was surprisingly pleasant. It solved my dry mouth problem, improved my morning hydration, and gave me a daily mood boost that I wasn’t expecting. While it didn’t magically detoxify my body or aid in weight loss, it is an addition that I thoroughly enjoy drinking.
The key takeaway is that the primary benefit of lemon water comes from the water itself, with the lemon providing a bonus of vitamin C and a flavor that encourages you to drink more. It’s a simple, low-calorie way to stay hydrated. If you’re considering trying it, think about your own health needs. If you don’t have issues with acid reflux or tooth sensitivity, like me, I found it a wonderful way to start my day. As with any health choice, the best one is the one that works for you and your body.
Related Stories