{"id":257495,"date":"2025-10-28T23:05:22","date_gmt":"2025-10-28T23:05:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/257495\/"},"modified":"2025-10-28T23:05:22","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T23:05:22","slug":"dietitians-on-which-is-healthier","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/257495\/","title":{"rendered":"Dietitians on Which Is Healthier"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are certain situations, such as after a particularly challenging workout or during a sun-filled, sweaty beach day, when nothing tastes better than a gulp of cold, refreshing water. But let\u2019s face it: Most of the time, plain water is boring. So when people on social media started touting the health perks of sweet-tart lemon water<\/a>, it seemed like the perfect solution. Still, if it\u2019s lemon water vs. plain water, is one a better sip for hydration?<\/p>\n

Plain water has no calories\u2014but is vital for the body to function properly. \u201cWater is essential to the vital functions of our body and virtually every physiological process,\u201d says Vanessa Imus, M.S., R.D.N., owner of Integrated Nutrition for Weight Loss<\/a> in Bothell, WA. \u201cIt helps with digestion, nutrient absorption, blood pressure regulation, temperature regulation, excreting waste, joint lubrication, cognition, and mood.\u201d If you\u2019re not drinking enough water<\/a>, it can cause problems like dry skin<\/a>, muscle cramps, constipation<\/a>, headaches, and more serious problems if you\u2019re severely dehydrated. <\/p>\n

\u201cYour hydration affects energy and focus, and even mild dehydration can reduce concentration and increase fatigue,\u201d adds Anar Allidina, M.P.H., R.D.<\/a>, a registered dietitian based in Toronto. \u201cStaying hydrated can also help stabilize appetite and support metabolic processes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meet the experts: Vanessa Imus, M.S., R.D.N., owner of Integrated Nutrition for Weight Loss<\/a> in Bothell, WA; Anar Allidina, M.P.H., R.D.<\/a>, a registered dietitian based in Toronto. <\/p>\n

So if simply drinking water (and eating water-rich foods) can do all that, can lemon water deliver all those benefits and more? Here, dietitians share the potential benefits and downsides of drinking lemon water, plus if and how you should make lemon water a regular part of your healthy routine.<\/p>\n

Lemon water benefits<\/p>\n

Before even getting into the health benefits, Allidina notes that adding lemon to your water delivers a flavor boost without any added sugar. Considering that over half of American adults don\u2019t drink enough water, according to a 2023 poll<\/a>, the simple fact that lemon water is tasty could help people get closer to the recommended daily intake<\/a> of 15.5 cups for men and 11.5 cups for women (especially if you drink it out of a viral water bottle<\/a> that encourages you to sip).<\/p>\n

\u201cAdding lemon to your water provides a small boost of vitamin C<\/a> for immune health,\u201d says Imus. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means it may help prevent cell damage and promote healthier-looking skin while also powering your immune system to better respond to invaders. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)<\/a>, lemon juice also contains some B vitamins<\/a>, which can assist with energy production, and potassium<\/a>, which may support healthy blood pressure. <\/p>\n

\u201cWarm lemon water may help with mild digestion stimulation for some people,\u201d Allidina says. Credit for that perk goes to the water, which helps food move through your digestive tract, and the potassium in the lemon juice, which counters sodium in the body to reduce bloating. Studies<\/a> have also shown that lemon juice may help prevent kidney stones, thanks to the way the citrate from the lemon may block the formation of kidney stones (staying hydrated in general also supports kidney stone prevention).<\/p>\n

Potential downsides of lemon water<\/p>\n

\u201cAdding lemon to your water does make it slightly more acidic, which could be irritating to those who suffer from reflux or who have sensitive stomachs,\u201d says Imus. The acid may also weaken your tooth enamel<\/a> if you\u2019re drinking lemon water all the time, Allidina says. To avoid this side effect, \u201cuse a straw, rinse with plain water after, or drink with meals,\u201d she suggests. <\/p>\n

Lemon water vs. plain water: Which is better for you?<\/p>\n

Drinking lemon water can help you meet your hydration goals, plus add some nutrients to your sip that you wouldn\u2019t be getting otherwise. Still, nothing beats plain water for supporting your body\u2019s needs\u2014which is why our experts recommend starting your day with 16 ounces of lemon water, if that\u2019s something you\u2019re interested in, and then switching to plain water for the rest of the day. \u201cDrinking lemon water first thing in the morning helps to get a head start on hydration and wake up the digestive system,\u201d says Imus. According to the Cleveland Clinic<\/a>, the acid in lemon juice helps supplement your stomach acid, ensuring there’s enough to properly digest the food you eat throughout the day. <\/p>\n

Plus, Imus adds that if you only drink lemon water once a day, you won’t have to worry about the negative effects on tooth enamel or about the acid triggering reflux.<\/p>\n

Bottom line <\/p>\n

Ultimately, any strategy that helps you drink more water is one that\u2019s worthwhile. Adding lemon to your water falls into this category and comes with virtually no downsides, especially if you\u2019re only having one or two glasses of lemon water per day. To enjoy the benefits, squeeze half a lemon into eight ounces of water, then adjust the lemon and water depending on your preference.<\/p>\n

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