Benefits of Lemon Water: 6 Reasons to Start Drinking Lemon Water

Hydration is important to keep in mind, for athletes and non-athletes alike. Everyone needs water and electrolytes for hydration, but not taking in enough fluids can negatively impact performance for runners.

Enjoying lemon water after your workout is a great way to rehydrate while adding a little extra something.

Is Lemon Water Healthy?

Lemon water is a very good way to get yourself to drink more water than you might ordinarily consume. In addition, it is a low-calorie, low (natural) sugar, refreshing alternative to other things you could drink.

There are many positive reasons to add lemon to your water. 

6 Health Benefits of Lemon Water

1. Flavor: Adding this citrus fruit to your water will give it a light and refreshing taste. If you prefer beverages that are not strong-tasting, this is a great option.
2. Digestion: Science points to lemon water as a digestive aid. It can help you to keep things moving, and aid alleviate constipation. 
3. Weight Loss: No, drinking lemon water is not a miracle for weight loss. However, two things are true. One, if you drink water, you are not taking in other high-calorie drinks. Two, sometimes, when you feel hungry, you are thirsty. Hydration can help avoid this.
4. Vitamin C: Although you do not add a ton of this amazing vitamin when you squeeze it into your water, even a little bit of this antioxidant helps the immune system.
5. Freshen Breath: Lemon water can help to freshen up your breath. Enjoy some in the morning or after meals. 
6. Clear Complexion: In all honesty, this one is probably more due to the increase in hydration than the lemon, but many people report their complexion is suddenly more clear. 

The Disadvantages of Drinking Lemon Water

Since lemons are acidic, if you drink enough of it (and have a lot of lemon in the water), it could end up giving you heartburn. Some people report the exact opposite and say that lemon water helps them get rid of heartburn.

Another side effect of drinking lemon water is that you will find yourself heading to the bathroom a lot more than normal. That is less from the lemon (it’s not a diuretic in itself) and more from the increase in water consumption.

Is Lemon Water Good for Weight Loss After Workout?

When you work out, your muscles get depleted, and your body can find itself feeling dehydrated. Although drinking water after a workout will help you replenish your body’s fluids, many people do not take in enough. Adding lemon to your water can help you drink more water than you might if it were not flavored. 

Even though some people will tell you that lemon water is a miracle for weight loss, that is not true. The fact of it is that weight loss only happens by eating less and burning more calories.

But one excellent way to eat less is to stay properly hydrated at all times, and drinking lemon water is a step in the right direction. 

Another popular question that people ask is if drinking lemon water will burn belly fat. The answer is no. It isn’t magical. 

When Should You Drink Lemon Water: Before or Post Workout?

You can drink lemon water before, during, or after your workout. Heck, you can enjoy lemon water anytime you want to, and it will probably not have any ill effects.

Keep in mind that if you put a lot of lemon in your water, the acidity might upset your tummy; however, that would take an awful lot of lemon.

Many people use water bottles that have a place to hold fruit, infusing the fruit into the water. It’s not just for lemons, folks.

Hot or Cold?

Lemon water can be enjoyed both hot and cold. You can add fresh lemons to a glass of water and hydrate after an intense workout.

Some people enjoy lemon in hot water as a substitute for coffee or tea.

Hydration benefits are enjoyed no matter if the fluids are hot or cold.

You don’t get the same benefit if you drink something with caffeine, which is another perk of drinking plain water. 

Should You Drink Lemon Water?

By now, it should be clear that lemon water isn’t life-altering in and of itself. The lemons aren’t magical superfoods by themselves; however, if they help get you to drink more water than you have before, then that in and of itself is a win. 

Doing a quick Google search about the impressive benefits of lemon water will result in all types of wild claims, with promises that you will lose weight, detox your body, and more.

Do a little deeper searching — and verify that they are reputable sources — and you’ll find that most registered dietitians refute most of the claims about lemon water’s magic. What is most magical is that lemon water can be what helps people drink more water than they were before. 

Whenever we read about celebrities or “nutritional gurus” claiming that one food or drink is the latest and greatest and promises to solve all our nutritional and bodily maladies, it’s important to view the claims critically and thoughtfully.

Eating tons of lemons probably won’t do much damage to your health, although your teeth’ enamel may certainly suffer.

So: is lemon water something you should add to your diet?

Do you want a little more variety in your daily beverage choice?

If so, then, by all means, buy some lemons and throw some in your next hot or cold drink. Appreciate the taste variety, but don’t expect it to solve your health problems.