So many people I talk to today recommend drinking lemon water first thing in the morning. When I was a teenager, I learned from a friend of mine that many models drank lemon water to clear and brighten their skin. This tweaked my interest back then, though I didn’t know why or how this remedy could clear and even brighten our skin. Thereafter, many alternative doctors and healers too recommended this simple daily protocol to me, especially to kick-start our day. Because this delicious and refreshing recommendation continued to come my way, I began to look into the reasons why so many suggested this practice. What I learned is this, that by drinking lemon water upon rising, we clear away all the wastes and toxins that build up during the night, and so much more. With that, and so many other benefits for starting my day with drinking lemon water, I began a regular daily practice, and really recommend that you do too, though you won’t need my encouragement after reading the top reasons I outline here for you.
First, the water is best warm, not too hot, not too cold. According to Ancient Chinese Medicine, when anything is too hot, or too cold, it can weaken our Qi (Chi), our energy flow, and my only intention is to offer ideas that will increase your energy, vitality and Spirit.
Recommendation: Squeeze the juice of 1/2 lemon into 16 ounces of purified water upon waking, and again during your day (more lemon if you are over 150 lbs).
Lemon water balances the pH of our body: Though lemons are acidic in nature, they have a natural alkalizing effect on our bodies when we ingest them (Lemons are antiseptic). As a daily ritual, we reduce the overall acidity that occurs in our body, from the foods we eat, the air we breathe, and the stress we experience in our daily lives.
Lemon water cleanses our system: Lemon water cleanses and stimulates our liver and kidneys of impurities, and will help prevent disease. Lemon provides a natural strengthening agent for the liver, and helps repair oxygen and calcium levels in the liver, which raises blood oxygen levels (Oxygen is the number one source of energy, so this is a delicious and smart addition to our daily rituals).
Lemon water is a diuretic: Lemons increase the rate of urination, which helps purify our body. By the increased rate of elimination, we safeguard the health of our urinary tract.
Lemon water boosts our Immune system: Lemons are naturally high in Vitamin C, which is great for fighting colds. They are also high in potassium, which stimulates brain and liver function. Potassium also helps control blood pressure.
Lemon water is a digestive aid: Lemon water assists in both the digestive and elimination process, by aiding the body in removing waste matter more efficiently, thus preventing or reducing constipation, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disorders. Lemons possess a naturally occurring digestive aid that encourages bile production, the necessary liver acid required for the digestive process, to helps relieve symptoms of indigestion, such as acid reflux, heartburn, belching and bloating.
Lemon water reduces inflammation: Lemon water is effective in dissolving uric acid and other poisons in our body, which strains our kidneys, and often the cause of the pain and inflammation we experience in our joints. High levels of uric acid in our body increase in an overly acidic body, and can too lead to gout, a form of arthritis.
Lemon water clears and brightens our skin: Lemon water purges toxins from our blood and alkalizes our body. This clears and brightens our skin, and because of the high Vitamin C, can even decrease wrinkles and blemishes.
Lemon water relieves respiratory problems: Warm lemon water offers relief from common cold and flu symptoms, reduces phlegm in the body, and provides the much need immune stimulant Vitamin C. It is too considered helpful for those who suffer from allergies and asthma.
