It’s one of many best wellness tips on the market: Squeeze some lemon into water and sip it very first thing within the morning. Devotees on TikTok declare it burns fats, boosts metabolism and flushes out toxins. However does lemon water for weight reduction actually work?
How the lemon water for weight reduction pattern began
Lemon water can provide some actual advantages, however not essentially for the explanations trending on-line, says Beth Motley, MD, a household drugs doctor in Greenville, SC, who’s additionally board licensed in Life-style Medication.
“There was a 2008 study in mice that looked at polyphenols in lemon zest and found they helped prevent weight gain and improve insulin resistance,” says Dr. Motley. “That may be where this idea started—people saw a connection between lemons and weight control.”
Polyphenols are antioxidant compounds which were proven to affect fats metabolism and cut back irritation, two elements that will play a job in weight acquire. “But what people are doing now—squeezing lemon juice into water—isn’t the same as what was tested in that study,” she provides.
That doesn’t imply the pattern is with out benefit.
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Does lemon water for weight reduction work?
Consuming a glass of lemon water, particularly earlier than meals, can help weight reduction in a number of easy, science-backed methods. Right here’s the way it might assist when added to a balanced weight loss program:
It curbs cravings
Importantly, staying hydrated by consuming extra water can completely assist with weight management, says Dr. Motley.
“People often mistake thirst for hunger,” Dr. Motley explains. “Drinking a glass of warm lemon water before a meal can help you feel fuller and more satisfied, which can lead to eating less overall.”
It could assist cut back calorie consumption
Swapping sugary drinks for lemon water is one other refined however efficient change that may assist ship weight-loss advantages. “If someone replaces soda or sweetened coffee with lemon water, they could be cutting out hundreds of calories a day without even trying,” Dr. Motley says.
It improves digestion
Lemon itself offers a small dietary increase. “It’s a good source of vitamin C, which supports immune system health and provides mild antioxidant benefits,” says Dr. Motley. “And the citric acid in lemon may aid digestion by encouraging stomach acid production.”
Bonus profit: It helps stop kidney stones
Okay, so it’s not a weight-loss perk. Nevertheless it’s nonetheless necessary. For girls liable to kidney stones, lemon water might provide added advantages. “Lemon juice is high in citrate, a natural compound that binds with calcium in the urine and helps prevent calcium oxalate stones—the most common kind,” Dr. Motley explains.
Staying properly hydrated is without doubt one of the finest methods to help kidney operate total, she provides. (See our greatest pure treatments for kidney stones right here.)
What the drink can’t do
Whereas lemon water will help you keep hydrated and help wholesome habits, Dr. Motley says it’s not a fat-burning miracle and it received’t detox your physique. “Your kidneys and liver do that job,” she says. “Lemon water helps if it encourages you to drink enough water each day, but it doesn’t have special cleansing powers.”
It’s additionally necessary to not confuse lemon water with excessive “cleanses” that contain consuming lemon juice mixtures for a number of days with out meals. “That kind of restrictive dieting isn’t effective or sustainable,” Dr. Motley notes.
“It’s far better to build long-term habits that nourish your body—not deprive it,” she says, stressing that lemon water is fairly low on the checklist in comparison with a whole-foods weight loss program, common exercise, high quality sleep and stress administration.
Oh and yet another factor: Lemon water additionally received’t remodel your pores and skin in a single day. “Vitamin C plays a role in collagen production and skin health, but most people aren’t deficient enough to see a big change just from adding lemon water,” she provides.
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The right way to safely drink lemon water for weight reduction
“If you enjoy lemon water and it helps you stay hydrated or replace less healthy drinks, go for it,” says Dr. Motley. “Just know that there are more impactful things you can do for weight management.”
If you wish to give the pattern a strive, Dr. Motley recommends consuming lemon water a couple of times a day, which can assist with weight reduction when paired with a nutritious diet and common train routine. “Use the juice of half a fresh lemon in a cup of warm or room-temperature water,” she says. “If you want to boost the antioxidant content, you can grate in a little lemon zest, which contains polyphenols.”
To guard your tooth enamel from acidic lemon juice, she suggests utilizing a straw and rinsing with plain water afterward. “Avoid brushing your teeth right away,” she says. “Wait at least 30 minutes, since the acid can soften enamel temporarily.”
Who ought to keep away from lemon water?
Individuals with acid reflux disease might wish to be cautious, as citrus fruits can set off signs for some. (See our greatest GERD self-care suggestions right here.)
Notice: Whereas hydration is necessary, there’s such a factor as consuming an excessive amount of water. “Drinking more than a liter an hour for several hours can overwhelm your kidneys,” Dr. Motley says. “Just drink to thirst. There’s no need to force it.”
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This content material is just not an alternative to skilled medical recommendation or prognosis. At all times seek the advice of your doctor earlier than pursuing any therapy plan.
