What About Lemon Water?

After last week’s blog and TV segment on the benefits of alkaline water, I had a few people ask about lemon water. Is it good for you? Is it better than alkaline water? Why drink it at room temperature?

I hope this post answers some of these questions, and more!

Yes, it is good for you. Not necessarily better/worse than alkaline water, but has different benefits. Room temperature water gets down to the cellular level faster than ice-cold water. So keep your water, and your lemons, at room temperature for the best effect of your body.

Here are some reasons why to drink lemon water:

1) Clears Skin

Plain water can help flush out toxins to keep skin clear, but the added vitamin C in lemons helps purge toxins from our blood more effectively to make skin appear clear and younger!

2) Balances Your PH

Lemons taste and appear to be very acidic, but they actually have a very alkalizing effect on our bodies. Keeping your body in an alkaline state also prevents diseases and pathogens from surviving (see last week’s blog on the benefits of alkaline water)

3) Boosts Immune System

The potassium in lemon juice helps control blood pressure, stimulate brain and nerve function. Vitamin C also helps fight colds.

4) Weight Loss

Drinking lemon water helps boost your metabolism, fight cravings, flush out water weight and curb hunger.

5)  Boost the Brain and Nervous System

Lemons contain potassium (see above). Low levels of potassium can cause depression, anxiety, forgetfulness and brain fog. The dose of Vitamin C in lemons can replenish what gets depleted when you’re under a lot of stress.

6) Helps Respiratory Problems

If you have asthma or infections, lemon water has antibacterial properties which can help get rid of infections of the chest and eases coughs.

7) Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation can hurt, especially if you have it in various parts of your body. Lemon water helps reduce inflammation and can calm down most irritations.

8) Energy Boost

Do you need a pick-me-up in the afternoon? If you drink a cup of hot water with lemon in it instead of coffee, not only will you cut your caffeine, but you will not have that sinking feeling!

9) Great Source of Potassium

If you do not like bananas, but are still low on your potassium levels, try a few glasses of lemon water per day.

~ Doneane

 

Alkaline Water — Why?

What is the first thing you think about when you consider the most important food or nutrient? Think on this: your brain is about 70% water, and your body is about 80% (even your bones contain water!). So one of the most important things you consume daily should be good, filtered water. Every morning, you actually wake up slightly dehydrated.

Just one simple thing will give you more energy, help you focus, and reduce cravings: upon awakening, drink at least 2 cups of filtered alkaline water. Most of us reach for coffee or tea (or worse, soda!) first thing in the morning, but these caffeinated drinks act as diuretics, leading to further dehydration. So start with water first, then move on to your other preference for morning beverages.

Our local tap water is generally a mixture of chlorine, anti-biotics, hormones and metals which go straight into your system. Unfiltered and impure water can weaken your immune system and make your body vulnerable to disease. When we become too acidic, we experience low energy, fatigue, digestive issues, weight gain and other side effects that can be remedied with pure water and fresh organic vegetables with a healthy acid/alkaline balance.

Alkaline filtration systems can be costly (ranging up to many thousands of dollars for a whole-home system); however, personal alkaline filters are widely available at health food stores at a reasonable cost ($50 – $500). The internet is full of sites designed to help you find the right filtration system for you. Most grocery stores now carry bottled alkaline water, but it is also a bit costly when compared to regular bottled water.

 

So, make your own! Here is a simple recipe to make your very own gallon of alkaline water in your kitchen:

• 1 pitcher (64 ounces) of clean filtered water
• 1 organic lemon, washed, cut into eighths
• 1 tsp Himalayan pink salt

Directions: Fill pitcher, add in Lemon wedges (do not squeeze!). Then add 1 tsp. Himalayan Pink Salt, cover, and let sit overnight (8-12 hrs.) at room temperature.

It is best to drink alkaline water at room temperature, especially first thing in the morning, for better absorption into the digestive tract.

~ Doneane