Lemon aid

Monica Malik

Lemons have been known for their medicinal properties since ages. In this day and age, it has become a mandatory habit for almost everyone who is watching their weight to kick-start their day with a glass of warm lemon water. One medium-sized lemon consists of approximately 17 kilo calories without any fat. Lemon can supply a significant amount of vitamin C and fibre. Vitamin C boosts a body’s immunity levels. Hence a lemon is a great natural remedy for many health problems. It facilitates digestion and acts as a fatigue buster.

Health benefits:

1.Detoxification: A glass of lemon juice and water in the morning is a great liver detoxifier and cleanses the kidneys and the digestive system. 

2.Aids digestion: Drinking lemon water helps in digestion and natural bowel habits besides preventing belching and bloating.

3.Boosts energy: Drinking lemon water can aid in decreasing anxiety and depression. The scent of lemon has mood-elevating and energising properties.

4.Restores pH balance: Although acidic in nature, lemon is one of the most alkaline foods and helps to keep the body pH in an alkaline state. Human body is more susceptible to diseases in an acidic state. Drinking lemon water regularly can help to neutralise the acid in the body and improve health and boost immunity.

5.Acne: The vitamin C with its antioxidant properties found in citrus fruits is vital for a healthy and glowing skin. 

However, as much as we love lemons and swear by the early-morning lemon de-tox, we have to acknowledge that excessive consumption of lemon and lemon juice can have adverse effects too.

Side-effects of over consumption of lemons or lemon juice:

1.Can decay tooth enamel: Lemon juice has a pH of around 2 making it very acidic. Excessive consumption of lemon juice can react with the calcium in the tooth enamel, leading to erosion of tooth enamel. 

2.Can worsen heartburn, GERD and ulcers:  The acid in lemon juice can irritate the lining of esophagus and stomach, bringing on an incidence of heartburn or acid reflux. When the digestive juices move backward, up to the esophagus and throat, one may experience burning sensation associated with acid reflux and in severe case it may cause mouth ulcers.

3.Can cause nausea and stomach upset : When too much lemon juice is consumed, the body is unable to absorb it. Then it flushes out extra vitamin C to restore balance. This leads to water rushing into the bowels causing diarrhoea. Nausea and abdominal cramps are typical symptoms of this problem.

4.May cause frequent urination and dehydration: Vitamin C is diuretic in nature therefore it can cause frequent urination. Excess can eliminate fluids and also sodium which could result in dehydration. 

5.Adverse effect on migraine patients: Drinking lemon water in excess can also trigger episodes of migraine for those prone to it. This is due to the reason that citrus fruits contain tyramine causing increase in migraine issues.

—The writer is former Associate Professor, Department of Food and Nutrition, Government Home 

Science College, Chandigarh