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Remedies

8 ways lemon water boosts your life

By Jamie-Lynn Shaw, BHSc, CNP, PTS, NNCP

It only takes two simple ingredients that almost everyone has in their kitchen; lemon and water. This uncomplicated and natural mixture can be your new recipe for success and is packed with potassium, vitamin B  and C, calcium, magnesium, antioxidants and iron. A simple glass of lemon water is the ideal digestive assistant and energy booster. Your body will thank you for it.

Drinking warm lemon water first thing in the morning has numerous benefits. This kick-starts your digestive juices and alkalizes your system. When you wake up in the morning you likely haven’t had anything to drink for about eight hours. By drinking warm water, alone, you are kick-starting your mind and body. Adding lemon to the mix is an added plus!

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Power Up: Energy Booster

Lemon water is the new coffee. Coffee is a stimulant that only temporarily boosts your adrenals for a short duration. Lemon water will produce energy by activating your adrenals throughout the day without that caffeine crash. The citrus in lemon sends signals to the brain to kick-start brain activity. Lemon water revitalizes you by oxygenating and hydrating the body tissue. Proper hydration promotes daily brain function.

Smooth Move: Digestive Aid

Starting your day with a simple cup of lemon water in the morning activates digestive juices that are necessary for helping speed up your metabolism. The lemons contain alkalizing minerals that stimulate the secretion of stomach acid, which will help prevent gas, bloating, heartburn and constipation. This will result in healthy and smooth bowel movements.

Bite of Electrolyte: Hydration Acceleration 

When we are asleep, we are not consuming water and therefore require electrolyte replenishment. It is best to hydrate bodily tissues when waking up in order to help boost your metabolism. Our bodies require hydration to function properly. Without water, the body would not be able to lose weight, maintain proper body temperature, remove toxins out of the body and alleviate inflammation. Lemon mixed into water is the superhero duo for your body.

Clear Skin for the Win: Improved Skin

Lemons are jam-packed with antioxidants and therefore prevent free radical damage. Skin aging is the result of free radicals. Avoid wrinkles, skin blemishes, clogged pores, and poor skin elasticity by introducing lemon water into your morning routine. Lemons are a citrus fruit, which encourages collagen within the skin and results in a healthy clean glow! Skin conditions of any kind are no match to the benefits of lemon water

Stone Stopper: Prevents Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are formed when there is an excessive amount of calcium or uric acid within the urine. This causes small solid masses to form within the kidneys. A sufficient amount of water consumption is one way to flush out stones. Take it to the next level by drinking lemon water. It is more beneficial to introduce lemon water to the kidneys because citrus can prevent excess calcium from forming into a stone while potentially shattering pre-existing stones.

Flush it Out: Liver Detox

The liver is essential to optimal body function. A clean liver is imperative because it has many important functions. The liver stimulates bile secretions, dissolves uric acid and flushes toxins from the body. Water is one of the simplest tools we can equip our livers with in order to remove toxins. The lemons help to stimulate bile, dissolve uric acid as well as remove toxins from the body. This simple mixture can go a long way in helping the liver to function optimally

Long Live the Lemon: Immunity Booster

Living a long life is dependent on our immunity. One way of ensuring our immune system is ready for any battle is by feeding it important vitamins and nutrients. Lemons contain vitamin C, which can be used to prevent the common cold and influenza by protecting our immune system from harmful germs and bacteria. Lemons also contain antiviral and antibacterial properties which can help fight infection and inflammation. vitamin C from lemon water will keep you healthy!

Random Fact: Lemon water can also be a great remedy for nausea!

Lemony Fresh: Breathe Cleanser 

Step aside mint gum and toxic mouth wash, lemon water is here to clean up the place and leave your smile feeling squeaky clean. Lemon water is the perfect natural breath cleanser! This natural mixture will help to freshen your mouth and breath by removing bacteria from both your gums and teeth. Rinsing your mouth with water only after a glass of lemon water helps ensure enamel protection.

There is certainly no better way to start your day then when a glass of lemon water comes your way!

Warm lemon water recipe

Ingredients

  • 24 oz of warm water (make sure the water is warm and not boiling, boiling will decrease the nutrient levels)
  • 1/2 lemon (organic)
  • Optional sprinkle Cayenne pepper (added benefit to fire up your digestive system)

Instructions

  1. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a glass
  2. Pour in warm water and cayenne pepper
  3. Drink and enjoy!
  4. Note: Always swish your mouth out with plain water after your drink lemon water to remove the citric acid from your teeth

~Enjoy!

Jamie-Lynn Shaw, BHSc, CNP, PTS, NNC , is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner, based in the Ottawa area. For more recipes visit http://www.jamielynnshaw.com

Photo credit: ©[ninette_luz] via Canva

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