9 Health Problems You Can Improve With Lemon Juice

The humble lemon. Yes, when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade. But there are several other uses for lemon juice that may just surprise you. So is coffee the first beverage you reach for when you wake up? Well, you might want to switch up your routine. Having a glass of warm lemon juice and water each morning might just be one of the most beneficial things you can do for your body. Lemons are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and other nutrients that support your digestive system, your immune system, and even your body's detoxification process. Lemonade is sweetened lemon juice and water. But drinking just lemon juice mixed with water -- lemon water -- on a regular basis can help naturally clear up several health issues.

Here are nine health problems you can help with lemon juice:

1. Lemon Water Helps Heal Cold And Flu

Lemons contain Vitamin C, a natural antioxidant for your body. Vitamin C helps strengthen your immune system and fight off illnesses such as the cold and flu. The antibacterial properties in lemon work to kill harmful bacteria and heal the body. (1)

2. Lemon Water Fights Inflammation

Inflammation is most likely to occur in an acidic environment. Yes, lemons are acidic, but when digested they do the opposite. Lemons actually neutralize acidity in the body and work as an anti-inflammatory to prevent and reduce swelling. Lemon water can be used as a natural remedy for those who suffer from inflammation related to health issues, including arthritis. (2)

3. Lemon Water Boosts Energy And Mood

If you fall into an afternoon slump, try drinking lemon water instead of coffee. Coffee can cause a caffeine crash later on, but lemon water will boost your mood and energy without the negative side effects. The scent of lemon has also been found to reduce stress levels! (3)

4. Lemon Water Aids In Digestion

The atomic structure of lemon juice is similar to structure of the digestive juices found in the stomach. Drinking lemon juice tricks the liver into producing bile, which keeps food moving through your body. Lemon water can help relieve indigestion and calm an upset stomach.

5. Lemon Water Helps The Body Detox

The acids found in lemon juice encourage the body to process the nutrients in foods at a slower rate. This allows insulin levels to remain study as you get more nutrients out of the foods you eat. Lemon water stimulates the liver to flush out harmful toxins, detoxing the body and skin.

6. Lemon Water Supports Weight Loss

Animal studies have shown that the polyphenol antioxidants in lemons can significantly reduce weight gain and improve insulin resistance. These studies suggest that the same results may occur in humans.

7. Lemon Water Can Lower High Blood Pressure

Lemon juice contains potassium, which helps control high blood pressure, dizziness and nausea. It provides a calming sensation to the mind and body, making it ideal for those who suffer from high blood pressure, stress or heart problems.

8. Lemon Water Helps Prevent Kidney Stones

The citric acid in lemons is believed to help prevent kidney stones. Increasing citric acid intake can decrease your risk of getting new calcium stones. Drinking lemon water allows your body to get more citric acid while increasing your water intake as well to prevent stones.

9. Lemon Water Fights Skin Problems

Lemon juice works as a natural antiseptic to cure skin issues. You can apply the juice to your skin to reduce the pain of a sun burn or bee sting, or to reduce inflammation and redness due to acne or eczema. Lemon works as an anti-aging remedy! It can be used to remove wrinkles and blackheads while returning a healthy glow to the skin.

For more on the benefits of lemon juice water, check out the video below. But that's not all the lemon has to offer! Lemon essential oil has its own powerful uses.

Sources: Health And Healthy Living National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health NCBI Healthline Wellness Mama Organic Facts Dr. Axe Lifehack Women's Health Mag