Lemon water is something loads of people advocate for, including Gwyneth Paltrow, who famously has this as part of her (very healthy) breakfast. While simple to make—just add freshly-squeezed lemon juice to a glass of water—the benefits can be surprising.
#1. Helps prevent bloating: While lemon is acidic when drunk, the body quickly digests it and turns it into an alkalising substance, helping to prevent and reduce any bloating in the stomach area. Experts also suggest having your water warm and adding one or more of the following herbs and spices to it to give it an extra boost: cumin, coriander, parsley, fennel, or basil.
#2. Helps relieve thirst: Since lemons have a number of naturally-forming acids, consuming its juice will make you salivate more, thus reducing the feelings of thirst. Even so, you shouldn’t have lemon juice on its own, as this can damage the enamel of the teeth.
#3. Aids digestion: Lemon water can help the stomach secrete even more gastric juices, allowing food to break down faster and better. This, in turn, aids with digestion, especially when eating heavy foods.
Having said all this, lemon water is not a cure-all. To get all the benefits, it’s best to combine the ritual of drinking lemon water in the morning with a balanced diet and an active lifestyle. It should also be noted that anyone who suffers from acid reflux should steer clear of it!