Drinking hot lemon water has become a popular health trend, with many touting its benefits for digestion, immunity, and more. However, hot lemon water may not be suitable for everyone. Here is an overview of who should avoid drinking hot lemon water and why.
People with GERD or acid reflux
Hot lemon water can exacerbate symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux. The high acidity of lemons and the heat of hot water can increase stomach acid production and relaxation of the esophageal sphincter, allowing more stomach acid to splash up into the esophagus. This can lead to heartburn, regurgitation, and irritation of the esophageal lining.
People with stomach ulcers
The acidic nature of lemon juice may irritate existing stomach ulcers, potentially making them worse. Ulcers develop when the protective mucus layer of the stomach erodes away, exposing the tissue beneath to stomach acid. Lemons contain acids that can further eat away and damage this unprotected tissue in the same way stomach acid does.
People with sensitive teeth
The citric acid in lemons can erode tooth enamel over time, increasing sensitivity and decay. Sipping hot lemon water each day can exacerbate enamel erosion, especially if consumed without a straw, leading to dental hypersensitivity. The heat also expands tooth microcracks, allowing more acid penetration.
People taking certain medications
Lemon juice can sometimes interfere with the absorption and efficacy of certain prescription drugs. For example, lemons can prevent the absorption of cholesterol drugs like simvastatin and atorvastatin. The ascorbic acid in lemons can also impact estrogen levels and reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Check with your doctor about any medication interactions.
People with canker sores
The acidic lemon juice may aggravate existing canker sores in the mouth, causing stinging pain. Canker sores develop when acids in the saliva or abrasive foods erode away protective tissues in the mouth. The lemon acid and hot temperature can further destroy these tissues and worsen the sores.
People with iron deficiency
Lemons contain compounds that bind to iron in food and prevent the body from absorbing it properly. People with low iron levels or iron deficiency can further reduce their iron absorption from food by drinking hot lemon water with meals. This can exacerbate fatigue and other symptoms of anemia.
People with kidney stones
The citric acid and vitamin C in lemon juice may increase the risk of kidney stones in those predisposed to them. Kidney stones develop when urine contains more crystal-forming substances like oxalates than can be diluted. Large amounts of vitamin C can convert to oxalates, while citric acid may increase urinary excretion of oxalates.
People taking isotretinoin
Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a medication used for severe acne treatment. However, it can cause dry mouth and lips as a side effect. The acidity and astringent nature of lemon juice may worsen isotretinoin-induced dryness and irritation of mucous membranes in the mouth.
People with diabetes
The citric acid in lemon juice may slow gastric emptying and affect blood sugar regulation in people with diabetes. Slowed emptying of the stomach can impact digestion and absorption of carbs, leading to unpredictable spikes and drops in blood sugar levels that are difficult to control.
People with migraines
Some compounds in lemon peel oil, like limonene, may trigger headaches or migraines in those prone to them. The hot temperature and steam from hot lemon water could also dilate blood vessels in some people, contributing to migraine pain. Migraine sufferers may want to avoid daily lemon water habits.
People with heartburn
Heartburn occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing irritation, pain, and burning sensations. Like GERD, the acids in lemon juice may relax the esophageal sphincter and encourage the reverse flow of stomach contents. Hot water may also allow more reflux action, worsening heartburn.
People with inflammatory bowel disease
Those with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis may experience worsening of inflammation, irritation, or symptoms when ingesting acidic foods and beverages. The acids can damage and erode the intestinal lining, particularly in areas of active disease. Starting a daily hot lemon water habit may not be wise for these individuals.
People allergic to citrus fruits
Those with citrus allergies may experience adverse reactions after ingesting lemon juice, including skin rash, hives, abdominal pain, and anaphylaxis in severe cases. The acidity and volatile oil compounds in lemons provoke an immune reaction in sensitive individuals, so they should avoid lemon water.
People with Aplastic Anemia
Aplastic anemia is a rare, life-threatening blood disorder where the body stops producing enough new blood cells. Consuming too much lemon juice may further suppress blood cell production in these individuals and worsen symptoms of fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Summary
Here is a summary of who should not drink hot lemon water:
| Group | Reason to Avoid Hot Lemon Water |
|---|---|
| People with GERD or acid reflux | Can worsen reflux symptoms |
| People with stomach ulcers | Can further irritate or erode ulcers |
| People with sensitive teeth | Can erode enamel and cause decay |
| People taking certain medications | May impact drug absorption or efficacy |
| People with canker sores | Can exacerbate pain and damage tissues |
| People with iron deficiency | May reduce iron absorption from food |
| People with kidney stones | Citric acid may increase stone risk |
| People taking isotretinoin | May worsen drug-induced dry mouth |
| People with diabetes | May impact blood sugar control |
| People with migraines | Compounds may trigger headaches |
| People with heartburn | May aggravate acid reflux |
| People with IBD | Acidity may worsen intestinal inflammation |
| People allergic to citrus | May cause allergic reactions |
| People with aplastic anemia | May further suppress blood cell production |
What are the benefits of hot lemon water?
When consumed in moderation by most healthy individuals, hot lemon water does offer some benefits. These may include:
- Boosting vitamin C intake
- Increasing hydration
- Aiding digestion
- Detoxifying the liver
- Boosting immunity
- Clearing skin
- Freshening breath
- Providing antioxidants
- Balancing pH levels
The vitamin C, acids, and phytochemicals in lemon juice support many bodily processes when consumed diluted in water. Hot water also provides more benefits than cold by breaking down components in the lemon and making them more bioavailable.
Conclusion
Most healthy people can safely enjoy hot lemon water in moderation and experience benefits like increased vitamin C and hydration. However, individuals with digestive disorders, dental issues, diabetes, kidney problems or those taking certain medications may want to avoid daily lemon water due to potential adverse effects.
Pregnant women, children, the elderly, and anyone with medical concerns should also exercise caution and speak with a doctor before regularly consuming hot lemon water.
When in doubt, limit intake to no more than one lemon wedge diluted in a mug of warm or hot water once a day to prevent overconsumption of citric acid. Pay attention to any reactions or side effects. Discontinue use if lemon water worsens teeth sensitivity, heartburn, or other symptoms.