Contributed by Dr. Rizaldy Ortiz
If you’re looking for better health, consider one simple trick: Drink a glass of lemon water first thing in the morning. Lemons are one of nature’s best kept secrets for good health. Combine its juice with life-sustaining water, and there’s a good chance you’ll see improvements in your health, and even your waistline much sooner than you would expect.
Our body is 60-70 percent water, and automatically dehydrated when you wake up in the morning. Dehydration has been linked to a long list of serious health issues from depression, gastro-intestinal problems, poor concentration, skin issues and more. According to experts, we need about 2 liters of filtered water a day just to maintain basic functioning our bodies simply won’t function unless we’re properly hydrated.
Fueled with vitamin c and potassium, lemon water is one of the most effective and cheapest ways to get healthy. It’s easy: Pack a handful of lemons when you leave for the road. Each morning, cut one in half perpendicular to the length of the lemon and squeeze using a compact hand juicer or squeezer. Add the juice to a cup of room temperature or warm water. It’s important to stay away from cold water, as it can shock your system and prevent some of the health benefits from happening. If you find it too tart, you can add some honey, which will give you energy and has its own health benefits.
Here are some of the amazing benefits of drinking lemon water at any time of the day, but especially in the morning when you need hydration the most:
Promotes Detoxification – With its high vitamin c content, lemons neutralize toxins and promote detoxification through the liver, which plays a role in all aspects of digestive health. A 2005 study showed that a bioflavonoid found in lemons, hesperidin, demonstrates the ability to protect the liver from damage. One doctor reports that the liver can make more enzymes out of lemon juice than any other food.
Helps You Lose Weight – Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which scientists say helps fight hunger cravings. They also are extremely alkaline, meaning they stabilize acidity in the body. It’s been shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet lose weight faster. Also, when you start the day off hydrated, you’ll much less likely to mistake your thirst for hunger.
Helps with Constipation – For many people, drinking warm lemon water when they first wake up is just the thing they need to eliminate waste before the day gets started. And it makes sense: Lemons are high in minerals and vitamins, which help loosen toxins in the digestive track. Plus, simply taking in enough water is necessary to soften stool, making elimination much easier.
Boosts your Immune System – As you’re probably aware, lemons contain a lot of vitamin c, but did you know they’re high in potassium also? Vitamin c is great for fighting colds and potassium stimulates brain and nerve function, increasing your alertness for the long haul. So for a quick and healthy way to feel alert, ditch the coffee and get squeezin’!
Fights Fatigue – By hydrating yourself first thing in the morning, you’re preventing adrenal fatigue. Your adrenals create hormones crucial for energy production and nutrient absorption. When your adrenals don’t get enough hydration, you feel stressed, worn out, constipated, and more.
Want to lead a healthier lifestyle? Contact Altair Chiropractic today to schedule an appointment at (907) 357-1818.
