Drink lemon water to boost your immune system: many celebrities like Catherine Deneuve are fans of this technique. However, it is not without risk.
- Drinking lemon water every day is one of the celebrity tips for better health.
- However, frequent consumption of lemon water can be dangerous for people prone to heartburn.
- It can also damage tooth enamel.
Lemon and water, every day. Several stars, from Catherine Deneuve to Jessica Alba and Jennifer Aniston, defend this tip. The drink would have effects “detox” on the skin and the digestive and immune system. “I drink lemon juice every morning, confided Catherine Deneuve in an interview with Into The Glossin 2016. It’s not that it cleans anything, but I find it’s really good for the skin and the whites of the eyes.” According to several specialists, daily consumption of lemon juice and water is not miraculous: on the contrary, it can have negative effects on health.
Water and lemon: a cocktail harmful to the stomach
If a person suffers from frequent heartburn or acid reflux, it is better to refrain from drinking lemon water. HAS Fox News, dietitian April Wiles explains that it can make these symptoms worse. Indeed, lemon contains citric acid and increases stomach acidity. However, acidic foods are among the factors that promote gastric reflux, just like tobacco, spices or alcohol.
As for the beneficial effects of lemon on digestion, the Canadian Science Press Agency points to a lack of scientific data. “However, it must be remembered that indigestion can have several causes: a large meal, too much alcohol, gastroesophageal reflux, an infection, etc.explain the scientists in a text published in April 2021. To date, there are no studies evaluating the effect of lemon juice in reducing discomfort in these situations..”
Teeth weakened by consumption of water and lemon
Some celebrities claim that this mixture of water and lemon helps them have a dazzling smile. But dentists are more cautious: this drink can be harmful to teeth. In 2005, North American researchers have shown that foods with a low pH, i.e. acidic foods, can lead to irreversible erosion of tooth enamel.
“When acidic foods or drinks are consumed, the enamel softens for a short timeexplains Dr Samantha Shipley, lead author of this research. Typically, saliva helps gradually restore the natural acid balance in the mouth. If acid-rich foods are consumed excessively, the mouth cannot repair itself, increasing the risk of dental erosion.” For her, it is essential to be vigilant regarding the regular consumption of acidic drinks.
Weight loss: lemon juice with water, a slimming ally?
Sometimes, the mixture is also described as a slimming ally. Here again, scientific evidence is lacking. In 2016, American researchers were interested in the effects of citrus fruits on obese mice. “Our studies showed no weight loss from citrus flavanonesexplains Thais B. Cesar, director of the research team. However, even without helping the mice lose weight, they improved their health with less oxidative stress, less liver damage, lower blood lipids and blood sugar.“To date, these results have not been confirmed in human trials.
