I give this simple and effective practice to most of my clients as a good health measure for optimal digestion, elimination, glowing skin, stress management, and overall health.
Benefits
1. Boosts the immune system
Lemons are high in Vitamin C and potassium. Vitamin C is great for fighting colds, and potassium stimulates the brain and nerve function and helps control blood pressure.
2. Balances pH in the body
Contrary to belief, lemons are an alkaline food. They are acidic on their own, but once inside our bodies and metabolized they're the citric acid becomes alkaline. As it is widely known, an alkaline body supports good health.
3. Helps with hunger and supports weight loss
Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which can dispel hunger cravings. It also has been shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet lose weight faster. For me, this practice acts as a catalyst for starting the day right. I like to scrape my tongue and then immediately down a large glass of warm lemon water. It is hydrating and supports my regular elimination in the morning. I feel lighter and cleaner, and it helps me make better choices throughout the day.
4. Aids digestion and provides nutrients
The warm water serves to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and peristalsis-the waves of muscle contractions within the intestinal walls that keep things moving. Lemons and limes are also high in minerals and vitamins and help loosen ama (toxic residue of undigested food) in the digestive tract.
5. Urinary health - acts as a gentle, natural diuretic
Lemon juice can help increase the rate of urination in the body and flush out unwanted materials supporting urinary tract health. The sooner we eliminate toxins from the body, the better we feel.
6. Glowing and clear skin
Lemon water purges toxins from the blood which helps keep skin clear as well. The vitamin C has been known to minimize wrinkles and blemishes.
7. Hydrates the lymph system and supports adrenals
This cup of health starts the day on a hydrated note, which prevents dehydration and adrenal fatigue. When your body is dehydrated or deeply taxed it can't perform all of its proper functions, which leads to toxic buildup, inability to manage stress, constipation, anxiety and many other issues in the body and mind. Your adrenals are two small glands that sit on top of your kidneys, and along with your thyroid, create energy. They also secrete important hormones, including aldosterone. Aldosterone is a hormone secreted by your adrenals that regulates water levels and the concentration of minerals, like sodium, in your body, helping you stay hydrated. Your adrenals are also responsible for regulating your stress response. So, the message here is that hydration is essential for your overall health and ability to manage stress in the world.
Recipe
16oz of warm (not hot) water and the juice of half a lemon.
Drink it all!
Add this simple practice into your daily ritual and see how it can radically impact your day and permeate goodness into your cells. Many of my clients tell me (and I can usually physically see) that this one practice changed their digestion and made their skin glow with radiant health!
