Columbia Athletic Clubs

Why You Should Drink Warm Water & Lemon

How you start your day is incredibly important. Whether you're a mom, a coach, a writer, a small business owner or a teacher, what you do first thing in the morning matters.

The choices we make in our daily routines can either build up our resistance to disease or tear it down.  This is especially important as we are now entering the flu and cold season.

Your mind may say you have to check emails, take the dog out, get the kids out the door, that you can't be late for work or that you just don't have enough time to cultivate your own morning rituals.

But, if you can incorporate this simple ritual into your morning routine it will improve your health.....

Start the day out with a mug of warm water and the juice of half a lemon.  It's that easy and the paybacks are just too good to ignore.

Warm water with lemon:

1. Boosts you're immune system 

Lemons are high in Vitamin C and potassium. Vitamin C is great for fighting colds and potassium stimulates brain and nerve function and helps control blood pressure.

2. Balances pH

Lemons are an incredibly alkaline food, believe it or not. Yes, they are acidic on their own, but inside our bodies they're alkaline (the citric acid does not create acidity in the body once metabolized). An alkaline body is one of the keys to good health.

3. Helps with weight loss

Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings. It also has been shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet lose weight faster. And, my experience is that when I start the day off right, it's easier to make the best choices for myself the rest of the day.

4. Aids digestion

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, or toxins, in the digestive tract.

5. Acts as a gentle, natural diuretic

Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials because lemons increase the rate of urination in the body. Toxins are, therefore, released at a faster rate which helps keep your urinary tract healthy.

6. Clears skin

The vitamin C helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes. Lemon water purges toxins from the blood which helps keep skin clear as well.

7. Hydrates the lymph system

This cup of goodness helps start the day on a hydrated note, which helps prevent dehydration and adrenal fatigue. When your body is dehydrated, or deeply dehydrated (adrenal fatigue) it can't perform all of it's proper functions, which leads to toxic buildup, stress and constipation.

Adopting just this one practice of drinking a cup of warm water with lemon I believe can dramatically alter your experience of the day. Don't be surprised if you begin to view mornings in a new light.

If you would like more information on how to eat more alkalizing foods or get more healthy start your day breakfast ideas contact me at: wendy@fitfoodcoach.com.