I made a mental note during the Christmas season to talk about lemons and alkaline body states in January. So before the month ends, I want to share a bit of practical health news to keep us in top form and our bodies pH balanced the whole year and in years to come. My daughter had dengue fever last November. It was alarming and scary. None of my children were ever hospitalized and finding out she had to be confined was stressful in itself. Dengue making it even more so. She had been dieting and her immune system was compromised when she was bitten.
Therefore, she was not only weak but badly needed a boost in her immune system. With great care, lots of prayers and wonder (natural) drugs, like tawa-tawa and baby papaya leaves, she was well in no time. Coincidentally, when I was checking my daughter in the hospital, I met a lady who was there to pick up her blood test results. While waiting for her results, she asked me what was wrong with my daughter. I told her I had to check my daughter in because her blood test came out positive for dengue.
I then asked her what she was doing in the hospital and to my surprise, she said “I have dengue too!” I was shocked because she didn’t look weak, she wasn’t lethargic and when I asked her how high her fever went, she said, “I never had fever!” She went on to tell me that her only symptoms were she was “tired in the evenings and a bit tired in the day.” I said, wow, this is the first time I hear of this! She said, “me too!” Then she said, “the only thing I can think of, is all the lemon water I’ve been drinking!” She explained to me that she incorporated a lemon water lifestyle, and says it’s what she thinks turned her immune system around and made her really strong.
Studies today show that an acidic state of our bodies make us more prone to disease. I’ve asked both eastern and western practitioners and that’s one thing they all seem to agree on. So today, I’d like to talk about the humble, wondrous and beautiful lemon. These small yellow fruits are the most versatile fruit for me.
First off, it is said that lemons are a wonder fruit! Full of vit C, B complex, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. Pectin and fiber as well. Aside from being such an aid for our health, they’re used as natural air fresheners, odour busters, disinfectants, made into soaps and colognes, used to enhance our food and beverage recipes and make such beautiful decor for our homes.
Benefits of lemon
Boosts immune system and keeps us away from viral infections- because it’s packed with nutrients that are essential for immune system health.
Good source of potassium– to support brain and nerve functions and heart disease.
Cleanses your system– by flushing out toxins, enhancing enzyme function and stimulating the liver.
Aids digestion– by loosening toxins in our digestive tract (main breeding ground for many diseases in our body). Helps relieve indigestion, gas and bloating.
Natural pimple buster– it is said that aside from decreasing the development of pimples and blemishes, they’re a wrinkle buster too. Lemons detoxify our blood therefore maintains skin radiance.
Reduces inflammation– because lemon water decreases acidity in our body. An acidic state is where disease and cancer cells thrive and multiply. Inflammation breeds in an acidic environment progressing into alarming health issues when not addressed.
Helps us lose weigh– lemons also contain pectin fiber which assist in reducing hunger and cravings.
Economical– instead if having to purchase expensive alkaline water systems, all you need is one to two lemons a day. One small lemon is about twenty pesos and maybe P25, for a larger one.
How to have a lemon water lifestyle? At home we each have our own crystal or glass pitchers or tumblers. Make sure it’s glass and not plastic so that the residue of the plastic does not react w the warmth of the water and the natural acidity of the lemon. We start with one full pitcher of warm water in the morning filled with clean water and a few slices of semi squeezed steeped lemon (skin on).
We each aim to end the day with at least having had an equivalent of eight full glasses of water. If I have to leave the house, I take my glass tumbler of lemon water with me and refill with water if I’m at a restaurant or someones house. If this is not doable for you, try drinking one litre in the morning of warm lemon water before breakfast. This is also a very natural way of going to the bathroom early in the day to release and flush out toxins. You’ve jumpstarted your day by alkalizing your body first thing in the morning which will prove to be a healthy and worth it habit in the long run. Then throughout the day, you can try to be conscious about eating food that are naturally alkaline to keep your body in a balanced state.
having readily available pitchers and dispensers of lemon water will make it a healthy habit for everyone at home. feel free to add herbs such as mint and basil, since most herbs are of alkaline state too.
Foods that have a moderate to strong alkaline forming effect are:
Lemons
Watermelon
Cantaloupe
Celery
Lime
Mango
Honeydew melons
Papaya
Pineapple
Parsley
Seaweed
Grapes
Watercress
Asparagus
Apples
Alfalfa sprouts
Raisins
Garlic
Ginger
Lettuce
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Foods that have a moderate to strong acid forming effect:
Alcohol
Soft drinks
Coffee
White and refined sugar
Refined salt
Antibiotics and most medicines
White flour products including pasta
Most types of bread
Some seafood
Fresh meats
Lemons are naturally acidic fruits, OUTSIDE THE BODY. But when ingested, and the lemon juice has been fully metabolized and the minerals dissociated in the bloodstream, it’s effect is alkalizing to the body. Therefore, balances the pH of the body.
Pure lemon juice is hard for teeth enamel, so should always be diluted with water.
I hope this has helped you somehow. Here’s to a healthy 2015!
a cup of warm lemon water after heavy meals is very good for digestion. instant relief from fullness and bloating too!
Disclaimer: I’m not saying lemons are a cure to any disease or are a disease blocker. I’m merely into prevention. We should always consult with our doctors for all symptoms and ailments.
hi ms nicole! been following your ig acct and now your blog. i really like your post ’bout the benefits of lemon. i started drinking lemon water last year but stopped for some reason. now i’m inspired to do it again. keep inspiring people! God bless you
That’s great to hear, Joan! It happens to me sometimes, specially when I end up having coffee at breakfast meetings. Just pick up from where youn left off and start over. It really makes me feel good and clean and that should keep us motivated. Thanks for your kind words.
Best,
N
That’s really great to hear! Thank you for this information about lemon, I didn’t think that it can really help our entire body system. Keep motivating other readers! Have a great day ahead.
i’m doing it again this 2021! good habit to have. stay safe.