Short Answer: Lemon is good for IBS. Because it has citric acid and flavonoids, and they can prevent kidney stones and reduce inflammation.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that affects your large intestine.
In IBS, your body has abnormal muscle contractions and nerve signals in your intestines.
This can lead to various health problems, such as abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.
One of the key factors in managing IBS is diet.
What you consume can affect your gut bacteria, which can impact your IBS symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage IBS, you should consume fiber-rich foods like oatmeal, fruits, and vegetables and avoid fat-rich foods like fried foods, cheese, and butter.
Now, lemon is a citrus fruit that has a sour taste and a high vitamin C content.
People usually squeeze lemon juice into water or tea, or use it as a flavoring agent in salads, sauces, and desserts.
Lemon is good for IBS because it contains citric acid and flavonoids.
Citric acid may help prevent kidney stones, which are more common in people with IBS.
Flavonoids are plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may help reduce intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress.
One lemon can give you about 51% of your daily vitamin C needs, 2% of your daily fiber needs, and 1% of your daily potassium needs.
Citric acid can increase urine volume and pH, creating a less favorable environment for kidney stone formation.
Flavonoids can modulate the immune system and scavenge free radicals, which may help protect the intestinal lining and reduce inflammation.
Furthermore, lemon is a low-FODMAP food and low-FODMAP foods are good for IBS.
Because, FODMAPs are fermentable carbohydrates that can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea in some people with IBS.
You can drink one or two glasses of lemon water per day safely.
More than that can cause tooth erosion, heartburn, or nausea.
Also, you shouldn’t drink lemon water if you have acid reflux or gastritis to prevent worsening your symptoms.
Because, lemon juice is acidic and can irritate your esophagus and stomach.
You can buy fresh lemons in your local market or can order them online.
Always choose lemons that are firm, bright, and heavy for their size.
Because, these indicate freshness and juiciness.
You can store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to four weeks.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and essential medical care is key to managing IBS effectively.
I always recommend my IBS patients to follow a low-FODMAP diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.