Short Answer: Lemon water is controversial for acid reflux. Because it has citric acid and vitamin C and they can have opposite effects on acid reflux.
Acid reflux is a condition that affects your esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth and stomach.
In acid reflux, your stomach acid flows back into your esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation.
This can lead to various health problems, such as heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and esophageal cancer.
One of the key factors in managing acid reflux is diet.
What you consume can affect your stomach acid production and the function of your lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which can impact your acid reflux symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage acid reflux, you should consume high-fiber foods like oatmeal, vegetables, and fruits and avoid high-fat foods like fried foods, cheese, and chocolate.
Now, lemon water is a drink made by mixing lemon juice with water.
People usually drink it in the morning or before meals to improve digestion and hydration.
Lemon water is controversial for acid reflux because it contains citric acid, which can irritate the esophagus.
However, it also has vitamin C, which is an antioxidant and may help protect the esophagus from damage.
Some people claim that lemon water has an alkalizing effect, meaning that it can neutralize stomach acid, but this is not backed up by research.
One glass of lemon water with one tablespoon of lemon juice can give you 21% of your daily vitamin C needs and 2% of your daily folate needs.
Citric acid can worsen acid reflux symptoms by increasing stomach acidity and relaxing the LES.
Vitamin C can benefit acid reflux by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the esophagus.
Furthermore, lemon water is a low-calorie and low-sugar drink and low-calorie diets are good for acid reflux.
Because, they can help prevent obesity and weight gain, which are risk factors for acid reflux.
If you have mild or occasional acid reflux, you can drink lemon water in moderation to see if it helps your symptoms.
You can drink one glass of lemon water per day safely.
More than that can cause tooth erosion and stomach upset.
However, if you have severe or chronic acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you should avoid lemon water or limit it to very small amounts.
Stick to plain water or herbal tea to minimize acid reflux.
Also, you shouldn’t drink lemon water if you have peptic ulcers or gastritis to prevent further irritation.
Because, lemon water can aggravate these conditions.
You can buy fresh lemons in your local market or order them online.
Always choose organic and unwaxed lemons.
Because, they are free of pesticides and chemicals.
You can store them in a cool and dry place for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and essential medical care is key to managing acid reflux effectively.
I always recommend my acid reflux patients to follow an acid reflux-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being and enjoy a longer and healthier life.