Is Lemon Water Bad for Acid Reflux? (Expert Answer)
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%
