A doctor has shared the benefits of adding one fruit to a glass of water every day, which he claims will help boost hydration and digestion, as well as providing several other health benefits
A medic has revealed the incredible benefits of popping just one piece of fruit into your daily glass of water, claiming it will supercharge hydration and help digestion.
While water is essential for survival, many of us struggle to remember to drink enough of it throughout the day. While your morning cuppa and coffee do contribute to your fluid intake targets, they can actually leave your body feeling more dehydrated. To help, Harvard-trained gut specialist Dr Saurabh Sethi is encouraging people to drop a single fruit into their water glass daily to help the body maximise hydration while delivering a host of additional wellness perks.
“I’m a gut doctor and here are eight things you probably didn’t know about lemon water,” he penned in his Instagram upload before diving into his tips.
The expert acknowledged that while lemon-infused water has been massively ‘overhyped’ across social media – with many falsely claiming it cleanses the body, which it doesn’t – it still boasts an impressive array of health advantages.
Boosted hydration
Dr Sethi first highlighted that roughly 75% of grown-ups suffer from chronic dehydration. You can check your hydration status by examining your wee – it should appear pale yellow or almost transparent. Another swift assessment is the skin elasticity test – simply pinch the flesh on your hand’s reverse side, and if it springs back rapidly, you’re probably well-hydrated, but lingering tenting could signal dehydration.
To prevent dehydration, it’s crucial to consume enough water. The NHS advises drinking 6 to 8 cups or glasses of fluid daily, equivalent to approximately 1.5 to 2.5 litres.
Dr Sethi explained: “Lemon makes water more appealing, which helps digestion, energy, and focus.”
Packed with vitamin C
The expert highlighted that lemon serves as an excellent natural vitamin C source, supporting immune function, assisting tissue development and healing, and functioning as a potent antioxidant shielding cells from harm.
A single lemon provides roughly 35mg of vitamin C – approximately 40% of an adult’s daily requirement. This also enhances iron absorption while promoting healthy skin and collagen formation.
Supports digestion
As mentioned previously, incorporating lemon into your daily hydration routine may improve overall digestive health, particularly for those with insufficient stomach acid.
“The mild acidity may stimulate gastric juices and bile flow,” he explained, with some individuals noting enhanced digestion when consuming lemon water before meals.
Soothing for body
It’s well-known that sipping warm lemon water, frequently combined with honey, provides comfort, particularly when battling a cold or feeling poorly.
However, Dr Sethi noted that vitamin C begins deteriorating at temperatures exceeding 70C, making it less beneficial than when consumed cold.
This is why he encourages people to let the hot water cool down a bit before adding in the lemon, as it will have a more beneficial effect on your body.
Be cautious
While it seems like a brilliant idea to add lemon to your water daily, Dr Sethi also cautioned those who already suffer from acid reflux. He revealed up to 20% of people report their Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) worsens when they drink lemon-infused water.
Because of this, he advises people to avoid drinking it on an empty stomach if you start to notice bloating or burning symptoms.
Lemon juice is also highly acidic, which means it’s crucial to look after your teeth when consuming it. Dr Sethi suggests drinking it through a straw and rinsing your mouth with normal, plain water after having lemon water to keep your enamel healthy.