How do you get yourself going each day? Do you drink coffee first thing in the morning? Do you eat food shortly after you wake up? Do you workout right away?
Since my Ayurvedic training in the early 1990’s I have made sure to start the day with hot water and lemon. I thought this ritual was something that most people did until I started asking around. One person told me that she drank green tea first thing, another said he ate food before drinking anything. Yet another said that coffee was the first thing she ate or drank each day.
For me, starting the day off right means heating up a kettle of water. Next, I get a 3-cup Mason jar out and put a small wedge of lemon in it. When this easy beverage is prepared, I sit down to drink it and read the local paper.
This relaxing ritual is a great way to start my day and get my body working. Additionally, I find this simple drink incredibly warming and grounding. Here’s why it’s great to start the day with hot water and lemon.
Start the Day with Hot Water and Lemon
1. Rehydrate
After a night of sleep our bodies need liquid and hydration; doing so with water is your best option.
2. Kickstart Digestion
Hot water stimulates the digestive tract, encouraging peristaltic action which can get things moving.
3. Eliminate Toxins
Lemons are high in minerals and vitamins that purge toxins from the body; they are also a natural diuretic and beneficial for the urinary tract.
4. Boost Immunity
Lemons are full of immune boosting vitamin C which is a fantastic antioxidant in fighting off cold, flu, and viruses.
5. Liver Support
Drinking hot water with lemon supports alkalinity in the body, assisting the liver in filtering out toxins.
Recently a friend told me that his digestion was a little off after traveling. The first thing I suggested to get him back on track was drinking hot water with lemon when when he gets up each morning. It really makes a big difference!
Some mornings if I’m not in the mood for the lemon, I’ll skip it and simply hydrate myself with three cups of hot water. What tricks do you have up your sleeve when it comes to starting out your day? Leave a comment and let me know. I’m all ears!
Ruthie says
I’ve been drinking lemon and water every morning for a few years now. I juice half a lemon and I add a teaspoon of coconut oil and I often grate fresh ginger and turmeric into it. This morning I tried it with a dash of cayenne pepper, it certainly woke me right up :)
Robin Brawn says
If I don’t have lemon I use organic, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and hot water. It helps with joint pain and digestive issues!
Ardys says
Haha, that is exactly what my comment (above) was about! I gather one of the main benefits to either is the alkaline nature of them, as well as micronutrients.
JC says
Definitely one of the best ways to start the day. I also like to add a bit of organic apple cider vinegar. The lemon masks the taste but you still get the extra benefits of ACV!
Bethany says
This is exactly how I start my day! I have been doing this awhile and love the effects it has on how I feel. I can’t imagine starting my day any other way… The alkalizing effects are great!
Susan says
Hmm – do I just see one slice of lemon in that water? Or do you use a half or whole lemon, or juice it and use the juice?
Tammy says
How much lemon do you squeeze into 1 cup or mug of hot water? Thank you.
Kandy says
Per Elana in instructions: Next, I get a 3-cup Mason jar out and put a small wedge of lemon in it. When this easy beverage is prepared
Lauren says
Are you worried about the acid in the lemon compromising your tooth enamel? Another blogger was recommending 1/2 cup of lemon juice in 7 cups of water and drinking it throughout the day. She suggested drinking it with a straw to bypass your tooth enamel. Am I over thinking this health tip?
Anita Joyce says
I drank hot water and lemon for about ten years…my dentis said that it has damaged the enamel on my teeth…just hot water for me now.
Mr E says
Both lemon and apple cider vinegar will damage enamel — same with raw juice diets from natural sugars. I suggest, following the morning hot water drink with a coconut oil-pulling session for 5 to 15 minutes. Then brush teeth (I use baking soda). Oil pulling will improve overall tooth and gum health — really! Oregano oil on the gums or spearmint, wintergreen, tea tree, or other essential oils are beneficial, too.
As a first thing morning routine, I alternate adding iodine one day and lemon/ACV another day to a cup of water (warm or room temp). Then oil pulling during a 15 minute meditation. Spit and rinse mouth well. Brush teeth now and/or eat paleo meal, and brush teeth after eating. Follow with an essential oil gum rub, and you’re good to go. ;-)
Ardys says
I would be interested to know, if you think lemon is better than organic unfiltered vinegar? I’ve been drinking the vinegar first thing in the morning for about 5 months now and have found my arthritis seems better, which is the reason I started it. I also have had some digestive issues and have recently read that the organic vinegar with ‘mother’ can be helpful for that. After changing to a Paleo diet in January digestive things did improve but I think that is mostly because I have eliminated certain foods from my diet. Still curious about the benefits of lemon versus the vinegar.
Deb Lebbin says
Hi Elana,
I started drinking hot water with lemon the first of the year, when I started the Daniel Fast. This was my first attempt at the fast and I’m proud to say I did fantastic! I of course, went back to my old eating habits, but felt so good during the fast that I’m back on track. The Daniel Fast doesn’t allow caffeine, so that’s how I came about drinking hot water with lemon. To me it tastes just like drinking hot tea with lemon. Great way to start the day! Don’t even miss the coffee, especially me since I drink decaf!!!
Vanessa Campos says
Do limes have the same effect as lemons?
Annette chandler says
Hi info the same but have 3 cups of hot water or one, then my 20 minute walk along the beach. Home another cup of hot water p, 1 magnesium citrate tablet with my breakfast. Rolled oats, 20 blueberries, lactose free yoghurt and a little lactose free milk, 1 slice of spelt sourdough toasted & maybe a cup of tea
Will now put the slice of lemon in the water
Rgds
Annette from New Zealand
Donna says
Hi Annette from New Zealand,
I also take magnesium supplement, but was advised to take it before bedtime. The explanation is that Magnesium relaxes muscles and helps in getting restful sleep.