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!
Loretta says
Have been trying this as my mother who lived to be almost 90 always started her day with it. Helps with my digestive system. I have recently eliminated milk (not cream) from my diet as I read (Dr John Briffa) it could be the cause of my snoring. Boy was he right! This worked straight away and really improved my night’s sleep (and my partners) also have gotten great digestive results by taking a magnesium citrate 400 mg tablet night and morning as the poster above suggests and have noticed this has reduced my lower back stiffness as well as giving me a feeling of well-being.
Lily says
I drink Hot Water with Lemons, ginger and wheatgrass powder :o)
Gail says
I have been drinking freshly squeezed lemon juice (either one-half or one whole lemon) in very warm water for about a year now…first thing when I awake. Add a good pinch of sea or Himalayan salt to modify the tartness. Right before breakfast is ready, I drink one tablespoon of Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar in about 8 oz. warm water with about a teaspoon of raw honey. I also do the ACV drink again right before dinner. The ACV really helps with digestion!
Lynda says
Thank you Gail for the tip!
BakingMD says
Since I am not able to drink coffee, I head to the gym, commute by bike to work, or take a quick run in the morning before work! The natural endogenous adrenaline kicks starts my day! No hot water needed!
Janelle says
I’ve been having a lot of troubles with digestion lately and have been looking for a solution – I’ll try this advice that you gave your friend! Thanks so much.
christine says
Hi Elana – I always love your posts about what you do yourself towards health. Thank you so much for sharing! My early morning ritual is to drink a big mug of hot lemon in it and some days I add a sliver of fresh ginger as well. Thanks again for sharing all the wonderful tips you do in addition to your amazing recipes. You’re lovely!
Madfortulips says
I have been doing this for about a year now and love it. On the weekends I might treat myself to a small espresso, or a latte made with my homemade nut milk( which foams terrifically ). But definitely feel like my digestion is on the right track first thing each day with my warm lemon water. I follow with my kale or spinach smoothie and I am ready to roll!
Sarah Beaton says
Would I get the same benefit if I drink herbal tea with lemon or should it only be water with lemon?
Jennifer Marie says
That sounds like a wonderful idea. I often use lemon in my tea but never just a hot lemon drink. Will have to try this now that Fall is on its way!
Christina says
I’m with Ardis, I am curious about the qualities of lemon vs the qualities of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar. Also, quantity… only a small slice in 3 cups of water? Or did I misunderstand?
Valentina says
Yes I’m curious too, Elana, would love to hear your opinion. And Christina, I agree, I’ve always heard and done half a lemon in a small glass of warm water, but i had to stop because it made my teeth really sensitive. One slice in 3 cups wouldn’t surely do that, but i thought to get the benefits to the liver one needed to have a higher concentration of lemon in it.
I think drinking it with a straw, long term weakens the enamel too, though. So Elana’s small amount might be the go.
Petra Korevaar says
My dentist gave me the advice to brush my teeth before eating or drinking, just to strengthen the enamel. Wait for five minuten and you can have your hot water with a slice of lemon
Kandy says
per Elana above: Next, I get a 3-cup Mason jar out and put a small wedge of lemon in it. When this easy beverage is prepared