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!
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sharon says
I want that mug!!
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine says
I love hot water with lemon- but I usually drink it in the evening. I think this week I’ll trade my morning coffee for it, and see how I feel!
Lynda says
Good morning Elena… Thanks for all the excellent and easy recipes ! One question : a full lemon each day ? Thanks
tracy says
i drink 2 teaspoons of bragg’s ACV in 8 oz of room temp water with a few drops of stevia first thing in the morning (and also at dinner time) and then a double green tea with matcha.
tracci says
Does it depress your appetite?
Elana says
Tracii, I wouldn’t say it depresses my appetite, though it is filling, and super replenishing in the morning :-)
Tiina says
I drink a tall cold glass of water first thing in the morning with the juice of entire lemon in it, unsweetened.
lauren says
Same here, Tina
Archena says
I have been taking half a lime with hot water and a teaspoon of honey since earlier this year. This has been the very first item in the morning. This helps with indigestion and also helps keep extra weight off
dzeldaz says
My grandfather drank hot water and lemon every morning. I don’t always seem to have the time or patience to heat up the water, however I do take Bragg’s apple cider vinegar every morning. I take it straight and try not to let it touch my teeth. I do keep “lemon water” in the fridge and drink it throughout the day. I have a pitcher with a piece inside that is to hold tea. I put it cut up lemon instead and keep it filled with water. It is so good and refreshing and is really the only thing that quenches my thirst.
amy wasserman says
my grandmother had hot water with lemon every morning and lived to be almost 94!!
Kandy says
I was drinking this; however after a while I would get instant heartburn. I get weekly chemo and it has really messed up my digestion and eating, etc. so for now I have not been drinking this. I really enjoyed it previously. I also keep water by my bed and drink during the night as I have hydration issues.
Karls says
Two things: (1) I usually juice an orange after half a cup of water in the morning followed by my iron supplement (since I’m anemic). Would this have the same effect as a lemon slice in water? (2) A bit of an indelicate topic but I have to ask. know a lot of men in our family who are troubled with IBS. Has anyone been afflicted with the same and has this ritual helped?