Right then, today we’re going to have a natter about something simple that loads of people swear by – drinking a boat load of lemon water first thing in the morning. Yeah, it might sound like one of those trendy health fads, but stick with us. It turns out there’s actually a decent amount of reason behind this citrusy hype.
If you’re curious or even a bit sceptical, here’s a little deep dive into what lemon water is all about, why so many people are doing it, and exactly how you can get started (if you wish). No fluff, just the juicy bits (pun absolutely intended).
what is lemon water, exactly?
Okay, so it’s exactly what it sounds like, there’s really nothing complicated about it – lemon water is literally just plain old water with some sliced fresh lemon popped in it. Simple as that. There’s plenty of room to get fancy with it if you want, people chuck in all sorts – from mint leaves, ginger and honey to a bit of cayenne pepper – but at its core, it’s literally just lemon and water.
You can have it warm, hot, or ice cold – whatever floats your boat. The classic combo people tend to go for is warm water with half a lemon squeezed in. We don’t want the water to be boiling hot, or you’ll end up killing off some of the good stuff in the juice, a bit counterproductive if you ask us. We want to aim for that sweet spot of just warm enough to be able to hold your mug (not by the handle, duh).
why bother? (the real benefits)
Right, here’s the good bit – what drinking lemon water actually does for you. Spoiler alert: It’s not a miracle elixir like we’re all desperately searching for, but it can give your body a cheeky head start each morning.
1. kickstarts hydration
You’ve been asleep for (hopefully) 7-8 hours, so your body is likely to be a bit dehydrated. Starting the day with a glass of water – lemon or not – helps to rehydrate and wake everything up from the get-go. Adding the lemon in makes it feel a bit more ‘intentional’, like creating yourself a mini morning ritual to get the day started.
2. boosts digestion
A lot of people swear by lemon water for helping with digestion. The acidity of lemons can help stimulate stomach acid, in turn getting your digestive system prepped for breakfast. That means less bloating, and in some cases, more regular… you know what.
3. vitamin c hit
Lemons are absolutely jam packed with vitamin C, which is brilliant for your immune system, skin, and bringing back that general glowiness. It’s not going to replace your five-a-day, but it’s a nice bonus. It can be especially handy and helpful in the winter months when colds are doing the rounds.
4. aids in detoxification (kind of)
Now, let’s not get carried away. Your liver and kidneys are the ones that do all the heavy lifting when it comes to detoxing your body. BUT – staying hydrated does help those organs work better, and lemon water encourages you to drink more water overall. So, indirectly, yes – it can support natural detoxification (1).
5. freshens breath
Oddly specific, but true – the citrusy goodness can help in neutralising bad breath. Just be careful that you don’t brush your teeth straight after because the acid can be a bit harsh on that precious tooth enamel if you're not careful (2).
6. mood & energy boost
This one’s a bit more anecdotal, but lots of people say they feel more alert and refreshed after a glass of lemon water. Whether it’s the hydration, the scent, or the vitamin C hit, it feels like a mini wake-up call in a mug getting you geared up for the day.
how to make morning lemon water
You don’t need a NutriBullet or a fancy wellness routine to make lemon water part of your morning, making it is super simple:
- Boil the kettle, but don’t pour it straight away. Let it cool for a few minutes so the water’s warm rather than freshly boiled.
- Squeeze half a lemon into a mug. If you’re using a whole lemon, that’s fine too – just make sure the lemon you're using is fresh.
- Top it up with the warm water and give it a little stir.
- If you’re feeling fancy you can add extras like a slice of ginger, a teaspoon of honey, or even a pinch of turmeric or cayenne.
Done. Sip and enjoy.
If you’d prefer to drink it cold, simply slice up your lemon and pop it in your reusable water bottle and go about your day, job done.
If you’ve got sensitive teeth or worry about enamel erosion, drink it through a straw and rinse your mouth with plain water afterwards.
when’s the best time to drink it?
Ideally, you want to have your lemon water first thing in the morning, before food or coffee. That way, it goes straight into your system without having to compete with anything else. Let it settle and wait around 15–30 minutes before tucking into your brekkie.
Some people have another glass mid-morning or in the afternoon as a pick-me-up. There’s no strict rule – trial it and ultimately just do what works for you.
a few quick caveats
Because hey, nothing’s perfect:
- Acidity – Lemon juice is acidic, so if you drink large amounts or brush your teeth straight after, it does pose a risk of wearing down your enamel. Like we mentioned earlier- use a straw if you’re worried, and wait 30 minutes after you’re lemon water before brushing your teeth.
- Citrus & tummy troubles – Some folks find lemon water a bit harsh on an empty stomach, especially those who struggle with acid reflux or a sensitive gut. Start out with a small amount to let your body get used to it and then see how you get on.
- Not a miracle cure – It’s not going to replace a balanced diet, exercise, or sleep. But it is a lovely addition to a healthy routine.
lemon water in the morning: final thoughts
Lemon water in the morning isn’t just one of the latest trends – it’s a super simple way to get yourself feeling more refreshed, hydrated, and ready for the day. It’s not magic, but it does make a difference.
Give it a go for a couple of weeks. There’s no need to overhaul your entire life – buy a bag of lemons and see how you get on. If nothing else, it’s a reason to pause and consciously be a little more mindful first thing in the morning. And honestly, who couldn’t use that?
So, next time you’re standing in your kitchen, half-asleep and bleary-eyed, maybe reach for a lemon first instead of the instant coffee. You might be surprised how much it perks you up. Until next time, eve Sleep.
