Can lemon water harm your kidneys? | The Times of India (2024)

FAQs

Does lemon water affect kidneys? ›

Lemon water contains high amounts of citrate. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, research suggests that drinking lemon water may help prevent kidney stones. Not drinking enough water can increase the risk of kidney stones.

If you are sensitive to tyramine, drinking lemon juice can trigger migraine headaches. Lemons can worsen heartburn symptoms in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In high amounts, lemon juice can also irritate your stomach and cause nausea.

Citrate, a salt in citric acid, binds to calcium and helps block stone formation. "Studies have shown that drinking 1/2 cup of lemon juice concentrate diluted in water each day, or the juice of two lemons, can increase urine citrate and likely reduce kidney stone risk," says Dr. Eisner.

It breaks down toxins or excess nutrients in the liver and eliminates those molecules via the kidneys and out into the toilet in your urine. There is no evidence vitamin C helps this. So any claims lemon water detoxes you are untrue. If you really need a detox, you probably need a liver transplant.

What happens if I drink lemon water every day? Drinking too much lemon water may lead to tooth erosion and heartburn over time, due to the acidic content of lemons. However, no side effects have been reported regarding drinking one cup of lemon water every day.

Drinking lemon water has its benefits, but in excess, it can cause some damaging side effects. Too much lemon water can also lead to tooth decay, heartburn, and other reflux-related symptoms. If you drink lemon water at restaurants, it's best to leave the rind out to avoid germs and bacteria.

The lowdown

While plain water is the best drink for your kidneys, other fluids are perfectly acceptable, including coffee, green tea, low-potassium juices, and infused water. Avoid sweetened, carbonated beverages and coconut water.

What is the best water for kidneys? ›

Pure, naturally-filtered water is the best thing you can drink for good kidney health. And installing a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and convenient bottled water cooler can be the best way to get it.

Damaged kidneys build up potassium in the blood, resulting in serious heart problems. Potassium is present in bananas, other fruits and vegetables (such as potatoes, avocados and melons). People with advanced kidney disease are usually advised to avoid some fruits and vegetables, including bananas.

Healthy options for kidney disease are protein, egg whites, fish, unsaturated fats, fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, apple juice, grape and cranberry juice, light colored soda. The amount of protein intake per day varies depending on the stage of kidney disease.

This means oatmeal is a good food choice for people who have conditions that lead to kidney damage, like heart failure, high blood pressure, and diabetes. A small 2018 study on 50 people with chronic kidney disease found that eating oatmeal helps kidney function.

Lemon contains minerals, such as calcium, iron, selenium, and potassium, which are essential for overall health. Regular consumption of lemon water may help strengthen bones, promote oral health, and prevent anemia and kidney stones due to its citrate content.

Consuming tea made using dried organic dandelion or a fresh dandelion is known to help cleanse the kidneys. Dandelion is considered a kidney tonic that helps increase urination and may also help prevent urinary tract infections.