You've probably seen people on social media talking about drinking a glass of lemon water as soon as they wake up. It sounds refreshing and healthy—but is it actually good for us?
We dug into the advice of real nutrition experts to help clear things up before we jump on the lemon water trend.
Why lemon water sounds like a good idea
When we wake up after a night of sleep, our bodies are naturally a bit dehydrated. We've just gone 7–8 hours without drinking anything. That's why sipping some water first thing can help rehydrate us and gently wake our system up. Adding lemon to that water can make it even better.
Lemon contains vitamin C, a nutrient that supports our immune system and helps our body fight off bugs. It also acts as an antioxidant, helping to flush out unwanted substances. Some studies even suggest that lemon water may gently support liver and kidney function by helping the body clear out waste more efficiently. So far, so good!
Warm water makes a difference
It's not just about what we drink, but how we drink it. Experts recommend using warm—not hot or cold—water for our morning lemon drink. Water that's too cold may be a bit of a shock to our body, especially when we're just waking up. On the other hand, very hot water can actually break down the vitamin C in the lemon, making it less effective.
So what's the sweet spot? Try water that's between 35°C and 40°C (that's around body temperature). It's warm enough to feel soothing but still gentle on the system.
Lemon water isn't perfect—watch your teeth
Even though lemon water has its benefits, we do need to be a little careful—especially with our teeth. Lemons are naturally acidic, and over time, this acid can wear down our tooth enamel. That's the protective outer layer of our teeth, and once it thins out, it doesn't grow back.
But no need to give up on lemon water! Here's a smart trick: use a straw. This helps the acidic drink bypass our front teeth and reduces direct contact with the enamel. It's a small habit that can make a big difference in the long run.
Expert tips from a nutritionist
Nutritionist Eleonore de Richecour shared two important tips for us:
1. Always drink through a straw. This protects your teeth from acid damage and keeps your smile strong and healthy.
2. Keep your lemon water warm—but not too hot. As we mentioned, too much heat kills the vitamin C, and cold water can be a bit harsh on an empty stomach.
So when we make our lemon water, warm it up gently—just enough so it feels cozy, like a hug in a cup.
The REAL Reason to Drink Lemon Water Every Day
Video by Dr. Eric Berg DC
Should we all start doing this?
If we enjoy the taste and it makes us feel good in the morning, lemon water can be a healthy little ritual. It helps us hydrate, gives us a boost of vitamin C, and supports digestion. But it's not a magic cure-all. It works best as part of a balanced routine with a healthy breakfast, good sleep, and a little movement each day.
How to make it right
Here's a super simple way to prepare your morning lemon water:
• Warm 1 cup (about 250 ml) of water to 35–40°C.
• Squeeze in the juice of half a fresh lemon.
• Use a straw to sip it slowly.
That's it! It takes less than two minutes to prepare, but it's a gentle and mindful way to start our day.
Let's chat, Lykkers—do you drink lemon water?
Do you already drink lemon water in the morning? Or are you curious to give it a try after reading this? We'd love to hear what works for you—or if you have your own morning rituals that help you feel refreshed and ready. Let's keep supporting each other to live a little better every day.