We’ve all been through it- heartburn, bloating or the discomfort you get after eating spicy food. Dealing with acidity is no fun and people use a variety of tactics to cope. Whether it’s drinking cold milk, taking antacids or trying to fix things by changing their diet, the struggle is real. But one thing that often comes up in conversation is lemons. Although lemons are acidic, can they really help you deal with acidity? Or will they make the situation worse? If you’re curious (and let’s be honest, we’ve all wondered!), keep reading to find out whether lemons are your friend or foe when it comes to dealing with acidity.
Also read: Is excessive consumption of lemon harmful for your health? Know the answer!
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What causes acidity?
Acidity is a stomach problem that most of us are familiar with. It starts when stomach acid moves up into your esophagus, causing an unpleasant burning sensation in your chest or throat. Here’s a brief explanation of why acidity occurs.
1. Diet
Have you ever eaten too much, too quickly? Or consumed spicy, greasy or acidic foods? Yes, that’s probably why you’re feeling heartburn. Such foods can increase stomach acid production, making it difficult for your body to digest it, leading to—you guessed it—acidity.
2. Medicine
If you are taking painkillers, sedatives or other medications, they may be responsible for it. Some medications can trigger acidity as a side effect.
3. Lifestyle
Stress, smoking, drinking alcohol and even poor sleeping habits can harm your body and cause acid reflux. Not fun, right?
4. Irregular eating habits
Skipping meals, eating too late at night, or not having a fixed eating routine can be a quick way to trigger acidity. It all depends on the timing!
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Should you consume lemon when you have acidity?
Surprisingly, yes! Even though lemons are acidic, they can actually help. Nutritionist and dietitian Shweta J Panchal (@dt.shwetashahpanchal) says that lemons, despite their acidity, become alkaline once they hit your stomach acid. Therefore, they help balance your body’s pH level. If you are dealing with acidity, gas or bloating, adding lemons to your routine can do wonders. Just keep in mind, balance is key – aim for a diet that has 80% alkaline foods and 20% acidic foods.
Watch her full video here:
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What are the health benefits of lemon?
Now that we know lemon is good for acidity, let’s find out what other wonderful things it does for your health:
1. Boosts Immunity:
Lemons are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which are great for keeping your immune system strong. They also ward off those pesky cold and flu germs that tend to attack when you least expect it.
2. Aids digestion:
Rich in soluble fiber (hello, pectin!), lemons are your gut’s best friend. They help regulate bowel movements and improve digestion, so you can keep things running smoothly.
3. Helpful in Weight Loss:
Do you drink lemon water with honey? Turns out it’s not just a trend. The fiber in lemons makes you feel full for longer, which means you’ll avoid mindless eating, which helps with weight loss.
4. Reduces water retention:
Lemons are natural diuretics. This means they help flush out excess water from your body and keep your pH levels balanced, making you feel less bloated.
Also read: 5 Folate (Vitamin B9) Rich Recipes You Can Try for Folic Acid Sufficiency
5. Improves skin health:
Due to their anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties, lemons can give your skin that extra glow. They help reduce free radicals in the body, combat inflammation and give you a clear, glowing complexion.
