The lemon has long been an important ingredient in many home remedies. Lemon juice is especially high in vitamin C, an important factor in overall health and your body's ability to fight diseases. Lemon juice also contains vitamin B, carbohydrates, proteins and flavonoids, which consist of vital antioxidants that give the lemon many of its benefits. Too much lemon juice, however, can have adverse affects, especially if taken as part of a diet that eliminates essential nutrition.
Kidney Stones
According to MayoClinic.com, lemon juice could reduce the risk of kidney stones. Lemon juice's citric content can discourage calcium buildup and reduce overall calcium levels in your urine. This can result in less kidney stones comprised of calcium. There is no hard scientific evidence that supports this claim and should only be considered theoretical treatment. It also is not known if drinking lemon juice or lemon-flavored water is beneficial for everyone as certain adverse side effects could develop in people with citric allergies.
Cold Remedy
Lemon juice has long been a home remedy of choice for the common cold. The juice is often added to hot water and teas as the lemon helps replenish the body's vitamin C levels, which are vital in fighting common colds. Additionally, Sheldon G. Sheps, M.D., of the Mayo Clinic suggests that people who have high blood pressure skip over-the-counter decongestants when coming down with a cold and instead drink or gargle warm water with lemon juice to help soothe the throat.
Topical Application
Lemon juice can be used for a number of topical ailments. According to the Health Learning website, lemon juice can help heal and prevent chapped lips, as well as relieve sunburn. To apply the lemon juice to the skin, simply dab a clean hand towel that has been lightly soaked in lemon juice on the skin's affected area. Health Learning also recommends lemon juice for corns and warts on feet and hands. The lemon juice can help break down the hardened skin of corns and warts.
Lemon Juice Cleansing
Drinking large amounts of lemon juice is a popular cleansing and weight-loss method. While many that have tried lemon juice cleansing report significant weight loss, there are a number of dangers associated with this extreme dieting technique. Most lemon juice cleansing programs require that entire food groups be eliminated from your daily nutrition plan. Side effects can include fatigue and rapid weight loss, which can cause your body to store fat, causing you to quickly regain weight once you resume eating. Any diet that restricts eating solid foods is typically not recommended. Consult your doctor first if you are considering doing a lemon juice cleansing diet.
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