I have many wellness practices that I incorporate into my routine on a daily basis and I’m always on the look out for something else to boost my well-being. I kept hearing about hot lemon water, and how it could help with energy, digestion, and overall health but hadn’t incorporated it into my routine. I thought it would be just one more time consuming thing to do. However, in the last few months, I’ve decided to give it a try and have been pleasantly surprised at how good it makes me feel and how simple and easy it is, so I thought I would share more about it.
The Benefits of Hot Lemon Water
- Hydration Support
After sleep, your body naturally gets mildly dehydrated. Therefore, rehydration is especially important after sleep. Most of us don’t drink enough water. I know I was one of them until I talked about it with my doctor. As someone who is prone to migraines, drinking plenty of water is especially important for me to prevent them.
- Source of Vitamin C and Antioxidants
Lemons are a natural source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that protects your cells from disease. While one slice of lemon won’t deliver your full daily dose of needed vitamin C, every little bit counts.
- Digestive Aid and Morning Routine
Warm fluids can encourage healthy digestion, and the citric acid in lemons may stimulate gastric juices, which are important for breaking down food (Cleveland Clinic, 2024). I’ve found it especially soothing to drink before breakfast, but don’t stress if you don’t finish it before eating.
- Potential Role in Detoxification
The word “detox” gets thrown around a lot, but the truth is, your body already has a built-in detox system–your liver and kidneys. They work around the clock to filter waste, and staying hydrated is a great way to support them. While lemon water won’t necessarily transform your health and detox you by itself, it does encourage more hydration, which helps your organs function at their best, and is a positive step towards improved well-being.
- A Healthier Alternative to Sugary Beverages
Lemon provides a nice flavor for your drink that can be used in place of flavorings that have added sugars. If you typically drink juice or soda in the morning, switching to lemon water is a healthier alternative. Cutting back on sugary beverages is linked to improved weight management and healthier teeth (WHO, 2015).
How I Make My Hot Lemon Water
This daily ritual takes less than five minutes. Here’s my method:
- Heat water until warm (not boiling–I use 175 degrees on my tea kettle).
- Slice a fresh lemon and squeeze about ¼ wedge into a mug. (Many recommend half a lemon, but I prefer less).
- Pour 8-12 ounces of warm water over the freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Sip slowly and enjoy!
It’s recommended that you drink hot lemon water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Once I finish showering and doing my skin-care routine, making my hot lemon water is next on the list. Some mornings I enjoy it in silence while looking out the window, other mornings I sip through the chaos of trying to get myself ready for the day, remind my teens what they need to do, and coordinate with my husband about the upcoming day.
A Small Word of Caution
While lemon water is mostly harmless, it is acidic, which can weaken tooth enamel over time if you overdo it. It’s recommended to drink it in one sitting (instead of sipping all morning), using a straw, or rinsing with plain water after.
And of course–if you have any medical concerns or conditions, it’s always best to check in with your healthcare professional before adding something new to your wellness practice.
Final Thoughts
As with any wellness practice, consistency matters more than perfection. I don’t always finish my lemon water before eating my breakfast, but making it part of my routine helps me start the day with intention. For me, this small, simple ritual is refreshing and energizing and I plan to keep it as part of my morning practices.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This post as well as products or services listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information in this article is intended purely as personal recommendations and is not to be interpreted as an attempt to prescribe or practice medicine.
References:
Carr, A. C., & Maggini, S. (2017). Vitamin C and immune function. Nutrients, 9(11), 1211. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9111211
Cleveland Clinic. (2024, August 21). Is starting your day with lemon water healthy? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-lemon-water
Continental Hospitals. (2025, April 29). Can drinking lemon water clean your liver? https://continentalhospitals.com/blog/can-drinking-lemon-water-clean-your-liver/
Lussi, A., & Jaeggi, T. (2008). Erosion—diagnosis and risk factors. Clinical Oral Investigations, 12(Suppl 1), S5–S13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-007-0179-z
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (n.d.). Your kidneys & how they work. U.S. National Institutes of Health. Retrived August 20, 20025 from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/kidneys-how-they-work
National Kidney Foundation. (2025, March 25). Healthy hydration for your kidneys: What to sip and what to skip. https://www.kidney.org/news-stories/healthy-hydration-your-kidneys-what-to-sip-and-what-to-skip
World Health Organization. (2015, March 4). Guideline: Sugars intake for adults and children. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241549028
