Bicarbonate and lemon: benefits and contraindications of this detox drink
There are some recipes that have become famous because they are allies of our health. These do-it-yourself remedies can be prepared comfortably at home and often prove to be effective in combating various ailments, such as stomach pain, headache or swelling. Today we will discover what are the benefits of water, baking soda and lemon juice, the classic drink that grandmothers advised us to drink after heavier meals or on other occasions. It must be said that the lemon itself is already part of that list of superfood that should always be included in your diet and, therefore, we start with excellent conditions!
The benefits of water, baking soda and lemon
Drinking a cup of water, baking soda and lemon has more beneficial effects on our body than you might think. However, before seeing all these properties, it is necessary to make a clarification: in recent years, in fact, this drink has been seen as a possible remedy in the treatment of cancer. According to some theories, dissolving a teaspoon of bicarbonate and the juice of three lemons in half a liter of water would obtain a useful solution against a tumor. rampant misinformation.
For this reason, we will focus only on the real benefits of the union of bicarbonate and lemon, proven over time and about which there is no doubt!
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1. Allied drink for diet and detox
One of the best known benefits of the mixture based on sodium bicarbonate and lemon juice is certainly this: the detoxifying and detoxifying effect. In fact, two teaspoons of bicarbonate facilitate intestinal transit and regularity, while lemon in hot water helps it disposal of waste and toxins, which can damage the intestine and cause annoying water retention and abdominal swelling.
Normally it is recommended to drink this drink in the morning on an empty stomach, in order to start burning fat from the early hours of the day and to stimulate the metabolism. Obviously, the cup of water, lemon and bicarbonate is to be combined with a balanced diet - and low-calorie if you want to lose weight - in order to make the most of the detoxifying effect of this natural blend.
2. Great for liver health
It has been noted that the combination of lemon juice and sodium bicarbonate has an alkalizing effect on the organism, that is, it can modify the pH which is excessively acidic. This aspect is very useful for the well-being of the liver. In fact, in the body the liver is the organ in charge of multiple functions, such as the synthesis of vitamins, the cleansing of the blood and the detoxification of the organism.
Regularly taking a cup of water, bicarbonate and lemon will keep the liver in good health and will help it in its main functions. This is because lemon contains a high amount of vitamin C and because there are many antioxidant ingredients in bicarbonate. Again it is recommended to drink the drink on an empty stomach, especially in the morning.
3. Effective for the well-being of the kidneys
The same alkalizing power of water, bicarbonate and lemon is found in the kidneys. For this reason this mixture is recommended for those suffering from kidney problems or urinary disorders. Going to reduce the acid pH, a glass of water with a tablespoon of bicarbonate and a few drops of lemon can promote the health of the kidneys because they will be helped in their functions and will be able to filter the blood better. it reaches the bladder with less impurities and the risk of infections is significantly lowered.
To make the most of the benefits of this drink for the kidneys, it is suggested to drink it after meals, when the organs begin to work and filter the various toxins.
4. A panacea for digestion
Finally, what is the most traditional situation of the use of water, bicarbonate and lemon: a natural and effective grandmother's remedy to promote digestion. In fact, sodium bicarbonate reduces the acids that cause stomach inflammation and of the esophagus. In addition, its combination with lemon juice helps to counteract the formation of air in the intestine and to combat gastroesophageal reflux, with all related ailments.
This is especially useful after very heavy meals, when you feel bloated stomach and when you suffer from constipation. Just like in the case of the facilitation of the functions of the kidneys, also to aid digestion you need to drink a cup of warm or hot water, bicarbonate and lemon after eating.
How to properly prepare water, baking soda and lemon
To take and promote all the benefits that this drink can offer, it would be better to drink it lukewarm, neither too hot nor cold. The quantities of the various ingredients can be modified according to the properties you want to exploit, but it is usually prepared as follows:
- 1 glass of warm water (about 230-250g)
- half a teaspoon of baking soda
- 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
Just combine the three ingredients and mix until a homogeneous mixture is obtained. In addition, it is possible to add other ingredients to enhance some properties: usually spices are chosen, such as turmeric or ginger, which both protect against inflammation, pain in the intestinal tract and the harmful action of free radicals.
When to drink this drink
If you choose to drink water, bicarbonate and lemon to enjoy its detoxifying, detoxifying and purifying effect, perhaps as an adjunct to a weight loss diet, then it is preferable to take it early in the morning, 20 to 30 minutes before breakfast.
If, on the other hand, you want to help digestion, it is to be drunk immediately after meals so as to calm that sense of swelling or acidity that is perceived especially after particularly heavy lunches or dinners.
Contraindications and side effects of bicarbonate and lemon
Although in some respects it is a real panacea, as with all things, even with bicarbonate and lemon you have to exaggerate. In general, for the detoxifying and detoxifying benefit, it is recommended to drink this blend for two weeks in the morning on an empty stomach and then take a break for the same period. After these two weeks, the cycle can be resumed. This is because frequent use of water, bicarbonate and lemon can be counterproductive and lead to an excess of sodium. In this case, the inverse effects of those hoped would be obtained, with an accentuation of water retention.
Furthermore, again due to the high sodium content it is not recommended for those suffering from hypertension and high blood pressure, while it must be avoided for the acid component by those who have problems related to gastritis, disorders such as ulcer or a certain sensitivity at the level of the stomach.
Finally, for some time it was thought that the combined action of bicarbonate and lemon juice was useful in whitening teeth. However, it has been shown that brushing these two ingredients too often can damage the enamel instead.
