Lemon Juice for Gout
Lemon juice is a staple drink in people’s homes. It’s nutritious, refreshing and can be used to spruce up a number of dishes. If you have lemons in your home, you already have one of the best remedies for gout.
This fruit is high in vitamin C, which is known to greatly benefit gout sufferers. It has a uricosuric effect which reduces the concentration of uric acid in the blood. There’s already several studies proving the efficacy of lemon juice for gout. One study even shows that individuals who consume the highest amount of vitamin C had the lowest uric acid levels. So, if you’re already consuming lemon juice every day, you’re on the right track.
Lemon also helps alkalize the urine. When your body’s pH level is too high, it’s an indication that you’re too acidic. It can mess with your digestive system and elevate your blood pressure levels. This is counteracted by lemon since it stimulates the production of calcium carbonate, which neutralizes the acid, including uric acid.
If you suffer from kidney stones in addition to having gout, you can greatly benefit from taking lemon juice. One study found that individuals who consumed lemon juice decreased their risk for kidney stones. This is a simple and effective way to keep your kidneys healthy and excreting uric acid efficiently.
Other benefits of lemon juice:
- Lemon juice helps with weight loss since it contains a pectin fiber which is known to fight hunger cravings. This pectin fiber can also be beneficial for colon health, helping to fight those infections.
- Lemon juice is rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, citric acid and phosphorus, all of which are beneficial nutrients for the body.
- Lemon juice helps fight respiratory tract infections, such as sore throat and tonsillitis, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Lemon juice stimulates the liver to release toxins you’ve accumulated in your body. It also helps the liver to produce more enzymes which catalyze various functions in the body.
- Lemon water helps with digestion since it contains citric acid, which stimulates the secretion of gastric juice.
- Lemon juice cools the body. This would explain why you often see lemon water served in the summer.
- Lemon juice helps with bad breath. It’s also known to help give you that youthful glow.
The great thing about lemons is that they are easily accessible, even when not in season. That means you get to enjoy their benefits all year-round. You also don’t have to worry about taking it with medications.
When shopping for lemons, you want to pick ones that have squeeze in them. Normally, you’re not allowed to do that at grocery stores, but you can make an exception for this one as you only want the best. Gently press the lemon with your thumb to see if it’s soft or hard.
Avoid lemon juice products that claim to contain real lemon juice, as they’re often heavily diluted with water. They might also contain a preservative called sulfite dioxide. It’s a chemical additive that you certainly don’t want in your body, and let’s be real here: do you really want to be drinking lemon juice that’s been squeezed months or a year ago?
You’re better off with a bag of fresh lemons. They may be a bit more expensive, but you get the peace of mind knowing you’re consuming 100% natural lemons. Before you slice them, roll the lemon on the counter for a few minutes to stimulate the release of juice.
Ways to Incorporate Lemon Juice in Your Diet
1. Lemon Juice Drink
The most common way people consume lemon is by squeezing it in a glass of water (making alkaline water). When you get up in the morning, the first thing you should do is prepare one for yourself since your body absorbs it best when your stomach is empty.
For the best results, use warm water since the temperature will help extract the vitamin C and polyphenols from the lemon. Even boiling water will not affect its efficacy, although you’ll want to drink it right away, so warm water is the way to go.
If you like your lemon water cold, let it sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This will help to intensify its flavor, making it into a delicious drink.
2. Lemon Juice + Baking Soda
You can add another alkalizing ingredient, baking soda, to your lemon drink. For every glass of lemon juice, add half a tablespoon of baking soda and mix it well. Just make sure you limit the baking soda, since it’s high in sodium.
3. Lemon + Tea
If you’re a tea drinker, you have a great opportunity to incorporate lemon juice into your diet. A simple squeeze will add flavor and make your tea drink more enjoyable.
4. Lemon Water Infusions
There are several more ways you can boost your lemon water drink. For example, you can add a few mint leaves, a slice of ginger, a sprinkle of cinnamon, turmeric or a teaspoon of maple syrup. These lemon juice infusions serve as great replacements for otherwise unhealthy drinks like soda, energy drinks and fruit juice concentrate.
5. Lemon Juice on Dishes
A squeeze of lemon can be a great way to infuse a tangy taste into your dishes. You can add it to vegetables, salads, seafood, curries, pastas, soups, desserts and dips.
Side Effects of Lemon
There are no known serious side effects to consuming lemon, although some people report having heartburn and going to the bathroom more frequently when they consume lemon juice.
Lemon juice is also acidic before it is digested in the stomach. This means that when the juice touches your teeth, the acid in it can erode the enamel of your teeth. This is why it’s important to not consume lemon by itself and always dilute it with water. It also helps to rinse your mouth with water right after you consume lemon juice. Or maybe consider using a straw when drinking it.
What is your lemon consumption like? Has it helped or are you just starting to consume it now? Share your thoughts about lemon juice for gout in the comments below.