The virtues of lemon are innumerable, it goes without saying. So much so that the followers of this fruit, almost a superfood, are zealous in attributing benefits to it that are not its own! Lemon obviously has some disadvantages.
Anti-inflammatory, anti-infective, anti-bacterial, antiviral and stuffed with vitamin C, lemon is a versatile fruit. Acid in the mouth, it has the particularity of being an alkaline food. In this, it allows rebalance the body’s pH. The citron also has many benefits for the body that will be listed in another article. Concerning the disadvantages of drinking lemon juice, you should know that not everyone is in the same boat. Some people use and abuse lemon without ever feeling a single inconvenience. For other people, the excessive consumption of lemon unfortunately has repercussions. Here is why we have decided to educate you on the subject.
Why drink lemon water?
Hot lemon water would do wonders. Miracles would be attributed to him for succeeding in losing weightpour clean the liver and the kidneys or to have a beautiful skin texture. If in the end, this is not totally false, on the other hand, lemon water is subject to a lot of controversy. Indeed, what cannot be denied is that the lemon is beneficial to health in many cases. It also allows to recover from flu thanks to the vitamin C it contains and to have a boost ofenergy.
Lemon water recipes for start a detox or to start the day with a multivitamin shoot swarm on Internet and on the social networks. However, we do not talk enough about harmful side effects that can occur when drinking lemon water.
Cons of Drinking Lemon Juice
If the benefits of lemon juice are known to all, the disadvantages are mentioned much less. However, it should be noted that they do not concern all people who consume lemon frequently. However, it is always useful to know what you can expose yourself to by consuming a lot of lemon juice.
1 – Heartburn
Lemon can be the cause of the appearance of heartburn in some people. These heartburns are caused by the acid reflux which occurs when the contents of the stomach back up into the esophagus. Lemon can make this acid reflux worse in many ways. First of all, due to the acidity of the fruit. Then, because the lemon contributes to the lower esophageal sphincter relaxation. This is a muscle that prevents stomach contents from backing up into the esophagus. Lemon can also be responsible forirritation of the lining of the esophagus. This phenomenon can also cause pains and heartburn.
It should however be specified that the stomach pains can have many different causes. Lemon may not necessarily be the cause of your symptoms. If you suffer from frequent heartburn, it is important to consult a doctor in order to identify the cause of the pain and find an adequate treatment.
2 – The weakening of tooth enamel
The lemon is acid and this acidity can harm tooth enamel. Enamel is the outer layer of teeth that protects them from physical and chemical damage. When the enamel is damaged, the teeth can become sensitive. The risks of caries and D’oral infections therefore increase considerably.
Lemon containscitric acidthat can erode tooth enamel when in contact with it for an extended period of time. When you drink lemon juice or eat a lemon wedge, the acid can stick to the enamel and start to break it down. If you brush your teeth immediately after consuming lemon, you can further damage the enamel by brushing it when it is already weakened.
The concentration of citric acid in a lemon can vary depending on its ripeness and natural acidity. Riper, more acidic lemons will contain more citric acid. They will therefore be more likely to cause enamel damage.
Pour protect your tooth enamelit is recommended drink water right after consuming lemon to help to neutralize acidity. You can also wait about 30 minutes after consuming lemon before brushing your teeth, to give the enamel time to remineralize and strengthen.
ATTENTION !!! The trick of brushing your teeth with lemon and baking soda to make them whiter is to be avoided. It causes irreversible damage to tooth enamel.
3 – Allergies
Lemon can cause allergies in some people sensitive to its allergenic components. Lemon allergies are usually caused by certain proteins found in the fruit. When the immune system sensitive person is exposed to these proteins, they may overreact and trigger an allergic response.
The symptoms of a allergic reaction to lemon may vary depending on the person and the severity of the reaction. The most common symptoms include skin rashes, itching, swelling, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and severe anaphylactic reactions in the most severe cases. Fortunately, lemon allergies are quite rare. For most people, lemon is safe and can be consumed without problem.
4 – Digestive sensitivity
Lemon can cause digestive sensitivity in some people due to its natural acidity and its fiber content. When consumed in large quantities or by people with sensitive digestive systemlemon can cause stomach irritation and bowel, which can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The acidity of lemon can also stimulate the production of gastric juices in the stomach, which can cause increased stomach acid and worsen symptoms in people with stomach acid problems. In addition, lemon contains fiber. Among them, the pectin which can cause digestive problems in some people due to its ability to absorb water and form gels in the stomach and intestine. If these gels are not digested properly, they can lead to constipation or a diarrhea. Again, this is a phenomenon that occurs quite rarely. However, if you notice these inconveniences while drinking lemon juice, it is advisable to do so with moderation. The ideal is also to combine it with other foods in order to reduce unpleasant effects on digestion.
5 – Interactions with medical treatments
Lemon may interact with some medications et medical treatmentslike most citrus. The toxic interactions between citrus fruits, more precisely here the lemon and certain drugs are due to substances, the furanocoumarines found in the white part located under the bark (called “albedo”). These can cause a toxic overdose in the body of certain molecules. Some of these interactions that can be dangerous include:
- Medications for heart : Lemon may increase the effect of certain heart medications, such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers and the diuretics. This can lead to a drop in blood pressure and an increased risk of side effects (amiodarone, dronedarone, felodipine, nifedipine, ticagrelor)
- Medications for foie : Lemon may increase the effect of certain liver medications, such as statins. This may increase the risk of side effects, such as muscle pain and liver damage.
- Medications for allergies : Lemon may increase the effect of certain allergy medications, such as antihistamines. This can cause drowsiness and other unwanted side effects.
- Medications for skin : Lemon may cause skin irritation and increase the risk of burns when used in combination with certain skin medications, such as retinoids.
- Medications prescribed forexcess cholesterol (atorvastatin and simvastatin).
- THE immunosuppressive drugs prescribed after a organ transplant (cyclosporine, tacrolimus, sirolimus, everolimus and temsirolimus).
- Some medications anticancer (regorafenib and olaparib).
- And anti-epileptic sometimes used against facial neuralgia where the bipolar disorders (carbamazepine)
- A drug from the schizophrenia and others psychoses (lurasidone )
- And antidepressant (sertraline)
- And anxiolytic (buspirone)
- A medicine for infection VIH/side (maraviroc)
In summary
The benefits of lemon are many. But, as in everything, any excess is harmful. In addition, all people have a different functioning. It is therefore important when consuming lemon, especially in large quantities, to remain attentive to the effects felt. If the lemon keeps its promise, good for you. However, if you notice certain inconveniences, reduce your consumption to check that this is indeed related. If these inconveniences persist, see your doctor for advice.