Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Daily Herb-o-Scope - In Love with Lemon Water


      I must say that in the morning I find it very uplifting and invigorating to drink a glass of warm water with half of a lemon squeezed into it. Not only does it wake up my taste buds with its zesty refreshing flavor but it also offers some great health benefits. Lemon water helps us to detoxify by stimulating the liver and aiding in digestion and elimination.


      It also helps to alkalize the body. Our internal environment prefers a neutral to a slightly alkaline pH; however, the typical American diet consists of highly acidic foods including grains, meats and sugars without enough alkaline foods, fruits and veggies, to counteract all the acid. In order for the body to balance out these highly acid forming foods our muscles break down and we release Calcium and Magnesium from our bones. Not only does this result in muscle and bone loss but also a whole other slew of health issues. I know that it is completely counterintuitive to think that lemons, a clearly acidic food outside of the body, can create a healthy alkalizing effect inside of the body. But it is lemon juice’s high Potassium content that's responsible for the alkalinization. So jump start you day and your system by enjoying some warm lemon water in the morning.  

2 comments:

  1. Kacie! This is SO cool. I'm loving all of the useful information. I do have a question... I know that you have suggested papaya for heartburn , do you have any other suggestions? Missy takes a Zantac (or 2) every day and I know that can't be good.

    I want to tell you again, I am so happy that you have this blog. I will spread the word. THANK YOU!!

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  2. You're right Zantac isn't good for your system. In the long run it can actually up regulate your body’s ability to make digestive juice and make the problem worse. If you take a preventative approach you are more likely to help eliminate the issue all together. Peppermint tea drank before and after meals is tasty and helpful. Swedish bitters can be purchased as a tincture at your local health food store. Take it before every meal to eliminate digestive upset. I find it super helpful but I will warn you it does not taste very good. Also a tea of chamomile and lemon balm is very soothing to the GI tract and the nervous system. The great thing about the teas is you can brew a large pot and keep it for several days so it is ready when you are ready to eat. I hope you find this helpful.

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