Can lemon water be harmful to your kidneys?
- Lemons are packed with vitamin C, which aids in calcium absorption and helps maintain optimal bone density. Lemon water is a refreshing beverage enjoyed by many.
- There is often confusion among individuals with kidney issues regarding what foods and drinks are beneficial or harmful. Renal patients frequently ask their doctors whether lemon water is good for them.
Is lemon water beneficial for kidney disease?
- Our kidneys are responsible for filtering toxins and waste products from the blood. They also play a role in controlling blood pressure, regulating bone health, and maintaining levels of chemicals such as creatinine and uric acid.
- Chronic kidney disease occurs when the kidneys are unable to effectively filter the blood, resulting in a buildup of toxins and waste products. This can lead to serious health problems like stroke and heart disease.
- Drinking lemon water, which is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and citric acid, does not pose any risks for patients with chronic kidney disease.
Can lemon water help reduce creatinine levels?
- Consuming lemon water may have a minimal effect in reducing creatinine levels, but it does not contribute to its increase. Creatinine is a waste product that results from the breakdown of muscles. The more muscle a person has, the higher the levels of creatinine in their blood.
- The volume of creatinine cleared by the kidneys is known as creatinine clearance. In a healthy individual, creatinine clearance ranges from 95 ml per minute for females to about 120 ml for males. Creatinine clearance also depends on factors such as age, size, and kidney condition. Drinking lemon water or juice does not directly impact creatinine levels.
Is lemon harmful to the kidneys?
Drinking lemon water or lemon juice does not worsen the condition of individuals with chronic kidney disease. However, excessive consumption can lead to other health issues. Consuming too much lemon water can cause nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Lemon water also acts as a diuretic, increasing fluid excretion from the body, which may result in frequent urination.
The optimal time to drink lemon water:
- There is no specific time to consume lemon water. It creates an alkaline environment in the body and is therefore beneficial when consumed first thing in the morning.
- After a restful sleep, your body naturally detoxifies itself, and consuming something alkaline helps maintain pH balance.
- You can enjoy lemon water with ginger and honey. The antioxidants and antimicrobial properties of this drink support the healthy functioning of the kidneys.