Updated 5/2019.
We’ve needed a lot of detox support as our family has restored our health after Lyme disease. It’s been a long haul but so worth it. Now that we’re mostly on the other side, the one thing we’ve retained in our daily routine is the use of lemon water first thing in the morning before food.
Since we drink lemon juice daily, we get handy bottles of pure organic lemon juice at Costco instead of squeezing our own lemons.
Combine lemons with turmeric and you have one of nature’s most powerful detox support combinations. Turmeric, in my opinion, is the best anti-inflammatory and science show it beats Prozac, Ibuprofen and more.
When detoxing, your body is trying to “flush” out nasty stuff, and you can help it out greatly – no pun intended. (See Bowel Cleanser under Health Benefits).
13 Detox Support Benefits of Lemons
Oxygen Enhancer – When there is insufficient oxygen and difficulty in breathing (such as when mountain climbing) lemons are very helpful. The first man to reach the top of Mt. Everest, Sir Edmund Hillary even admitted his victory over Mt. Everest was greatly due to lemon. This is also why lemon is valuable in cancer prevention. Cancer cells hate oxygen and can only grow in low oxygen environments.
Bowel Cleanser: The bitter taste of lemon gives these fruit the ability to increase peristalsis–a pumping-motion in the bowels. This helps to eliminate waste from the bowels and improve regularity.
Cancer-Fighter – Lemons contain 22 anti-cancer compounds, including Limonene—a naturally-occurring oil that slows or halts the growth of cancer tumors in animals. Lemons also contain a substance called Flavonol Glycosides which stop cell division in cancer cells.
Anti-Aging Enhancer – The high levels of Vitamin C found in lemons helps to neutralize free radicals linked to aging and most types of disease.
Colds and Flu Preventer: Lemons are rich in Vitamin C and Flavonoids that work in conjunction for a serious punch against infection.
Liver Detoxifier – Fresh lemon juice added to a large glass of water in the morning is a great liver detoxifier. Lemon helps the liver dump toxins by stimulating its natural enzymes.
Gall and Kidney Stones Dissolver – The Citric Acid found in lemon juice helps to dissolve gallstones, calcium deposits, and kidney stones. My friend Toni over at Foothills Of the Great Smoky Mountains tells their true story of how this works.
Blood Vessel Strengthener – Vitamin P (bioflavinoids)and Hesperetin in lemon prevents internal hemorrhage and varicose veins. It is useful in treating high blood pressure.
Eye Disorders Improver – Rutin, found in lemons, has been shown in research to improve the symptoms of eye disorders, including diabetic retinopathy.
Body Chemistry Balancer – While lemons are acidic they interact with the body’s metabolism to have an alkalizing effect on the bodily fluids helping to restore balance to the body’s pH.
Allergy Fighter – Lemons contain the phytonutrient Hesperetin which has been shown in studies to alleviate allergic symptoms.
Natural Deodorizer – Simply run a chunk of the rind through the garbage disposal, or leave it in your car on a warm day. Put a cup of lemon juice in the bottom of your dishwasher before running it to disinfect and deodorize it.
Brain and Nervous System Fixer – Containing the potent phytonutrient Tangeretin in the peel, lemons have been proven to be effective for brain disorders like Parkinson’s disease.
Anti-Viral Boxer- In addition to being effective against cold and flu viruses, Terpene Limonoids found in lemons have proven anti-viral effects on other types of viruses.
Diabetes Adaptogen- In addition to improving eye problems linked with diabetes, lemons contain Hesperetin which lowers elevated blood sugar levels.
Scurvy is treated by giving one to two ounces of lemon juice diluted with water every two to four hours. In 1747, a naval surgeon named James Lind cured scurvy with fresh lemons.
Additionally lemons contain vitamin C, citric acid, flavonoids, B-complex vitamins, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and fiber.
Detox Support Recipe
This juice beverage is easy to make at home, provides an alkaline reaction in the body and helps reduce systemic inflammation and all ’round detox support. Serve it cool or warm.
Make several day’s supply ahead of time for that quick 6-8 ounce glass in the morning.
The BEST time is to take it in the morning since lemons increase peristalsis! I always drink a 1/8 -1/4 glass of plain water afterwards and then swish and swallow to prevent any potential damage to tooth enamel.
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup Lemon Juice
- 5 cups Water
- 2 tsp. Turmeric powder (or more when desiring pain relief)
- 2 shakes of black pepper for bio-availability!
- 1/2 tsp. Cardamom (optional) (spices are also anti-inflammatory)
- 1/2 tsp. Cumin (optional)
- 1/2 tsp. Coriander (optional)
- 2-3 TBSP Honey (preferably raw and local), stevia to taste, or real maple syrup
To Double:
- 1 1/3 cup Lemon Juice
- 10 cups Water
- 4 tsp. Turmeric powder
- 3-4 shakes of black pepper for bio-availability!
- 1 tsp. Cardamom (optional) (spices are also anti-inflammatory)
- 1 tsp. Cumin (optional)
- 1 tsp. Coriander (optional)
- 4-6 TBSP Honey as above
Add all of the ingredients together in a covered pitcher or glass water bottle. Shake well. Shake or stir each time prior to using.
This is also excellent detox support immediately after a workout.
“We are living in a world today where lemonade is made from artificial flavors and furniture polish is made from real lemons.” ~Alfred E. Newman
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