Regular consumption of lemon water can offer many health benefits, but some people still deprive themselves of them for fear that the acidic fruit will cause stomach problems or aggravate existing gastritis conditions, for example.
But here’s the good news: this belief is just a myth. “Lemons do not have the capacity to corrode or directly damage the stomach wall”, says gastroenterologist Lucas Nova, from Hospital Brasília.
The doctor explains that the human gastric pH is much more acidic than that of any citrus food, including lemon. Therefore, its consumption would not be able to harm stomach health.
Patients with gastritis constantly suffer from dyspepsia, with the feeling of heartburn, poor digestion, stomach pain, fullness and discomfort in the upper abdomen.
A portion of these individuals may experience worsening discomfort with the consumption of lemon, but it is not a rule, according to Nova.
“For patients who are already using lemon water and have no symptoms, it is okay to continue. Now, if this is a patient who feels that when he drinks lemon juice that the heartburn, the burning sensation and the discomfort in the stomach worsen, then he should suspend the use of the food”, ponders the gastroenterologist.
Gastroenterologist Zuleica Barrio, from the Hospital Brasília unit in Águas Claras, explains that the measure of how much to consume depends on each individual’s tolerance for lemon. “If the person feels good, they can use it. Otherwise, it’s best avoided,” she states.
nutrient source
Lemon is a food rich in vitamin C, citrate, B vitamins and flavonoids, nutrients with antioxidant action and very positive for immunity. Some studies show that it can reduce the risk of developing kidney stones.
“In addition, it is an ally to increase fluid consumption for patients who have difficulty drinking water”, says nutritionist Thayanne Neiva, from the Tivoli clinic, in Brasília
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