A well-liked strategy for losing weight is intermittent fasting, which alternates between eating and fasting periods. Popular for purposes other than losing weight, many people frequently have a number of concerns about how to effectively complete a fasting period.
There are typically no dietary or caloric restrictions on what can be eaten or drunk during intermittent fasting—only timing constraints. For best results, it is generally advised that people who fast occasionally stick to eating wholesome foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Is it okay to drink lemon water while fasting? This is one of the most frequent queries posed by those who practice intermittent fasting. This query stems from the uncertainty of whether it is acceptable to consume fluids other than water while adhering to the strict guidelines of 100% fasting.
It's a good idea to wake up with a glass of water as this stimulates your lymphatic system and helps your body function at its best. However, drinking only water can get monotonous, so consider adding some flavoring, like lemon juice.
This article will examine whether or not lemon water violates the protocol of intermittent fasting and provide you with information to consider before adding it to your regimen.
We are discussing water that has been flavored with lemon juice—preferably straight from the fruit. That means that when we talk about lemon water, we're talking about very little lemon juice added to the water.
Usually, intermittent fasting entails giving up food and caloric drinks for a predetermined amount of time. The 16/8 method, which involves fasting for 16 hours and eating within an 8-hour window, is the most widely used intermittent fasting technique. For instance, you could eat from 12 noon to 8 pm (8 hours) and fast from 8 pm to 12 noon the following day (16 hours).
While some people decide to only consume water while fasting, others might be able to have some non-caloric drinks like black tea or coffee. Since these beverages are calorie-free, they shouldn't interfere with your intermittent fasting. So, the question is: Does lemon water fall under this group of drinks that don't contain calories?
Also read What to Eat While Intermittent Fasting to Lose Weight
Is it okay to drink lemon water while on an intermittent fast?
Since lemon water is regarded as a non-caloric (zero calorie) beverage, the short answer is definitely yes. Lemons have so few calories that even a tiny bit of lemon juice added to water has very little caloric value. This is comparable to sugar-free chewing gum, which has very few calories and can be consumed while fasting intermittently.
It is always advisable to consult your physician before beginning a new fitness regimen or diet, including intermittent fasting. Based on your unique health requirements, they will be able to advise you on whether or not lemon water is good for you. For instance, if you have acid reflux or other digestive problems, adding lemon water to your fast might make them worse.
It's also important to remember that too much lemon juice can cause heartburn or upset stomach since it can have an acidic effect. To help offset the acidity, it's crucial to use it sparingly and drink lots of water.
The benefits of lemon water
Uric acid is an excellent antioxidant that is elevated in the body during fasting, but it can also lead to kidney stones. Kidney stones are avoided by the alkaline pH levels that lemon juice contributes to in the urine.
First and foremost, staying well-hydrated helps you avoid developing kidney stones. Secondly, the citrate in lemons prevents calcium from binding with oxalates that you eat, shielding your kidneys from the accumulation of minerals.
Drinking lemon water has a number of possible advantages, especially when fasting intermittently. This is a synopsis of the most widely anticipated advantages of drinking lemon water.
The increase in hydration is among the most prominent. Dehydration can result from fasting because you aren't drinking a lot of fluids during the fast. You can stay hydrated and make sure your body is getting the fluids it needs by sipping lemon water.
Vitamin C, an important nutrient that supports the immune system and encourages the production of collagen, is also present in lemon water. A protein called collagen is necessary for strong nails, hair, and skin.
Digestion aiding is another possible advantage of drinking lemon water during a fasting period. Pectin, a kind of fiber found in lemons, can improve digestion and help you feel fuller for longer. This is especially useful if you're fasting because you might feel more hungry and have cravings during that time.
And last, drinking lemon water while on an intermittent fast may also help you feel more energised overall. Antioxidants, which are abundant in lemons, can help shield your cells from harm and encourage a healthy aging process. Lemons contain vitamin C, which can also help elevate your mood and increase energy.
The bottom line
Lemon water does not break an intermittent fast and is generally regarded as a non-caloric beverage. To help counteract the acidity, it's crucial to use it sparingly and drink lots of water.
As is always the case, it's crucial to feel at ease speaking with your doctor or a nutritionist before beginning any new diet or program, including intermittent fasting, if you have any concerns about a new addition to your diet or overall health regimen.
That being said, as we've discovered throughout this article, drinking lemon water can help if you're trying to lose weight, enhance your vitamin C intake, enhance your digestion, or reduce your appetite during a challenging period of intermittent fasting.
In addition to being tasty and refreshing, lemon water has several health advantages. By flushing toxins from the body and detoxifying the liver, drinking lemon water can help. It also reduces inflammation and aids in weight loss.