In response to your question:

Lemon offers many health benefits. It contains high levels of vitamin C, along with minerals and antioxidants, which support the immune system and enhance iron absorption from the diet.

Drinking lemon water can help you feel full faster. Lemons are low in calories and rich in fiber. Consuming about half a lemon diluted with 250-300 ml of filtered water daily can support weight loss and stimulate digestive fluid production, improving digestion. However, drinking 200-500 ml of pure lemon juice daily (equivalent to 3-5 lemons) for weight loss lacks scientific evidence. This amount of lemon juice far exceeds the body's safe threshold and can be harmful.

While lemon is beneficial, its juice has a pH of around 2-3, similar to a strong acid that can easily damage the stomach lining. Consuming large quantities of concentrated lemon juice does not aid weight loss or detoxification. Instead, it can cause stomach damage, ulcers, digestive bleeding, and electrolyte imbalance. High doses of citric acid in concentrated lemon juice can increase calcium excretion through urine, raising the risk of osteoporosis and kidney stones. It also increases potassium excretion, which can lead to cardiac arrhythmia, posing a particular danger to elderly individuals or those with underlying medical conditions.

Drinking too much concentrated lemon juice is harmful to health. Photo: Bach Duong

Individuals with existing stomach problems such as inflammation, ulcers, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should be cautious when consuming lemon juice. Avoid eating lemons or drinking lemon water on an empty stomach; the best time is about 30 minutes after a full meal. Do not drink highly concentrated lemon juice; instead, dilute it with plenty of warm water to reduce its acid concentration. Drink one glass of warm, diluted lemon water in the morning and after meals to boost overall health.

For weight loss, it is best to consult a doctor. A doctor can assess your obesity or overweight status and identify its causes, then provide personalized weight loss advice for optimal effectiveness.

doctor Vo Tran Nhu Thao

Endocrinology - Diabetes Unit

Tam Anh District 7 Polyclinic