Recently, a popular belief has spread regarding consuming lemon juice in the morning or frozen lemons to detoxify the body, lose weight, and treat cancer.

Medical science lacks reliable scientific evidence to prove that lemon water can directly burn fat or lead to weight loss. Any weight loss benefit, if present, primarily stems from replacing sugary drinks like soft drinks and milk tea. Consuming lemon water on an empty stomach can harm the stomach, causing inflammation, reflux, and discomfort.

Medical research has not confirmed that lemon water or frozen lemons can cure cancer, or even benign tumors. While lemons are acidic, this acidity cannot shrink tumors or cure diseases. Conversely, individuals with stomach or intestinal issues who overuse fresh lemons risk developing mild or severe stomach ulcers. Avoid drinking lemon water on an empty stomach, as it can easily cause stomach pain. The acid in lemons can also erode tooth enamel, so excessive consumption is not advisable.

Illustration: Bui Thuy.

Other common misconceptions, such as sugar making cancer grow faster, also lack scientific evidence. Similarly, claims that cancer patients should avoid red meat, surgery, or sweets are inaccurate. These errors can lead to malnutrition, negatively impact treatment outcomes, increase the rate of complications and infections, and even result in death. Therefore, patients should maintain a complete and balanced diet including vegetables, fruits, and yogurt.

People should not heed word-of-mouth advice or self-medicate with herbal remedies or traditional concoctions, as this can accelerate disease progression, potentially causing tumor rupture, bleeding, or intestinal obstruction, necessitating emergency hospitalization. Regular screenings are crucial for early detection of bodily abnormalities, which enhances treatment effectiveness and reduces costs.

For a healthy gut, individuals should drink over two liters of water daily and consume adequate fiber, whole grains, legumes, fish, and fruits. Reduce sugar intake and consume sufficient healthy fats found in avocados, almonds, peanuts, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, fatty fish, olive oil, and coconut oil.

Limit red meat, fried foods, and excessive fats. Avoid smoking and stimulants. Crucially, never discontinue prescribed medication or use unscientific methods, as this can lead to critical illness or even death.

Doctor Ha Hai Nam

Deputy Head of Abdominal Surgery Department one, K Hospital (Hanoi)