Lemon Water | Western/Eastern Point of view

Benefits of drinking lemon water, from a western/eastern point of view

1.Western: Lemon is an excellent source of vitamin C, an essential nutrient that protects the body against immune deficiencies

Eastern: Lemon is sour. Sour is one of the 5 flavors in the 5 elements(sour, bitter, sweet, bland, and salty). Having all 5 flavors in the diet is essential to supplying your body with the proper nutrients to have a good immune system.

Sour strengthens Liver and Gallbladder

Bitter strengthens Heart and Small Intestine

Sweet strengthens Stomach and Spleen

Bland strengthens Lungs and Large Intestine

Salty Strengthens Kidney and Bladder

2.Western: Lemon contains pectin fiber, which is very beneficial for colon health.

Eastern: In the human anatomy, the liver is connected to the small/large intestine by a bile duct. The liver helps facilitate proper energy and blood movement. It is also our liver that deposits unwanted toxins into the large intestine to be evacuated through our bowels.

If energy or blood circulation is impeded, our bowel movement and urination will also be affected. If our bowels are backed up, then our body is not properly detoxifying.

3.It can help balance and maintain pH levels in the body.

Eastern: While lemon may taste like acid on our tongue, when it arrives into our stomach it turns into an alkaline property. Thus lemon is very beneficial in reversing the acidity in our body and balancing pH levels.

4.It aids digestion and encourages the production of bile.

Eastern: The sour flavor in Chinese medicine directly influences the Wood element. The wood element comprises of the liver and gallbladder organ and its season is Spring. Consuming lemon regularly can help maintain our liver function and improve our bile production.

5.It strengthens the liver by providing energy to the liver enzymes.

Eastern: Lemon is sour, and sour strengthens the liver.

6.Western: It helps maintain the health of the eyes and helps fight against eye problems.

Eastern: Our liver has a direct influence on our eyesight. In acupuncture theory, we have a meridian that runs from the liver straight to our brain/eyes. It is through this relationship that the liver provides healthy blood flow to our brain and eyesight. Anytime when we have cloudy vision or lack of focus, it is usually a liver blood issue that can be addressed with Chinese herbs or acupuncture.

7.Aids in the production of digestive juices.

Eastern: Lemon’s composition is acid, but its property is alkaline. Any natural acid consumed in our body will help enhance the acid already in our body, such as digestive enzymes, bile, and nerve cells.

8.The potassium content in lemon helps nourish brain and nerve cells.

Eastern: In acupuncture meridian theory, there is a branch of the liver meridian that situates itself right behind our eyes in our head. In Chinese medicine, the ability to focus can only occur when the liver is healthy. (See #6)

How do you know if you need more lemon in your diet?

If you are:

1. Sleeping too late and waking up too late are the main causes.

2. Not urinating in the morning.

3. Eating too much.

4. Skipping breakfast.

5. Consuming too many medications.

6. Cosuming too many preservatives, additives, food coloring, and artifcial sweeteners.