Lemon water is usually known for being a healthy drink that serves several purposes such as assisting in weight loss and helping with colds and flu. However, there is a limit as to how much one should consume this drink to avoid going overboard with it, as the saying goes, ‘too much of a good thing is bad.’
A few health publications state the potential risks of drinking too much lemon water:
Tooth decay: HealthShots mentions that excessive lemon juice consumption can cause enamel erosion or tooth decay due to the lemon’s acidic nature. “Some ways to slow the process of tooth decay are using a straw to avoid direct exposure to lemon on teeth, avoiding brushing teeth after consuming lemon juice, and drinking lots of water alongside lemon juice.”
Trigger heartburn and stomach issues: The above source continues to state that excessive consumption of citrus fruits can lead to digestive issues, heartburn, acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting, therefore people who suffer from GERD (gastric reflux disease) should limit their use of lemon water.
Worsens mouth sores: According to Star Health, eating too much citrus fruit can lead to mouth ulcers and thus “Drinking too much lemon juice could cause severe canker sores.”
Causes migraines: It is further mentioned by the above source that “Lemons produce a natural monoamine called tyramine.” It is also reported that this tyramine induces headaches and therefore having too much lemon water is setting you up for a rise of headaches and migraines.
Excessive iron in the body: Man Matters claims that a mineral that exceeds the body’s normal level can be harmful. Vitamin C in lemon water can increase iron absorption, contributing to low iron levels in your body, the publication continues. “It can be beneficial for people with low Iron levels but can also lead to hemochromatosis.”
Increases risks of sunburn: The above source adds on to say that lemon and other citrus fruits contain psoralens, a chemical compound that increases skin sensitivity to UV-A rays. therefore it is said that someone who consumes too much water with lemon is prone to excessive sunburn and phytophotodermatitis, causing redness, pain, itching, pigmentation, and blisters.
Also see: Why you should put a lemon next to your bed every night
