My 5 Favorite Foods for Gut Issues: #3 Lemons

May 3

Today we are talking about lemons.

I love lemons and so does your digestive system.

So much so that this special day calls for a BONUS recipe. See below for TWO lemon recipes.

Now, picture yourself at the spa.

Warm cotton robe, squishy sandals, soothing music, lavender oil is being diffused nearby.

You’re in the waiting area relaxing before your massage and you pour yourself a nice cool glass of lemon water from the glass beverage dispenser.

Ahhhh.

Lemons are a special treat and something like a spa day for your body.

Here are 3 reasons why lemons are amazing for digestive support:

Digestive enzyme production- Lemon juice before meals can stimulate your body’s own production of digestive enzymes that are made in the stomach so you can properly digest your food and avoid annoying symptoms like bloating, burping, hiccuping and heartburn after meals.
Liver flush- A cup of warm water with ½ an organic lemon squeezed in it first thing each morning can do wonders for liver detox. The vitamin C in the lemons opens the liver cells and stimulates them to release toxins. Gently flush your liver each morning so you can enjoy the perks of a healthy liver like clear and glowing skin and proper breakdown of toxins like alcohol.
Hydration- As you have probably heard by now we are mostly water. This means that many of our bodily systems and functions also depend on us being properly hydrated. Digestion is no exception. Lemons are a good source of electrolyte minerals like potassium, calcium and magnesium and a great source of vitamin C. With proper hydration and electrolyte concentrations our bodies can create chemical reactions, secreet juices to break down our food and promote proper muscle function to help propel food down our digestive tracts. Simply put, stay hydrated so you can live your best life.

Aside from just adding lemon juice to your water, lemon juice and lemon zest are great ways to freshen up a dish and add flavor to your food.

You MUST try one of these lemon recipes if you:

*Experience irregular bowel movements (anything other than 1-2 ‘snakes’ a day)

*See undigested food in your stool

*Get stomach aches

*Experience frequent burping

*Experience bloating after meals

*Experience gas

*Feel hungover after one alcoholic beverage

Pro tip: Toss your lemon peels in the garbage disposal to freshen up your kitchen!