Lemons themselves can be packed with antioxidants and bring tons of benefits to the table, but there are also a few scary reasons to avoid lemon juice.
Of course, all things can be good in moderation. But when you frequently consume the juice from lemons, it can lead to serious issues long term. Read on to find out what these all are!
Four Scary Reasons To Avoid Lemon Juice In Excess
We just briefly touched on it, but this article is not meant to freak you out and deter you from ever having lemons again.
Rather, we just want to share some potential issues that could arise in groups that frequently drink lemon juice.
These issues we are going to cover are common when you drink lemon juice daily. Some people strictly drink lemon infused water over plain water for the taste and antioxidants.
While these people are right to assume that there can be benefits from drinking lemon juice, the excess in which they consume this fruit can be problematic.
The Acidity Of Lemon Juice Causes Oral Health Issues
You probably already know just how acidic lemons are. But, did you know they are acidic enough to wear down your tooth enamel?
In groups who drank lemon water daily, tooth decay was similar to groups who consumed excess sugar.
If you are someone who drinks lemon juice frequently and you notice any signs of enamel damage, it’s a good idea to cut back on the lemon juice. Some of the warning signs of enamel breakdown are:
- A rough feeling on your teeth, rather than a smooth feeling
- Sensitivity to hot or cold liquids
If You Have Cavities Or Ulcers, Lemon Water Can Make Matters Worse
Sticking with the theme of oral health, lemon water can further exacerbate the problem. This means your cavity will become worse.
The reason for this is because of the sugar and acid in lemon juice. Cavities are caused by bacteria, which feasts on both of these things.
So, if you think you have a cavity, avoid the lemon juice until you can see your dentist. Similarly, lemon juice can exacerbate mouth ulcers.
These are painful sores, sometimes referred to as canker sores, and make eating next to impossible. Again, the acidity can irritate these sores even more.
Lemon Water Can Cause Stomach Issues
Another of the many scary reasons to avoid lemon juice is the stomach pain and other issues it may cause.
While certain people will find lemon juice helps settle their stomach, others experience the opposite effect.
Again, this is the acidity causing problems. If you are someone who experiences acid reflux or GERD, drinking lemon juice can make matters worse and trigger an episode.
Furthermore, if you have stomach ulcers, lemon water will only increase the pain these cause.
The Rinds Are A Breeding Ground For Bacteria
The lemon rinds themselves can host all kinds of harmful bacteria, such as E. Coli. This is a scary reason to avoid lemon juice, because many people drink theirs by dropping a few sliced lemons in a jug.
This means you are potentially soaking bacteria in the water you drink. This can usually be avoided by thoroughly rinsing your lemons before slicing/consuming.
Migraines & Lemon Juice May Be Linked
A fourth reason you may want to avoid lemon juice is the link between migraines and lemon juice.
Now, if you don’t already suffer from migraines, you won’t just start experiencing them by consuming excess lemon juice.
But, studies have shown that those with chronic migraine issues may trigger episodes by consuming lemon juice.
