Is lemon water good or bad for the kidneys? Banglavision has set out the views of experts published by India's Indian Express. Dr. Rajeshwari Panda, head of dietetics at Medicover Hospital in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, says that in moderation lemon water can be good for the kidneys of healthy people.
The citrate in lemons can help reduce the risk of kidney stones, especially calcium oxalate stones, she says. The kidneys also need the body to be well hydrated to work normally, so taking in enough fluid, whether lemon water or plain water, is what matters most.
Lemon water is not equally good for everyone, though. Dr. Amit Nagarik, senior consultant nephrologist at the same hospital, says people who already have kidney disease should be careful before drinking it. Patients with complicated or advanced kidney disease may need to limit their fluid intake on their doctor's advice.
He adds that when the kidneys are weak, the potassium in lemons may not be cleared from the body properly, raising the risk of high potassium in the blood.
Too much lemon water can cause acid reflux or heartburn, stomach discomfort and damage to tooth enamel. Dr. Panda therefore advises against drinking lemon juice in excess, because large amounts of citric acid can irritate the stomach and harm enamel.
The experts' advice is not to treat lemon water as a sure way to treat or prevent kidney disease; it can be part of a healthy diet and no more. Anyone with a kidney problem should consult a doctor before drinking lemon water regularly.
Photo: André Karwath / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.5)
Source: Banglavision
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