Side Effects of Lemon and Lemon Juice

Lemon is a plant. The fruit, juice, and peel are used to make medicine.

Lemon is used to treat scurvy, a condition caused by not having enough vitamin C. Lemon is also used for the common cold and flu, H1N1 (swine) flu, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), Meniere's disease, weight loss and kidney stones. It is also used to aid digestion, reduce pain and swelling (inflammation), improve the function of blood vessels, and increase urination to reduce fluid retention.

In foods, lemon is used as a food and flavoring ingredient. Drinking lemon with water is a common approach taken during detoxification diets or as part of weight loss plans. Lemon with water contains nutrients your body needs such as vitamin C, potassium and fiber. However, this beverage may also cause side effects if you drink too much of it. Consult your doctor before drinking lemon water for medical reasons.

Side Effects of Lemon and Lemon Juice

     1.    Tooth Decay

Because of its high citric acid content, lemon juice can cause tooth enamel to decay. In a study published in 1996 in “Caries Research,” canned lemon juice was found to cause erosion in tooth enamel. This led to stained teeth, a loss of dental tissue and, in some cases, cavities. To reduce the risk of enamel decay from lemon juice, do not drink the juice straight on its own; mix it with other foods and liquids. Proper and regular dental care will keep the acid from wearing away at your teeth.


2.  Heartburn
 
    Drinking too much lemon with water may trigger heartburn, or make this condition worse if you’re used to experiencing it. Heartburn occurs when the esophageal sphincter, between your esophagus and stomach doesn’t function properly, and acid from your stomach moves back up into your esophagus, a process known as reflux; heartburn is also referred to as acid reflux. Heartburn causes severe burning and pain in your chest. Cutting back on acidic foods and drinks helps to prevent and relieve heartburn symptoms.


3.Upset Stomach

Drinking too much lemon juice may upset your stomach because it retains its high acidity level until further digested. Sometimes increasing stomach acidity is helpful for digesting food, but too much may temporarily irritate mucous membranes and lead to stomach pain and acid reflux or heartburn. To prevent this side effect, start with small amounts of lemon juice and consider drinking it with some food or diluting it with purified water.