Lemon juice has long been favored by many people for its cool, easy-to-drink taste and a series of praises for its detoxifying ability, digestive support, and weight loss. However, experts warn that drinking lemon juice too often or too thickly can cause no small harm to the body.
Tooth enamel erosion, increases the risk of tooth decay
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), lemon has a high acid content. When teeth are frequently exposed to acid, the protective enamel layer on the outside will be eroded, making teeth sensitive and prone to decay. Dr. Mark Wolff, Head of Dentistry at the University of Pennsylvania (USA) recommends: "If you drink lemon juice, you should dilute it, use a straw and avoid brushing your teeth immediately afterwards to reduce the risk of tooth enamel damage.
Stomach irritation, severe reflux
Lemon juice is believed by many to be "friends of the intestines", but for people with sensitive stomachs, this is not entirely true. According to Medical News Today, drinking too much lemon juice can worsen diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). Citric acid in lemon easily irritates the mucous membranes, causing heartburn, nausea, and even vomiting.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. John Hunter, a digestive expert at Oxford University (UK) said: "People with a history of stomach ulcers or reflux should limit acidic drinks, including lemon juice, especially when hungry.
Risk of bacteria from lemon peel
Many people have a habit of dropping whole slices of lemon, still with the peel, into a glass of water. However, research published in the Journal of Environmental Health shows that many lemon samples at restaurants contain pathogenic microorganisms. Lemon peels can become germ nests if not washed or cut by hand.
Experts recommend squeezing lemon juice instead of putting the whole fruit in a glass, especially when using drinking water in public places.
Exacerbating oral heat
For people who frequently have mouth ulcers, lemon juice can be the trigger. High acidity makes the injured area in the mouth more painful and burning, prolonging healing time. The American Dental Association noted that citrus fruits, if used too much, can make mouth ulcers more serious.
Lemon juice is not bad, the problem lies in the dosage and how to use it. Drinking moderately, diluting and listening to the body's reactions is still the golden rule to protect long-term health.
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