Does Lemon Water Help With Bloating?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsLemon Water for BloatingWhen, How, and How Much to DrinkAdditional Health BenefitsLemon Water for GI ConditionsAlternative Ways to Treat Bloating

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Lemon Water for Bloating

When, How, and How Much to Drink

Additional Health Benefits

Lemon Water for GI Conditions

Alternative Ways to Treat Bloating

Most people experience bloating occasionally and turn to natural ways to relieve discomfort. Drinking lemon water (water with some lemon slices added) is one such strategy. Though lemon water may benefit digestive health, this is likely an indirect effect that has more to do with lemon water’s hydrating effects (and, potentially, certain compounds in citrus).

Does Your Drinking Water Temperature Matter?There’s limited research on whether cold, warm, or room temperature water is best to consume, but here are some potential benefits of each:Cold: Helps cool down your core body temp, which may be helpful after a tough sweat session.Warm or room temp: In addition to providing a comforting feeling for some people, these temperatures may help enhance circulation and relax digestive muscles.Overall, the best water temperature is the one you’re most comfortable drinking, making you more likely to drink water. The temperature of your water matters far less than being adequately hydrated.

Does Your Drinking Water Temperature Matter?

There’s limited research on whether cold, warm, or room temperature water is best to consume, but here are some potential benefits of each:Cold: Helps cool down your core body temp, which may be helpful after a tough sweat session.Warm or room temp: In addition to providing a comforting feeling for some people, these temperatures may help enhance circulation and relax digestive muscles.Overall, the best water temperature is the one you’re most comfortable drinking, making you more likely to drink water. The temperature of your water matters far less than being adequately hydrated.

There’s limited research on whether cold, warm, or room temperature water is best to consume, but here are some potential benefits of each:

Overall, the best water temperature is the one you’re most comfortable drinking, making you more likely to drink water. The temperature of your water matters far less than being adequately hydrated.

Why Lemon Water Could Be Useful for Bloating

Lemon water isn’t a magic anti-bloating potion, but that doesn’t mean it’s not helpful.

It may be a good choice for reducing bloat because it’s a hydrating beverage, and lemons contain certain citrus compounds that may have digestive benefits.

First, staying hydrated is essential for digestive (and overall) health.Drinking plain water helps keep things moving and flush out excess sodium, which otherwise encourages your body to hold onto more fluids and contributes to feelings of bloating.

Lemons contain a citrus compound calledhesperidin. Though the exact mechanisms aren’t well understood, some research indicates that hesperidin can help reduce inflammation throughout the digestive tract.Inflammation may not cause bloating, but it can contribute to your discomfort.

Interestingly, in one study, the participants drank either lemon or plain water before every meal for four weeks. The authors found that drinking lemon water altered gut bacteria and relaxed the intestinal muscles needed to move food through the digestive tract, supporting digestion.

3 Health Benefits to Drinking Lemon Water

There’s not necessarily a “best” time to drink lemon water, but starting your hydration habits earlier in the day can help prevent dehydration and keep things moving in your digestive tract.

Additionally, it may be helpful to sip on it slowly to avoid feeling full after drinking water. However, there isn’t enough research on lemon water for bloating to provide specific recommendations.

When, how much, and at what temperature to drink lemon water depends mostly on personal preferences.

Though drinking lemon water isn’t a surefire way to alleviate bloating every time you experience it, it may be worth a shot. It may also offer health benefits, such as:

Lemons: How They Benefit Your Health

Can Lemon Water Help With GI Conditions?

Lemon water may offer mild benefits for some gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. It is not a cure for them.

Though lemon water can support hydration and may provide some mild digestive relief, people with GI conditions should listen to their bodies and consult a healthcare professional before incorporating it as a regular remedy.

If lemon water isn’t providing enough relief, there are other preventative ways to reduce bloating:

What Relieves Bloating Fast: 17 Quick Things to Try

Summary

Lemon water is a great way to add some variation to your hydration routine, especially if you tend to get tired of drinking plain water all the time. Though some research suggests that compounds in lemons may offer digestive health benefits, little scientific evidence supports drinking lemon water to prevent bloating.

Still, that doesn’t mean it’s not helpful for some people. Give lemon water a try and see if it works for you. It may also be worthwhile to try some of the everyday tips above to reduce bloating. If your bloating doesn’t go away or you can’t identify specific triggers, speak with a healthcare provider.

19 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.LaFata D, Carlson-Phillips A, Sims ST, Russell EM.The effect of a cold beverage during an exercise session combining both strength and energy systems development training on core temperature and markers of performance.J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2012;9(1):44. doi:10.1186/1550-2783-9-44.Ren Y, Ke M, Fang X, et al.Response of esophagus to high and low temperatures in patients with achalasia. J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2012 Oct;18(4):391-8. doi: 10.5056/jnm.2012.18.4.391. Epub 2012 Oct 9. PMID: 23105999; PMCID: PMC3479252.Popkin BM, D’Anci KE, Rosenberg IH.Water, hydration, and health.Nutr Rev. 2010;68(8):439-58. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00304.x.Taylor K, Tripathi AK, Jones EB.Adult dehydration. [Updated 2022 Oct 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555956/Stevens Y, Van Rymenant E, Grootaert C, et al.The intestinal fate of citrus flavanones and their effects on gastrointestinal health.Nutrients. 2019;11(7):1464. doi:10.3390/nu11071464.International Medical Journal.Effects of citric acid in lemon water on the human intestinal microbiota: a comparison between pre-meal intake of water and lemon water.Vieux F, Maillot M, Rehm CD, et al.The timing of water and beverage consumption during the day among children and adults in the United States: analyses of NHANES 2011-2016 data.Nutrients. 2019;11(11):2707. doi:10.3390/nu11112707.Abdullah M, Jamil RT, Attia FN.Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)[Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499877/Lv X, Zhao S, Ning Z, et al.Citrus fruits as a treasure trove of active natural metabolites that potentially provide benefits for human health.Chem Cent J. 2015;9:68. doi:10.1186/s13065-015-0145-9.Liska D, Mah E, Brisbois T, et al.Narrative review of hydration and selected health outcomes in the general population.Nutrients. 2019;11(1):70. doi:10.3390/nu11010070.Daniels MC, Popkin BM.Impact of water intake on energy intake and weight status: a systematic review.Nutr Rev. 2010;68(9):505-21. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00311.x.Barghouthy Y, Somani BK.Role of citrus fruit juices in prevention of kidney stone disease (KSD): a narrative review. Nutrients. 2021 Nov 17;13(11):4117. doi: 10.3390/nu13114117. PMID: 34836376; PMCID: PMC8625077.Carr AC, Maggini S.Vitamin C and immune function.Nutrients. 2017;9(11):1211. doi:10.3390/nu9111211.Khan M, Shah K, Gill SK, et al.Dietary habits and their impact on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Cureus. 2024;16(7):e65552. doi:10.7759/cureus.65552.Camps G, de Graaf K, Smeets PAM.Men and women differ in gastric fluid retention and neural activation after consumption of carbonated beverages.J Nutr. 2018;148(12):1976-1983. doi:10.1093/jn/nxy230.Borkoles E, Krastins D, van der Pols JC, et al.Short-term effect of additional daily dietary fibre intake on appetite, satiety, gastrointestinal comfort, acceptability, and feasibility.Nutrients. 2022;14(19):4214. doi:10.3390/nu14194214.Hosseini-Asl MK, Taherifard E, Mousavi MR.The effect of a short-term physical activity after meals on gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with functional abdominal bloating: a randomized clinical trial.Gastroenterol Hepatol Bed Bench. 2021;14(1):59-66. PMID:33868611Serra J.Management of bloating.Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2022;34(3):e14333. doi:10.1111/nmo.14333.Lenhart A, Chey WD.A systematic review of the effects of polyols on gastrointestinal health and irritable bowel syndrome.Adv Nutr. 2017;8(4):587-596. doi:10.3945/an.117.015560.

19 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.LaFata D, Carlson-Phillips A, Sims ST, Russell EM.The effect of a cold beverage during an exercise session combining both strength and energy systems development training on core temperature and markers of performance.J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2012;9(1):44. doi:10.1186/1550-2783-9-44.Ren Y, Ke M, Fang X, et al.Response of esophagus to high and low temperatures in patients with achalasia. J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2012 Oct;18(4):391-8. doi: 10.5056/jnm.2012.18.4.391. Epub 2012 Oct 9. PMID: 23105999; PMCID: PMC3479252.Popkin BM, D’Anci KE, Rosenberg IH.Water, hydration, and health.Nutr Rev. 2010;68(8):439-58. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00304.x.Taylor K, Tripathi AK, Jones EB.Adult dehydration. [Updated 2022 Oct 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555956/Stevens Y, Van Rymenant E, Grootaert C, et al.The intestinal fate of citrus flavanones and their effects on gastrointestinal health.Nutrients. 2019;11(7):1464. doi:10.3390/nu11071464.International Medical Journal.Effects of citric acid in lemon water on the human intestinal microbiota: a comparison between pre-meal intake of water and lemon water.Vieux F, Maillot M, Rehm CD, et al.The timing of water and beverage consumption during the day among children and adults in the United States: analyses of NHANES 2011-2016 data.Nutrients. 2019;11(11):2707. doi:10.3390/nu11112707.Abdullah M, Jamil RT, Attia FN.Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)[Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499877/Lv X, Zhao S, Ning Z, et al.Citrus fruits as a treasure trove of active natural metabolites that potentially provide benefits for human health.Chem Cent J. 2015;9:68. doi:10.1186/s13065-015-0145-9.Liska D, Mah E, Brisbois T, et al.Narrative review of hydration and selected health outcomes in the general population.Nutrients. 2019;11(1):70. doi:10.3390/nu11010070.Daniels MC, Popkin BM.Impact of water intake on energy intake and weight status: a systematic review.Nutr Rev. 2010;68(9):505-21. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00311.x.Barghouthy Y, Somani BK.Role of citrus fruit juices in prevention of kidney stone disease (KSD): a narrative review. Nutrients. 2021 Nov 17;13(11):4117. doi: 10.3390/nu13114117. PMID: 34836376; PMCID: PMC8625077.Carr AC, Maggini S.Vitamin C and immune function.Nutrients. 2017;9(11):1211. doi:10.3390/nu9111211.Khan M, Shah K, Gill SK, et al.Dietary habits and their impact on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Cureus. 2024;16(7):e65552. doi:10.7759/cureus.65552.Camps G, de Graaf K, Smeets PAM.Men and women differ in gastric fluid retention and neural activation after consumption of carbonated beverages.J Nutr. 2018;148(12):1976-1983. doi:10.1093/jn/nxy230.Borkoles E, Krastins D, van der Pols JC, et al.Short-term effect of additional daily dietary fibre intake on appetite, satiety, gastrointestinal comfort, acceptability, and feasibility.Nutrients. 2022;14(19):4214. doi:10.3390/nu14194214.Hosseini-Asl MK, Taherifard E, Mousavi MR.The effect of a short-term physical activity after meals on gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with functional abdominal bloating: a randomized clinical trial.Gastroenterol Hepatol Bed Bench. 2021;14(1):59-66. PMID:33868611Serra J.Management of bloating.Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2022;34(3):e14333. doi:10.1111/nmo.14333.Lenhart A, Chey WD.A systematic review of the effects of polyols on gastrointestinal health and irritable bowel syndrome.Adv Nutr. 2017;8(4):587-596. doi:10.3945/an.117.015560.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

LaFata D, Carlson-Phillips A, Sims ST, Russell EM.The effect of a cold beverage during an exercise session combining both strength and energy systems development training on core temperature and markers of performance.J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2012;9(1):44. doi:10.1186/1550-2783-9-44.Ren Y, Ke M, Fang X, et al.Response of esophagus to high and low temperatures in patients with achalasia. J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2012 Oct;18(4):391-8. doi: 10.5056/jnm.2012.18.4.391. Epub 2012 Oct 9. PMID: 23105999; PMCID: PMC3479252.Popkin BM, D’Anci KE, Rosenberg IH.Water, hydration, and health.Nutr Rev. 2010;68(8):439-58. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00304.x.Taylor K, Tripathi AK, Jones EB.Adult dehydration. [Updated 2022 Oct 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555956/Stevens Y, Van Rymenant E, Grootaert C, et al.The intestinal fate of citrus flavanones and their effects on gastrointestinal health.Nutrients. 2019;11(7):1464. doi:10.3390/nu11071464.International Medical Journal.Effects of citric acid in lemon water on the human intestinal microbiota: a comparison between pre-meal intake of water and lemon water.Vieux F, Maillot M, Rehm CD, et al.The timing of water and beverage consumption during the day among children and adults in the United States: analyses of NHANES 2011-2016 data.Nutrients. 2019;11(11):2707. doi:10.3390/nu11112707.Abdullah M, Jamil RT, Attia FN.Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)[Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499877/Lv X, Zhao S, Ning Z, et al.Citrus fruits as a treasure trove of active natural metabolites that potentially provide benefits for human health.Chem Cent J. 2015;9:68. doi:10.1186/s13065-015-0145-9.Liska D, Mah E, Brisbois T, et al.Narrative review of hydration and selected health outcomes in the general population.Nutrients. 2019;11(1):70. doi:10.3390/nu11010070.Daniels MC, Popkin BM.Impact of water intake on energy intake and weight status: a systematic review.Nutr Rev. 2010;68(9):505-21. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00311.x.Barghouthy Y, Somani BK.Role of citrus fruit juices in prevention of kidney stone disease (KSD): a narrative review. Nutrients. 2021 Nov 17;13(11):4117. doi: 10.3390/nu13114117. PMID: 34836376; PMCID: PMC8625077.Carr AC, Maggini S.Vitamin C and immune function.Nutrients. 2017;9(11):1211. doi:10.3390/nu9111211.Khan M, Shah K, Gill SK, et al.Dietary habits and their impact on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Cureus. 2024;16(7):e65552. doi:10.7759/cureus.65552.Camps G, de Graaf K, Smeets PAM.Men and women differ in gastric fluid retention and neural activation after consumption of carbonated beverages.J Nutr. 2018;148(12):1976-1983. doi:10.1093/jn/nxy230.Borkoles E, Krastins D, van der Pols JC, et al.Short-term effect of additional daily dietary fibre intake on appetite, satiety, gastrointestinal comfort, acceptability, and feasibility.Nutrients. 2022;14(19):4214. doi:10.3390/nu14194214.Hosseini-Asl MK, Taherifard E, Mousavi MR.The effect of a short-term physical activity after meals on gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with functional abdominal bloating: a randomized clinical trial.Gastroenterol Hepatol Bed Bench. 2021;14(1):59-66. PMID:33868611Serra J.Management of bloating.Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2022;34(3):e14333. doi:10.1111/nmo.14333.Lenhart A, Chey WD.A systematic review of the effects of polyols on gastrointestinal health and irritable bowel syndrome.Adv Nutr. 2017;8(4):587-596. doi:10.3945/an.117.015560.

LaFata D, Carlson-Phillips A, Sims ST, Russell EM.The effect of a cold beverage during an exercise session combining both strength and energy systems development training on core temperature and markers of performance.J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2012;9(1):44. doi:10.1186/1550-2783-9-44.

Ren Y, Ke M, Fang X, et al.Response of esophagus to high and low temperatures in patients with achalasia. J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2012 Oct;18(4):391-8. doi: 10.5056/jnm.2012.18.4.391. Epub 2012 Oct 9. PMID: 23105999; PMCID: PMC3479252.

Popkin BM, D’Anci KE, Rosenberg IH.Water, hydration, and health.Nutr Rev. 2010;68(8):439-58. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00304.x.

Taylor K, Tripathi AK, Jones EB.Adult dehydration. [Updated 2022 Oct 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555956/

Stevens Y, Van Rymenant E, Grootaert C, et al.The intestinal fate of citrus flavanones and their effects on gastrointestinal health.Nutrients. 2019;11(7):1464. doi:10.3390/nu11071464.

International Medical Journal.Effects of citric acid in lemon water on the human intestinal microbiota: a comparison between pre-meal intake of water and lemon water.

Vieux F, Maillot M, Rehm CD, et al.The timing of water and beverage consumption during the day among children and adults in the United States: analyses of NHANES 2011-2016 data.Nutrients. 2019;11(11):2707. doi:10.3390/nu11112707.

Abdullah M, Jamil RT, Attia FN.Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)[Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499877/

Lv X, Zhao S, Ning Z, et al.Citrus fruits as a treasure trove of active natural metabolites that potentially provide benefits for human health.Chem Cent J. 2015;9:68. doi:10.1186/s13065-015-0145-9.

Liska D, Mah E, Brisbois T, et al.Narrative review of hydration and selected health outcomes in the general population.Nutrients. 2019;11(1):70. doi:10.3390/nu11010070.

Daniels MC, Popkin BM.Impact of water intake on energy intake and weight status: a systematic review.Nutr Rev. 2010;68(9):505-21. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00311.x.

Barghouthy Y, Somani BK.Role of citrus fruit juices in prevention of kidney stone disease (KSD): a narrative review. Nutrients. 2021 Nov 17;13(11):4117. doi: 10.3390/nu13114117. PMID: 34836376; PMCID: PMC8625077.

Carr AC, Maggini S.Vitamin C and immune function.Nutrients. 2017;9(11):1211. doi:10.3390/nu9111211.

Khan M, Shah K, Gill SK, et al.Dietary habits and their impact on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Cureus. 2024;16(7):e65552. doi:10.7759/cureus.65552.

Camps G, de Graaf K, Smeets PAM.Men and women differ in gastric fluid retention and neural activation after consumption of carbonated beverages.J Nutr. 2018;148(12):1976-1983. doi:10.1093/jn/nxy230.

Borkoles E, Krastins D, van der Pols JC, et al.Short-term effect of additional daily dietary fibre intake on appetite, satiety, gastrointestinal comfort, acceptability, and feasibility.Nutrients. 2022;14(19):4214. doi:10.3390/nu14194214.

Hosseini-Asl MK, Taherifard E, Mousavi MR.The effect of a short-term physical activity after meals on gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with functional abdominal bloating: a randomized clinical trial.Gastroenterol Hepatol Bed Bench. 2021;14(1):59-66. PMID:33868611

Serra J.Management of bloating.Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2022;34(3):e14333. doi:10.1111/nmo.14333.

Lenhart A, Chey WD.A systematic review of the effects of polyols on gastrointestinal health and irritable bowel syndrome.Adv Nutr. 2017;8(4):587-596. doi:10.3945/an.117.015560.

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