Can lemon water harm your kidneys? | The Times of India (2024)

Lemon is densely rich in vitamin C, which improves the absorption of calcium, important to maintain optimum bone density. Lemon water is a refreshing drink that is a favourite of many.

There is a lot of confusion about what renal patients should eat and drink and what they should avoid. Many doctors say they are often asked by renal patients if lemon water is good for them.

Our kidneys perform the function of excreting the toxins and waste in the blood. Kidneys also play a role in controlling blood pressure, regulating bone health and maintaining levels of chemicals like creatinine and uric acid.

Chronic kidney disease is when your kidneys are unable to filter your blood, which means the toxins and waste products get built-up in the blood. This can lead to dangerous health problems such as stroke and heart diseases.

Drinking lemon water, which is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and citric acid does not have any risk for chronic kidney disease patients.

Consuming lemon water can have minimal effect in reducing the creatinine levels, but it won't contribute to its growth. Creatinine is a waste chemical product, which is a by-product of the wear and tear of our muscles. The more muscles a person has, the more creatinine will be present in the blood.

The volume of creatinine cleared by kidneys is known as creatinine clearance. In a healthy person, creatinine ranges from 95 ml per minute for females and about 120 ml for males. The creatinine clearance also depends on age, size and the condition of the kidneys. Consuming lemon water or juice cannot increase or decrease creatinine levels.

Drinking lemon water or lemon juice cannot worsen the condition of chronic kidney disease patients. Though when consumed in excess, it can cause some other health issues. Too much lemon water can cause nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting. It also acts as a diuretic, which means it increases the excretion of fluids in the body resulting in frequent urination.

There is no correct time to have lemon water. It creates an alkaline environment in the body and is thus best when consumed first thing in the morning.

When you wake up after a restful sleep, your body does all the detoxifying and having something alkaline helps in maintaining the pH balance.

You can consume lemon water with ginger and honey. The antioxidant and antimicrobial contents of the drink support the healthy functioning of kidneys.