Why Your Beauty Routine Needs Lemons!

This magic elixir repairs skin and improves overall health!

How I Discovered This

For those that know me well, you’ll know that I suffer from my skin greatly.

I have an auto-immune condition called Psoriasis and while this does not (currently) affect the skin on my face, it does leave the rest of my skin with unsightly marks and scars.

I’ve had this condition for nearly 20 years and while it does affect what I can wear and how I feel about myself, on the positive side it’s made me a skin geek!

I’m forever researching, trying, testing and searching for remedies that help and improve skin.

When I find something that works, I’m always excited to share it with you!

Here’s What You Do

If you can make time each morning for a cup of warm water and the juice of half a lemon, this has the potential to make a HUGE difference to not just your skin, but your health too.

It’s so simple, and the benefits are just too good to ignore.

How I Make Mine

Here’s how I use lemon and warm water in my beauty routine every day:

Drink the juice of half a lemon in one cup of warm water first thing in the morning {on an empty stomach}.

I drink the juice of half a lemon in one cup of warm water first thing in the morning {on an empty stomach} as my very first drink. I promise you, this will give you a kick start more so than coffee! {Pssst..I still drink coffee, but I wait 30 mins after drinking my warm water and lemon}.

The Important Bit

Make sure to wait 30 minutes before eating breakfast, as this will ensure your body gets the most energy and nutrients from the food you eat.

Use fresh lemons (preferably organic) and mineral-rich filtered water {but hey I never manage this part and just use tap water!}.

In terms of water temperature, lukewarm is best. Boiling water will destroy some of the enzymatic properties of fresh lemon while cold water will stop its digestive benefits.

It might take a little getting used to, I don’t like the taste much – I must be honest, BUT the benefits far outweigh the taste and inspire me {and hopefully you too} to keep going!

What You Really Need To Know

So what does this beauty elixir of warm water and lemon do?

Supports the immune system: The juice of half a lemon in a glass of warm water is rich in vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and assists the body in fighting colds and flu. Lemon also enhances the body’s ability to absorb iron, an important nutrient for a healthy immune system. Great if you suffer from heavy periods and/or lots of colds.
Aids digestion: As lemon juice is similar in atomic structure to the stomach’s digestive juices, it has an amazing effect on the gastrointestinal tract. It helps cleanse the bowel by flushing out waste more efficiently and stimulates the release of gastric juices, which aid digestion. Bye, bye bloating!
Repairs skin: Lemons are great for combating skin ageing. The antioxidant properties help combat free radical damage, which is responsible for the symptoms of ageing. Because lemons are rich in vitamin C this helps creates collagen synthesis, which is very powerful in terms of keeping wrinkles less deep and less noticeable.
Reduces appetite: Lemons contain pectin, a soluble fibre commonly found in citrus fruits. Pectin helps stave off hunger as the fibre creates a feeling of fullness, which results in the suppression of hunger cravings. Lemons also regulate the body’s metabolism and absorption of sugar. This drink sets you up for the day {assuming you eat a nourishing breakfast too}.
Balances pH levels: Lemons are one of the most alkalizing foods for the body and a good pH level is essential as too much acidity in the body can be inflammatory. If you’ve had a bad binging on junk food the day before a cup of warm water and lemon the following morning will help you repent your junk food sins {winky face}!
Cleanses the urinary tract: Lemon juice is a diuretic, meaning it encourages the production of urine. As a result, toxins are released at a faster rate, helping to purify the system and keep it healthy. Help keep cystitis at bay!
Protects overall health: High levels of potassium in lemons can help brain and nerve functioning and control blood pressure. This means you’re better protected against stress and depression, which have been linked to low levels of potassium. Who knew?
Detoxifies the liver: Lemon water acts as a liver cleanser by assisting in detoxification. It purifies and stimulates the liver by encouraging the production of bile, an acid required for digestion. This will help you feel less bloated and more full of energy!