9 Amazing Health Benefits Of Lemon Water While Breastfeeding

Know how this refreshing drink can support your nursing journey and promote overall health.

Reviewed by Rebecca Koyf, IBCLC, CLC Rebecca Koyf Rebecca KoyfIBCLC, CLC MomJunction on Facebook Specialty: Lactation specialistExperience: 8 years
Written by , M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Swati Patwal M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Food, Nutrition and HealthExperience: 10 years
Edited by , BSc, MBA Rohit Garoo BSc, MBA Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Baby Health and WellnessExperience: 9 years
Fact-checked by , M.Tech Shinta Liz Sunny M.Tech Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Health & WellnessExperience: 4 years
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Lemon water in glasses

Image: Shutterstock

Lemon water is a refreshing drink that is rich in vitamin C and helps prevent and cure the common cold. It is also popularly used as a therapeutic agent in folk medicine. However, the consumption of lemon water when breastfeeding should be regulated since lemon can aggravate acidity in sensitive individuals.

Read on to learn more about whether it is safe to drink lemon water while breastfeeding, its possible health benefits and side effects, the nutrition content of lemon water, and some precautions nursing mothers should take while consuming lemon water.

In This Article

Is Lemon Water Safe When Breastfeeding?

Lemon water is considered safe to drink when breastfeeding

Image: IStock

Yes, lemon water is considered “safe to drink” when breastfeeding. It is most commonly recommended to stay hydrated and keep digestive issues, such as bloating, at bay (1). When breastfeeding, this healthy drink could add variety to your daily water intake.

The lemon water prepared from fresh lime juice at home is comparatively healthier than the premixes, such as lemonade, available in the market. However, just like any other beverage or food, have lemon water in moderation.

Nutritional Value Of Lemon Water

Lemon juice is rich in phenolic compounds, vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers, carotenoids, and essential oils (2). Besides, it also has a considerable amount of citric acid that possesses various health-benefiting properties (3).

protip_icon Research finds
Organic acids in lemons act as chelating agents and promote calcium and iron absorption, which may help preserve bone mineral density (18).

Possible Health Benefits Of Lemon Water

Regular consumption of lemon water could provide the following benefits to the lactating mother and the breastfeeding baby.

  1. Hydration: Anecdotal evidence suggests that lemon water could promote hydration, which in turn supports having optimum breast milk supply. However, scientific studies on the effect of lemon water on dehydration are limited (4).

    Lemon water while breastfeeding could promote hydration

    Image: Shutterstock

  1. Weight management: Lemon water (without sugar) is a low-calorie beverage that can be an ideal replacement for various high-calorie beverages, such as sweetened apple juice and soft drinks. This replacement helps reduce your total consumption of calories while breastfeeding while keeping you hydrated. Besides, several scientific studies show that lemon juice contains polyphenols that help in sustainable weight loss by fighting body fluid retention (5).
  1. Digestive health: Research studies show that citrus fruits have positive effects on the digestive system due to their digestion-enhancing properties (6). Enhanced digestion ensures better nutrient absorption. It also keeps digestive problems, such as acidity, at bay (7).
  1. Gut health: Some animal-based research studies show that the lemon polyphenols such as Eriocitrin found in lemon juice and peel could have positive effects on the host and the intestinal microbiome (8).
  1. Liver health: Citric acid makes fresh lemon water an effective drink that could also act as a detox drink for the liver. A research study showed the hepatoprotective effect of lemon juice, attributed to the presence of citric acid (9) (10).
  1. Immunity: Lemon juice, just like several other citrus fruits, contains vitamin C, antioxidants, and several micronutrients that likely have a positive effect on the immune system and may help prevent illnesses during breastfeeding (11). An in vitro study demonstrated the possibility of antimicrobial properties of lemon juice that could support immunity (12).
  1. Blood sugar control: Excess pregnancy weight can have an impact on blood sugar levels. Research suggests that a compound called naringenin found in lemon juice may help in regulating blood sugar levels (13). Anecdotally, lemon water is also considered a blood purifier.

    Naringenin found in lemon juice may help in regulating blood sugar levels

    Image: IStock

  1. Cardiovascular health: A research study on lemon, honey water fasting demonstrated blood pressure-lowering effects of lemon on healthy individuals (14) (2)due to the anti-inflammatory properties of citric acid and antioxidants.
  1. Skincare: Some research studies note that vitamin C and antioxidants found in lemon juice have skin repairing and protective properties (15). Thus, consuming lemon juice ensure adequate vitamin C while breastfeeding. Besides, lemon juice also has functional properties that might help strengthen the veins (16). Anecdotally, regular consumption of lemon juice is considered effective in reducing the aging effects.

Lemon juice may also provide symptomatic relief from sore throat.

protip_icon Did you know?
Lemon water can decrease the acidity in the body and remove uric acid from joints, promoting overall health during nursing and beyond (19).

Possible Side Effects Of Lemon Water

Lemon water has several health-promoting properties. However, it is pertinent to know about the possible side effects too.

  1. Tooth enamel damage: Overconsumption of lemon water could cause tooth enamel erosion as lemon juice contains high amounts of citric acid. To avoid this, rinse your mouth with warm water after consuming concentrated lemon water or juice.
  1. GERD and ulcers: Lactating mothers with GERD or ulcers during the nursing phase should avoid lemon water due to its acidic nature.
  1. Allergy: Lemon allergy is uncommon but cannot be ruled out. Some documented cases show exacerbation of existing respiratory allergies, such as asthma, due to the inhalation of the aroma from lemon peels (17).

    Lemon allergy is uncommon but cannot be ruled out

    Image: IStock

Precautions While Consuming Lemon Water When Breastfeeding

  1. Consume lemon water in moderation. The best time to have it is early morning after you wake up and 30 minutes after meals.
  1. Prefer freshly squeezed juice to the premixed lemon powders available in the market.
  1. Avoid using hot water to prepare lemon water as it can destroy heat-sensitive vitamins such as vitamin C. It reduces the total vitamin C content of this healthy beverage. Therefore, prepare lemon water with lukewarm or cold water.
  1. Do not store half-cut lemon in the refrigerator. Lemon stored this way can harbor harmful microbes. Besides, a chopped lemon could lose nutrients due to exposure to air and light.

    Do not store half-cut lemon in the refrigerator

    Image: IStock

  1. You can prepare infused lemon water by adding some lemon slice, cucumber slice, and mint leaves in water. However, when you do so, ensure that the lemon is cleaned properly. Fill this infused water in a water bottle and store it for a day if required. You might consider using an infusion bottle for the same.
  1. Consume lemon water as early as possible. If you want to store it for some time, keep it in an airtight bottle in the refrigerator. However, freshly squeezed water should not be stored for a long time.
  1. Do not store lemon juice in a copper bottle since the citric acid will react with copper. It can cause the formation of compounds that could be toxic to the body and thus lead to vomiting.
protip_icon Quick tip
Cut the lemon into small pieces and blend until smooth. Pour the blend into an ice cube tray and freeze to prepare lemon cubes. You can put these cubes in water and enjoy a refreshing beverage whenever desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much lemon water is safe to drink while breastfeeding?

The recommended amount is one glass of lemon water with half a lemon for those below 150 pounds and a whole lemon for those over this weight. However, a lactating mother should verify the quantity with a doctor (20).

2. Does drinking lemon water affect the nutritional content of breast milk?

Lemon water contains essential nutrients, such as vitamin C, and regular consumption of the beverage may ensure that your breast milk has these nutrients in sufficient quantities (21).

3. Does lemon water affect the taste of breast milk?

Yes, lemon water may affect the taste of breast milk because breast milk changes its flavor depending on what the mother consumes (22).

4. Can drinking lemon water while breastfeeding cause allergies in the baby?

Lemon water is considered safe during breastfeeding; however, if you are allergic to lemons or notice signs of allergies in your breastfed baby after consuming it, you should avoid having lemon water (23).

5. Can lemon water help with morning sickness while breastfeeding?

Yes, daily intake of lemon water can help reduce dizziness and nausea in lactating mothers (21).

6. Can lemon water help with fatigue while breastfeeding?

Yes, drinking lemon water helps increase alertness and boosts your energy levels, making you feel refreshed and reducing fatigue (21).

If you wish to drink lemon water while breastfeeding, opt for the freshly squeezed ones prepared at home to reap maximum benefits. It can let you avoid additives and preservatives often present in store-bought lemon water. Lemon water can be a highly nutritious beverage that can offer several benefits, such as maintaining an adequate breast milk production and controlling blood sugar levels, besides several other benefits. However, it may also lead to certain side effects for mothers with underlying conditions. Hence, lemon water while breastfeeding is safe as long as it is consumed with the necessary precautionary measures.

Infographic: Care To Take When Having Lemon Water While Breastfeeding

Rich in vitamin C and other nutrients, lemon water makes a perfect hydrating drink to replenish energy, besides having various health benefits. However, you should follow a few safety measures when consuming lemon water, especially if you’re nursing. So, scroll through the infographic below to learn some valuable tips.

tips for nursing mothers on consuming lemon water (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Key Pointers

  • Lemon juice is good for hydration and can increase breast milk supply.
  • Lemon juice can help with digestion, cardiovascular health, gut health, and liver health.
  • Lemon juice can boost immunity, improve skin health, manage blood sugar levels, and aid in weight management.
  • If you have GERD or ulcers, you should avoid lemon juice because of its acidic nature.
  • For breastfeeding mothers, homemade lemon juice is a better choice than premixed juices.

Illustration: Amazing Health Benefits Of Lemon Water While Breastfeeding

Lemon Water While Breastfeeding_illustration

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team


Are you a habitual consumer of lemon water and wondering if it’s safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding? Watch this video to find out.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

1. How to Stop Abdominal Bloating; Hartford Healthcare
2. Yoji Kato et al.; Effect on Blood Pressure of Daily Lemon Ingestion and Walking; National Center For Biotechnology Information
3. Kristina L. Penniston et al.; Quantitative Assessment of Citric Acid in Lemon Juice, Lime Juice, and Commercially-Available Fruit Juice Products; National Center For Biotechnology Information
4. Extra fluids for breastfeeding mothers for increasing milk production; Cochrane
5. Yoshiko Fukuchi et al.; Lemon Polyphenols Suppress Diet-induced Obesity by Up-Regulation of mRNA Levels of the Enzymes Involved in β-Oxidation in Mouse White Adipose Tissue; National Center For Biotechnology Information
6. Valussi M; Functional foods with digestion-enhancing properties.; National Center For Biotechnology Information
7. The Surprising Benefits of Hot Water and Lemon; Flushing Hospital Medical Center
8. Chikako Shimizu et al.; Effects of lifelong intake of lemon polyphenols on aging and intestinal microbiome in the senescence-accelerated mouse prone 1 (SAMP1); National Center For Biotechnology Information
9. Tong Zhou et al.; Protective Effects of Lemon Juice on Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury in Mice; National Center For Biotechnology Information
10. Omar M.E. Abdel-Salam et al.; Citric Acid Effects on Brain and Liver Oxidative Stress in Lipopolysaccharide-Treated Mice;  National Center For Biotechnology Information
11. Giuseppe Gattuso et al.; Flavonoid Composition of Citrus Juices; National Center For Biotechnology Information
12. Ehigbai I. Oikeh et al.; Phytochemical, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities of different citrus juice concentrates; National Center For Biotechnology Information
13. Danja J. Den Hartogh and EvangeliaTsiani, Antidiabetic Properties of Naringenin: A Citrus Fruit Polyphenol; National Center For Biotechnology Information
14. PrashanthShetty et al.; Does short-term lemon honey juice fasting have effect on lipid profile and body composition in healthy individuals?; National Center For Biotechnology Information
15. Juliet M. Pullar et al.; The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health; National Center For Biotechnology Information
16. MohammadrezaSabri et al.; Effect of long-term Vitamin C intake on vascular endothelial function in diabetic children and adolescents: A pilot study; National Center For Biotechnology Information
17. Citric Acid and Citrus Allergy; American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
18. Hiromi Ikeda et al.; Effects of Lemon Beverages on Bone Metabolism and Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women: A Double-Blind, Controlled Intervention Study with Ca-Supplemented and Unsupplemented Lemon Beverages; Scirp
19. The Surprising Benefits of Hot Water and Lemon; Flushing Hospital Medical Center
20. 7 Benefits of Starting your Day with Lemon Water; LifeQuest Nursing Center
21. Lemon water and breastfeeding; Bangladesh Breastfeeding Foundation (BBF)

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Rebecca Koyf
Rebecca KoyfIBCLC, CLC
Rebecca Koyf is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Registered Lactation Consultant (RLC),Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) and a LaLeche League volunteer. She has a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and worked as an Auditor for the NYC Comptroller’s Office for 8 years.

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Swati Patwal
Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA
Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

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Rohit Garoo
Rohit GarooBSc, MBA
Rohit Garoo is a writer-turned-editor with over 9 years of experience in content writing, editing, and content marketing. He did his bachelors in Science at St. Xavier's College, Hyderabad, and masters in Business Administration at Osmania University.

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Shinta Liz Sunny
Shinta Liz SunnyM.Tech
Shinta is a biotechnologist who is highly intrigued by science and technology. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University.

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