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10 Unexpected Side Effects Of Lemon Tea

Be aware of the adverse effects of excess consumption of this hot beverage.

Reviewed by Mayuri Aavula, Nutritionist
Written by Tanya Choudhary, ISSA Certified Specialist In Fitness & Nutrition

Edited by Ravi Teja Tadimalla, Professional Certificate In Food, Nutrition & Health

Fact-checked by Moksha Gandhi, BPharm, Certified Health & Wellness Coach • Jul 7, 2023

Image: Shutterstock

Lemon tea is a favorite for many people! Enriched with the antioxidative polyphenols of tea and immune-boosting capacities of vitamin C in lemons, it is a sure-shot way to boost your overall health! However, too much consumption can lead you to face the side effects of lemon tea as well! While it may come as a surprise to you, it’s better to be aware of the possible risks and concerns. This article breaks it down for you to know how much of lemon tea is just good enough for you!

Know The Flip Side: Lemon Tea

Short-Term Effects
Heartburn, dehydration, canker sores, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and stomach ache.

Long-Term Effects
Enamel erosion, osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and Alzheimer’s.

Drug Interactions
It may interact with cholesterol and blood pressure medications.

When To See A Doctor
In case of toothache, heartburn, and digestive problems, visit a doctor immediately.

In This Article

Top 10 Lemon Tea Side Effects

Check out here some of the serious side effects of lemon tea. Read on to know more.

1. Tooth Erosion

Before and after images of tooth erosion due to lemon tea

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People who consume lemon tea regularly may show signs of tooth enamel erosion. Lemon can be a silent killer for your teeth enamel, making your teeth susceptible to acute pain and sensitivity to sharp changes in temperature as lemon can cause higher erosivity (1).

Quick Tip

Consuming excess lemon (or citrus fruits) may also lead to a tingling sensation in the mouth (called ‘dantaharshana’ or ‘hypersensitive tooth’) (11).

2. Heartburn

Excessive consumption of lemon tea can alter the pH level of your stomach and intestine, causing acidic reflux where acid from your stomach moves up to your esophagusⁱXA thin and muscular tube through which liquid and food pass from the throat to the stomach. (2). This can cause a burning sensation in the chest and sometimes vomiting.

3. Dehydration

Dehydrated woman with a cup of lemon tea

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In extreme cases, lemon may work as a diuretic. That simply means it triggers dehydration in the body by a frequent urge to urinate. Consuming lemon tea quite frequently may prove dangerous and may cause dehydration in the body. Also, lemon tea is not very effective at restoring fluid balance after exercise-induced dehydration (3).

4. Canker Sores

Drinking too much lemon tea can irritate mucous membranes and potentially lead to canker sores (4). Lemon tea can play havoc in your mouth.

5. Unsafe For Pregnant Woman

Pregnant woman feeling discomfort due to lemon tea

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Pregnant women are advised against the consumption of lemon tea as it contains caffeine. Excessive consumption of caffeine may trigger miscarriage or other severe side effects (5).

6. Unsafe For Lactating Mothers

Women who are breastfeeding their babies should also steer clear of lemon tea. Yes, it is refreshing – just what an exhausted new mother needs. But the caffeine from the tea gets blended with the breast milk and the baby may become more fussy or irritable due to this (6).

7. Osteoporosis

Woman with lower back pain due to osteoporosis

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Lemon tea silently flushes out large amount of calcium from the body through urine, which may cause osteoporosis in the later stages of life (7).

8. Absorbs Aluminum

When you add lemon in your tea, the aluminum present in the tea gets absorbed in the body, which does not happen if you drink normal tea. This absorbed aluminum may cause toxicity in the body, which can lead to encephalopathyⁱXA disorder in which a viral infection or toxins in the blood impairs the brain structure and functioning. , osteomalaciaⁱXA condition where the bones soften and break easily due to calcium or vitamin D deficiency. or aplastic bone disease, proximal myopathy, increased risk of infection, increased left ventricular mass and decreased myocardial function, and microcytic anemia with very high levels and even sudden death (8), (9).

9. Alzheimer’s

Senior Alzheimer’s patient with a doctor

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Studies have linked the intake of lemon tea with the chances of having Alzheimer’sⁱXA degenerative neurological condition that slowly destroys the brain cells and affects your memory and thinking. disease in later stages of life. Regular intake of lemon tea may cause accumulation of plaque in the brain, which has been linked to the onset of Alzheimer’s (10).

10. Stomach Problems

In some people, regular intake of lemon tea can result in stomach upset, causing stomach ache, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and even ulcer.

Quick Tip

In the Ayurveda Book of Medicines, mixing lemon and honey with hot water is prohibited. The combination is believed to alter the natural qualities of the ingredients and potentially cause digestive problems.

All these are some serious side effects of lemon tea, and a few other unexpected ones are insomnia, anxiety, and caffeine sensitivity, but that does not mean you have to refrain from your daily source of relaxation. All you need to do is be moderate in your portions. Don’t drink more than one cup a day and if possible, avoid having it first thing in the morning when your stomach is empty. If you feel any symptoms like tooth sensitivity, stomach ache or nausea, give this habit a break and consult your doctor and thoroughly discuss lemon tea benefits and side effects. Otherwise, cheers to lemon tea!

Infographic: Most Common Side Effects Of Drinking Lemon Tea

Lemon tea is an immunity boosting refreshing drink preferred by many. While it does have many health benefits, overconsumption of lemon tea can cause a few unexpected side effects that seriously affect your health.

Scroll down and check out the infographic below to know the most common side effects of drinking too much lemon tea.

most common side effects of drinking lemon tea (infographic)

Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.

Download Infographic

Lemon tea is a tangy, refreshing beverage with rich antioxidativeⁱXA chemical, property, or drug that protects the cells against oxidative damage, which may lead to aging and cancer. polyphenols. It exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties that help treat several ailments. However, one must also be aware of the unexpected side effects of lemon tea with its excessive consumption. The tea may cause tooth erosion, heartburn, dehydration, canker sores, and may increase osteoporosisⁱXA condition where the bones lose tissue and become brittle and weak due to age or medications. risk. It also may lead to diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, stomach ache, and ulcer. In addition, its overconsumption is unsafe for pregnant and lactating women. Hence, consume it in moderation. Consult your doctor if you have any preexisting medical conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lemon tea good before bed?

Drinking lemon tea before bed can have both advantages as well as disadvantages. Melissa Baker, RDN, says, “Drinking lemon tea before bed can have some benefits, such as promoting relaxation and reducing stress due to the presence of certain compounds in lemon. However, if you have acid reflux or a sensitive stomach, drinking acidic beverages like lemon tea before bed may cause discomfort or worsen symptoms.”

Does lemon tea thin your blood?

Isaac Robertson, a registered nutritionist and personal trainer, says, “There is no scientific evidence to suggest that lemon tea can thin your blood. Lemon juice contains vitamin C, which can support healthy blood vessels and reduce inflammation. However, excessive consumption of lemon juice or tea may increase the acidity levels in your body, leading to digestive issues and potentially worsening certain medical conditions.”

Should lemon tea be hot or cold?

It is a matter of preference. Barbara Kovalenko, a nutritionist, says, “Both hot and cold lemon tea can be beneficial depending on personal preference. Hot lemon tea may help soothe a sore throat, while cold lemon tea can be a refreshing drink in hot weather.”

What happens if you drink lemon tea every day?

Lemon tea exhibits many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat many ailments. From improving heart health to enhancing skin health, drinking lemon tea offers many benefits.

Does lemon tea make you poop?

Lemons are high in vitamin C, which can pull water into the gut. This, in turn, increases the water content inside the gut and may stimulate bowel movements.

Can I drink lemon tea at night?

Yes. The intake of lemon tea at night may regulate high blood sugar levels while sleeping. It is also a great alternative to water to keep you hydrated.

Does lemon tea raise blood pressure?

No. In fact, consumption of lemon tea may lower blood pressure levels. However, limited research is available in this regard.

Key Takeaways

Drinking too much lemon tea may result in tooth erosion, stomach issues, diarrhea, and heartburn.
Over consumption of lemon tea has been linked to early onset of Alzheimer’s.
Avoid taking it too frequently or in large amounts during pregnancy.

While lemon tea is widely known for its benefits, it also has some side effects. Learn more about them in the following video!

Sources

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