We know about the countless health benefits of lemons and why they should be a part of our diet and beauty regimen. However, if you're not careful about the amount of lemon juice you use, you could end up with either one of these six health problems.
Erode your teeth enamel – Research has found that consuming juices with high citric content like lemon or even orange juice can cause the tooth enamel to weaken and lead to stained teeth. To reduce this side effect of lemon juice, try mixing it with other liquids or foods [1].
Heartburn – Avoid drinking lemon juice on an empty stomach as its acidic nature can trigger heartburn or even aggravate it. While it is definitely beneficial to drink lukewarm water with lemon juice, be careful about the amount of lemon juice you use and always add honey too. Too much lemon juice can trigger symptoms like a burning sensation in the chest, says Salome Benjamin, former Chief Nutritionist, Nair Hospital, Mumbai.
Dehydration and frequent urination – Lemon contains ascorbic acid or vitamin C, which makes it a diuretic. Hence, when you consume too much lemon, it increases the urine production in kidneys, which could cause dehydration, says Benjamin. Also, the high potassium content -- 138 mg in a lemon, makes it difficult for the body to digest lemon juice when consumed in a huge quantity.
Stomach ache – While this is a rare side effect, again, if consumed in high quantities, lemon juice can cause stomach aches due to its highly acidic nature as the body has the capacity to tolerate only certain levels of ascorbic acid.
Can aggravate acne or cause dark spots –The acid in lemon juice can leave you with a stinging feeling if applied directly on pimples and even cause them to burst, which can cause some scarring. Avoid applying lemon juice without diluting it first or adding a few other ingredient for a face pack.
Dry skin – If you have dry skin, avoid using lemon juice as the ascorbic acid is known to further dry out the skin and cause flakiness and itching.
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