It was my intent to write a meal planning blog this week. However I received so many comments regarding holistic health I changed the topic. As many successful writers or in this case an aspiring writer I listen to my followers. Got to give the people what they want.

Many of you may know or have heard about the healing power of lemon. It amazes me how people so readily pop a pill in their mouths but will not make an attempt to at least try something totally natural, something with no side effects. My purpose here is simply to educate you about one of those natural alternatives.

I am in no way telling anyone to stop taking your medications. However, adding a natural alternative may decrease the dosage or need to take it.

Drinking warm lemon water daily provides many health benefits which are astounding. Here are just a few of those benefits :

• Encourages a healthy balanced bowel movement
• Cleanses the liver by stimulating it to release toxins
• Boosts your immune system by providing Vitamin C. When you are stressed Vitamin C is depleted. Lemons are a natural source of Vitamin C
• Provides high levels of potassium which supports heart health and a balanced nervous system.
• Supports healthy digestion by dislodging toxins in the gut and relieving symptoms like heartburn, gas, and bloating.
• Encourages the liver to produce more enzymes more than any other food.
• Hydrates the body by providing electrolytes such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which speed up the hydration process.
• Freshens your breath, relieves toothache, and fights gingivitis.
• Contains pectin fiber which helps with hunger cravings and therefore encourages healthy weight management.
• Flushes uric acid from your joints, reducing inflammation thus lowering pain and stiffness.
• Lowers your risk of disease by reducing acidity which diseases thrive in.
• Boosts your energy levels when it enters your digestive system.
• Reduces anxiety and fights depression.
• Fights infections from the respiratory tract, banishes sore throats and reduces inflammation in the tonsils.
• Cleanses blood vessels and arteries.
• Improves your skin, mainly through cell hydration and high levels of free- radical fighting Vitamin C.
• Can help lower blood pressure by as much as 10 percent.
• Helps to dissolve gallstones, pancreatic stones, kidney stones, and calcium deposits.
• Acts as a natural skin bleach for age spots, simply take a small piece of lemon, rub the spots and in a few days they will disappear. They will over time reappear, repeat the process.

The magical health powers of lemon water have their greatest effect in the morning, before you eat or drink anything. When you consume it at that time, lemon water helps to replenish cells in your body that have become dehydrated overnight. It forces toxins out of your cells and flushes them through your system. This helps to regulate healthy organ function and gives your digestion system a kick start for the day.

Lemons are inexpensive and as you can see very beneficial to your health. I purchase a large bag, quarter them and freeze them in small bags. You don’t have to let them thaw, remove the amount wanted and drop into your hot drink.

Now that you are aware of the health benefits of lemons, I invite you to make warm lemon water a part of your daily routine. What do you have to lose ?