Can people with excessive stomach acid drink lemon water when they have a cough?
Feb 17, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Lemon water is a common beverage made by adding lemon juice or lemon slices to water. It is rich in vitamin C and other nutrients. However, lemons have a low pH value and are highly acidic. This acidity may irritate the gastric mucosa, particularly in individuals who already have excessive stomach acid, potentially worsening gastrointestinal discomfort.
Generally, people with excess stomach acid are not advised to drink lemon water when they have a cough. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Lemon water is water that contains lemon juice or lemon slices. It is a common beverage rich in vitamin C and other nutrients. However, lemons have a low pH value and are highly acidic. This acidity may irritate the gastric mucosa, especially for individuals who already have excessive stomach acid, potentially worsening gastric discomfort.
Lemon water contains a significant amount of citric acid, which may further irritate the gastric mucosa, stimulate increased gastric acid secretion, and thereby exacerbate symptoms of excessive stomach acid, such as stomach pain, heartburn, and acid reflux. Although lemon water may offer some benefits for coughs—for example, by stimulating saliva and mucus production to help clear phlegm and foreign particles from the respiratory tract—its potential to cause gastric discomfort may negatively impact overall health, including the recovery from coughing.
Individuals with excessive stomach acid should avoid consuming acidic foods and beverages, such as lemons, oranges, and vinegar, to minimize irritation to the gastric mucosa. Additionally, they should maintain a balanced diet, consume appropriate amounts of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, and avoid overeating and excessive alcohol consumption.
