Can people with excess stomach acid drink lemon water?

People with excessive stomach acid are generally not advised to drink lemon water. If they wish to consume it, it is recommended to drink it after meals.

Lemon water is an acidic beverage containing acidic substances such as citric acid. These acidic components can further increase the secretion of stomach acid, thereby intensifying the irritation of stomach acid on the gastric mucosa. For individuals with excessive stomach acid secretion, drinking lemon water may exacerbate symptoms of gastric discomfort, such as heartburn, stomach pain, and acid reflux. If the gastric mucosa remains in a high-acid environment for a prolonged period, it may easily lead to gastric disorders such as gastric ulcers and gastritis. Therefore, individuals with excessive stomach acid should avoid drinking lemon water if they want to alleviate symptoms. At the same time, they should also reduce the intake of spicy, greasy, and irritating foods, as these can stimulate gastric acid secretion.

If individuals with excessive stomach acid wish to drink lemon water, it is recommended to consume it after meals, when there is food in the stomach to buffer the acidity of the lemon water, thereby reducing irritation to the stomach. After eating, lemon water can be diluted with warm water before consumption, further lowering its acidity and reducing irritation to the stomach.

In daily life, it is recommended to maintain a light diet and healthy eating habits, avoiding overly irritating foods, which can help maintain gastric health.