Does lemon water relieve thirst and stimulate saliva production?
Jul 23, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, lemon water may have a certain auxiliary effect in promoting saliva production and relieving thirst, but its effectiveness is limited. Additionally, attention should be paid to the method and concentration of consumption. When drinking lemon water, it is recommended to use warm water for dilution to avoid excessive acidity, and it should not be consumed on an empty stomach to prevent gastrointestinal irritation. In daily life, the key to promoting saliva production and relieving thirst is ensuring adequate water intake. Lemon water can be consumed in moderation as a flavored beverage.
Generally, lemon water can play a certain auxiliary role in relieving thirst and stimulating saliva production, but its effectiveness is limited, and attention should be paid to the method and concentration of consumption. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Lemons contain abundant vitamin C, citric acid, and other components. When used to make lemon water, the water itself can directly relieve thirst, while the sour taste of citric acid stimulates saliva secretion, helping to alleviate dry mouth. For thirst caused by mild dehydration or dryness of the mouth, moderate consumption of lemon water may have a certain effect in relieving thirst and supplementing vitamins.
However, if the lemon water is too concentrated, the fruit acids may irritate the oral and gastrointestinal mucosa, causing oral discomfort or a burning sensation in the stomach, which could worsen thirst. Additionally, as lemons are slightly acidic, excessive consumption may affect gastrointestinal function, causing bloating, acid reflux, and other symptoms. Particularly for individuals with excessive stomach acid, overconsumption may exacerbate discomfort. Therefore, it's important to control the concentration and quantity when drinking lemon water.
When consuming lemon water, it is recommended to prepare it with warm water to avoid excessive acidity and to avoid drinking it on an empty stomach to prevent gastrointestinal irritation. In daily life, maintaining adequate hydration is key to relieving thirst. Lemon water can be consumed in moderation as a flavored beverage. Additionally, eating water-rich fruits such as watermelon and pear, and maintaining a light diet can better help alleviate thirst and maintain bodily comfort.
