Did you know there’s actually a ton of truth to some of the lemon water claims? Okay, it probably won’t make you lose 30 lbs of stubborn fat, but it IS amazing for your liver.
Your liver is your body’s main detox organ. And while it does do a great job on its own, sometimes it can use a bit of help.
The Problem with Toxins
In today’s society, we are so chronically over-exposed to toxins every single day. They’re in our food, our water, shower products, makeup, clothing, carpeting, cookware, furniture, candles, the air we breath… you get the point. They’re everywhere.
Yes, our bodies are able to metabolize most of these toxins, especially if we’re exposed in small doses. But the problem lies in how much we are exposed to them.
Imagine working overtime every single day back to back, no days off. Eventually, you would become exhausted and probably wouldn’t be able to work as efficiently or effectively as you would if you took the appropriate rest.
That’s how your liver feels.
This is why foods that help activate our detox pathways are crucial. Fortunately, lemon is one of those super foods that can help.
Lemon Contains Limonene
Lemon contains a phytochemical, specifically a monoterpene, called limonene. Not only does it help give lemon its signature flavour, it has many health benefits:
- anti-inflammatory
- antioxidant
- can help manage heartburn
- can help alleviate stress
- natural mood booster
- has been proven in animal and human pilot studies as a prevention technique and treatment for cancer
- activates Phase I and Phase II detoxification in the liver
- stimulates glutathione conjugation in the liver
Phase I and Phase II Detoxification
This two step detoxification method helps neutralize carcinogens and toxins in the body. Each step involves many different enzymes to break down the potential toxin.
Phase I detoxification breaks down these components partially so that Phase II can finish the job. However, this partial breakdown usually leaves behind even more harmful metabolites than the original toxin itself.
This is usually no cause for concern. But if your Phase II detoxification is not functioning correctly, this can be dangerous. These very toxic half-broken down metabolites are now free to roam through our bloodstream and cause havoc where they please.
It’s crucial to make sure that our Phase II detox pathways are working efficiently before promoting Phase I enzymes.
Thankfully, limonene not only activates Phase I detox, but it also activates Phase II!
Sources of Limonene
Limonene is present in the peel of citrus fruits like lemon, orange and lime. There are small amounts of limonene in the juices of these fruits, but the peel is still the best source.
Thankfully, lemon essential oil is made from the peel of the lemon. Personally, I add 1 drop to my herbal tea every morning. Not only does it add great flavour, but it also stimulates liver function as soon as I wake up.
To purchase lemon essential oil, click here. If you purchase through the link, you can work with me 1-on-1 to discover any other oils that may be beneficial for your health.
