Is it possible to "alkalize" your body by drinking lemon juice in water? Is trying to alkalize your body beneficial?

My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

My Answers Profile

Ask Your Question

WebMD Answers

Featuring Experts From

See all

Back to List

Next Question

Didn't find your answer? Post to
WebMD Experts and Contributors

Following Unfollow

SUCCESS!

etianvivere

1 Answer

Is it possible to "alkalize" your body by drinking lemon juice in water? Is trying to alkalize your body beneficial?

I am a cancer survivor who has run across the notion several times that we should try to maintain our bodies in an alkaline state to help prevent recurrence. This is counter to everything I know about our digestive system. Is it even possible to change one's pH balance to alkaline, especially by drinking highly acidic citrus and other juices?

Related Topics: Cancer, Digestive System, Juice, Lemon, Running

Posted:

| Report This

Answer This

Follow QuestionFollowing Unfollow

Best Answer

Following Unfollow

SUCCESS!

Rod Moser, PA, PhD

Primary Care

1,579 Answers
8,327 Helpful Votes
144 Followers

Most Helpful Answer

I do not see how drinking something acidic (lemon juice is citric ACID) will make your body alkaline. Doesn't make sense.

I have never heard that having an alkaline body (alkalosis) would prevent a cancer reoccurrence. Sounds like a bunch of baloney to me. I am not sure where you read this or the credentials of who is recommending it, but I think this notion lacks scientific validity.

Our body works very hard to maintain a properly pH balance. Drink lemon juice in water (lemonade!) if you want or if you like it. The vitamin C will be nice, but don't expect it to make your body alkaline.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...This answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.

Posted:

| Report This

Was this helpful?

Yes No

Thanks for your feedback.

6 of 9 found this helpful

Answers from Contributors (2)

Following Unfollow

SUCCESS!

etianvivere

1 Answer

An answer I found elsewhere: Lemon, lime, apple cider vinegar and tomato are highly acidic. Strong acids bring the pH of a solution waaay down, even in small amounts. Also, your blood has a "buffer" system to neutralize acids, keeping your blood pH relatively stable, regardless of what you eat. It seems to me that this alkaline cooking fad has no scientific basis, or at least led by? misguided science. I really dislike throwing around scientific words when you don't know what you are talking about.

The opinions expressed here are solely those of the User.The opinions expressed here are solely those of the User.
User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.

Posted:

| Report This

Was this helpful?

Yes No

Thanks for your feedback.

Following Unfollow

SUCCESS!

fitnecessary

1 Answer

Dr Moser is incorrect. Lemon and lime juices are absolutely alkalizing to the body. This is not to say they are alkaline in nature, because the are obviously acidic. But the way the body metabolizes the juice produces an alkalizing effect. Here is a video that might help explain it better:

youtube.com/watch?v=WndFDIa6a0s&feature=player_embedded#!

There are many licensed dietitians and nutritionist who have written of this fact. Do yourself a favor and research it at length. Most doctors are not aware of the chemistry involved (NOTE: the average MD has fewer than 8 hours of preventative medicine education - many have none whatsoever).

Posted:

| Report This

Was this helpful?

Yes No

Thanks for your feedback.

3 Answers

Next Question:

Does lemon juice really help to prevent catching a stomach virus/help relieve or kill the virus?

Got Your WebMD Answer?

Next Steps:

Didn't find what you were looking for? Ask WebMD Experts and Contributors

Ask Your Question

WebMD Answers

Featuring Experts From

See all

Important: The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, blogs, or WebMD Answers are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment. Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.