Does lemon water help to reduce anxiety?

This post answers: Does lemon water help to reduce anxiety? What are the other benefits of drinking lemon water? What are the drawbacks of drinking too much lemon water? Which other food can help to reduce anxiety? What is Anxiety? What are the signs and symptoms of anxiety? What are the causes of anxiety? What are some ways to manage anxiety? What are the therapy options for anxiety?

Does lemon water help to reduce anxiety?

Reports indicate that lemon water can help reduce an individual’s stress, anxiety, and depression as it provides energy and enters the digestive tract. Apart from this researchers believe that the aroma of lemons can also have a significant effect on an individual’s nervous system.

What are the other benefits of drinking lemon water?

Some other benefits of drinking lemon water are:

To stay healthy and boost immunity

Lemon water is believed to hold high levels of vitamin C which helps to boost the individual nervous system and make them even stronger and capable of managing stress effectively.

Helps digestion

Lemon water is also believed to contribute to better digestion due to the release of various toxins into the digestive tract which helps to benefit from the symptoms of indigestion such as bloating, heartburn, and burping.

Acts as a cleanser

Lemon juice is considered to be a great cleanser that helps to remove all the toxins from an individual’s body and improve their enzyme functions.

Fresh breath

Lemon water can also help to kill all the bacteria present in individuals in the mouth this helps to reduce mouth odor. Apart from this, it helps to reduce gingivitis and tooth pains.

Radiating skin

Lemon water is well known for its antioxidants and vitamin C which helps to remove all the free radicals and brings about a radiance in an individual skin by acting as a detoxifier. It also helps to reduce blemishes due to the presence of vitamin C.

Helps with weight loss

Lemon water is widely used by many individuals in their journey of weight loss. Lemons consist of a component called polyphenols which helps to burn fat according to studies published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition. Due to the components, it contains it helps to burn about 30% more fat.

Helps in reducing inflammation

Reports indicate that individuals who take lemon juice regularly show decreased acidity levels in their body which keeps diseases away. It fosters the removal of uric acid from an individual’s joints which is responsible for inflammation.

Provides energy

Lemon juice is an Energizer which reduces individual stress and gives them a sense of energy it also holds soothing effects on the nervous system.

Fights viral infections

Lemon water also helps to fight sore throat and viral infections as it boosts an individual’s immune system increasing their ability to fight the infection positively.

What are the drawbacks of drinking too much lemon water?

Some drawbacks of drinking too much lemon water are:

• It can upset your stomach
• In some cases, it might cause migraine
• It can damage an individual’s teeth
• It can worsen an individual sore.
• The skin of the lemon can be a source of germs

Which other food can help to reduce anxiety?

Some other food items that can help you reduce anxiety are:

Salmon

Salmon contains nutrients that help to regulate dopamine and serotonin which are neurotransmitters responsible to bring about a calming and relaxing effect.

Chamomile

It contains anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants that help to decrease inflammations that are associated with a person’s stress and anxiety. It also helps to regulate serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and dopamine.

Turmeric

Turmeric consists of a component called curcumin that helps to enhance brain health and also prevents individuals from an anxiety disorder.

Dark chocolate

Researchers indicate that dark chocolate has various benefits, one being helping individuals overcome their stress and anxiety. It also helps for better brain function and increases blood flow to various parts of the brain.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a significant element in an individual’s diet if they are trying to manage their anxiety. It consists of probiotics and other bacteria that help an individual’s mental well-being.

What is Anxiety?

Problems and resulting stress are usually accompanied by some common emotions like confusion, feeling at the edge, a sense of helplessness, and recurrent negative thoughts which can collectively be seen as an individual experiencing what’s commonly called  Anxiety. 

Every human has their unique ways of dealing with these difficult situations and the following emotions, some try to adapt to the circumstances and find the best and most comfortable solution while others try to find an escape route for the same, in both cases the main aim is usually to get over the uncomfortable emotions of anxiety. 

What are the signs and symptoms of anxiety? 

Anxiety is characterized by a set of signs and symptoms such as:

 

• Sweating
• Difficulty in breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Sense of choking
• Complaints of chest pain
• Shaking or trembling
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness
• Fear of losing control over oneself and their environment
• Fear of impending doom
• Hot or cold flashes
• Tingling or numbness
• Increased heart rate

These symptoms vary in severity from person to person. However, it is noted that many people experience anxiety attacks that are not significantly displayed.

What are the causes of anxiety?

Anxiety often results from accumulated stress or overwhelming feelings. Some common causes of anxiety include.

• Increased and challenging situations and demands in day-to-day life.
• Major changes in family dynamics such as marriage, divorce, death of a loved one.
• Strain interpersonal relationships
• Intrapersonal conflicts
• Ineffective coping mechanisms
• Comorbid conditions both physical and mental
• Chronic health conditions
• Genetic factors
• Changes in the brain region
• Overdose of caffeine
• Prolonged use of medications
• Significant traumatic experiences in the past or recent times
• Comorbid mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder or any other phobias.

What are some ways to manage anxiety?

Identify and acknowledge the triggers

The most significant strategy that can be used to control one’s anxiety is by identifying and acknowledging those triggers.

Being able to recognize what makes an individual anxious makes them better equipped to take action.

Relaxation techniques

 

Even though anxiety can be bought under an individual’s control it cannot be predicted. In such situations, it is necessary that an individual actively carries out relaxation techniques.

These might include meditation, yoga, and deep breathing which helps to reduce the intensity of anxiety within a short period.

Socialization

 

A key to reducing the frequency and intensity of anxiety attacks could be spending time with close family and friends.

The kind of emotional and practical support provided by these social and personal groups help the person feel connected and aid in distracting one’s mind from negative and recurring thoughts that lead to anxiety.

Apart from friends and families, individuals can also consider speaking to groups of people that are experiencing similar problems.

Set realistic goals

When an individual is feeling overwhelmed, setting goals and targets keeping in mind priorities can help resolve overwhelming feelings of fear or panic.

Setting goals provides structure and routine to an individual’s life reducing space for uncertainty which can be a major trigger for anxiety in many cases.

Take up new challenges

Apart from doing activities that an individual is usually fond of and has expertise in, trying new and challenging activities that put an individual outside their comfort zone in a healthy manner may help reduce the stress and anger temporarily.

Signing up for new activities also provides a path to meeting people with similar stories and concerns.

Lifestyle changes

An individual’s lifestyle plays a major role in their experience of anxiety. An unhealthy and busy lifestyle usually leads to unhealthy eating, lack of exercise, lack of adequate sleep.

A combination of a well-set diet, exercise, and sleep can help to regulate an individual’s mood and equip them with a favorable coping mechanism.

These coping mechanisms in turn help to get control over once anxiety concerns in a more adaptable manner.

lack of proper diet, sleep, and exercise can make an individual sluggish, dependent, moody and vulnerable to anxiety attacks.

Making journal entries

Last but not least having a journal to write down how a person is feeling and thinking when they are anxious helps them to reflect upon their thoughts and feelings.

Putting down one’s thoughts and feelings onto a paper helps to provide a sense of temporary relief.

In the case of journal entry, a person does not even have to fear being judged by another person regarding their thoughts and feelings.

What are the therapy options for anxiety?

Cognitive-behavioural therapy

Cognitive-behavioural therapy helps an individual to control their anxiety by using strategies like relaxation and breathing. It works on the principles of replacing negative thoughts with positive ones.

Exposure therapy

Exposure therapy is a kind of therapy in which an individual is exposed to a particular stimulus that they usually fear or are anxious about in a graded order.

As and when the individual gets comfortable with the situation or stimulus introduced or exposed to them with each session, individuals get more comfortable with a real-life situation that might have otherwise been a source for triggering anxiety.

Group therapy

 

It is based on the principle that when an individual interacts with other people who are suffering from the same fears they might not feel left alone or isolated. Group therapy usually involves a group of individuals who are experiencing similar symptoms and problems.

Medication

Anxiety can also be treated with the help of medication prescribed by a health care professional.

Though medication alone cannot help in reducing persistent anxiety it can help in restoring a sense of control and bring temporary relief. 

Online therapy  

In cases where reaching out physically to a professional is impossible or discomforting an individual can opt to seek help through the online medium. 

In this, the therapy sessions are carried out one-to-one over a video or audio call. Some individuals also prefer interacting with the therapist through text as well due to various reasons. One of the most common is the fear of being judged by the therapist or some personal hesitation. 

Online therapy can help individuals to regulate some aspects of their anxiety that aids individuals in carrying out a stress-free life over time

Conclusion

Lemon water holds various benefits due to the helpful components like potassium, vitamin C and antioxidants that all work together to reduce individual stress and anxiety. Apart from stress and anxiety lemon water is beneficial in various ways and individuals must research more thoroughly while taking lemon water to understand its benefits.

Frequently asked questions: Does lemon water help to reduce anxiety?

Does lemon water help with a panic attack?

Reports indicate that when individuals experience a sense of panic lemon water can help to distract their attention away from the panic-inducing stimulus due to its sourness and bitterness.

Is lemon water good for mental health?

Lemon water is good for better brain function due to its components of potassium that helps in regulating blood flow to the areas of the brain and proving brain function and stress.

Is lemon water good for the nervous system?

Lemon water is good for the nervous system due to the various components such as potassium, vitamin C which help to fight infections and also reduce inflammation and cleanse an individual’s body.

Why lemon juice is good for stress?

Lemon juice is considered good for stress as it helps to decrease stress, blood pressure and helps individuals to feel more relaxed.

Citation

https://www.femina.in/wellness/health/why-lemon-water-is-good-for-you-51896-9.html

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-foods-that-reduce-anxiety#TOC_TITLE_HDR_7

Anxiety is not an excuse?