Does lemon water break your fast during Intermittent Fasting?

5-point Summary

• One of the most common questions that people who follow Intermittent Fasting (IF) ask is whether or not lemon water is allowed during a period of fasting. Put differently, the question is whether drinking lemon water during intermittent fasting is ok or does it ‘break’ your fast. This question comes from the concern of whether it is permissible to drink something other than water when you are otherwise supposed to be 100% fasting.
• Let’s define what we mean by “lemon water”. In this context, we’re talking about water that has been infused with lemon juice, ideally from the fruit itself. So, when it comes to lemon water, we’re talking about very small amounts of lemon juice added to the water.  No sugar or salt is added.
• Is lemon water allowed during intermittent fasting? The short answer is YES, as lemon water is considered a non-caloric (zero calorie) beverage. Lemons are so low in calories that when you add a small amount of lemon juice to water, the calorie content is negligible. This can be compared to sugar-free chewing gum which contains a negligible amount of calories and therefore can also be had during intermittent fasting.
• Having lemon water during a period of intermittent fasting may help to improve your overall energy levels & fasting experience. Lemons are rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect your cells from damage and promote healthy aging. Additionally, the vitamin C in lemons can help to boost your energy levels and improve your mood. It can also help suppress your appetite which is an important factor while fasting.
• Intermittent fasting may not be suitable for everyone. IF needs to be approached in a structured way and with a proper diet plan for the eating window. If you try a fast without a plan, you might face a number of health issues including dehydration, migraines, acidity etc. It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional or nutritionist before starting IF, especially if you have a history of disordered eating or if you have any underlying health conditions.

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Intermittent fasting is a popular weight loss method that involves alternating periods of eating and fasting. Popular for reasons beyond weight loss, many tend to have several questions regarding how to successfully journey through a period of fasting.

One of the most common questions that people who follow Intermittent fasting ask is whether or not lemon water is allowed during a period of fasting. This question comes from the concern of whether it is permissible to drink something other than water when you are otherwise supposed to be 100% fasting.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at whether or not lemon water does break intermittent fasting protocol and what you should know before incorporating it into your fasting routine.

Lemon Water & Intermittent Fasting

First, let’s define what we mean by “lemon water”.

In this context, we’re talking about water that has been infused with lemon juice, ideally from the fruit itself. So, when it comes to lemon water, we’re talking about very small amounts of lemon juice added to the water. 

Now that we’ve provided context, let’s now define intermittent fasting.

Intermittent fasting typically involves abstaining from food and caloric beverages for a certain period of time. The most popular intermittent fasting method is the 16/8 method, whereby you fast for 16 hours and eat during an 8-hour window. For example, you might fast from 8pm to 12 noon the next day (16 hours) and eat from 12 noon to 8 pm (8 hours). 

Some people choose to only drink water during their fasting period, while others may allow some non-caloric beverages like black coffee or black tea during their fast. These drinks do not contain any calories and therefore should not break your intermittent fasting. So, the question is, does lemon water fit into this category of non-caloric beverages?

Let’s dive right into it, shall we?! 

Also Read: The Right Way To Do Intermittent Fasting

Is Lemon Water allowed during intermittent fasting?

The short answer is YES, as lemon water is considered a non-caloric (zero calorie) beverage. 

Lemons are so low in calories that when you add a small amount of lemon juice to water, the calorie content is negligible. This can be compared to sugar-free chewing gum which contains a negligible amount of calories and therefore can be had during intermittent fasting. 

With that said, there are a couple of things to remember before incorporating lemon water into your fasting routine:

• Always consult with a professional: First, you should always check with your doctor before starting any new diet or exercise program, including intermittent fasting. They will be able to advise you on whether or not lemon water is right for you based on your individual health needs. For example, if you have digestive issues or acid reflux, then adding lemon water while fasting might aggravate these issues.
• Lemons can be acidic in large amounts: Another thing to keep in mind is that lemon juice can be acidic, and consuming too much of it can lead to stomach discomfort or heartburn. So, it’s important to use it in moderation and to drink plenty of water to help neutralize the acidity.

Despite its potential acidity, in moderate amounts, lemon water can be quite beneficial for a variety of reasons, not limited to its digestive health properties and appetite-suppressive (hunger reducing) features. 

The benefits of lemon water

There are several potential benefits to consuming lemon water, particularly during a period of intermittent fasting. The following is a summarized discussion of the most commonly expected benefits of lemon water consumption:

• Hydration: One of the most notable is the boost in hydration. Fasting can cause dehydration, as you’re not consuming many fluids during the fasting period. Drinking lemon water can help to keep you hydrated and ensure that you’re getting the fluids your body needs.
• Source of Vitamin C: Lemon water is also a good source of vitamin C, which is an essential nutrient that helps to support the immune system and promotes collagen production. Collagen is a protein that is important for healthy skin, hair, and nails.
• Digestive aid: Another potential benefit of consuming lemon water during a period of fasting is its ability to aid in digestion. Lemons contain pectin, a type of fibre that helps keep you feeling full and can aid digestion. This can be particularly helpful during a period of fasting, as you may be more likely to experience hunger and cravings.

Also Read: Does Intermittent Fasting Boost Metabolism

• Tool for appetite suppression: As noted above, lemons contain pectin, a type of fibre that has been shown to help keep you feeling full and reduces appetite and cravings.
• Balance of Alkaline levels: Lemon water can also help to improve your overall health by promoting alkalinity in the body. Lemons are naturally alkaline, which can help to balance the pH levels in your body and reduce inflammation.

Finally, consuming lemon water during a period of intermittent fasting may also help to improve your overall energy levels. Lemons are rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect your cells from damage and promote healthy aging. Additionally, the vitamin C in lemons can help to boost your energy levels and improve your mood.

The bottom line

Lemon water is generally considered a non-caloric beverage and does not break an intermittent fast. However, it’s important to use it in moderation and to drink plenty of water to help neutralize the acidity. 

As always, if you feel uncertain about a new addition to your diet or health regimen at large, it’s important to feel comfortable consulting with your doctor or a nutritionist before starting any new diet or program, intermittent fasting included. 

With that said, as we’ve learned throughout this article, if you’re looking to improve your digestion and boost your vitamin C intake, lose weight, or suppress your appetite during a difficult duration of intermittent fasting, drinking lemon water can help.  

In summary, drinking lemon water during your fasting period will not break your fast, and it may even have some added benefits for digestion and Vitamin C intake.

We guide many people who are part of the Daily9 weight loss program to do intermittent fasting in a safe and effective manner. This includes providing guidance on the drinks that are allowed during the fasting period, that do not break the fast. This makes IF safe and also easier to do.

About the Author

Coach Shivani

Shivani is a Precision Nutrition-Certified Nutrition Coach with experience of coaching thousands of women. As a mom of two, Shivani knows what it takes for women to achieve weight loss & a healthy lifestyle through diet, exercise & sleep habits. She dislikes one-size-fits-all type advice.