Understanding the Disadvantages of Drinking Water with Lemon and Honey

December 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2025 article by Redcliffe Labs, while many tout the benefits of lemon and honey water, daily and excessive consumption can lead to side effects including tooth erosion and acidity. This trendy wellness drink, often consumed for its purported health benefits, is not without potential disadvantages of drinking water with lemon and honey that consumers should be aware of.

Quick Summary

This article explores the downsides of habitually consuming water with lemon and honey, focusing on dental erosion from citric acid, potential acid reflux, and the impact of honey's sugar on blood glucose levels. It also covers risks for sensitive individuals, including digestive upset and allergies, emphasizing the importance of moderation.

Key Points

Dental Erosion: Citric acid from lemons can wear down tooth enamel and cause sensitivity.
Digestive Upset: The acidity can trigger or worsen acid reflux, heartburn, and stomach irritation.
Blood Sugar Spikes: Honey's natural sugar content can elevate blood glucose levels, posing a risk for diabetics.
Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience sensitivities or allergies to citrus fruits or honey.
Excessive Urination: The diuretic effect can lead to frequent trips to the bathroom and potential dehydration if not balanced.
Cavity Risk: The combination of lemon's acid and honey's sugar creates a high-risk environment for tooth decay.
Aggravated Gastric Issues: Those with conditions like GERD or sensitive stomachs may experience heightened symptoms.

The combination of warm water, lemon, and honey has gained immense popularity as a morning wellness ritual, often praised for its detoxifying and immunity-boosting properties. However, excessive or unmonitored consumption can lead to several health issues that often go unmentioned in wellness circles. Understanding the disadvantages of drinking water with lemon and honey is crucial for making an informed decision about this daily habit. While the occasional glass may be harmless, consistent and concentrated use can pose real risks to your dental, digestive, and metabolic health.

Dental Health Erosion and Decay

One of the most widely acknowledged downsides of consuming lemon and honey water is its impact on dental health. The primary culprit is the citric acid in lemons, which can gradually erode tooth enamel over time. Enamel is the protective outer layer of your teeth, and once it is worn away, it cannot be regenerated.

Enamel Softening: Lemon juice softens the tooth enamel, making it more susceptible to damage from brushing or abrasive foods. This can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, especially to hot and cold temperatures.
Increased Cavity Risk: When honey is added, the combination becomes doubly problematic. Honey contains natural sugars that feed the bacteria in your mouth, which in turn produce acids that accelerate tooth decay.
Tips for Mitigation: To reduce damage, dentists recommend drinking the mixture with a straw, rinsing your mouth with plain water immediately afterward, and waiting at least an hour before brushing your teeth.

Digestive Distress and Acid Reflux

For individuals with a sensitive stomach or pre-existing digestive conditions, lemon and honey water can cause significant discomfort.

Exacerbated Acid Reflux: Despite some claims that it can have an alkalizing effect, the initial acidity of lemon can be a potent trigger for acid reflux or heartburn in many people. It can cause a burning sensation in the chest and throat by loosening the esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to splash back up.
Gastric Irritation: The acidity can irritate the stomach lining, especially when consumed on an empty stomach. This can lead to symptoms such as bloating, stomach pain, nausea, and general gastric upset.
Temperature Sensitivity: For some, consuming warm or hot liquids can further relax the esophageal sphincter, increasing the risk of reflux. Experimenting with lukewarm or room-temperature water may help.

Blood Sugar Spikes

Honey, though a natural sweetener, is still a form of sugar. For individuals with diabetes or those managing their blood sugar, the honey in this drink can be a significant concern.

Glycemic Impact: Honey contains fructose and glucose, which can cause a rapid spike in blood glucose levels. While the glycemic index of honey can vary, it still needs to be factored into daily sugar intake.
Diabetic Caution: Diabetics and individuals with insulin resistance should consult a healthcare provider before adding honey to their daily routine. Forgoing the honey and simply drinking lemon water is a safer alternative.
Potential for Weight Gain: While often promoted for weight loss, the added calories and sugar from honey can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess without proper diet and exercise management.

Potential Allergic Reactions

Allergies to citrus fruits or honey, while not universal, are a notable risk. For some, consuming this drink can trigger an allergic response.

Citrus Allergies: Individuals with citrus allergies might experience oral allergy syndrome, with symptoms like itching, tingling, or swelling around the mouth and throat.
Honey Allergies: Allergies to honey can be rare but serious, causing hives, swelling, or digestive issues. This is particularly dangerous for infants under one year old due to the risk of botulism.

Diuretic Effects and Dehydration

Lemon water is a known diuretic, meaning it can increase urine production. While this is often cited as a benefit for 'detoxing,' it can lead to problems if not managed correctly.

Frequent Urination: Drinking large amounts of lemon and honey water can put extra pressure on the kidneys and lead to more frequent urination.
Risk of Dehydration: If a person does not compensate by drinking enough plain water, the diuretic effect can lead to dehydration over time. Signs include fatigue, dark urine, and dry mouth.

Comparative Table: Lemon & Honey Water vs. Plain Water


Feature	Lemon & Honey Water	Plain Water
Dental Impact	High acidity (lemon) and sugar (honey) can erode enamel and cause cavities.	Neutral pH; supports oral health without risks.
Digestive System	Potential for acid reflux, heartburn, and gastric irritation, especially on an empty stomach.	Generally soothing; aids digestion without causing irritation.
Blood Sugar	Honey's sugars can cause blood glucose spikes, a concern for diabetics.	No impact on blood sugar levels.
Allergies	Potential trigger for citrus or honey allergies.	Zero risk of allergic reactions (excluding extremely rare water allergies).
Cost	Regular purchase of fresh lemons and honey required.	Free or low-cost filtered water readily available.
Overall Hydration	Good for hydration, but diuretic effects can be counterproductive if overconsumed.	Purely hydrating; no diuretic side effects.

Conclusion

While a glass of warm water with lemon and honey can be a pleasant, occasional beverage, it is not the universal health elixir it is often portrayed as. The disadvantages of drinking water with lemon and honey, particularly for those with dental sensitivity, digestive issues, or diabetes, are significant and should not be ignored. Moderation is key to enjoying this drink responsibly while mitigating risks such as enamel erosion, acid reflux, and blood sugar fluctuations. For most people, opting for plain water or exploring other low-sugar alternatives for hydration is the safest and most effective strategy for long-term health. Before making any significant dietary change, it is always wise to consult with a healthcare professional. For more in-depth information, Healthline offers a comprehensive breakdown of the myths and facts surrounding this popular drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, lemon and honey water can be harmful to your teeth. The high citric acid content in lemons can erode tooth enamel over time. The sugar in honey also contributes to an increased risk of cavities and decay. Using a straw and rinsing with plain water afterward can help mitigate the damage.

For many people, the acidity of the lemon can cause or worsen acid reflux and heartburn, especially when consumed on an empty stomach. While some believe it has an alkalizing effect, this is not universally true and depends on individual tolerance.

Individuals with a history of acid reflux, GERD, or dental enamel erosion should be cautious or avoid this drink. Diabetics or those with blood sugar concerns should also limit their intake due to the honey content. Those with citrus or honey allergies must avoid it completely.

Yes, honey is a form of natural sugar (glucose and fructose) and can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. This is particularly important for individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance to monitor.

Drinking lemon and honey water on an empty stomach can increase the risk of digestive issues, such as gastric irritation and acid reflux, especially for those with sensitive stomachs. It may be better to consume it with or after a meal.

Excessive consumption can lead to dental enamel erosion, exacerbated acid reflux, blood sugar instability, and a diuretic effect that can cause frequent urination and potential dehydration. Moderation is key to avoiding these negative side effects.

For simple hydration, plain water is the best option. Herbal teas like chamomile or ginger tea are soothing and beneficial for digestion. For a flavor boost without the risks, consider infusing water with cucumber, mint, or other fruits.

Pregnant women should consult their doctor, as dietary needs and sensitivities can change. For children, honey should never be given to infants under one year old due to the risk of infant botulism. For older children, the sugar content and dental risks should be considered.