Often Drink Lemon Tea? Beware of the Side Effects

Illustration of lemon tea. (Freepik/user18526052)

JAKARTA - Lemon tea is often the mainstay drink for many people. It tastes fresh, the aroma is soothing, and is often considered healthier than packaged sugary drinks.

Many drink lemon tea to help relieve the flu, improve digestion, or just be a relaxing companion in the afternoon.

But behind its freshness, lemon tea is not always safe for everyone. There are some side effects that are rarely realized, especially if consumed too often or by people with certain health conditions.

Here are the side effects of drinking lemon tea that are rarely realized, as reported by the Times of India website.

1. Worsening Gastric Acid

Lemons contain a fairly high amount of citric acid. When mixed with warm tea and drunk on an empty stomach, this drink can trigger an increase in stomach acid in some people. Symptoms can include heartburn, a hot feeling in the chest (heartburn), nausea, and a sour throat. For people with GERD or chronic ulcers, lemon tea can actually worsen the complaint.

2. Eroding Tooth Enamel Without Knowing

This is one of the most common effects but is rarely realized. The combination of lemon acid and the warm temperature of tea can accelerate the erosion of tooth enamel. As a result, teeth are more sensitive to cold / hot, teeth easily turn yellow, and the risk of cavities increases. Especially if lemon tea is drunk every day without rinsing the mouth afterwards.

3. Irritates the Throat

Many people drink lemon tea when they have a sore throat because they think it is soothing. In fact, in some conditions, lemon acid can actually aggravate irritation, especially if the throat is severely injured or inflamed. Instead of relief, the throat can feel more painful or dry.

4. Triggering Abdominal Pain in Sensitive Stomachs

Tea itself contains caffeine (although lower than coffee), which can stimulate the production of stomach acid. When added to lemon which is acidic, the effect can be increased for people with sensitive stomachs. Some complaints that may arise are bloating, stomach cramps, nausea, and discomfort after drinking lemon tea.

5. Interfering with Iron Absorption

Tea contains tannins, compounds that can inhibit the absorption of iron from food. If lemon tea is drunk at the same time as eating, especially in people prone to anemia, iron absorption can be further impaired. In the long run, this habit can contribute to iron deficiency, especially in women of childbearing age.

6. Risk of Allergy or Skin Reaction

In a small percentage of people, lemons can trigger mild allergic reactions such as itching in the mouth or lips, skin rashes, and a burning sensation around the lips. In addition, certain compounds in lemons can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, especially if it is often exposed directly after contact with lemons.

7. Mild Diuretic Effect

Lemon tea can make you urinate more often. In this normal amount it is not a problem, but if you drink too much without other fluid intake, it can increase the risk of dehydration, weakness, and headaches. This is more risky for people who are active outdoors or easily dehydrated.

Tips for Drinking Lemon Tea Safely

It doesn't mean you have to stop drinking lemon tea completely. The key is in the process and the amount of consumption. Some tips that can be applied:

- Don't drink when your stomach is really empty

- Limit 1–2 cups per day

- Use a straw to reduce contact with teeth

- Rinse your mouth with water after drinking

- Avoid brushing your teeth immediately afterwards

- If you have an ulcer, GERD, or sensitive teeth, consider reducing or avoiding

Lemon tea is refreshing and has benefits, but it's still not a drink that's suitable for everyone. Listening to your own body's signals is much more important than just following health trends.