I chose to start the experiment during one of the many lockdowns, so working from home could provide some solitude to struggle somewhat privately. I bought a bag of lemons (possibly for the first time – I’m no cook) and tried to resist the urge to grab the Douwe Egberts jar each hour.
Before jumping in head-first, I asked Lee Mitchell, a nutritionist and UK Fitness Ambassador Renpho, about what lemon water could do for a caffeine addict like me.
She says that starting your day with a glass of lemon water can provide a refreshing source of hydration. “Because it provides a refreshing source of vitamin C and antioxidants which support energy levels and boost overall well-being, it’s a good replacement for coffee when trying to quit,” she explains.
As staying hydrated will energise your body, this may also negate the need for caffeine in the first place and help with fatigue as you start to come off of the drug.
Mitchell says lemon water has myriad health benefits outside of caffeine curbing too, including kickstarting your metabolism when drunk during the morning. Though, she stresses it’s important not to have lemon water for breakfast. “You need food, too.”
“It’s important to note that while lemon water has its merits, it’s not a substitute for a well-rounded diet rich in a variety of nutrients,” she explains.
She does warn that those who struggle with acid reflux or sensitive stomachs, though, should consume lemon water carefully and in moderation. “As lemon water is acidic in nature, this could potentially exacerbate symptoms and discomfort,” Mitchell explains.
The acidic nature of lemon water could potentially affect tooth enamel, so consider using a straw and rinsing your mouth afterwards. While lemon water can be a healthy habit, it’s wise to consult with a nutrition professional to ensure it aligns with your individual health goals.
My experience with lemon water…
With all this in mind, I officially started my lemon water journey. The first thing I noted: lemon water will do absolutely nothing for certain caffeine withdrawal symptoms. According to studies on caffeine withdrawal, the duration of withdrawal symptoms varies from person to person, but caffeine withdrawal usually lasts between two to nine days. Someone who abruptly stops caffeine intake after regular use will usually feel withdrawal effects between 12 and 24 hours after stopping.
I never quit ‘cold turkey’ from coffee, though. Instead, I replaced one coffee per day with lemon water and increased the daily replacements in increments of one each week. This meant my withdrawal symptoms were a bit less severe, but from day three, I felt like I’d emerged from the bottom of a well every morning. That same nausea I felt on the train was back.
To be fair, no one – including TikTok’s ‘That Girls’ – said that lemon water would ease the withdrawal stage. The recommendation is more about offering a safer alternative to caffeine that has similar benefits. Still, I was thinking wishfully, but it unfortunately doesn’t help.