Who should skip lemonade: Health cautions for summer's favourite drink

Lemonade—homemade or bought in a restaurant—is a summer craze drink. Its basic version is just lemon juice, water, and sugar, but plenty of recipe variations exist. Citrus, strawberry, and even mango-flavoured lemonades can be found. However, the base always contains a large amount of lemon juice, which, unfortunately, means some people should decline a glass of this speciality.

Who should not drink lemonade? Primarily, for people with gastroesophageal reflux disease, lemonade contains citric acid, which can exacerbate reflux symptoms, causing heartburn and discomfort. This acid can irritate the oesophagus and increase stomach acidity. Furthermore, diabetics need to be cautious with this drink: traditional lemonade contains a lot of sugar, which can impact blood glucose levels. People with diabetes should avoid sweetened drinks or opt for sugar-free versions. Even a small amount of sugar can significantly raise blood sugar levels.

Another group of people for whom this drink is not recommended are those with sensitive teeth: citric acid can erode tooth enamel, and the high sugar content promotes tooth decay. Frequent consumption of acidic drinks can lead to tooth sensitivity and pain. Also, people on a low-sodium diet should avoid lemonade: some lemonade recipes can include salt or baking soda, which are not recommended for those on a low-sodium diet. Excess sodium can lead to blood pressure problems and water retention. So if not lemonade, then what?

It is easy to choose substitutes for this drink. First, classic lemon water: water with freshly squeezed lemon juice is less acidic and contains no sugar. It is a healthier option with refreshment and a delicate lemon flavour. Another choice is herbal teas: cooled infusions of herbs like mint or chamomile are excellent alternatives. These teas are naturally sugar-free and may have additional health benefits, such as soothing the digestive system. Vegetable smoothies are also an interesting proposition: refreshing cucumber, celery, or spinach smoothies provide valuable nutrients without unnecessary sugar and acid. These vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals that support health.

If you still long for lemonade and fall into the group of people who should not consume it, follow these tips:

• Limit sugar: when making lemonade, reduce the added sugar or replace it with natural sweeteners like stevia. You can also experiment with honey or agave syrup.
• Drink through a straw: to minimise contact of citric acid with tooth enamel, drink lemonade through a straw. This helps protect teeth from erosion and sensitivity.
• Rinse your mouth: after drinking lemonade, rinse your mouth with water to reduce acidity. You can also chew sugar-free gum to increase saliva production and neutralise the acid.
• Homemade lemonade: when making lemonade at home, you have control over the ingredients. Avoid ready-made mixes that may contain preservatives and artificial additives.
• Add herbs: enrich lemonade with fresh herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary, which add freshness and additional health benefits to the drink.