Lemons are a type of citrus fruit that have long been used for both cooking and medicinal purposes — but can they actually help treat indigestion? Acid reflux and indigestion occur when the acids in your stomach go back up your esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation in the lining of the esophagus (via Healthline). This can lead to a burning sensation in the chest known as heartburn. Acid reflux is also commonly accompanied by nausea and burping. While anyone can experience acid reflux and indigestion at any time, certain foods, like garlic and spices, can worsen symptoms after eating.

柠檬是一种柑橘类水果，长期以来被用于烹饪和药用，但它们真的能帮助治疗消化不良吗?胃酸回流和消化不良发生在胃酸回流到食道时，引起食道内壁的刺激和炎症。这会导致胸部出现烧灼感，称为胃灼热。胃酸反流通常伴有恶心和打嗝。虽然任何人都可能在任何时候出现胃酸倒流和消化不良，但某些食物，如大蒜和香料，可能会在进食后加重症状。

Currently, the most common household treatment for acid reflux is Tums, but some health experts believe lemon water can help reduce symptoms of indigestion. That's because lemons are rich in ascorbic acid. Although further evidence is still needed, research has shown that consuming ascorbic acid on a regular basis can help protect your stomach from damage and disease. Lemon water can also have an alkalizing effect on stomach acid. Even though lemons are acidic, mixing lemon juice with water can help neutralize your stomach acids when digested.

目前，治疗胃酸倒流的最常见的家庭疗法是Tums，但一些健康专家认为柠檬水可以帮助减轻消化不良的症状。这是因为柠檬富含抗坏血酸。尽管还需要进一步的证据，但研究表明，定期摄入抗坏血酸可以帮助你的胃免受损害和疾病。柠檬水对胃酸也有碱化作用。尽管柠檬是酸性的，但在消化时，柠檬汁和水混合可以帮助中和胃酸。

How to use lemon water for indigestion

如何使用柠檬水治疗消化不良

Fortunately, you can easily prepare this potential remedy at home. If you have indigestion and acid reflux and want to try drinking lemon water for its alkalizing effects, all you have to do is a follow a few simple steps (via Medical News Today). To use lemon water for acid reflux, mix one tablespoon of lemon juice with 8 ounces of water. Since the water helps dilute the juice's potency and acidity, the lemon flavor shouldn't taste very strong. If the mixture is too pungent, start over and add a little less lemon juice.

幸运的是，你可以在家轻松地准备这种潜在的补救措施。如果你有消化不良和胃酸倒流的问题，想要尝试喝柠檬水来提高它的碱化效果，你所要做的就是遵循几个简单的步骤。用柠檬水治疗胃酸倒流，将一汤匙柠檬汁和8盎司水混合。因为水可以稀释果汁的效力和酸度，所以柠檬的味道不应该太强烈。如果混合物太刺激，重新开始，少加一点柠檬汁。

Start by only drinking a little bit to see how your stomach reacts to the mixture. If your acid reflux doesn't worsen, you can gradually drink more and more until you reach a full glass. For some people, drinking lemon water 20 to 30 minutes before a meal can help settle their stomachs so they don't experience any indigestion while they're eating. Since lemon juice is still acidic before it reaches your stomach, however, you should drink lemon water with a straw. That's because the acid in the juice can actually erode the enamel in your teeth. Since there isn't much research on this topic, however, you should talk to a medical professional if your symptoms persist or worsen.

先喝一点，看看你的胃对这种混合物有什么反应。如果你的胃酸倒流没有恶化，你可以慢慢地喝更多，直到喝完一杯。对一些人来说，饭前20到30分钟喝柠檬水可以帮助他们的胃安定下来，这样他们在吃饭时就不会出现任何消化不良。由于柠檬汁在到达胃部之前仍然是酸性的，所以你应该用吸管喝柠檬水。这是因为果汁中的酸实际上会腐蚀牙齿的珐琅质。然而，由于没有太多关于这个话题的研究，如果你的症状持续或恶化，你应该与医学专业人士谈谈。