Morning Zing!
By: Courtney G. Clifford
Let's kickstart your day with a drink that’s as bold as your ambitions: a large glass of water with fresh lemon juice and a dash of cayenne pepper. It's a fiery, zesty way to wake up your senses and your system. Almost every morning, I start with a large glass and love both the zing and the nutritional benefits!
Why This Drink Deserves a Spot in Your Morning Routine
Drinking this combo first thing on an empty stomach isn't just a trendy wellness hack; it’s a practice rooted in science and tradition.
Hydration Hero: Starting your day with water rehydrates your body after hours of sleep, jumpstarting metabolism and flushing out toxins.
Digestive Dynamo: Lemon juice stimulates digestive juices, aiding in smoother digestion and reducing bloating. Cayenne pepper enhances this effect by boosting circulation and stimulating gastric juices.
Immune Boost: Lemons are packed with vitamin C, supporting your immune system and skin health.
Metabolism Kickstart: Capsaicin in cayenne pepper has thermogenic properties, slightly increasing metabolism and promoting fat burning.
The Science Behind It
While this drink isn't a cure-all, the components have been studied for their health benefits. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition found that capsaicin can increase energy expenditure and fat oxidation.
How To Make Lemon & Cayenne
Ingredients:
Juice of ½ to 1 lemon
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
8–12 ounces room temperature or warm water (for optimal digestion)
Optional: 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for quick energy and a little zinc and manganese)
Instructions:
Squeeze (handy lil reamer tool I use) the lemon juice into the warm water.
Stir in the cayenne pepper until well mixed.
Drink it down and feel the warmth spread through your body.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Tooth Enamel: The acidity of lemon juice can erode tooth enamel. Consider drinking this through a straw and rinsing your mouth afterward.
Stomach Sensitivity: If you have a sensitive stomach or acid reflux, start with a smaller amount of cayenne and monitor how your body responds.
Consistency is Key: Like any wellness practice, the benefits come with regular use. Make it a part of your morning routine and see how it works for you.
Bonus: Some Science on Gut Health
While there's limited large-scale research on this specific drink combo, components of it are backed by science:
A 2016 article in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine notes that warm water with lemon can support regular bowel habits and stimulate peristalsis (the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the gut).
Personally, I love water with lemon and cayenne first thing in the morning because of the benefits listed, but also because it is so simple and easy to maintain. Even when traveling, I will bring lemons in my bag and a small container of pepper. It helps my body to stay consistent when other aspects of life are in flux. Please let me know if you try adding water with lemon and cayenne to your morning routine; I’d love to hear your about your experience!
