What Is the pH of Lemon Juice, and Is It Considered Acidic or Alkaline?

The pH level of a substance is measured on a scale from 0 to 14. The pH of lemon juice is between 2 and 3, so it is acidic, but it is alkaline after it is metabolized.

Starting your day with an ice-cold glass of lemon juice is refreshing — some even suggest that making this a daily ritual has potential benefits. Fans of natural medicine and this popular beverage trend claim that drinking lemon water has detoxifying effects on the body that can help with weight loss, increase metabolism, improve energy, and promote healthy skin. 

Because lemons contain high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants, they may help boost your immunity. Read on to discover the pH of lemon juice and if it's considered alkaline or acidic. 

The pH level of a substance is measured on a scale from 0 to 14. Pure water has a pH of 7 and is considered neutral. Lemon juice is almost 100,000 times more acidic than water and falls between 2 and 3 on the pH scale. 

The high amount of citric acid in lemons is responsible for their acidic nature. Vinegar has a similar acidity level, while apples are slightly less acidic. Anything above 7 on the pH scale is considered alkaline or basic. People with gastrointestinal disorders often wonder about the pH of lemon juice. Although in its natural state, lemon juice is quite acidic, once metabolized, it has an alkalizing effect. 

With a pH ranging from 2 to 3, lemons are an acidic fruit, and because of their acidic nature, eating too many may erode and damage your tooth enamel but will not change your body's pH levels. Three acids are present in lemon juice: ascorbic acid, citric acid, and malic acid.

Citric acid

The acids in lemon juice contain about 5% to 8% citric acid. Citric acid is crucial for making lemons tart and also has protective effects that keep them from browning. 

Ascorbic acid 

Better known as vitamin C, ascorbic acid is found in lemons, and consuming a single lemon can provide you with around 30% of your daily recommended intake. Vitamin C stimulates the production of white blood cells in your body, and getting enough of this nutrient can boost your immune system. This acid is also a significant part of your body's tissues and collagen and is necessary for all repair and growth processes. 

Malic acid 

While the effects of this acid on human health are not well-known, it is present in small amounts in lemon juice and may help people with muscle disorders. Drinking lemon juice may help those unable to produce malic acid and reduce pain in soft muscle tissues and inflammation. 

A food's pH before it's digested ultimately determines whether it's acidic or alkaline. The amount of acid expected to reach your kidneys once your body metabolizes the food is known as that food's potential renal acid load or PRAL.

Foods like meat and grains have a positive PRAL score because they contain acidic nutrients like sulfur that add to the amount of acid your kidneys must filter out of your body. Fruits and vegetables, by contrast, are high in nutrients like calcium and potassium that are alkaline and reduce the amount of acid in your body. These foods, including lemon juice, have a negative PRAL score.

When your kidneys get rid of the excess acid in your body, your blood's pH stays constant. After drinking lemon juice, your urine might be more acidic, but it won't affect your blood's pH level. The foods you eat don't significantly affect your blood's pH level because these levels must stay between 7.35 and 7.45 for your cells to function correctly. When pH values in your body fall outside of this range, it can be dangerous or even fatal. Your body is excellent at preventing this from happening and uses your kidneys to maintain these levels. 

Drinking lemon juice may have several health benefits. Packed with nutrients and antioxidants, pairing lemon with some of your favorite dishes could have a surprising effect on your health. 

Here are some of the benefits you may get from eating lemons or drinking lemon water:

• Lemon juice is high in vitamin C. It may help prevent disease, keep your immune system strong, and fight illnesses. 
• Having a vitamin C-rich beverage alongside your meal may even help increase your body's absorption of some minerals. 
• During flu season, mixing warm lemon water with honey is a popular remedy for a sore throat.
• The antioxidants in lemon juice may strengthen your blood vessels, reducing inflammation and heart disease risk. 
• When consumed regularly, lemon juice may prevent the formation of kidney stones by raising the urine's citrate levels.
• The natural antibacterial qualities of lemon may help address skin concerns like breakouts and blackheads. 
• Make weight loss more manageable by eating lemons. The pectin in this fruit can help you feel fuller for longer. 

Note that because lemons are very acidic, drinking lemon juice too often could affect your enamel and put you at risk for tooth decay. Dentists often recommend that patients limit their intake. If you have mouth sores, drinking lemon juice can irritate and stress the affected area. 

Some people may experience gastrointestinal distress or acid reflux from drinking too much lemon juice. If you get heartburn after drinking lemon juice or have been told it's affecting your tooth enamel, you should consider avoiding it or diluting it with a lot of water. 

Starting the day with a cup of warm lemon juice can improve digestion and may even give you a boost of energy. In the evening, drinking warm lemon juice after a heavy meal can aid in digestion and even help you sleep. Make sure to brush your teeth thoroughly after drinking lemon juice because it may contribute to tooth decay. Drinking any liquids before bed may also make it difficult to get a good night's sleep if you keep getting up to use the bathroom.