Citric acid for weight loss: use of the product during a diet

What is citric acid

Is it possible to drink citric acid with water?
Before answering this question, you need to understand what it is. So, citric acid is an antioxidant (antioxidant) of synthetic or natural origin. In industry, it is obtained through microbiological fermentation of a glucose solution. If you heat the acid to a temperature above 175 degrees, the acid will begin to decompose into water and carbon dioxide. She takes part in metabolism. It is not vitamin C that gives lemon its sour taste, but this acid. Natural juice, unlike synthetic analogues, contains vitamins and minerals that can become part of a complete diet without flour and sweets.

Properties

If you decide to use lemon to lose weight, familiarize yourself with its properties. In general, this product was first obtained in 1784 by the Swedish pharmacist Karl Scheele. This food additive is an acidifier that can give foods a sour but pleasant taste. Another important property is that citric acid (E330) can be used to protect products from the damaging effects of heavy metals.

Acid has valuable medicinal properties, for example, it helps improve vision, burn carbohydrates, and improve immunity. It also stands out because it has anti-tumor properties and is able to control blood pressure. In addition, citric acid has valuable cosmetic properties, for example, it can tighten enlarged pores on the skin of the face and whiten it.

How to drink correctly?

Before you start using it, you should know a few important rules:

You can consume no more than 3 teaspoons (15 g) per day;
It is better to distribute the daily dose into several doses (the best option is 3 times);
citric acid must be dissolved in water;
In no case should you take the product on an empty stomach, as it can be damaged;
the general course should not exceed 14 days, repeated no earlier than after 2 weeks;
To achieve optimal results, you should follow a low-calorie diet while taking it.

Citric acid and weight loss

Lemon juice is widely used for weight loss, especially since it can act as a means to normalize the acid-base balance. When used, the level of acidity in the body decreases; in addition, when combined with gastric juice, the acid is neutralized, making the environment around it even more alkaline. In fact, this product is not a fat burning product - it only acts as an auxiliary. The use of this type of acid for weight loss is useful because it:

acts as a natural diuretic;
renews and rejuvenates cells;
strengthens the immune system;
normalizes the functioning of the digestive organs;
accelerates metabolism, carbohydrate and fat metabolism;
cleanses the intestines of toxins and waste.

Advantages and disadvantages

pros

The constant presence of citrus fruits in the diet activates the gastrointestinal tract.
Metabolism accelerates and metabolic rate normalizes.
The presence of vitamin C has a positive effect on the skin, brightens its upper layers and gives it a more youthful appearance.
Essential oils of citrus zest and pulp serve as a prophylactic to prevent diabetes.
The immune system is strengthened, especially during the period of spring vitamin deficiency. The presence of vitamins C, A, D, B1 and B2 affects the condition of the nail plates and hair.
Pectin substances in pulp cells have the property of removing heavy metals and radionuclides from the body.
Organic potassium contained in lemon pulp strengthens the cardiovascular system and makes the walls of blood vessels more elastic, strong and elastic.
The intestinal microflora improves and the problem of excessive gas formation goes away.
The work of the renal excretory system is activated.
With a rational preparation of a dietary menu, there is no feeling of weakness, and this is a frequent accompaniment of many types of weight loss. Moreover, saturation with vitamins and minerals has a positive effect on the general condition and causes an increase in energy and improved mood.

Minuses

The lemon diet is not suitable for long-term use, since fruit acids can provoke a change in stomach acidity.
Not suitable for people with an allergic reaction to vitamin C.
May cause increased tooth sensitivity and unpleasant reactions to cold and hot foods.
It has an irritating effect on the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, so for people with sensitive bowel syndrome, heartburn and a feeling of discomfort are guaranteed.
During the diet, blood pressure may increase, so it should be used with caution in people susceptible to changes in blood pressure.
If there were hidden problems with the gallbladder or liver, the body will react to the abundance of citrus fruits with pain in the right hypochondrium. If such sensations arise, then you need to stop the diet and consult a doctor.
If there is an oversaturation of vitamin C, allergic reactions may occur. This usually does not happen in people who are not prone to allergies. But allergy sufferers need to be especially careful so as not to harm their health.

Recipes for oral administration

There are several options for using lemon acid for weight loss, but the most common is drinking acidified water before each main meal. In order not to harm yourself, the daily intake of this ingredient should not exceed 5 g - about 1 teaspoon. It should be taken only in a well-dissolved form. Some ladies even cook a light compote from dried apricots. In case of overdose, the following may occur:

swelling;
stomach pain;
increased sweating;
loss of appetite;
nausea, vomiting;
diarrhea.

Lemon water

A recipe like lemon water is great for those who cannot cope with excess weight. This recipe can cause frequent urination. In addition, this food additive increases the viscosity of saliva and literally “stuns” the taste buds located on the tongue. Thanks to these two effects, appetite is suppressed. Scheme of fractional intake of acidified water by week:

A solution of 1/2 tsp. E330 and a glass of warm water.
A solution of 1 tsp. lemons with a glass of water.
2 tsp dietary supplement, diluted with glasses of water before breakfast and 1 tsp. before lunch, dinner.
1 tsp E330, dissolved in 1/2 glass of water before breakfast and 1/2 tsp. before lunch, dinner.

Tea

To get rid of extra pounds, you can supplement your diet with green tea and lemon. The benefit of this combination is that the resulting drink can significantly reduce the content of bad cholesterol in the body without affecting the level of good cholesterol. The main thing is to maintain a certain concentration, because... Liters of such a drink will not help you achieve your goal. Another advantage of the drink is to correct blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes. In addition, it will give you additional energy for sports.

Soda and citric acid

Often, to create a slim figure, a combination is used - soda and lemon for weight loss. The resulting drink, together with an adjusted diet, will help achieve the desired result. Often, a weak solution of soda is used to neutralize the effect of lemon citrates on tooth enamel. A popular recipe is a kind of American lemon soda tonic, a serving of which consists of:

300 ml water;
juice of half a lemon;
half a teaspoon of baking soda.

Such a liquid can be suitable for both women and men who have adjusted their menu, but cannot achieve the desired result, the main thing is that it does not cause discomfort. Remember that this tonic will only have beneficial effects if consumed in moderation. Many people say that quick weight loss with soda and lemon is a dangerous myth. Indeed, soda alkali and acid cause irritation of the oral cavity and esophagus.

Diet for 14 days

Citric acid is often used on fasting days. With a diet designed for 2 weeks, you can lose up to 5 kg of weight. During the process of losing weight, you should drink lemon water in the morning on an empty stomach, except on the 7th and 14th days - you should not lean on it in the evening. Meals are based on low-fat protein products, for example, meat (baked, steamed), chicken dishes, cottage cheese, etc. In addition, supplement the diet with non-starchy vegetables and fruits, and cereals. Avoid alcohol and carbonated drinks. Menu for 2 weeks:

Days 1, 13: juice of 1 fruit, mixed in 1 glass of water.
Days 2, 12: juice of 2 fruits, mixed in 2 glasses of water.
Days 3, 11: juice of 3 fruits, mixed in 3 glasses of water.
Days 4, 10: juice of 4 fruits, mixed in 4 glasses of water.
Days 5, 12: juice of 5 fruits, mixed in 5 glasses of water.
Days 6, 9: juice of 6 fruits, mixed in 6 glasses of water.
Days 7, 8: juice of 3 fruits, mixed in 3 liters of water - add 1 tbsp. honey

List of contraindications

First you need to make sure whether drinking citric acid for weight loss is right for you. In its chemical essence, it is a tribasic carboxylic acid, which in high concentrations can be dangerous to health and, above all, to the stomach.

Therefore, you need to know the list of contraindications in which such a method of combating excess weight can lead to dire consequences:

any diseases of the stomach: gastritis, cholecystitis, ulcers, pancreatitis, colitis, enteritis, etc.;
pathologies of the kidneys and urinary tract, which with such a weight loss system will have to work for two, as they say;
tendency to allergies;
caries;
skin problems: eczema, dermatitis, diathesis, etc.

The danger for a healthy person when regularly using citric acid as a means of losing weight is an overdose. Her symptoms:

abdominal cramps, pain, discomfort, any unpleasant sensations in the stomach;
diarrhea;
nausea to the point of vomiting;
increased sweating;
swelling;
loss of appetite;
yellowness of the skin or mucous membranes of the eyes.

Due to the fact that the risk of developing such symptoms is too high with regular use of citric acid (the weight loss course is about a month), doctors’ advice is to drink it extremely carefully, only after consultation with a therapist and a medical examination. This will help avoid complications and protect your health in the pursuit of a beautiful and slim figure.

Myth or truth? At the end of the 70s. In the 20th century, information about the “Villejuif list” spread in Western Europe, in which citric acid was listed as a strong carcinogen.

External use

Citric acid is widely used for face masks and body wraps, which can help fight subcutaneous fat. Before the procedure, you need to treat problem areas with a scrub. To prepare the mixture you need to take 0.5 - 1 tsp. additives, 2 egg whites, 100 g sour cream and 200 g blue clay. After wrapping the mixture with film, leave it for half an hour. After this you need to take a shower.

Patterns of use

The sensations from consuming citric acid and the results of losing weight with its help will largely depend on how correctly you use it. Experiments and increasing dosages are categorically unacceptable here. There is a scheme developed by specialists, and this must be followed exactly.

Classic version

The classic recipe is as simple as possible: it contains only two main ingredients - water and citric acid. They will form the basis of the diet for a whole month. The recommended dosage regimen is as follows.

First week

We begin to lose weight by dissolving just half a teaspoon of citric acid in a glass of boiled (or filtered, or distilled) water, which should be either cold or room temperature. Drink three times a day after meals.

Second week

The dosage increases: a full teaspoon of citric acid is diluted in the same glass. Take at the same intervals as before.

Third week

The most important week in this weight loss course. It is at this stage that noticeable weight loss should occur. The pattern of using citric acid becomes more complicated. After breakfast, you need to drink a solution of 2 teaspoons per glass of water. And after lunch and dinner, the dosage remains at 1 teaspoon.

Fourth week

Finally, we got to the end of this peculiar diet. Gradually we need to reduce the concentration of our weight loss cocktail. After breakfast, dissolve only a teaspoon of citric acid in a glass of water, and after lunch and dinner, return to the original dosage: half a teaspoon.

This weight loss regimen using citric acid allows you to achieve modest, but still results. Judging by the reviews, the loss per month is 3-4 kg. Considering that you don’t have to sweat in the gym and go on a grueling diet, the technique is worth getting interested in. But this is not the only diet option using this powder.

With baking soda

There is a recipe for weight loss that includes baking soda and citric acid. They are diluted in water - and the result is a fizzy drink that speeds up digestion, which prevents fats from being stored in reserve.

For a glass of water, add a teaspoon of citric acid and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda. This “soda” is drunk immediately after meals throughout the day. The duration of such an extreme diet is no more than a week.

It has a rather powerful effect on the stomach, so with this method of losing weight you should listen more carefully to your own feelings. If the slightest discomfort occurs, it is better to immediately stop using this fizzy drink.

But even this is not the end of our miraculous powder as part of the excess weight loss program.

Wraps

The safest way to lose weight with citric acid is to add it to anti-cellulite pastes for body wraps. Getting on and under the skin, it accelerates blood flow and metabolism. Additional ingredients in the recipe only enhance its effectiveness.

Ingredients:

200 grams of cosmetic blue clay;
some water;
100 grams of sour cream of any fat content (depending on skin type);
2 egg whites;
1 teaspoon of citric acid.

Preparation:

Dilute the clay with water at room temperature to obtain a fairly thick, creamy paste.
Add sour cream and whipped whites.
Mix thoroughly with a whisk.
The final chord is citric acid.
Once again everything is mixed.

Application:

Steam your body in a hot bath or shower.
Clean the problematic area of the body with cellulite with a scrub and treat with a hard washcloth.
Wipe dry.
Apply the paste exclusively to the problem area and distribute it evenly.
Wrap in cling film, but so that it does not tighten the body.
Dress warmly.
Wrap yourself in a blanket.
Drink hot green tea
After 40 minutes, remove the film and rinse in the shower without using gel.

If you do anti-cellulite wraps with citric acid twice a week, after a month there will be no trace of the orange peel left. But keep in mind that if you have any skin problems, this method of body contouring is not suitable for you. And we just have to figure out some of the nuances of losing weight with the help of this extraordinary powder - and we can finally move on from theory to long-awaited practice.

Interesting fact. Citric acid was originally obtained from lemon juice and... shag.

Beneficial properties of water with lemon for weight loss

The connection between fluid intake and weight loss is scientifically proven. After conducting numerous studies, experts have found that with sufficient drinking regimen:

calorie consumption increases (10 minutes after drinking several glasses of liquid, the metabolic rate increases by 30%);
the energy value of the diet decreases (fans of proper drinking regimen consume at least 200 kcal less per day);
appetite decreases (to get enough, a smaller portion is enough).

Yellow citrus is no less useful:

The vitamin C it contains not only strengthens the immune system, but also stimulates the metabolic rate;
citric acid improves food digestion;
essential oils and enzymes promise a long-lasting feeling of fullness;
Numerous vitamins and microelements help in fully cleansing the body of waste and toxins.

Among other things, lemon has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, eliminating age spots and restoring elasticity.

From all of the above, we can easily conclude that the tandem of water and lemon is a unique product for weight loss. Weight loss and reduction in body volume occurs due to a number of processes:

quick bowel cleansing;
intensive burning of carbohydrates;
slag splitting;
acceleration of digestion;
acceleration of metabolic processes.

At the same time, drinking a citrus drink is much easier than regular water, and much more pleasant than chewing the lemon itself.

The citrus product helps improve your mood and gives you a boost of energy for the whole day. People who drink citrus water not only lose weight, but also become physically active.

Many people who are losing weight are interested in whether the solution actually helps get rid of subcutaneous fat and volume? There is no clear answer because the results vary. If you use the composition without changing your diet and lifestyle, it is unlikely that you will be able to correct your figure. But if you organize the right menu and regularly visit the gym, the effect will definitely manifest itself. Reviews of lemon water for weight loss say that the minimum weight loss per week is 2-3 kg.

Alone, the cocktail practically does not work. It must be combined with other weight loss techniques: physical activity, dietary restrictions and proper drinking regimen.

Quitting the diet

Gentle versions of the lemon water diet can be followed for a long period of time and without following any special recommendations for getting out of them. If more stringent options were chosen to lose weight, then to maintain the result you need to:

Gradually increase the calorie content of the menu. Ideally, 80-120 calories per day.
Introduce new products 1 per day. For the most balanced menu, experts advise adding to the diet one by one, first a product from the carbohydrate group, and the next day - protein, and so on until the menu resembles proper nutrition.
You can continue to drink lemon water on an empty stomach, but between meals it is better to continue drinking regular water so as not to disturb the acid-base balance.
If there is a need to lose weight further or maintain the result for a long time, then confectionery and baked goods should not be included in the menu at all. They can be replaced with ginger salad with honey, lemon mousse based on sour cream.