Lemons

🍋 What Are Lemons?
Lemons are bright yellow citrus fruits known for their tangy, refreshing flavor and high vitamin C content. They’re commonly used in drinks, marinades, sauces, and desserts, and are valued for their acidity and aromatic oils.

🤔 Why Do I Have a Sensitivity to Lemons?

Sensitivity to lemons may stem from:

• Citric Acid: Can irritate sensitive digestive systems.

• Salicylates: Natural plant compounds in lemons that may trigger reactions for some individuals.

• Essential Oils (like limonene): Concentrated in the peel and may affect those sensitive to citrus oils.

🛠️ What Can I Do About It?

• Avoid lemons and lemon-based products for 8 weeks.

• Gradually reintroduce them afterward to assess tolerance.

• Track symptoms before and after reintroduction to monitor changes.

💊 Supportive General Supplements

Consider:

• Digestive Enzymes: Support breakdown of natural plant compounds found in citrus.

• Probiotics: Promote gut health and balanced digestion.

• Turmeric & Quercetin: Support a healthy inflammatory response.

🌟 Why Might I Have a Sensitivity to Lemons but Not Other Acidic Fruits?

Key differences include:

• Higher Citric Acid Levels: Lemons contain more citric acid than fruits like oranges or mandarins.

• Essential Oil Concentration: Lemon peel is high in limonene and other volatile oils that may be more irritating.

• Unique Acidity: Lemon’s sharper acidity may affect sensitive individuals more than milder citrus fruits.

🍽️ Popular Dishes with Lemons

• Lemon water

• Lemon tarts

• Lemon-flavored marinades

🍽️ Alternatives (if tolerated)

• Limes

• Oranges

• Grapefruits

• Pineapple