Bangkok: Popular recipes circulating on social media, which claim that lemons can cure various diseases, have been debunked by experts. These claims, ranging from lemon soda curing cancer to blended lemon and garlic treating gout and diabetes, have no scientific backing.
According to Thai News Agency, experts from various medical and nutritional fields have reviewed these claims and found them to be false. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dulyaporn Trachuthamma and other specialists clarified that lemon soda is not alkaline water and cannot kill cancer cells, as some posts suggest. They explain that mixing lemon juice and soda water results in a concentrated acid, not an alkaline solution. Consuming lemon soda regularly may harm the stomach and teeth.
Similarly, the claim that blended lemon and garlic can cure gout and diabetes lacks evidence. Nutrition Advisor Professor Sanga Damapong and other experts point out that while lemons are high in vitamin C, the amount needed to impact uric acid levels or blood sugar is impractical. Excessive lemon consumption may lead to severe stomach ulcers and tooth erosion.
The notion that a mixture of kaffir lime and lemon can cure diabetes in 15 days has also been dismissed. Asst. Prof. Dr. Ekkarat Bamrungphit states that there is no scientific basis for this claim. Blood sugar management depends on various factors, and patients should not abandon prescribed treatments in favor of unproven remedies.
Claims that lemon water can cleanse kidneys and expel kidney stones have been addressed by Asst. Prof. Dr. Manin Asawachintajit, who confirms that there is no evidence supporting this. Medical dialysis is the established method for removing waste products from the blood, and patients should follow medical advice for kidney health.
Lastly, the claim that hot lemon water can cure cancer is unfounded. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chaniphan Butyee explains that while lemon peel may contain antioxidants, these do not have cancer-killing properties. A varied diet is recommended over reliance on any single remedy.
These findings highlight the importance of verifying health claims and consulting healthcare professionals before relying on social media remedies.