Using lemon oil can help several aspects of digestive health.
A well-designed study looking at pregnancy-induced vomiting was conducted in 2014.
Pregnant women received either lemon essential oil or a placebo and were instructed to put 2 drops of oil on a cotton ball and inhale the scent immediately at the first symptom of nausea.
The women inhaling the lemon essential oil had significantly reduced nausea and vomiting episodes compared to the placebo group by day 2. This study is the first of its kind during pregnancy.
Other studies find benefits of other types of essential oils for nausea, as well.
Around 50% of pregnant women are turning to natural options because there are really no safe and effective prescriptions for the condition.
How does lemon reduce nausea?
While much of how our sense of smell affects our brain is unknown, olfactory sensors signal the brain undoubtedly.
When we smell lemon, tiny lemon molecules are dissolved in the nasal cavity. This then stimulates neurons that give messages to the brain, especially the limbic system. From there, much remains a mystery.
We DO know that lemon has positive effects on the digestive tract, however.
A primary antioxidant in lemon essential oil is D-limonene. Almost 70% of the total lemon essential oil is limonene!
Limonene taken orally is protective against stomach ulcers in animal studies. It also increases gastric mucus, a protective layer of the stomach in animals.
Limonene also helped protect against drug and alcohol-induced stomach ulceration. Lemon oil also appears to protect against the bacteria H. Pylori in preliminary research.
Limonene also may be a natural alternative for the treatment of heartburn. Patients receiving 1 g of limonene per day found relief from heartburn. In fact, 90% had complete resolution of heartburn symptoms after 14 days of using limonene.
Lemon essential oil has strong antimicrobial properties. Citrus pulp containing limonene reduced parasitic infections in an animal study.
Lemon and Gallstones
Some preliminary work showed that lemon essential oil may reduce gallstones. Given through a biliary drain to treat retained cholesterol gallstones, limonene reduces any remaining gallstones in people after gallstone surgery.
Limonene May Reduce Colitis
In rats with colitis, limonene reduced inflammation markers and increased antioxidants. It's too early to say if it helps people with colitis, but it is safe.
Last but not least, the inclusion of lemon extract as part of weight loss was more effective at reducing inflammation than an equal-calorie weight loss strategy in people.
Did you know RDNs have to go through rigorous training, complete a supervised practice program, pass a national exam and keep up with continuing education?
That's what makes RDNs the food and nutrition experts!
https://t.co/0L6efWqYlf #NationalNutritionMonth#RDNday
any RD’s out there have any tips or resources for changing specialties within dietetics? e.g. from clinical to foodservice. Is there experience or training I should pursue?
Are you going flexitarian or vegetarian in the new year? Here are the 10 best sources of #plantbased protein from @WhitneyeRDN. I love them all! https://t.co/qmkC7c825a #veganprotein
Low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals, mushrooms are a healthy addition to meals! 🍄🍄🍄
Take a look at the different types and let us know which one is your favorite: https://t.co/LicBEz6ZsA
#eatright#MushroomMonth
There are so many ways to eat healthfully! I love hearing how my fellow registered dietitians do so.
Thanks Amy Gorin, MS, RDN for including me along with The Nutrition Twins Nutrition à la Natalie... https://t.co/33KL7WXLmB
Neily's Fun Food Fact: Going bananas for more potassium sources? Try a baked #potato - almost twice the potassium of a banana (952mg vs 487mg)! #foodfact#banana#nutrition
Wondering how can you help connect kids with #SummerMeals?
1️⃣ Text FOOD to 877-877 to find summer meal sites near you.
2️⃣ Help set up a summer meals site.
3️⃣ Call 1-866-3-HUNGRY to receive info and assistance on how to access emergency food programs.