Do-It-Yourself Bone-Healthy Thirst Quencher - Save Our Bones

It’s true. A picture is worth a thousand words… And a video – even more. In my recent blog post titled ‘Watch This Drink ‘Melt’ Calcium Before Your Eyes' I show a video that exposes cola and demonstrates how badly it can damage your bones.

If you’re like me, every once in a while you crave a little flavor in your drink. But of course, you don’t want to compromise your bone health. So what better time than the middle of this hot, steamy summer to make your own deliciously refreshing bone-healthy drink?

And don't think you'll have to prepare a complicated or costly concoction, because this beverage is one of my favorites and…

It’s a Cinch to Prepare!

All you need is a pitcher (I use glass instead of plastic), distilled water, and three ingredients: lemons, cucumbers, and fresh mint. Before I give you the complete recipe, let’s take a look at the bone health benefits of each ingredient.

Cucumbers

As a write in ‘The Incredible, Crunchable Cucumber', these alkalizing treats are also chock-full of silica, which is instrumental in collagen formation, and a good source of magnesium, a Foundation Supplement. Plus it also facilitates calcium assimilation.

Lemons

Deliciously refreshing, lemons are one of the most alkalizing fruits and also help cleanse your body of toxins. As I write in the Osteoporosis Fresh Start Cleanse, the 7 Day Bone Building Accelerator,

“Thanks to its unique anionic or negative charge, lemon further ionizes distilled water… No less important is its generous organic vitamin C content, as well as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and potassium. Ascorbic acid, another name for Vitamin C, is a potent free radical scavenger which functions as an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory agent in the body. Additionally, it supports and raises glutathione levels and activity. Glutathione is also an important antioxidant that, among other functions, helps the liver filter toxins.”

So it’s not surprising that in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program I recommend using a few drops of lemon juice in your water.

Mint

This aromatic herb – one of my favorites – promotes good digestion and adds a pleasant taste to just about everything.

Here’s The Recipe

A large pitcher almost filled with distilled water
6 thinly sliced cucumber slices
4 thick lemon slices
4 large or 6 small fresh mint leaves

For a little variety, you can also use carbonated water.

Refrigerate for a few hours, and enjoy!

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Comments on this article are closed.

  1. Quentin

    Hi, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues.

    When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet
    Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up!
    Other then that, terrific blog!
    Quentin

  2. Katrina

    Very good blog you have here but I was curious if you knew of any user
    discussion forums that cover the same topics talked about in this article?

    I’d really like to be a part of online community where I can get opinions from other experienced individuals that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Thanks a lot!

    Katrina

  3. Dee

    I love the lemon cucumber drink however I have to give up the lemon as citrus aggravates my arthritis. Any suggestions for something alkalizing to go with the cucumber?

  4. Jennie Loyd

    My Doctors are just not on board, and I understand. There is no way they would read the book if I gave it to them. I would love to have a “bullet point” type handout for them with key references that they would respect ( Nurses Health Study – of which i am a part- Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Etc. This is the real crux of the situation – Drs. who don’t know this info to be able to guide their patients. No Dr. has ever told me to get off my Diet Coke habit!!! Not even with my diagnosis of osteopenia.

  5. Sally Rust

    Am wondering if the CO2 in carbonated water is bad for you.

  6. Mary Caratelli

    Again, I tried Boniva and got so very sick. I’m just getting over it. I have read up to chapter6 and the water print out. I feel a little overwhelmed, but I’m going to take baby steps for my bone sake. Hope to get call soon.

  7. Kathleen

    Hi Vivian, I’m am 59yrs old and so excited I found this sight. I have osteopenia, and just recently been told I have osteoporosis. My last bone densisty showed improvement in the osteopenia in my hip, but the spine now has osteoporosis. My doctor gave three drugs to consider Actonel, Atelvia, and reclast He said to read up on them and any one of them would be good for me. I did read up on them and I was scared to death. He also gave me samples for Fosteum (a all natural ) something he is pleased with. I could not find any negative comments on this one but I have been having lower back pain?. I ordered your book last night and can’t wait to read it . I hope your advice will work for me and give me great results. Right now I continue taking my vitamins- multi 1x a day, calcium 600mg 1x a day, Vitamin D 5,000 iu 2x a day, 3 fish oil tablets 1x a day, co-q10 2 a day I have stopped the fosteum to see if the back pain goes away. and will not be taking any of the prescribed drugs.. Look forward to hearing from you, and reading your book I’m open to any advice you may have for me

    • norah connolly

      I have spinal stenosis. I do not take any medication. I do take Cod Liver Oil.
      My question……. I used to drink at least 3 pints of cow’s milk per day when I was told I lost bone density and the next year my bone density had improved and showed no sign of any problem. Well the following year I had a scan on my back because I had bad muscle spasms.The results showed I had spinal stenosis. I now do the spine exercises and they work, but how do I prevent my spine from getting worse. I have always been a great consumer of all fruits and to a lesser extent vegetables.

    • Mary Caratelli

      For the second time around I started taking Boniva because doctor told me. I again got so sick. I am getting my strength back and after reading through half the Bones Book (lol) it seems to be quite an education on bone strength and if I do what it says, I think it will help me stay healthy. The only thing is that I live in rural area and its hard to get all these fancy products! And Not to comfortable about ordering online. Unless I can get it on this website! I still researching. Good Luck to you. I’m the same age and also have osteopeni.

  8. Eva Dent

    Hi Vivienne
    The whey protein you recommend i cannot purchase from Australia. What should i look for here?
    Whey concentrate or whey isolate.
    Thanks
    Eva

  9. cindy beresford

    I drink alot of water but get tired of the same taste. Tried your drink with mint, cucumber and lemon. Wow I loved it and so did my family. Now I can get my family to drink more water. Thanks

  10. Mary

    I made this recipe and it’s wonderful. Very refreshing and no calories! Thanks so much
    for sharing it with us Vivian.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Mary! So refreshing on a hot summer day. 🙂

  11. Jeanne Brilhante

    Hi Vivian,

    In your recipe for the cucumber and lemon drink in distilled water, you mention to use carbonation as well. I thought carbonated drinks also depletes calcium from the bones, and as bad as any soda with carbonation. I used to drink club soda, but stopped because it depletes calcium, just like milk. What is your view on this?

    Jeanne Brilhante

  12. Gayla Putman

    I stopped taking the medication and found your advise….Thanks!!!

  13. Nu Ly

    Dear vivian,

    Your glass water is very attrative, thank you so much for sharing with us.

    After my blood test, my ph level is 6, my cholestrol is 4.7 (according to Australia), it is very good, everything is almost so perfect,
    enough calcium and Vitamine D. Even my ph level
    didn’t reach to the standard, I feel very happy.

  14. sophie mezack

    Hi Vivian

    I follow your advise faithfully and have done so well with the Save Our Bones program, I have the book. You are helping so many of us with various problems I can’t thank you enough. I have been watching my PH, it makes a diffirence.
    The most important issue is to eat right and excersize daily. I exercise even before I get out of bed each morning, watch my Drs.on tv if I am home and do more exercise. Exercise is just part of my every day life. I also belong to a wellness center where we do a lot of various exercises. I am 85 years young and people cannot believe all the things I do and keep myself looking fairly good. Thanks to you. You are an inspiration.

  15. marilia smith

    Vivian, Thank you for all you do for us. You are great!

  16. Nadine Brooks

    How do we get the elements of cucumber, in just drinking water??? (I understand how we get the elements from lemons and mint in water.)

  17. George Alama

    Vivian you’re rendering a wonderful service.

    Thanks to you.

    George

  18. Ann Gross

    distilled water is not alkaline it’s acidic…why not recommend ionized water made by a machine that makes the water vey alkaline like 9.5????

  19. vicki Hornaday

    I have a gentleman in my area who sells in his store called Herbs and More.
    When I ask him about what calcium he thought was the absolute best, he told me Nano Ionic and I bought it in a powder form It states that it is 100% absorbed into the system. He also told me there was no reason to take any other calcium supplements with it. what do you know about it? What do you think is the absolute best calcium to take? I have the beginnings of osteoporosis..I have been doing many things, as I learn from you and other articles..no medication though..nope

    best to you

    • Petro

      Watch out for Nano products, not enough research has gone into it and it is potentially dangerous to your health.

  20. Shula

    Great reminder! thanks – shula

  21. Grace Spence

    What do you think of bee pollen for bones. Does it really have a lot of vitamins including calcium?

  22. CAROL

    Great informative website and Community. I have a question that no one seems to be able to answer–including my doctor. Whenever I eat anything that has anything acidic, even mayonnaise, or jelly my mouth breaks out and I get cracks at the sides of my mouth. Taking vitamins doen’t help. Any advice from anyone would be appreciated.

    • audrey

      you could have GLUTEN intolerance try cutting out wheat, barley etc .It worked for my grandchild who used to get sores and cracked corners on her mouth. It even cleared up warts on her fingers which the doctors could never do.
      Hope this helps you

    • Hasani

      There are several homeopathic remedies that can address breaking out in the mouth and cracks in the corners of the mouth. It would be good to see a Homeopath if there is one in your area; if not, it could be worth it to travel to consult with one. Naturopathic doctors are trained in homeopathy, and there are some who specialize and advertise themselves as Homeopaths.Naturopathic schools often have low cost clinics.

  23. Kathleen

    Glad to see this drink recipe–we grow our cucumbers and have them in abundance. The mint grows wild along the banks of a county park stream. Lemons don’t grow in Michigan–we must purchase them from the store Will try the Vita-Mix recipe, too. Thank you!

  24. Betty

    I will try the recipe. I have tried to follow the alkaline diet for 2 years. I have probably not been as faithful as I should but when I had a dexa scan last week I had improved over two years ago. I was very pleased about that.

    • Ann Gross

      try ionized water because it is very alkaline 9.5!
      I use a Kangan machine to ionize my water and it is wonderful.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      That’s great to hear, Betty! It shows that you don’t have to be 100% perfect to have success with the program. Keep up the good work, and enjoy the drink!

  25. Leyla Holton

    Are you suppose to squeeze the lemon slices to get the flavor into the water? And what about the cucumbers?

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      That’s up to you, Leyla. Feel free to experiment. If you enjoy the drink more when you squeeze the lemons, then that’s fine. The recipe as I presented it is more of an “infusion,” where the flavor seeps in just from having the cucumbers, lemons, and mint in the water.

      • Petro

        Must your peel the lemon or slice it with the peel still on?

  26. Joan

    The article was just what I was looking for; a healthy refreshing thirst quencher during the hot summer in NC.

  27. Pat

    Hi Vivian,
    This is wonderful advice. If you have a Vita Mix you can push this even further. I make a lemon water by peeling just the yellow off and leaving the pith, adding as much cucumber or spinach as you like and 7 cups of water. Blend this to make a very refreshing drink. It’s pretty too. I keep it in a glass pitcher with a sealed lid and drink all day and it is very hydrating and good for you.

  28. Valerie Harrison

    I just want to thank you, Vivian, for all you do to help us and keep us informed. Also, my urologist has recommended lemon juice to prevent formation of renal calculi.Now i know its good for my bones as well.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      There you go, Valerie!

  29. Suzanne Kahn

    Hi Vivian,

    Love the recipe, but I also question your use of either distilled water or carbonated water. Can you please address why you recommend these two types of water over reverse osmosis water, which removes toxins and chemicals, while at the same time maintaining a relatively high pH in the water.

    Thanks

  30. Karen

    Greetings, the lemon, mint, and cucumber is a wonderful combination, very delicious, and one I’ve used and recommended to others. However, using distilled water is not at all healthy for us, as it leaches minerals from our body and also pulls toxins from any container it is placed in (like the plastic gallon jugs it is sold in). Could this recipe please be revised to list Reverse Osmosis water instead – or filtration that definitely removes fluoride, heavy metals and chlorine from the water? Thanks.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Karen,

      As I write in The Missing Link, distilled water drags out toxins, not minerals. But you can use reverse osmosis water, if you’d rather.

      • Jeanette

        I’ve used reverse osmosis water for 2 years, but the lady where I buy it told me I should be using non-acidic water. It is more expensive. They have a machine that takes the acid out of the water. Should I invest in more expensive water, or just buy distilled water? I’m confused.

  31. devora

    To the woman who wanted to copy the recipe….just highlight, copy and paste to a Word document.
    Also…I don’t see any replies from Vivian?? Doesn’t she monitor this? Or is she individually replying. hmmm.

  32. Jean

    Again, a good recipe. I wish there were a convenient way to print just the recipes, without printing the blogs. Maybe someone more computer savvy than me can tell me how to do it. For now, I just jot the short recipes on a scrap of paper (which I’ll then likely misplace!). Help, anyone?

    • Pat

      To copy the recipes, just copy the recipe and paste it into an email to yourself. I do this all the time.Then you can print it or save it to a document. If you need to know how to copy and paste, let me know.

    • Lily

      Hi … Mayb take a picure of the short receipes instead of writting them down ,, u wont mislay them then ….. ive done it and got it developed from the pic and put stuck it up in the kitchen …..

    • Carole

      Hello Jean,
      I know how you feel, but here’s how I do this.
      Go up to File-Scroll down to Print Preview- Bring up e.g. 4 pages- note which one has the recipe-click on the print icon and when your print page comes up change this to (in this instance page 2) and print. Hope this helps.

      • Salita

        Thanks a bunch! Very helpful for those of us computer challenged.

  33. Rosemarie

    I will make the drink minus the mint. I use Homeopathic remedies and in some people these can be antidoted by mint or coffee. My Sicilian grandmom drank a warm cup of water and lemon in the morning as a liver cleanse. I’m sure she didn’t know that is what it did, but she did it from custom.

  34. Kay Nikol

    You mention adding carbonated water to this drink. Isn’t carbonation bad for your bones? That is why soda is bad, I thought.???

    • Alice M. Lawson

      I’m wondering, too – isn’t the carbonated water in drinks what we’re not supposed to be drinking?

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Not at all… carbonation is fine. Soda (cola) has phosphoric acid, sugar (in most cases HFCS), etc. Watch the video again or simply look for the ingredients list on a can or bottle of soda.

  35. MARGARET Mc Connon

    Thanks VIVIAN -unfortunately, here in the U.K. we are not experiencing much summer!!

    Vivian – I’ve been told by a consultant endocrinologist this week that my spine is in grave danger of small fractures from oesteoporosis in my spine.

    She was very good in listening to my solution i.e. your alkaline diet etc. but said I needed the bisphophonates to prevent Dowgers hump in the future and has offered one injection which lasts a year.
    I am petrified to take it and petrified to refuse.
    My doctor and radiography warned me of the consequences of not taking the medical model.

    They all said that diet was not the only factor and genetically -my mum and now two sisters have been diagnosed with it.

    I want to follow your advice and dread taking the laundry detergent, but the consultant told me was their ‘GOLD standard, has been around for 30 years, widely researched and that I know the consequences of refusing it’
    I’ve been given time to think about it – please, please respond to this e maail and give me some way forward. THANKS FOR ALL YOUR GOOD WORK BEST WISHES Margaret Mc CONNON

    • Christine

      Christine
      I was also told by the hospital consultant that I should keep on taking ‘the’ tablets even though they were making me feel very, very ill. I told my own doctor who told me no one could make me take them and if I was unhappy and felt so ill to leave them off for a month. After that time I was feeling so much better and my life was getting back to normal so made the decision to stay off them . If I feel my meal is on the acidic side I pump up the alkaline side of it to balance it out. I drink lots of lemon water and do a lot of walking and exercises as Vivian advises us to do. 9 months on I am feeling great and keeping fingers crossed I stay that way. Best of luck Margaret in whatever you
      choose to do.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Drugs are a band-aid approach, Margaret. Not a long-term solution. And what about the side-effects? It’s up to you to get informed and make the decision that’s right for you, but please, don’t fall for scare tactics…

    • Carole

      Hello Margaret,
      This is just a suggestion but perhaps your mum and sisters have been on the same acidifying diet which would be expected and that’s why you are all in the same boat. Don’t be so frightened. I am in Scotland and think back to our grandparents. Did you see many folk with bone problems and they didn’t have these drugs? If you did then they would probably be very aged and possibly worked in a job which caused them to stoop badly! It’s up to you but change your diet anyway because the Western World’s diet is horrendous for the human body, and try to do soft and gentle -pressure exercises- that is build the muscles up so that they put pressure on the bones in order for them to increase their calcium, and even the breakdown of old bone which
      makes room for the new. But remember you have to feed the body the calcium to do this work.

      • marie

        you are getting enough sunlight, or taking Vit D3? In your area of the world,
        your latitude receives less sun than ideal?

  36. patty

    is lime juice just as healthy and alkalizing as lemon juice ?

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Just as delicious, but not quite as alkalizing…

      • Jeanette

        ok while reading away I came across the “alkinizing” effect of lemons and I’ve always enjoyed lemons in my water, tea, etc. Should I just stick to the reverse osmosis water and continue with the lemons?

  37. Jan

    Hi Vivian, Thank you for your emails, they are very helpful and interesting,the drink sounds wonderful, can’t wait to try it.

  38. Joyce Hall

    Only in my older years have I began drinking water. What a wonderful way to ENJOY drinking water. for some unknown reason all of my life I have had a hard time drinking water. More than a sip and I got nauseated? I’ve tried this bone healthy drink and it goes down like silk. Thanks for sharing vivian. Best regards, Joyce Hall

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Hi Joyce,

      You just made me thirsty… Enjoy in good health!

  39. LESLIE

    Hi! Vivian,

    This Drink Sounds DELICIOUS! I Have A Couple Of Questions Though. How Many Calories In The Recipe, And How Many Calories Per Serving?
    Thank You VERY MUCH For Sharing This Recipe With Us.

    LOVE, MS. L.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Leslie,

      The calories are negligible… cucumbers and lemons are very, very low in calories… And who’s counting? Remember, when you balance your meals for pH, the calories take care of themselves 🙂

  40. Marysia Dunlop

    Hi Vivian 🙂

    Thank you for the thirst quenching recipe, sounds delicious, will give it a try.

    Marysia

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