Does adding lime to water make it alkaline?

January 6, 2026 •

5 min read

Although limes taste acidic, they yield alkaline byproducts after the body metabolizes them. This metabolic process fuels the common belief that adding lime to water makes it alkaline, even though the citric acid lowers the water's pH immediately. Understanding this distinction is key in navigating the alkaline water trend.

Quick Summary

This article explores the chemistry behind adding lime to water and its effects on the body's pH. It explains the difference between the acidic nature of lime fruit and the basic properties of hydrated lime, clarifying common misconceptions about the alkaline diet, including the actual health benefits of consuming citrus water.

Key Points

Metabolic Effect, Not Immediate pH Change: Adding lime juice to water makes the water acidic, but the body's digestive process produces alkaline byproducts, which is why it's mistakenly called 'alkalizing'.
Two Types of 'Lime': Fresh citrus lime is acidic and safe to eat, while hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) is a strong base used industrially and is dangerous for consumption.
Body pH Is Tightly Controlled: The body's blood pH is not affected by diet due to the sophisticated regulatory functions of the lungs and kidneys.
Not a Cure-All: Health claims that alkaline water can prevent diseases like cancer are not supported by scientific evidence.
Real Benefits of Citrus Water: The genuine health benefits of drinking lime water come from vitamins, minerals, and improved hydration, not from altering blood pH.
Enamel Erosion Risk: The citric acid in lime water can damage tooth enamel, so proper dental care, like using a straw and rinsing your mouth, is important.

The Science of Lime: Fruit vs. Chemical

When people ask if adding lime to water makes it alkaline, they are often unaware that there are two very different substances referred to as "lime".

Fruit Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia)

The lime fruit contains citric acid, a weak organic acid. When you squeeze fresh lime juice into a glass of water, you are adding an acidic substance. A simple litmus test would immediately show a lower, more acidic pH. However, the misconception arises from how the body metabolizes citrus fruits. After digestion, the minerals left behind produce an alkaline byproduct. This process, known as potential renal acid load (PRAL), is what makes lime water 'alkalizing' inside the body, despite being acidic on the outside.

Hydrated Lime (Calcium Hydroxide)

In contrast, hydrated lime is calcium hydroxide, a strong base that has no relation to the citrus fruit. It is used in industrial processes and has a saturated solution pH of around 12.4, making it highly alkaline. This is not a food product and is not what people are referring to when they make 'lime water' for health reasons. Using the wrong type of lime could be extremely dangerous, emphasizing the need for clarity.

The Body's pH Regulation: A Highly Controlled System

Your body has a complex and efficient system to maintain a stable blood pH within a very narrow, slightly alkaline range (7.35 to 7.45). This tight regulation is essential for all physiological functions, and your body's lungs and kidneys work constantly to keep it balanced, regardless of your diet.

The Lungs: The respiratory system adjusts blood pH by regulating the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled.
The Kidneys: The renal system excretes excess acids or bases to maintain balance.

Claims that you can significantly and lastingly alter your body's blood pH with food are not supported by scientific evidence. Drinking alkaline water or consuming alkalizing foods primarily affects the pH of your urine, not your blood.

Comparison of DIY Alkaline Water Methods


Method	How it Works	Pros	Cons
Lime/Lemon Juice	Metabolic byproduct is alkaline.	Adds flavor and Vitamin C; aids digestion.	Does not make water alkaline outside the body; acidic nature can erode tooth enamel.
Baking Soda	Sodium bicarbonate is a natural alkali.	Quick and easy; immediately raises water pH.	High sodium content; can cause stomach pain or diarrhea in large amounts.
pH Drops	Concentrated minerals and electrolytes are added.	Consistent and reliable pH increase; easy to use.	Can be expensive; quality and ingredients vary by brand.
Water Ionizer	Electrolysis separates water into alkaline and acidic streams.	Consistent alkaline water; often includes a filtration system.	High initial cost; requires maintenance; some devices lack FDA approval for health claims.
Natural Mineral Water	Water naturally picks up alkaline minerals from rocks.	Naturally contains minerals like calcium and magnesium.	pH can vary; can be expensive depending on the brand.

The Real Benefits of Adding Citrus to Water

While the primary claim of altering your body's pH is unproven, adding lime or lemon to your water is still a healthy habit. The benefits stem from the nutrients in the fruit, not from changing your body's acid-base balance.

Excellent Source of Vitamin C: Limes, like other citrus fruits, are packed with vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system and strengthens collagen.
Improved Hydration: The pleasant flavor encourages you to drink more water, which is essential for flushing toxins and keeping your body energized.
Enhanced Digestion: Citric acid stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, which can help your body break down food more effectively.
Potential for Kidney Stone Prevention: The citric acid in lime water may help prevent the formation of certain kidney stones.

Conclusion

In summary, adding fresh lime juice to water does not make the water itself alkaline, as the citric acid immediately lowers its pH. The idea of it being 'alkalizing' refers to the alkaline-producing effect of the fruit's minerals after metabolism. However, your body's blood pH is rigidly controlled and cannot be significantly altered by diet. The actual health benefits of drinking lime water, such as increased hydration and vitamin C intake, are well-established and independent of any effect on the body's pH.

For those interested in exploring the scientific literature on the alkaline diet, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides valuable resources. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3195546/

The Alkaline Diet and Your Body

An important fact about the alkaline diet is that your body maintains a remarkably stable blood pH, regardless of what you eat, through complex systems involving your lungs and kidneys. The 'alkalizing' effects of certain foods are largely reflected in the pH of your urine, not your blood. While increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables is beneficial, it's for the vitamins and minerals, not for manipulating your internal pH.

How to Make Alkaline Water (If Desired)

For those still keen on consuming alkaline water, alternative methods exist that actually raise the water's pH before consumption:

Add Baking Soda: Stir half a teaspoon of baking soda into a glass of water.
Use pH Drops: Add a few drops of concentrated mineral solution to a glass of water.
Invest in an Ionizer: Use a water ionizer to produce alkaline water via electrolysis.
Use an Alkaline Filter Pitcher: A portable filter pitcher can infuse alkaline minerals.

Is Alkaline Water Better?

While alkaline water is generally considered safe, there is limited scientific research to support many of the health claims made by proponents, such as slowing aging or preventing chronic diseases. Some studies suggest potential benefits for certain conditions like acid reflux and bone resorption, but more extensive human research is needed. Ultimately, staying hydrated with plain water is most important for overall health.

A Final Word on Tooth Enamel

Regardless of its metabolic effect, lime juice is acidic before consumption. Regular and frequent consumption of lime water can lead to dental enamel erosion over time. To minimize this risk, dentists recommend drinking through a straw, rinsing your mouth with plain water afterward, and waiting at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, adding lemon and lime juice makes the water more acidic immediately due to the presence of citric acid. The idea that it's 'alkalizing' comes from the fact that the fruit's minerals produce alkaline byproducts after they have been metabolized by the body.

Yes, but the result will show the water is acidic. A pH test strip measures the pH of the liquid directly. For lime water, it will register as acidic because of the citric acid content. The 'alkalizing' effect occurs inside your body, not in the glass.

Excessive consumption of citrus water can be harmful to your teeth due to enamel erosion from the high acidity. While a small amount is fine for most people, those with sensitive teeth or acid reflux should be cautious.

No, hydrated lime is calcium hydroxide and is not safe for human consumption. It is a strong, corrosive alkali used in industrial applications and can be extremely dangerous if ingested.

Yes, aside from the debunked pH myth, drinking lime water provides genuine benefits such as being an excellent source of vitamin C, improving hydration, aiding digestion, and potentially helping to prevent kidney stones.

To make water genuinely alkaline, you can add a small amount of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to it, use special pH drops, or use a water ionizer or alkaline filter pitcher.

No, there is no scientific evidence to support claims that following an alkaline diet, or drinking alkaline water, can prevent diseases like cancer. The body's pH is very tightly regulated and not significantly affected by diet.

No, the tart, sour flavor of lime water comes from citric acid, which is an acidic substance. This is the opposite of an alkaline or basic taste, which would be bitter.