What Does Too Much Lime Do to Your Body? The Risks of Excessive Citrus

November 2, 2025 •

3 min read

While often praised for its high vitamin C content, consuming too much lime can have significant negative effects on your body. From eroding tooth enamel to triggering digestive issues, an excessive intake can turn a healthy habit into a harmful one. Understanding what does too much lime do to your body is crucial for maintaining good health.

Quick Summary

An excessive intake of lime can lead to dental enamel erosion, worsen acid reflux symptoms, and cause stomach irritation. There is also a risk of skin sensitivity to sunlight and potential interference with certain medications. Moderation is key to avoiding these adverse effects.

Key Points

Dental Erosion: Excessive citric acid in lime can wear down tooth enamel, leading to sensitivity and cavities.
Digestive Issues: High lime intake, especially on an empty stomach, can trigger or worsen acid reflux, heartburn, and stomach pain.
Phytophotodermatitis Risk: Direct skin contact with lime juice followed by sun exposure can cause severe skin inflammation and burns.
Medication Interference: In very large amounts, lime can potentially interact with certain medications, including blood pressure and antidepressant drugs.
Allergy Symptoms: Although rare, those with citrus allergies may experience adverse reactions like hives and swelling from too much lime.

The High Acidity's Impact on Your Mouth and Stomach

Dental Erosion and Sensitivity

One of the most immediate and common side effects of too much lime is damage to tooth enamel. Limes, like other citrus fruits, are highly acidic. The citric acid found in lime juice can soften and wear away the protective enamel layer on your teeth over time. This can lead to increased tooth sensitivity and raise the risk of cavities and decay. The damage is irreversible once the enamel is gone. Dental professionals recommend rinsing your mouth with plain water after consuming lime juice to help neutralize the acid and minimize its harmful effects.

Aggravating Acid Reflux and GERD

For individuals with pre-existing conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), excessive lime consumption is a major concern. The high acidity can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. This can trigger or worsen classic acid reflux symptoms such as heartburn, burning throat sensations, and regurgitation. Consuming large quantities, especially on an empty stomach, is particularly likely to cause discomfort.

General Stomach Irritation

Even for those without chronic acid reflux, high volumes of lime juice can lead to general gastrointestinal distress. Symptoms can include stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Furthermore, for individuals with mouth ulcers or stomach ulcers, the high acidity can exacerbate discomfort and slow the healing process. Consuming diluted lime juice with a meal rather than on an empty stomach is one way to reduce this risk.

Unforeseen Dangers: Skin and Other Systemic Effects

Phytophotodermatitis: The Sun and Lime Reaction

An often-overlooked danger of lime is a condition called phytophotodermatitis. This inflammatory skin reaction occurs when the skin is exposed to furocoumarins, chemical compounds found in lime juice, and then to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. The reaction can result in painful, blistering rashes and severe skin burns. It is most common in individuals with occupational exposure, such as bartenders, and is worsened by heat and humidity. Anyone handling lime outdoors should wash their hands thoroughly before sun exposure.

Allergic Reactions

Although uncommon, people with sensitivities to other citrus fruits might experience an allergic reaction to lime. Symptoms can include swelling of the face and mouth, hives, and difficulty breathing. If any of these symptoms occur, it is important to seek immediate medical assistance.

Drug Interactions and Nutrient Absorption

Excessive, undiluted lime juice might disrupt electrolyte balance and potentially interfere with nutrient absorption, though more research is needed on this topic. Additionally, some sources suggest that very high intake could interact with certain medications, including antibiotics, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs. Anyone on a regular medication regimen should consult a doctor before significantly increasing their lime consumption.

Comparison Table: Moderation vs. Excess Lime Consumption


Aspect	Moderate Consumption	Excessive Consumption
Dental Health	Supports teeth with calcium and phosphorus	Erodes enamel, causes sensitivity and cavities
Digestion	Supports digestion, balances pH over time	Triggers acid reflux, causes stomach upset
Hydration	Adds flavor to water, encourages hydration	Can act as a diuretic, potentially causing dehydration
Skin Health	Aids collagen production, provides antioxidants	Causes photosensitive skin reactions (phytophotodermatitis)

Conclusion: Moderation is Key for Enjoying Lime

While lime offers numerous health benefits, such as a boost of vitamin C, antioxidants, and compounds that support heart and immune health, the key lies in moderation. An excessive intake can lead to serious adverse effects on your dental health, digestive system, and skin. For most people, incorporating half to one lime's juice into a glass of water is a safe and healthy practice. Avoiding direct skin contact before sun exposure and rinsing your mouth after drinking are simple preventative measures that can make all the difference. By being mindful of your intake and recognizing the signs of overconsumption, you can enjoy the many benefits of lime without experiencing its potential downsides. To learn more about the nutritional benefits and side effects of limes, you can consult reliable health resources like Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the high citric acid content can erode tooth enamel over time, leading to sensitivity and an increased risk of cavities. Rinsing with plain water after consuming can help mitigate this effect.

While hydrating, continuously sipping on lime water exposes your teeth to acid for prolonged periods. Moderation is best, or using a straw to minimize tooth contact, and rinsing with water after drinking.

Yes, for individuals sensitive to acidic foods, consuming too much lime can trigger or exacerbate symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn.

It is a skin condition caused by a reaction between compounds in lime juice and sunlight. It can lead to severe inflammation, rashes, and burns on the skin.

While citric acid in lime can help prevent some types of kidney stones by increasing urine citrate, excessive intake with low water consumption is not recommended and could potentially contribute to other issues.

In large amounts, lime juice might interfere with certain medications like some antibiotics and blood pressure drugs. It is best to consult a doctor if you are on medication and plan a high intake.

Symptoms of a potential citrus allergy from lime include hives, swelling, or breathing difficulties. If these occur, stop consuming lime and seek medical advice.

To safely enjoy lime, dilute the juice heavily in water, rinse your mouth with plain water after consuming, use a straw to minimize direct contact with teeth, and avoid applying it to your skin before sun exposure.