Can consuming lime juice mixed with honey mitigate the impact of alcohol?

Answer:

Upon consuming alcoholic drinks beyond a certain limit, individuals may become intoxicated. This state can manifest through mild symptoms such as dizziness and nausea, or more severe ones like behavioral disinhibition or disorientation.

The variation in alcohol tolerance among individuals stems from the differing rates at which ethanol is metabolized. This process is influenced by enzymes including ADH and the antioxidant glutathione, both produced by the liver. Intoxication sets in when the ingested alcohol surpasses the liver’s capacity to metabolize it.

A cup of lime juice. Illustration photo by Pexels

A mixture of lime juice and honey, along with other beverages like lemongrass ginger tea or orange juice, are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These components can support the liver’s alcohol metabolism, potentially diminishing the sensation of intoxication.

Nevertheless, these concoctions do not diminish the alcohol’s detrimental effects on the body. They merely ease symptoms of discomfort.

Therefore, it’s recommended to drink alcohol sparingly to prevent long-term health issues such as hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and potentially liver cancer.

Dr. Dinh Tran Ngoc Mai

Department of Nutrition - Regulation, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital