What happens to your liver when you drink lime juice?

According to Dr. Nguyen Hoang Oanh from the Department of Gastroenterology – Hepatology, Pancreatology, and Biliary Medicine at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, lime juice offers multiple health benefits thanks to its antioxidant content, particularly for the digestive system and liver.

Benefits of lime juice for liver health:

1. Supports liver detoxification

Lime juice can stimulate antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, which help neutralize free radicals produced during detoxification. This reduces stress on the liver. Vitamin C and flavonoids in lime also assist in flushing out toxins through bile and urine. Drinking a glass of diluted lime juice in the morning may enhance this detox process.

2. Reduces fat accumulation

Flavonoids in lime can increase metabolism, encouraging fat burning and supporting weight management. Lime juice also helps regulate lipid metabolism, reducing fat buildup in liver cells.

Close up shot of a glass of lime juice. Illustration photo by Pexels

3. Protects liver cells from oxidative stress

Vitamin C and flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that help minimize oxidative stress, a major cause of liver cell damage—especially in alcohol-related liver disease. Limonin, a triterpenoid found in lime and citrus fruits, may also prevent lipid accumulation, inhibit oxidative damage, and reduce inflammation.

4. Improves liver enzyme function

Liver enzymes are crucial for nutrient metabolism, bile production, blood clotting, infection resistance, and toxin elimination. Liver damage can impair enzyme function. Natural citric acid from lime supports digestion and detoxification, helping stabilize enzyme levels and boost liver performance.

5. Aids digestion and reduces liver workload

Citric acid in lime stimulates gastric secretions to aid food digestion—particularly fats. Better digestion reduces the liver’s workload. Lime juice also boosts bile production, supporting natural detox through the bile ducts.

Dr. Oanh advises consuming lime juice correctly to maximize its benefits. The best time is in the morning or one to two hours after meals. Avoid drinking lime juice on an empty stomach, as it may irritate the stomach lining. To reduce sourness, honey can be added in moderation. Avoid mixing lime juice with boiling or overly hot water, which can destroy its nutrients.

Those undergoing liver treatment should consult their doctor to determine the appropriate intake. Lime juice should not replace water or be consumed excessively. People with stomach issues, citrus allergies, or those taking medications that could interact with lime should also seek medical advice.