Can eating too many limes cause stomach problems and kidney stones?

  • Thread starter Thread starter dumbobie
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential health effects of consuming limes, specifically concerns about stomach problems and the risk of kidney stones. Participants explore various aspects of lime consumption, including its acidity, effects on the body, and personal experiences related to lime intake.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern that eating many lime slices could lead to stomach cancer, questioning the effects of sour foods on the body.
  • Another participant dismisses the cancer concern, suggesting that limeade is enjoyable and not harmful.
  • A participant comments on the potential negative effects of lime's acidity and sugar on dental health.
  • There is a discussion about the absorption of lime juice in the gastrointestinal tract, with one participant reassuring that it does not enter the bloodstream.
  • Comparative acidity of lime and soda is mentioned, with a suggestion for pH testing.
  • One participant shares personal experience of kidney pain after consuming lime juice, expressing concern about possible kidney stones.
  • Another participant notes that moderation is key when consuming limes, citing mixed opinions on the risk of kidney stones associated with lime consumption.
  • References to studies are made regarding the health benefits and potential risks of excessive lime intake, including the formation of renal calculi.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the health risks associated with lime consumption. While some express concerns about potential negative effects, others argue that limes are generally healthy when consumed in moderation.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention varying opinions on the relationship between lime consumption and kidney stones, with references to conflicting studies on the matter. There is also uncertainty regarding the specific health impacts of lime acidity and sugar on the body.

dumbobie
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
I don't buy lime juice sold at supermarket, I buy limes themselves, and cut them in some small slices, put in a glass some spoons of sugar, pour hot water in, then 'throw' some slices in, stir them all around, cool it down, and sip.
My problem is that I always eat all of those lime's slices, because they are sweet in that glass of sugar water. Will eating so many lime create stomach cancer ? Even when I toaste my bread, I also put on top some slices of lime. What will happen in our body, blood when something sour like lime enters ?
 
Biology news on Phys.org
lol! Stomach cancer from limes? I think you are overreacting. I like to do the same thing, but with no sugar and less lime, with icy cold water. I never thought of limeade! I'll have to make it tomorrow... of course with cold water.

You like lime on your toast? Sounds too wet. I don't like my toast very wet.

Don't worry about it man.
 
Hm.. I thought you asked about the benefits of eating all the slime's lice(s), but evidently, I was wrong..
 
I'd think it is not very good for your teeth, the acid and sugar.
 
dumbobie said:
What will happen in our body, blood when something sour like lime enters ?
You don't have to worry about curdled blood! :approve: Don't worry, lime juice won't get into your bloodstream.

The stomach and GI tract absorbs the chemicals and water in the same manner as every other food.
 
You'd be surprised how sour a coke is, I believe it is around pH 3. We should do some comparative testing with a pH-meter :wink:
 
Who is talking about Coke? And why do you relate sourness to pH?
 
DaveC426913 said:
Who is talking about Coke? And why do you relate sourness to pH?
Acids are sour, they have a low pH. In lime fruit, two common acids are ascorbic (Vit C) and citric acids. Limes have a pH range between http://www.thejcdp.com/issue001/gandara/causes.htm . Coke is also acidic reportedly containing http://truthminers.com/hoaxarticles/coke.htm and phosphoric acid with an overall pH of http://www.coca-cola.com.au/about_dietary.asp
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Yes, but how does any of that info help the OP?
 
  • #10
How many people wonder whether they get stomach cancer from drinking coke. The company would have a big law suit up its tail if it would. The only connection between danger and limes I can make is low pH.
 
  • #11
Thank you, I will stop eating limes I think, because my right kidney is in pain whenever I repeatedly drink up to 2-3 glasses of lime juice I made. I guess I may have a stone in there, I am a little worried.

By the way, Mk, if you use icy cold water from the start, sugar won't melt your juice still gets sour.
 
  • #12
Sugar will melt my juice?? AHhH!
 
  • #13
DaveC426913 said:
Yes, but how does any of that info help the OP?

I was answering you're question (see below)
DaveC426913 said:
Who is talking about Coke? And why do you relate sourness to pH?
Although those pH levels may sound low, our stomach normally handles pH of this range and neutralize them.

A good rule of thumb is to eat foods in moderation. Limes are quite healthy, but too many limes can cause problems. This reference(1), describes the healthful benefits of eating limes and also the harmful ones of eating too many limes.

There are mixed opinions on risk of forming kidney stones. The above reference does subscribe to this idea, however here is another reference(2) that
refutes it.
1st ref
Limes should not be used in excess. The alkaline salts of the lime juice neutralize the free uric acid and precipitate it. It has therefore, been found that its excessive use may cause the formation of renal calculi.
2nd ref
lime juice contains mostly citric acid and does not increase urinary citrate substantially.
Since dumbobie is feeling stomach pain, yes limes can cause this feeling, so that is reason enough to stop eating them until you stomach pain subsides. After that, if you like limes, try eating in moderation.