NN says: A few weeks ago, Ezenwa wrote a brilliant post on the benefits of Lime water. A lot of comments were made about how lime water purportedly causes infertility. He addresses those comments from a scientific stand-point. It comes across as being really technical but be patient and follow the story…it all makes sense.
Lime is often said to be harmful to reproductive health. This theory comes from the acidic taste of lime. And the notion that acids are corrosive. Thus, lime must be corrosive to sensitive structures in the body. Case closed.
This is the farthest thing from the truth. Lime is an ally in optimizing fertility. But first, let us address the issue of its acidity. Limes are about 8 percent citric acid by dry weight. That is quite a lot. Yet, is that worrisome? Not quite. Citric acid from lime is a health promoting phytonutrient. It has numerous therapeutic actions in the body. For example, it acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing reactive substances in circulation. It also promotes detoxification by increasing urine output and softening stools. And much more.
More broadly, it is useful to recognize the central role of acids in all life forms. The very building blocks of life are acidic. Proteins are made of amino acids. DNA/RNA is made of nucleic acids. Cell membranes are made of fatty acids. In short, where the human body is concerned, acidity is everywhere and in everything.
Understanding female fertility
A simple way to understand fertility is in terms of harmonious communication. Fertility proceeds from the synchronized activity of various organs in the body. These organs communicate extensively with one another to ensure things run smoothly. This information flows through a dedicated network known as the HPG axis. It connects the brain with the ovaries and uterus. And is the means by which the brain controls reproductive organs.
Through the HPG axis, the brain tightly coordinates each stage of the menstrual cycle. The brain gives instructions to the ovaries and uterus encoded in nerve signals and hormones. And the clear transmission of information is vital. That is to say, fertility is of harmonious communication between the brain, ovaries, and uterus.
Some of the instructions are encoded in hormones, such as estrogen. Estrogen is a store of information, a set of instructions. It is a system of communication. It is not one hormone; there are hundreds of variations built around a core molecule. Each variation carries a different set of instructions for target tissues like the uterus, breast, bones, fat stores, and others. Indeed, most hormones have countless variations. Each hormone class, e.g. cortisol or insulin, represents a database of countless instructions for target cells.
A hormone has delivered its message when it binds with its specific receptor in target cells. It is the union of hormone and receptor that modulates the behavior of the cell.
Infertility is discordant communication
Infertility results from a break down in communication through the HPG axis. The brain no longer effectively regulates the activity of the ovaries and uterus. Many factors can lead to this discordant communication: infections, nutrient deficiencies, emotional stress, and/or chemical exposures.
In our modern society, a major cause of infertility is exposure to synthetic chemicals that have estrogen-like properties. These types of compounds are called xenoestrogens. These synthetic chemicals also carry information, much like natural estrogen produced in the body. However, they carry harmful information that disrupts the fine chemical balance of fertility.
We are bombarded with such high amounts of xenoestrogens on a daily basis that they drown out our own estrogens. In fact, parabens, a type of xenoestrogen from petroleum-based cosmetics, have been found in breast tissue at concentrations one million-fold higher that natural estrogens. Such high levels of estrogen-like chemicals in the body lead to a physiological state known as estrogen dominance. And it is this estrogen dominance that is the root cause of female infertility.
Imagine fertility as an orchestra of various organs. The brain is the conductor, coordinating the various organs with hormones and nerve signals. Xenoestrogens are a rogue conductor. They confuse and disrupt the orchestra. The net result is irregular menstruation, no ovulation, fibroids, endometriosis, breast cancer, and so on.
A few important sources of xenoestrogen exposure include:
- BPA from the interior plastic lining of canned foods, e.g. tin tomatoes, tin milk, baked beans, etc.
- Parabens from petroleum-based cosmetics, e.g. mineral oil (baby oil), petroleum jelly, lipstick, body lotion, etc.
- Phthalates from soft drinks in plastic bottles.
- Growth hormones (rBGH) in commercial milk and dairy products.
- Aluminum compounds in antiperspirants.
- Inorganic minerals in synthetic multivitamins, e.g cupric oxide (copper), stannous chloride (tin), sodium selenate (selenium), etc. Yes, that daily multivitamin is straight up toxic.
Lime phytoestrogens to the rescue
Limes are a rich source of plant estrogens called isoflavones. These phytoestrogens help resolve estrogen dominance and associated infertility. But this begs a question. How can even more estrogen resolve the problem of too much estrogen?
The way isoflavones work their magic is nothing short of miraculous. And this mechanism gives us insight into the true nature of whole foods. Whole foods carry information and instruction. They actively initiate and inhibit processes in the body according to an infinitely complex intelligence.
Lime isoflavones contain information that helps the body tune out xenoestrogens. They neutralize the noxious signals that unbalance the HPG axis. They help the ovaries and uterus hear the brain clearly once more. Citrus isoflavones achieve this remarkable feat through a property known as SERM (selective estrogen receptor modulation).
How the Magic Happens
Lime isoflavones selectively bind with estrogen receptors. They bind with certain receptors and deactivate them. That is, they prevent synthetic estrogens from communicating their infertility- and disease-causing message. These noxious chemicals are then gradually excreted through urine, sweat, stool, and breath. Remarkably, lime isoflavones also bind with other estrogen receptors and mimic the action of natural estrogens. That is, they convey instructions similar to natural estrogens.
In short, lime isoflavones are able to adapt their action to the requirements of the body. In one instance, they deactivate estrogen receptors to protect the body from toxic chemicals. Another instance, they perform the work of natural human estrogens. For example, they can have an anti-estrogenic effect on the uterus; protecting it against fibroids and irregular menstruation caused by xenoestrogens. And have an estrogenic effect on the bones; helping to maintain their strength and flexibility.
How do lime isoflavones know whether to activate or deactivate an estrogen receptor? How do they decide what action to take? This is a mystery, and speaks of the unsearchable things that obtain between man and whole foods.
References:
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Cassidy A, Setchell KD. “Dietary Isoflavones: biological effects and relevance to human health”. The Journal of Nutrition. 1999. Web
Ezenwa Onwugbenu is a nutritional healer and public speaker on natural health matters. You can find out more about him and his passion for natural health and living on Creative Juices.
Oluwaseun Rachael
Thanks a lot for dis post. It is so educating and it has given me answers to my research on the importance of lime
Itunu
Thanks for this highly educative piece.
Beauty B
I really thank you for this educative piece. it has added to my knowledge. in fact i need it more than any other person, am going straight to get my own lime. Q can lime juice be kept in the fridge? and for how long will it be in the fridge? 2 how long will i take the lime for the above therapy, will i mix it in water. thanks
Bold
pure squeezed lime juice put in a container and placed above the ground or floor (to avoid changes in temperature) will allow this amazing juice to survive up to a year but it will only change colour at a time.
Beauty B
waoo, this have save me a whole lot, Thank you. if i may ask 1 how long will i use the lime for therapy? will i mix the lime with water? can the lime fruit/juice for the purpose be kept in the refrigerator?
greis
Thankyou very much. That message has changed my life.
Adeola Agoro
I used lime a lot as a child because my grandmother had two lime trees in the house. Even though back then, I didn’t know much of what I just learned through your blog now, I knew then that it idid me a whole lot of good. The feel-well bounce it gave me then used to last for long.
Now as an older person, I’m delighted to know that the good old lime is the thing I have been looking for all these years to tackleh hormonal imbalance. I thought la- arginine was the mimiracl drug. Now I know lime packs a lot of value into it more than the expensive arginine I have spent so much money buying abroad.
Thanks a lot.
valsa john
I have mild urinary infection I take 7 tablespoons of lime juice throughtout the day.
Will it cause calsification in the uterus tnx God bless
BECKY
does that means that Lime is healthy for the reproductive organs?
bimmie
wow..this is lovely,….thanks so much
burffy
Thank you so so much ,I really gain something
Otulana Azeezat
Thank you for this incitefull post. I love the way the author broke the complex words for easy digestion. Please I have one question, is there too much lime ingestion? And if there is, what is the effect of too much lime? Does the too much phytoestrogen translate to the same problem with too much xenoestrogen? Thank you.
Uche
Thank you so much for this! I drink a cup of tea with lemon/lime at least once daily, and I’m so tired of everyone and their doctor lecturing me about how it’s going to affect my fertility! I’m lactose intolerant and trying to reduce sugar intake, so it’s lemon or nothing. My mother and sisters all take tea the same way and have all managed to have children. Most doctors don’t even bother doing research, they just parrot whatever old wives’ tale is reigning right now!
Stella
Can taking lime clean system up to the level of opening a block tube.
Stella
Can talking lime desolve fabriod or reduce it. And can it open block tube.
Jessica
Thank you very much, I started taken lime water in morning newly but my mother said is not good for a young girl to drink it. That’s affect the reproductive system. I hope it doesn’t prevent from having my own babies ?
nkemjika
Thanks and God bless you for this message it has answered my question. I really appreciate your efforts in making things easy.
Eddie
Thank you for your educating words.
Ruth
Thank you for the information. I was rebuked by my friend for using lime as weight loss therapy and i became so scared. now my mind is at rest knowing it’s safe.
tiffany
Thanks good stuff
Quinnoline
I had two miscarriages in one year.should I take lime for a healthy uterus?
Tari Dokubo
Plz I need a Reply Asap plz. Am a girl in my 20’s n I just discovered how sweet lime and Cold water is. I take it often. For like 5days now. And my uncles wife told me dat I am a woman and am yet to give bath! That itz not good for me. Plz is it true??? Becos I hv come to love it. #lime&Coldwater. Plz I need ur reply thanks
Ngozi
Thank you so much for this eye opener, will definitely be communicating this msg to friends
confidence
Your Comment Thanks for post, you answer my questions. I am a lover of lime + Lipton + warm water + sugar. hope am not wrong.
Elginal
thanks a lot.God is Great. God l thank you for producing lime. may the Almighty God upgrade your knowledge and understanding.
can one take lime while on menstruation will it affect ovulation
can taking lime open block tube
Afiong Bassey
Your Comment here Taking a lime juice, can it help to dissolve fibroid or does it have effect on ovaries
lola
Wao, this is fantastic. God bless you for sharing this. God will continue to increase yr knowledge
Precious Juliet
Thanks a whole lot. Learnt some new things here
Precious Juliet
Thanks a lot. Learnt some new things here with lots of doubt cleared.
Aysha Isa
Wonderful piece! This really saved me and I’ve learned more. Lime is great, however others refer to it as a contraceptive. How true is this? If true, do intake be abort or requires a RDA?
Moreover it is often mistaken for lemon, shed more light on this please. Thank you!
Nwamaka
Thank you so much sir for these thorough informations. Please if you can answer few of the questions asked above on the ” supposed health risks” of lime, it will answer mine. Thanks.
tukura calistar
i was very sceard it will course infertility but thanks it is working for me
Kelechi
Still doesn’t answer the question. Most people don’t understand this big grammar you are speaking here. In lame man words, is it good for a woman who is yet to have a child?. Yes or no?
Natural Nigerian
If you wish for someone to answer a question for you (that is, do some work for you for free), it might be a good idea to ask in a nicer way. I wouldn’t blame Eze if he did not respond to you. He has shared this knowledge from the goodness of his heart. You can also go and do your own research.
Grace
I took lime juice sometimes ago for weight loss and it worked, but people started telling me that it might damage my womb. But with this post now, I can go back to it. Thanks a lot.