The Science Behind Alkaline Water and Its Health Claims

Alkaline water has become popular as some people consider it a preferable choice over regular water. Even celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Mark Wahlberg, and Jennifer Aniston have endorsed it. But does it offer real health benefits? Experts say the science is still uncertain.

Alkaline water is often marketed with added minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which help the water achieve an alkaline pH above 7. According to Mayo Clinic, a pH greater than 7 is alkaline, while less than 7 is acidic.

Does Alkaline Water Neutralize Body Acidity?

Plain tap water typically has a lower pH than alkaline water. Some people claim that drinking alkaline water can neutralize acidity in the body. There are also claims that it can prevent health conditions like cancer and stroke. Some studies suggest alkaline water may help slow bone loss, possibly due to its added calcium.

Research indicates that combining alkaline water with a plant-based Mediterranean diet may relieve acid reflux. Studies show that alkaline water alone might improve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Mayo Clinic advises more research to validate these claims and observe if the benefits are long-lasting.

Temporary Benefits and Safety Concerns

Harvard Medical School’s Dr. Howard E. LeWine notes any benefits of alkaline water might be short-lived. The stomach’s acidic fluid diminishes the impact of alkaline water, making any pH rise temporary. Drinking substantial amounts of alkaline water could slightly raise blood pH, but the kidneys would quickly rebalance it.

Alkaline water may offer temporary relief from heartburn due to acid reflux. However, Dr. LeWine advises more effective treatments like antacids. There are safety concerns for those on PPIs or stomach acid blockers, as alkaline water could cause blood pH to rise to unsafe levels.

Mayo Clinic also warns about the risks of alkaline water with pH higher than 9.8, which may cause hyperkalemia due to high potassium levels.

Nutritionist’s Perspective on Alkaline Water

Certified holistic nutritionist Robin DeCicco states no strong evidence supports alkaline water having significant long-term benefits. She emphasizes that reducing body acidity relies on healthy lifestyle habits.

Those habits include eating nutritious foods, avoiding excess sugar, caffeine, and processed items known to increase body acidity. DeCicco recommends consuming vegetables, fruits, omega-3 fats, lean protein, and fiber.

For people with acid reflux issues, consulting a doctor and adopting healthy eating habits such as consistent meal times, avoiding lying down after meals, and steering clear of acidic foods can help.