From the Guidelines
Drinking alkaline water in moderation is generally safe for most people, but it is essential to consider individual health conditions, particularly kidney disease, before regular consumption. When evaluating the safety of alkaline water, it's crucial to consider the potential impact on kidney function and overall health. According to a study published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases 1, a diet high in animal protein and low in fruits and vegetables can lead to chronic low-grade metabolic acidosis, which may worsen with age as kidney function declines. However, this study does not directly address the safety of alkaline water but highlights the importance of dietary balance in maintaining kidney health.
For healthy individuals, drinking alkaline water occasionally or as part of a balanced fluid intake poses minimal risks. There's no compelling scientific evidence that alkaline water provides significant health benefits beyond regular hydration. People with certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease or those taking medications that affect kidney function, should consult their healthcare provider before regularly consuming alkaline water, as it could potentially interfere with the body's natural pH balance or medication effectiveness. Our bodies naturally maintain a tight pH balance through various buffering systems, primarily through the kidneys and respiratory system, so consuming alkaline water doesn't significantly alter your body's overall pH. For daily hydration needs, regular filtered tap water is perfectly adequate and more economical than specialty alkaline water products.
It's also worth noting that other factors, such as the quality of the water source and potential contaminants, can impact the safety of drinking water. A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives 1 discusses the health effects of ingested uranium, highlighting the importance of clean drinking water. However, this study does not directly relate to the safety of alkaline water but underscores the broader context of water quality and health.
In the context of diabetes prevention and control, replacing sugar-sweetened beverages with water is associated with improved glycemic control, as noted in a report published in Diabetes Care 1. While this does not directly address alkaline water, it emphasizes the importance of hydration and choosing water over sugary drinks for health benefits.
In summary, while alkaline water is generally safe for most people in moderation, individual health conditions and the quality of the water source are critical factors to consider. Regular filtered tap water remains a safe, economical, and adequate choice for daily hydration needs.
From the Research
Safety of Alkaline Water
- The safety of alkaline water is a topic of ongoing debate, with some studies suggesting potential benefits and others raising concerns about its effectiveness and potential side effects 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- A study published in The Journal of Urology found that commercially available alkaline water has negligible alkali content and provides no added benefit over tap water for patients with uric acid and cystine urolithiasis 2.
- In contrast, a study published in the Journal of Menopausal Medicine found that drinking alkaline water improved spine T-scores in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, suggesting a potential benefit for bone health 3.
- Another study published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine discussed the potential benefits of an alkaline diet and water, including improved bone mineral density, muscle mass, and protection from chronic illnesses 4.
- A study published in the Journal of Dental Hygiene found that many popular brands of bottled water have acidic pH levels, highlighting the importance of considering the pH level of drinking water 5.
- A study published in Medical Gas Research found that daily ingestion of alkaline electrolyzed water containing hydrogen influenced human health, including gastrointestinal symptoms, and improved sleep quality 6.
Potential Benefits and Risks
- Potential benefits of alkaline water include:
- Potential risks and limitations of alkaline water include: