Drinking alkaline water can provide relief from painful acid reflux symptoms. Millions of people suffer from heartburn and acid indigestion on a regular basis. But did you know that simply changing the type of water you drink could help mitigate this uncomfortable digestive issue?
Alkaline water has a higher pH that allows it to neutralize stomach acid which backs up into the esophagus. Its minerals also support balancing pH levels throughout the digestive tract.
In this Frizzlife blog post, we will be discussing the top 5 benefits of alkaline water that are beneficial in treating acid reflux.
Also, read our recent blog about Is it Appropriate to Drink Filtered Water While Suffering from Acidity
5 Benefits of Alkaline Water for Treating Acid Reflux
Alkaline water may help reduce acid reflux symptoms and promote overall digestive health. Its ability to balance pH levels in the gastrointestinal tract could alleviate heartburn and improve gut health. Here are five benefits of drinking alkaline water.
1. Neutralizes Stomach Acid
One of the top benefits of drinking alkaline water when suffering from acid reflux is its ability to neutralize stomach acid. By nature, alkaline water has an increased pH level that helps counteract excess acid that backs up into the esophagus, causing that unpleasant burning sensation we know as heartburn.
The alkaline substances in this type of water, such as magnesium and calcium, interact with stomach acid to reduce its concentration and keep it from irritating the delicate lining of the swallowing tube.
By moderating acid levels in this way, alkaline water can quickly relieve acid reflux discomfort.
2. Improves Hydration:
Another key benefit of drinking alkaline water for acid reflux relief is that it can better hydrate the body. Alkaline water has been shown to replenish fluids and important electrolytes more efficiently than regular water.
When the body is properly hydrated, digestive juices can flow smoothly and digest food more effectively. This prevents stomach acid from lingering and allows the lower esophageal sphincter to do its job of keeping acid locked in the stomach.
Staying hydrated with alkaline water may especially help reflux sufferers by keeping digestive tissues moist and maintaining a healthy swallowing motion.
3. Reduce Acid Production:
Alkaline water may also help decrease acid production in the stomach. Some research suggests that the higher pH of alkaline water signals to the body to slow acid secretion.
Since reflux is often triggered by excessively high acid levels in the stomach, calming acid production provides relief. The minerals present in alkaline water, such as magnesium, have a regulatory effect on enzymes involved in acid synthesis as well.
By easing the rate at which hydrochloric acid is generated after eating, alkaline water allows the stomach time to fully break down food without becoming overly acidic. Less acid being pumped out means less opportunity for reflux to occur.
4. Support a Balanced pH:
Maintaining a balanced pH level in the body is important for digestive health. The higher pH of alkaline water can help reflux sufferers support a balanced pH. Our stomach acid is normally very acidic with a low pH, but when too much backs up into the esophagus, it causes discomfort.
Drinking alkaline water takes the body's whole pH to a more neutral level. This allows the stomach acid to do its job of breaking down food while reducing the chances of acid reflux symptoms.
Alkaline water's capacity to buffer excess acid helps keep the gastrointestinal tract's pH in a balanced range where it properly functions without irritation.
5. Potential Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
Alkaline water may also benefit acid reflux due to potential anti-inflammatory properties. When stomach acid splashes up into the esophagus, it can cause inflammation and irritate delicate tissues over time. The minerals in alkaline water like magnesium and calcium can help reduce inflammation.
Some research indicates these minerals interact with digestive acids to help repair tissues damaged by acid exposure.
Decreasing inflammation in the swallowing tube may relieve discomfort associated with reflux. Less throat and esophagus irritation means fewer acid reflux flare-ups over the long run. Alkaline water's gentle ability to soothe inflamed areas could provide relief.
So, these are the five top five scientifically proven benefits of alkaline water for treating acid reflux.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much alkaline water should I drink each day?
When it comes to how much alkaline water to drink daily for acid reflux relief, the general recommendation is to start slow, around 1-2 liters per day.
Listen to your body - if symptoms improve, keep sipping. But if it upsets your stomach, scale back until you adjust. Let your comfort be your guide.
How does alkaline water help with Acid Reflux?
Alkaline water's higher pH allows it to counteract stomach acid that escapes into the esophagus, reducing irritation and burn.
Plus, its minerals may calm acid production and support natural acid-base balance throughout the digestive tract. With time and patience, sipping this H2O can certainly take the edge off acid reflux woes.
Are there any scientific studies supporting the use of alkaline water for acid reflux?
A few studies have found drinking alkaline water may help lessen acid reflux symptoms for some. But as with any natural remedy, see your doctor if self-treatment doesn't provide relief. Science continues exploring its effects, so stay tuned for more promising possibilities down the line.
Can alkaline water replace my acid reflux medication?
Drinking alkaline water might help relieve acid reflux symptoms but alkaline water should not replace any medication prescribed by the doctor.
It is best to use alkaline water as a complementary approach alongside your prescribed treatment. Always talk to your doctor before making any changes to your medication or treatment plan.
Final Words:
Drinking alkaline water offers several benefits that can help reduce painful acid reflux symptoms.
Its ability to neutralize stomach acid, improve hydration, decrease acid production, support balanced pH levels, and potentially reduce inflammation makes it a natural way to gain relief. Alkaline water acts as a digestive aid and complements lifestyle changes in managing acid indigestion.