Does Alkaline Water Help with Acid Reflux : Causes and Symptoms

In recent years, alkaline water has gotten a lot of attention for its supposed ability to reduce acid reflux. But what is alkaline water, and Does Alkaline Water Help with Acid Reflux?

What is Alkaline Water

Does Alkaline Water Help with Acid Reflux : Let’s take a trip back to our chemistry classes in high school times for a second. It is the pH number of 0-14, which indicates the degree of “acidic” or “alkaline” something is. A lower number can be considered acidic, while 7 is considered neutral, while the higher number is deemed to be alkaline.

Normal drinking water is deemed neutral with an average pH of 7. However, it may vary slightly depending the location of your tap water and the way it is treated. Alkaline water typically has a pH between 8 or 9. This is accomplished through an addition of mineral prior to being bottle-bottled. Because bottling involves additional steps, alkaline drinking water is more costly than drinking water that is regular.

What is Acid Reflux

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Normally, a muscular ring called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) closes off the opening between the esophagus and the stomach after food passes through. However, if the LES weakens or relaxes abnormally, stomach acid can travel back up into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and in some cases, a persistent cough or hoarseness.

Acid Reflux Symptoms and Causes

Symptoms

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, leading to a variety of symptoms. The most common symptoms of acid reflux include:

1. Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest, often after eating or at night, which can worsen when lying down or bending over.
2. Regurgitation: The sensation of acid backing up into the throat or mouth, often accompanied by a sour or bitter taste.
3. Chest pain: Some people may experience chest pain that mimics heart-related chest pain, known as non-cardiac chest pain.
4. Hoarseness or voice changes: Irritation of the vocal cords due to stomach acid backing up into the throat can lead to changes in voice quality or hoarseness.
5. Nausea or vomiting: Some individuals may experience nausea or occasional vomiting as a result of acid reflux.

Causes

The causes of acid reflux can vary from person to person, but common factors that contribute to its development include:

1. Weak or relaxed lower esophageal sphincter (LES): The LES is a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that acts as a valve to prevent stomach contents from flowing back up into the esophagus. If the LES weakens or relaxes abnormally, it can allow stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus.
2. Hiatal hernia: A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach protrudes into the chest cavity through the diaphragm. This can weaken the LES and contribute to acid reflux.
3. Dietary factors: Certain foods and beverages can trigger or worsen acid reflux symptoms, including spicy foods, fatty foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages.
4. Obesity: Excess weight can increase pressure on the abdomen, leading to a higher risk of acid reflux.
5. Smoking: Smoking weakens the LES and increases acid production in the stomach, making it more likely for acid reflux to occur.
6. Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and increased pressure on the abdomen during pregnancy can lead to acid reflux symptoms in some women.
7. Certain medications: Some medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), calcium channel blockers, and certain antidepressants, can relax the LES or irritate the esophagus, leading to acid reflux.

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Does Alkaline Water Help with Acid Reflux

The effectiveness of alkaline water for treating acid reflux is still a subject of debate and research. Research on the effects of alkaline water specifically for acid reflux is scarce, and existing studies have produced mixed results.

1. Alkaline nature: Alkaline water typically has a pH level higher than 7, which means it is less acidic than regular tap water. Some proponents argue that consuming alkaline water can help neutralize stomach acid and reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. However, the stomach is highly acidic, with a pH typically ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 when digesting food, and it has mechanisms to regulate its pH levels. Therefore, the effect of alkaline water on stomach acidity may be minimal.
2. Limited scientific evidence: While there are anecdotal reports of individuals experiencing relief from acid reflux symptoms by drinking alkaline water, scientific studies examining its efficacy are lacking. Most research on alkaline water has focused on its potential benefits for hydration and certain health conditions, but its specific effects on acid reflux have not been extensively studied.
3. Individual variability: Acid reflux triggers and responses can vary widely among individuals. Some people may find that drinking alkaline water helps alleviate their symptoms, while others may not experience any noticeable benefits. It’s essential to pay attention to how your body responds and consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about managing acid reflux.
4. Considerations: While alkaline water is generally safe for consumption, excessive intake may disrupt the body’s natural pH balance and lead to alkalosis, a condition characterized by excessively high alkalinity in the blood. Additionally, some commercial alkaline water products may contain added minerals or electrolytes, so it’s essential to read labels and choose reputable brands.