Alkaline water is defined simply as water with a pH greater than 7, typically marketed with a pH between 8 and 9. This slightly higher pH value is promoted by some for its purported health benefits, including better hydration and acid neutralization. However, the body is highly regulated, and introducing a substance that deviates from the neutral pH of regular water can trigger physiological responses. A focus on the potential negative consequences reveals several side effects that consumers should understand before making it a regular part of their daily intake.
Common Gastrointestinal Disturbances
The most immediate and common side effects of consuming alkaline water are often felt in the digestive system. The stomach naturally maintains a highly acidic environment, with a pH ranging from 1.5 to 3.5, primarily through the secretion of hydrochloric acid. This strong acidity is necessary to break down food and activate digestive enzymes like pepsin. When alkaline water is introduced, it works to neutralize some of this stomach acid, temporarily raising the organ’s pH level. The body responds by secreting a surge of additional hydrochloric acid to quickly restore the required acidic balance, which can lead to temporary digestive upset, including feelings of nausea, bloating, or mild abdominal discomfort. Moreover, the stomach’s natural acidity serves as a primary defense line against ingested pathogens, and a temporary reduction can leave the body more vulnerable to certain bacteria.
Risk of Systemic Alkalosis
Excessive alkaline water consumption can lead to the development of systemic alkalosis. This condition occurs when the pH of the blood and other bodily tissues becomes too high, moving above the tightly controlled range of 7.35 to 7.45. The body possesses robust mechanisms, primarily involving the kidneys and the lungs, to regulate this balance by managing bicarbonate and carbon dioxide levels. Overwhelming these systems with persistently high alkaline intake can lead to metabolic alkalosis, particularly in vulnerable individuals with pre-existing kidney, liver, or lung disease. Symptoms of mild to moderate alkalosis can manifest as neuromuscular disturbances, including noticeable muscle twitching, hand tremors, or tingling sensations in the extremities.
Interference with Biological Processes
Beyond the immediate and systemic effects, drinking alkaline water can disrupt biological processes that rely on the body’s natural acidity. One significant area of interference is the absorption of specific essential minerals. Nutrients like iron and calcium require an acidic environment in the stomach to be properly ionized and solubilized, which is a necessary step before they can be efficiently absorbed in the small intestine. When stomach acidity is reduced by the regular consumption of alkaline water, the body’s ability to extract and utilize these minerals may be impaired, potentially leading to lower circulating levels over time. Alkaline water can also alter the efficacy of certain oral medications, particularly those that are acid-soluble or time-release, by hastening the dissolution rate and causing the medication to be absorbed too quickly, potentially reducing its intended effect.