Can drinking alkaline water clear up acid reflux?
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Amelia Collins
Studied at the University of Manchester, Lives in Manchester, UK.
As a healthcare professional with a background in nutrition and dietetics, I often encounter questions about the effectiveness of various treatments for common health issues like acid reflux. It's important to approach such questions with a critical eye and to consider the available scientific evidence.
Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This can cause a burning sensation in your chest or throat, commonly referred to as heartburn.
Alkaline water is water that has a higher pH, making it more basic than regular water. Some people believe that drinking alkaline water can neutralize stomach acid and thus alleviate symptoms of acid reflux. However, the idea that alkaline water can significantly alter the pH of stomach acid is not well-supported by scientific research. The stomach is designed to produce a highly acidic environment, and the small amount of alkaline water consumed would likely be neutralized quickly and not have a substantial effect on the overall acidity.
Moreover, the human body has its own mechanisms to regulate the pH of the stomach. When food or drink enters the stomach, it mixes with gastric juices, which are highly acidic. This acidity is necessary for the proper digestion of food and the killing of harmful bacteria. The body carefully controls the production of these gastric juices to maintain an optimal pH for digestion.
In terms of managing acid reflux, lifestyle changes and certain medications are typically recommended. These may include:
1. Eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large meals.
2. Avoiding trigger foods such as spicy or fatty foods, citrus, tomatoes, and chocolate.
3. Losing weight if overweight or obese, as excess weight can put pressure on the stomach and contribute to acid reflux.
4. Quitting smoking, as smoking can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.
5. **Avoiding lying down or going to bed for at least 2 to 3 hours after eating** to prevent acid reflux during sleep.
6. Medications such as antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can be prescribed by a doctor to reduce stomach acid or protect the esophageal lining.
In conclusion, while drinking alkaline water might not have a significant impact on acid reflux, adopting a healthy lifestyle and seeking medical advice for persistent symptoms is the best approach.
Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This can cause a burning sensation in your chest or throat, commonly referred to as heartburn.
Alkaline water is water that has a higher pH, making it more basic than regular water. Some people believe that drinking alkaline water can neutralize stomach acid and thus alleviate symptoms of acid reflux. However, the idea that alkaline water can significantly alter the pH of stomach acid is not well-supported by scientific research. The stomach is designed to produce a highly acidic environment, and the small amount of alkaline water consumed would likely be neutralized quickly and not have a substantial effect on the overall acidity.
Moreover, the human body has its own mechanisms to regulate the pH of the stomach. When food or drink enters the stomach, it mixes with gastric juices, which are highly acidic. This acidity is necessary for the proper digestion of food and the killing of harmful bacteria. The body carefully controls the production of these gastric juices to maintain an optimal pH for digestion.
In terms of managing acid reflux, lifestyle changes and certain medications are typically recommended. These may include:
1. Eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large meals.
2. Avoiding trigger foods such as spicy or fatty foods, citrus, tomatoes, and chocolate.
3. Losing weight if overweight or obese, as excess weight can put pressure on the stomach and contribute to acid reflux.
4. Quitting smoking, as smoking can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.
5. **Avoiding lying down or going to bed for at least 2 to 3 hours after eating** to prevent acid reflux during sleep.
6. Medications such as antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can be prescribed by a doctor to reduce stomach acid or protect the esophageal lining.
In conclusion, while drinking alkaline water might not have a significant impact on acid reflux, adopting a healthy lifestyle and seeking medical advice for persistent symptoms is the best approach.
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Studied at the University of Cambridge, Lives in Cambridge, UK.
Doctors don't recommend alkaline water. ... Drinking regular water may provide some relief, as well: ��It will raise the pH of your stomach, dilute the acid, and clear out the esophagus��so there's lots of good reasons to drink water in general, and to stay hydrated,�� Dr. Dellon adds.
2023-04-15 07:58:05
Lucas Rogers
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
Doctors don't recommend alkaline water. ... Drinking regular water may provide some relief, as well: ��It will raise the pH of your stomach, dilute the acid, and clear out the esophagus��so there's lots of good reasons to drink water in general, and to stay hydrated,�� Dr. Dellon adds.
