In the field of nutrition and healthy living, there is nothing that has created as much controversy as alkaline water. Praised for its presumed healing asset, this water is said to facilitate the regulation of the quantity of acids within the bloodstream and would potentially benefit the body’s functions.
However, one specific area that draws attention is the effect that it has on the kidneys. Since kidney disease is an important health issue globally, there arises the question of what part, if any, that can be played by alkaline water in the management or possibly in the reversal of the same.
What is Alkaline Water?
It may be referred to as hard water or ionized water as it contains and is richer in alkaline levels than the normal tap water. For this reason, it is argued to assist in countering the acid found in the body. The pH of drinking water which has no chemical impurities ranges from 6-8 while the pH of alkaline water ranges from 8-9. This is done through a process referred to as electrolysis, where water is ionized, and is split into its acidic and alkaline parts.
Advantages of Consuming Alkaline Water with Regard to Kidneys
Neutralizing Acidity: The assumption is, if knitting bits of alkaline water to one’s diet will cancel any excess acidity on the blood stream it will partly release the kidneys from having to work so paradigmatically on maintaining the body’s pH. The decrease in the acidic condition may also be of a benefit when it comes to the over burdening of the kidneys.
Enhanced Hydration: In a number of cases, researchers have extensively analyzed that owing to the small molecular structure of the alkaline water, it is easier for the cells to absorb water molecules to itself and hence, results in better hydration. In the case of kidneys as they require water to work effectively and to eliminate wastes, higher hydration might be beneficial for them.
Antioxidant Effects: Most of the flavors contained in the water are found in the alkaline water and are antioxidant in nature. Such supplements can assist to reduce oxidative stress, a state that has been associated with several renal disorders.
Improving one’s diet and drinking habits may lower the levels of oxidative stress and potentially benefit the kidneys general health and slow down the progression of the disease, perhaps even with the help of alkaline water.
Scientific Scrutiny and Skepticism
However, based on the above-discussed points of discussion one might hope for, it is important to make a clarification that the scientific debate continues over the effectiveness of the alkaline water.
There is little clinical research available and few of the claims about the health benefits of alkaline water are supported by solid empirical evidence and are indeed backed often with largely anecdotal evidence and mostly involve small samples.
Lack of Robust Evidence: The general effects of consuming alkaline water and its impact on the kidneys especially can hardly be supported by significant research on the internet. Nephrologists and the vast majority of other doctors and health care providers now believe that tap water is sufficient to meet the body’s requirement unless there is a particular indication to the contrary.
Possible Risks: In patients with kidney disease more so with chronic kidney disease (CKD), these natural adjustments in pH levels can be dangerous when people consume too much alkaline water. The kidneys regulate the pH levels and manipulating this value suggests that the outcome might be metabolic alkalosis – a condition where body acidity is too low.
Conclusion
What’s the role that all these H3O2 negative ions play, are you better off drinking alkaline water for your kidneys? The answer is by no means obvious. People who don’t have any kidney disorders can afford occasional consumption of alkaline water because it sometimes can bring some advantages for the organism such as better hydration and more antioxidants intake.
Nevertheless, before one changes their water intake level drastically especially if he/she has a kidney disease or follows a restricted diet as per a health care provider advice, it is advisable to seek medical advice.
All in all, therefore, whereas the fascination with alkaline water increases day by day, the same cannot be said about its health impacts, especially its potential effects on the kidneys. As always, close adherence to a diet and daily intake of water, preferably filtered water, are effective means preventing the support of the kidneys’ function and keeping one’s overall health at the proper level.
Frequently Asked Question:
How might Alkaline Water Benefit the Kidneys?
It is suggested that consumption of alkaline water would help the kidneys by lowering the workload that is necessary to maintain an appropriate pH of the blood stream, increasing water permeability of the body cells as well as increasing the levels of antioxidants that reduce the potential of oxidative stress something which is unfriendly to the kidneys.
Are there Any Risks Associated with Drinking Alkaline Water for Kidney Health?
In normal circumstances, most people are in a position to take alkaline water once in a while since they are safe to consume. Nevertheless, for the people with kidney diseases or other disorders that may affect the pH level, the consumption of the alkaline water is not recommended since it may lead to such conditions as the metabolic alkalosis.
People should also seek advice from their physicians, or any other health care professionals before they change their eating habits or their water intake.