Alkaline water and kidneys - Is alkaline water good for the kidneys?

Water is considered to be the cornerstone of life, a precious element required to balance the different functions of the body. From regulating the body’s temperature to contributing to the brain’s function plain water does. In recent times, Alkaline Water has gained acceptance due to further studies on its potential health benefits for the kidney’s health. But is it the, is alkaline water good for kidneys and is worth the hype?

In this blog, we will explore further research on the different various health claims and potential benefits of alkaline water on kidney function, along with the potential side effects.

What is alkaline water?

Alkaline water is made from hydrogen and oxygen with a slightly higher pH level than normal water. If you are thinking what is pH? It is a scale used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of different substances on a scale of 0-14, with 7 being considered neutral, 0 being the most acidic, and 14 being the most suitable or alkaline.

Normal, drinking water or tap water has a pH level of 7 which is neutral, whereas alkaline drinking water which contains a pH in the range of 8 to 9. This is alkaline drinking water good for kidneys and offers some great health benefits against chronic diseases and weight loss.

This is the reason to drink bottled water or alkaline water because coconut water is considered a miracle beverage by different celebrities and drinking alkaline water suggest all sports enthusiasts!

Is alkaline water good for the kidneys?

Yes, many studies and experiments show that consuming alkaline water diet helps in many kidney problems and reducing the several risks of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Lately, alkaline water diet has gained popularity due to the numerous health benefits it offers like improved kidney function and blood,.

However, it is important to note that individuals who are suffering from kidney disease and drink plenty of alkaline water, can worsen the situation. Always ask your doctor about the quantity of alkaline water to be consumed. 

Benefits of alkaline water for kidneys

There are numerous potential benefits of drinking alkaline water for kidney health. Here are some of them -

• Helps in balancing the pH level of the body -  Alkaline water contains some proponents that can help in balancing the body’s pH levels by neutralizing the acid.
• Hydrates the body - Some doctors and studies suggest that alkaline water gets absorbed by the body more easily and therefore it provides more hydration as compared to normal water.
• Reduce the chances of kidney stones formation - Alkaline water helps in increasing the pH levels of urine and makes it less acidic which eventually reduces the chances of kidney stones formation.
• Helps boost immunity - Alkaline water is rich in some proponents that can help boost immunity and protect the body against some diseases.
• Supports bone health - Alkaline water is believed to be rich in some beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals help support bone health.
• Helps in supporting kidney functions - Alkaline water helps in improving kidney health by reducing oxidate stress and inflammation. It also helps in improving chronic metabolic acidosis.
• Reducing acidosis - Acidosis is a condition in which the body tends to become more acidic causing damage to the kidney's health. Different proponents present in the alkaline water help in reducing acidosis and also maintaining good kidney health.

Side effects of drinking alkaline water

Alkaline water contains a high content of minerals and offers some great benefits to the body. This does not mean you should drink too much of it as it also has some side effects on health. Here are some of them - 

• May alter body pH level - Alkaline water contains a high pH levels and compared to normal water, consuming it too much can alter the body’s natural pH balance. Always seek advice from the doctor before drinking alkaline water.
• Disturbs nutrient absorption - Some studies and findings suggest that alkaline water interferes with the absorption capacity of minerals like calcium and iron. 
• Different digestive problems - Drinking too much alkaline water may cause digestive problems like vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. It is very important to seek the doctor’s advice before drinking alkaline water.
• Highly reactive to certain medications - Alkaline water is highly reactive against some medications and also reduces their efficiency. Always seek permission from the doctor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, alkaline water has gained popularity worldwide for its various health benefits and positive effects of alkaline is on kidney health like preventing kidney stones, proper blood hydration, and balancing blood pH level. Patients who got their kidney transplants should consult with their healthcare provider or their surgeon regarding the consumption of alkaline water. Moreover, always invest in high-quality alkaline water to make kidney transplant attain the maximum benefit.