In the ever-evolving landscape of health and wellness trends, alkaline water is another popular fad. But like many similar health trends, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction. Here, we’ll explore whether alkaline water and alkaline diets are good for kidneys, what research and healthcare professionals have found, and what you can do to protect your kidneys. Let’s jump right in. What is Alkaline Water?Alkaline water has become a buzzword in wellness, but what is it, really? Alkaline water is distinguished by its pH level, which is higher than regular water. A pH level measures a solution’s acidity or alkalinity on a scale from 0 to 14. Here are the basics:
Back to alkaline water. You can probably guess at this point that alkaline water, which has a pH above 7, is considered more alkaline than regular water. Many alkaline water brands advertise pH levels of 9 or higher. This is typically due to the presence of minerals like calcium and potassium. Advocates of alkaline water claim that it has unique health advantages, like neutralizing acids that contribute to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and enhancing hydration. The production methods of alkaline water further contribute to its draw in wellness communities. Some water sources, like springs, naturally contain elevated pH levels (thanks to minerals from the environment). The Kidneys Role In Your Blood’s pH BalanceYour kidneys are your body’s filters. They are essential in maintaining the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in your body. One of your kidneys’ main tasks is regulating your blood’s pH level. Your kidneys regulate your blood’s pH by selectively reabsorbing water and electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. The kidneys also balance your blood’s pH by removing hydrogen ions and holding onto bicarbonate ions. This controls the concentration of these substances in your bloodstream, which is essential for protecting your other organs, which in turn support your kidneys. Alkaline Water and Chronic Kidney DiseaseSome suggest that alkali therapy may benefit individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). But, because clinical research into the topic is extremely limited, a definitive statement on alkaline water’s benefits to patients with CKD is still needed. In one study, patients treated with an alkali-therapy for more than two months saw improvements in their kidney function.
Kathy Wong, a registered dietitian nutritionist, notes that alkaline water and an alkaline diet might not benefit every patient with CKD. Excessive alkalinity may pose risks, such as hyperkalemia, or having too much potassium in your blood. The Bottom Line for Alkaline WaterWhile some studies on alkali therapies (like drinking alkaline water) suggest that they may be helpful for patients with kidney disease, the bottom line is that there isn’t a conclusive body of evidence supporting those claims. Your body naturally balances your blood's pH level, so deliberately trying to change it could have implications for your health and kidney function. Always speak with your physician, nephrologist, or dietitian about your health before changing your diet. If you want to take action to protect your kidneys now, some things that are safe for most people with kidney disease include:
Concerned About Your Kidneys? Talk to Milwaukee NephrologistsIf you’re concerned about your kidney health and want to know if you should be making changes to your diet, speak to a specialist at Milwaukee Nephrologists.
With a team of board-certified specialists, including dietitians, Milwaukee Nephrologists is Southeast Wisconsin’s go-to resource for kidney-health concerns. To learn more about protecting and caring for your kidneys, check out our other educational articles, or get in touch with our staff of nephrologists, transplant specialists, and dietitians to schedule an appointment.
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