Alkaline Water For Acid Reflux and GERD: A Natural Remedy

If you're one of many people who suffer from acid reflux, or even GERD, you may be interested in learning about alkaline water as a natural remedy. Alkaline water is considered therapeutic by many people who suffer from reflux disease and is associated with reducing symptoms, such as heartburn.

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux, also known as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), is a condition in which the contents of the stomach are regurgitated back up into the oesophagus. This can happen when the lower oesophagal sphincter (LES), which is a muscle at the end of the oesophagus, relaxes and allows stomach acid to flow back up.

This can happen after eating, lying down, or bending over. Acid reflux is often worse at night because gravity allows the contents of the stomach to flow more easily back up into the oesophagus.

What are the Symptoms of Acid Reflux?

The most common symptom of acid reflux is heartburn – a burning sensation in your chest. Other reflux symptoms may include regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, and a sour taste in your mouth.

What Is Alkaline Water?

It is well known that regular tap water has a pH level of around seven, which is considered neutral. However, alkaline water is becoming increasingly popular due to its health benefits. Alkaline water is water that has been ionized to raise its pH level to around nine. This higher pH level is thought to offer a range of benefits, including improved hydration, detoxification and relief from acid reflux. 

Alkaline Water For Acid Reflux: How Can It Help?

The theory is that alkaline water reduces the acidity of the intestinal tract and permanently denatures any pepsin that is present. Human pepsin is an enzyme that helps digest protein, but it can also contribute to acid reflux by weakening the LES.

So, by reducing the acidity in your intestines and denaturing pepsin, alkaline water may be able to help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux and GERD.

But is there any scientific evidence to support this? Let's take a look.

A 2012 study published in the Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology journal looked into the potential benefits of alkaline water for acid reflux. The study concluded that alkaline water can denature stomach enzymes, rendering them inactive. In addition, alkaline water has good acid-buffering capacity, meaning it can have therapeutic benefits for patients with reflux disease. These findings suggest that alkaline water may be an effective treatment for acid reflux.

While more research is needed to confirm these findings, the study provides preliminary evidence that alkaline water is an effective treatment for acid reflux disease. As such, it is worth considering alkaline water as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for this condition.

If you're interested in trying alkaline water, you can invest in an alkaline water machine and reduce the need to buy bottled water. Everybody's body is different, so be sure to talk to your doctor first, as alkaline water may interact with certain medications. Also, keep in mind that it's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet if you suffer from acid reflux or GERD. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding trigger foods can all help reduce symptoms.

Have you tried alkaline water for acid reflux or GERD? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22844861/