Why is alkaline water harmful?

Alkaline water can be beneficial only in a very narrow range of conditions. To understand why this is the case, let's analyze it from a physiological perspective.

Why alkaline water can help with gastritis with high acidity

Mechanism of action. Alkaline water (usually pH 8–9) neutralizes some of the free hydrochloric acid in the stomach. This temporarily reduces the aggressiveness of gastric juice, decreasing irritation of the mucosa.

Reduction of pain and burning. With high acidity, excess HCl damages the mucous layer, activates pain receptors, and can provoke reflux. Mild alkalization reduces this irritating factor.

Side effect — stimulation of secretion. The body responds to the alkalization of gastric contents compensatorily: it activates parietal cells to produce acid again (the "rebound" effect). Therefore, the benefit is often short-lived and limited.

Why alkaline water is harmful in other cases

Disruption of physiological acidity of the stomach. The normal pH of the stomach is 1.5–3. This is necessary for:

• denaturation of food proteins;
• activation of pepsin;
• destruction of pathogenic microorganisms – regular alkalization reduces the effectiveness of digestion and the sterility of the digestive tract;

Intestinal dysbiosis. Insufficient acidity of the stomach allows bacteria and fungi to pass into the intestine, where they can multiply, causing bloating, inflammation, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Disruption of mineral absorption. The absorption of calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc requires an acidic environment. Prolonged consumption of alkaline water reduces the bioavailability of these elements.

Increased risk of hypochlorhydria. In people with normal or low acidity, alkaline water can exacerbate acid deficiency, leading to chronic gastrointestinal problems (poor digestion, nutrient deficiencies, bacterial infections).

Conclusion

Alkaline water may be temporarily beneficial in symptomatically alleviating gastritis with high acidity, but as a therapeutic method, it is used only within the framework of medical prescriptions. In other cases, it interferes with the natural mechanisms of digestion and often causes harm.