One of the questions we hear most often at LIFE Ionizers™ is: “Do stomach acids neutralize alkaline water?” The question frequently comes up because of claims made on skeptic websites run by retired chemist Stephen Lower and Dr Joseph Mercola.
The short answer to the question is: No, alkaline water drank on an empty stomach is not neutralized by stomach acid because there is no acid in an empty stomach! Water does not require digestion.
How the Stomach Works
There is acid produced in the stomach when you eat, but once food is digested, all of the contents of the stomach move into the intestines. The stomach then empties itself for a very important reason; acid sitting in the stomach will eat through the stomach lining and cause ulcers! Conditions which cause excess acid to build up in an empty stomach make you feel sick, and manifest themselves as illnesses like heartburn, ulcers, and an upset stomach.
The stomach produces more than acid during digestion. For every molecule of hydrochloric acid produced by our stomachs to digest food, an equal amount of bicarbonate – which is an alkaline – is produced by the pancreas and red blood cells. Carbon dioxide, sodium, water and chloride – These are the elements that the pancreas and blood use to produce bicarbonate, which is an alkalizing compound.
The body needs the bicarbonate to alkalize the things broken down in the stomach by stomach acid to prepare them for absorption in the small intestine. More acidic foods and drinks will force the stomach to produce more bicarbonate to buffer the acids.
Drink Alkaline Water on an Empty Stomach
On an empty stomach, drink ionized alkaline water in a pH range of 8 – 9.5. Food and drink can be alkalized by preparing them with alkaline water if you want them to have a more alkaline pH. A pH of 8.4 is optimal for biological transformation of food into stems cells in the crypts of the small intestine.
Need more information about the benefits of alkaline water for digestive health? Call our healthy water experts today at: (415) 203-5519.
Has the FDA evaluated alkaline water’s effect on stomach acid?
No. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The preceding information and/or products are for educational purposes only and are not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or treat illness. Please consult your doctor before making any changes or before starting ANY exercise or nutritional supplement program or before using this information or any product during pregnancy or if you have a serious medical condition.
