Diet and nutritionAlkaline water — a fad or a remedy for an acidified body?
Sources: 9 · Article: 14 774 characters
Prof. Klaus F. Kopp believes that drinks with a high carbonate content may improve acid-base balance.
- M. Williamson, N. Moustaid-Moussa, and L. Gollahon point to alkaline foods and bicarbonate as ways to neutralize acidosis.
- In chronic kidney disease, eating more fruits and vegetables may reduce the associated cardiovascular risk more effectively than sodium bicarbonate alone.
- M. S. Sater and H. A. Giha describe how the body tightly controls pH, and disorders arise when its compensatory mechanisms are no longer sufficient.
What the authors write
Prof. Klaus F. Kopp
Prof. Klaus F. Kopp presents drinks with a high carbonate content as a possible way to improve acid-base balance.
„But unfortunately, nowhere does it say what pH value in the body, or in any body fluid, is recommended or even good in the long term. Given the various ways of improving the body's acid-base balance by taking bicarbonate in powder or tablet form, or perhaps by drinking mineral waters or drinks especially rich in carbonate, the author will now give a simple answer, based on scientific findings and experience, about the pH optimum to aim for.”Aber leider wird nirgendwo gesagt, welcher pH-Wert im Körper oder in welcher Körperflüssigkeit auch immer, empfehlenswert oder gar auf die Dauer gut sei.Aufgrund der verschiedenen Möglichkeiten durch Einnahme von Bikarbonat in Pulver- oder Tablettenform evtl. auch mithilfe von besonders Karbonat-haltigen Mineralwässern oder Drinks, den Säure-Basen-Haushalt des Organismus zu verbessern, wird der Autor im Folgenden die auf wissenschaftlichen Ergebnisse und Erfahrungen beruhende einfache Antwort bezüglich des anzustrebenden pH-Optimums geben.
Prof. Klaus F. Kopp
Prof. Klaus F. Kopp considers the benefits of taking sodium bicarbonate to be very great, including for the prevention and treatment of various diseases.
„(See appendix) Based on scientifically established physiological and biochemical findings and the author's personal clinical and scientific experience, the benefits of sodium bicarbonate supplementation are exceptionally great, both for general health and for the prevention and treatment of a wide range of medical conditions.”(Siehe Anhang)Aufgrund wissenschaftlich gesicherter physiologischer und biochemischer Erkenntnisse und persönlicher, klinisch-wissenschaftlicher Erfahrungen des Autors ist der Nutzen einer Substitution von Natriumbikarbonat sowohl für die allgemeine Gesundheit als auch zur Prophylaxe und Therapie der verschiedensten Krankheitsbilder in der Medizin außerordentlich hoch.
Prof. Klaus F. Kopp
Prof. Klaus F. Kopp notes that dosage recommendations for bicarbonate are very imprecise, and the needs of different people have not been quantified.
„Dosage instructions are extremely vague. The differing needs of people with different metabolisms and kidney function, weight, or age have not yet been defined quantitatively. In medicine, there are specific indications for sodium bicarbonate, particularly in the treatment of people with kidney disease, whether by intravenous infusion or in the form of special tablets or capsules.”Dosierungsanleitungen sind dabei äußerst vage. Ein unterschiedlicher Bedarf von Personen mit unterschiedlichem Stoffwechsel und unterschiedlicher Nierenfunktion, Gewicht oder Alter konnte bislang auch nicht quantitativ definiert werden.In der Medizin gibt es für die Behandlung besonders von Nierenkranken besondere Indikationen für Natriumbikarbonat, sei es durch intravenöse Infusion oder auch in Form besonderer Tabletten oder Kapseln.
Prof. Klaus F. Kopp
Prof. Klaus F. Kopp states that sodium bicarbonate is used in medicine in specific situations, particularly for people with kidney disease.
„The differing needs of people with different metabolisms and kidney function, weight, or age have not yet been defined quantitatively. In medicine, there are specific indications for sodium bicarbonate, particularly in the treatment of people with kidney disease, whether by intravenous infusion or in the form of special tablets or capsules.”Ein unterschiedlicher Bedarf von Personen mit unterschiedlichem Stoffwechsel und unterschiedlicher Nierenfunktion, Gewicht oder Alter konnte bislang auch nicht quantitativ definiert werden.In der Medizin gibt es für die Behandlung besonders von Nierenkranken besondere Indikationen für Natriumbikarbonat, sei es durch intravenöse Infusion oder auch in Form besonderer Tabletten oder Kapseln.
Prof. Klaus F. Kopp
Prof. Klaus F. Kopp claims that healthy older people may have low blood bicarbonate levels, and that this is always the case in illness.
„For renal physiological reasons, healthy older people often have abnormally low blood bicarbonate levels, and this is always the case in illness. Based on the central role of acid-base balance in the body's metabolism and on still little-known links with blood flow, i.e.”Häufig liegt beim älteren Gesunden aus nierenphysiologischen Gründen, immer aber im Krankheitsfall auch ein pathologisch niedriger Bikarbonat-Blutspiegel vor.Basierend auf der zentralen Rolle des Säure-Basen-Haushaltes im Stoffwechsel des Organismus und aufgrund noch wenig bekannter Verknüpfungen mit der Durchblutung d.h.
Prof. Klaus F. Kopp
Prof. Klaus F. Kopp notes that publications on acid-base balance do not say what pH level in the body or its fluids is recommended or good in the long term.
„But unfortunately, nowhere does it say what pH value in the body, or in any body fluid, is recommended or even good in the long term. Given the various ways of taking bicarbonate in powder or tablet form, perhaps”Aber leider wird nirgendwo gesagt, welcher pH-Wert im Körper oder in welcher Körperflüssigkeit auch immer, empfehlenswert oder gar auf die Dauer gut sei.Aufgrund der verschiedenen Möglichkeiten durch Einnahme von Bikarbonat in Pulver- oder Tablettenform evtl.
M. Williamson i N. Moustaid-Moussa i L. Gollahon
M. Williamson, N. Moustaid-Moussa, and L. Gollahon point to alkaline foods and bicarbonate supplementation as ways to neutralize acidosis and maintain a slightly alkaline arterial pH.
„To neutralize acidosis and maintain arterial pH at a slightly alkaline level (7.36–7.44), alkaline foods and bicarbonate supplementation are suggested. Physiological evidence supporting an alkaline shift in the diet includes the following: reducing or neutralizing the dietary load inhibits bone reabsorption, muscle atrophy, and excess cortisol secretion (); alkalinizing the tumor microenvironment enhances the tumor's response to chemotherapy (); and higher plasma bicarbonate levels are associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes ().”To neutralize acidosis and maintain arterial pH that is slightly alkaline (7.36–7.44), alkaline foods and bicarbonate supplementation are suggested. Physiological evidence supporting an alkaline shift in the diet is shown by: bone reabsorption, muscle atrophy, and excess cortisol secretion is inhibited by reducing or neutralizing dietary load (), alkalinizing the tumor microenvironment enhances tumor response to chemotherapy (), and higher levels of plasma bicarbonate is associated with lower risk for type 2 diabetes ().
M. Williamson i N. Moustaid-Moussa i L. Gollahon
M. Williamson, N. Moustaid-Moussa, and L. Gollahon state that in chronic kidney disease, changing the diet to include more fruits and vegetables reduces the associated cardiovascular risk more effectively than sodium bicarbonate treatment alone.
„Changing the diet to include more fruits and vegetables reduces cardiovascular risk associated with chronic kidney disease more effectively than sodium bicarbonate treatment alone (). Major dietary changes will further drive the major changes in cellular metabolism required to treat or reverse the complete reprogramming of cellular mechanisms caused by chronic disease.”Changing diet to add more fruits and vegetables reduces cardiovascular risk associated with chronic kidney disease more effectively than just sodium bicarbonate treatment (). Major dietary shifts will further effect the major changes in cellular metabolism required to treat or reverse the complete re-programming of cellular mechanisms caused by chronic disease.
M. S. Sater i H. A. Giha
M. S. Sater and H. A. Giha write that the body tightly controls pH in different parts of the body, and acid-base disorders arise when its compensatory capacity is exceeded.
„The human body maintains strict pH control across cellular compartments through compensatory mechanisms that resist pH changes in both ECF and ICF. When compensatory capacity is exceeded, diverse acid-base disorders emerge. The lungs and kidneys serve as the final routes for proton removal from the body [9,10].”The human body maintains strict pH control across cellular compartments through compensatory mechanisms that resist pH changes in both ECF and ICF. When compensatory capacity is exceeded, diverse acid–-base disorders emerge. The lungs and kidneys serve as the final routes for proton extrusion from the body [9,10].
M. S. Sater i H. A. Giha
M. S. Sater and H. A. Giha state that in type 2 diabetes, some fluids and tissues may become more acidic, while certain sites become more alkaline.
„In the setting of increased body acidity in T2D, while most tissue and organ fluids experience acidification, at least three sites exhibit increased alkalinity: gastric contents, pancreatic β-cells, and the skin surface [3]. However, this alkalinity also contributes to the pathophysiology, symptoms, and complications of T2D, as discussed below.”In the setting of increased body acidity in T2D, while most tissue and organ fluids experience acidification, at least three sites exhibit increased alkalinity: gastric contents, pancreatic β-cells, and the skin surface [3]. However, this alkalinity also contributes to the pathophysiology, symptoms, and complications of T2D, as discussed below.
M. S. Sater i H. A. Giha
M. S. Sater and H. A. Giha note that increased alkalinity in these sites may also be linked to the symptoms and complications of type 2 diabetes.
„However, this alkalinity also contributes to the pathophysiology, symptoms, and complications of T2D, as discussed below. Both the acidity and alkalinity of the surrounding medium affect an enzyme’s catalytic activity, primarily by altering its three-dimensional structure and active-site conformation.”However, this alkalinity also contributes to the pathophysiology, symptoms, and complications of T2D, as discussed below. Both the acidity and alkalinity of the surrounding medium affect an enzyme’s catalytic activity, primarily by altering its 3-dimensional structure and active-site conformation.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 3 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.
Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 423.
In a randomized trial, bicarbonate- and sodium-rich water raised urine pH and reduced net renal acid excretion in healthy people.
Aim of the study: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a global health challenge. The complex causes of NCDs include genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, including dietary habits. Chronic latent metabolic acidosis has been associated with an increased risk of NCDs. Alkalizing diets and mineral water consumption have shown promise in improving acid-base balance and potentially affecting NCDs.
Results: Consumption of HBS water led to increased urinary pH (24-hour urine and spontaneous urine, both p < 0.001) and bicarbonate levels (p < 0.001), accompanied by lower titratable acids (p < 0.001) and ammonium (p < 0.001), resulting in lower net renal acid excretion (p < 0.001). These changes occurred in the short term and persisted until the end of the study. LBS consumption had no significant effect on urinary pH but led to a slight decrease in bicarbonate (p < 0.001) and NH4 + (p < 0.001), resulting in a slight decrease in NAE (p=0.011). Blood gas changes were modest in both groups. Mineral water consumption in the HBS group changed dietary sodium and chloride intake, contributing to changes in PRAL values.
Money for the studycompany together with others · SNC Neptune, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover, Projekt DEAL
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?YES
Type of studystudy with random allocation to groups (RCT)
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Bicarbonate-rich water increased urine pH and some blood markers after exercise, but did not improve sports performance.
Aim of the study: During high-intensity (HI) exercise, metabolic acidosis significantly impairs exercise performance. Increasing the body's buffering capacity through training and external intake of alkalizing supplements may improve high-intensity performance.
Results: Similar changes were observed when STY was combined with the ALK diet. In contrast, STY combined with the ACI diet only significantly affected urine pH and peak blood lactate compared with PLA (p < 0.05). No effect of bicarbonate-rich water on anaerobic performance was reported (p > 0.05). Our results suggest that consuming bicarbonate-rich water changes acid-base balance during warm-up and after HI exercise, may enhance the beneficial effects of an alkalizing diet on acid-base balance after HI exercise, and reduces the acid load caused by an acidifying diet.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studystudy with random allocation to groups (RCT)
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
A systematic review found insufficient studies to confirm or rule out an effect of alkaline water on cancer; however, it did not examine general “body acidity.”
Aim of the study: To evaluate the evidence for a causal relationship between dietary acid/alkaline intake and alkaline water and the causes and treatment of cancer.
Results: A total of 8278 citations were identified, and 252 abstracts were reviewed; 1 study met the inclusion criteria and was included in this systematic review. No randomized trials were found. No studies were found that examined dietary acid or alkaline intake, or alkaline water, for cancer treatment. The included study was a cohort study with a low risk of bias. It found no association between dietary acid load and bladder cancer (OR=1.15: 95% CI 0.86 to 1.55, p=0.36). No association was found even among long-term smokers (OR=1.72: 95% CI 0.96 to 3.10, p=0.08). Despite the promotion of alkaline diets and alkaline water by the media and salespeople, there is almost no actual research to support or disprove these ideas. This systematic review found a lack of evidence for or against dietary acid load and/or alkaline water in the development or treatment of cancer.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studyreview of many studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Perspectives and opinion materials
The content below presents the authors’ opinions, interpretations and hypotheses. It is not treated as equal to scientific studies and systematic reviews.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Alkaline diet. US News and World Report. 2. Collins S. (2018) Alkaline Diets. 3. Blackburn KB. (2018) The alkaline diet: What you need to know. Gropper SS, Smith JL. (2013) Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism. Chapter 9: Integration and Regulation of Metabolism; Chapter 12: Water and Electrolytes. Wadsworth, Belmont CA. ISBN-13: 9781133104056. 5.”Alkaline diet. US News and World Report. 2. Collins S. (2018) Alkaline Diets. 3. Blackburn KB. (2018) The alkaline diet: What you need to know. Gropper SS, Smith JL. (2013) Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism. Chapter 9: Integration and Regulation of Metabolism; Chapter 12: Water and Electrolytes. Wadsworth, Belmont CA. ISBN-13: 9781133104056. 5.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Mineral ascorbates may be better tolerated because they make the stomach more alkaline than ascorbic acid. However, an alkaline stomach is not a good idea—there are reasons the body secretes hydrochloric acid into the stomach, including preventing infection. Furthermore, if you are coming down with a hemorrhagic viral infection, mild discomfort will not be a major concern. For high intakes, ascorbic acid capsules are preferable to tablets. This is because tablets are packed with fillers, and it is unwise to take massive doses of these chemicals. Check the ingredients—you want to take ascorbic acid and very little else.”Mineral ascorbates may be better tolerated, as they make the stomach more alkaline than ascorbic acid. However, an alkaline stomach is not a good idea - there are reasons the body secretes hydrochloric acid into the stomach, including preventing infection. Furthermore, if you are coming down with a haemorrhagic viral infection, mild discomfort will not be something of great concern. For high intakes, capsules of ascorbic acid are preferable to tablets. This is because tablets are packed with fillers and it is not wise to take massive doses of these chemicals. Check the ingredients - you want to take ascorbic acid and very little else.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„The lotion can be as simple as a handful of fermented raw milk (clabbered milk) mixed with a tablespoon of ascorbic acid and 1/8 tsp of niacinamide, applied after milking twice a day. Generally, this treatment clears the issue in a few days. In the butchery, we use hot water primarily as the cleaning agent. We use wooden cutting surfaces rather than plastic, as science shows that wood favors a beneficial microbiome balance. Plastic cutting surfaces that are washed with chlorine and other cleaning agents, as required in public butcheries, favor pathogenic microbial growth.”The lotion can be as simple as a handful of fermented raw milk (clabbered milk) mixed with a tablespoon of ascorbic acid and 1/8 tsp of niacinamide applied after milking twice a day. Generally this treatment clears the issue in a few days. In the butchery, we use hot water primarily as the cleaning agent. We use wood cutting surfaces rather than plastic, as science shows that wood favors a beneficial microbiome balance. Plastic cutting surfaces that are washed with chlorine and other cleaning agents, as required in public domain butcheries, favor pathogenic microbial growth.
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