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Alkaline Water And Cancer
Can Alkaline Water Treat Cancer?
What’s alkaline
water?
The term
“alkaline” refers to water’s pH level. It’s measured in a range from 0 to 14.
The only
difference between this type of water and regular tap water is the pH level.
Regular
tap water has a pH level of around 7.5. Alkaline water has a
higher pH of 8 to 9.
The higher
the number, the more alkaline. The lower the number, the more acidic.
According
to a study from 2013, water with
a low (acidic) pH tends to have toxic effects.
It was
once thought that ingesting acidic foods and drinks may increase your risk of
developing cancer.
It’s also
been said that an acidic diet feeds cancer cells, allowing them to thrive and
spread.
Here’s
what you need to know about the potential benefits and risks of alkaline water.
Alkaline water and cancer
Alkaline
water is said to help counteract the acid that’s found in your bloodstream.
It’s
thought that drinking water with a higher pH can increase your metabolism and
improve your body’s ability to absorb vital nutrients.
Some
theorize that this will starve any cancer cells found in your body because
cancer cells thrive in an acidic environment.
Introducing
something alkaline is said to slow or stop cancer growth by balancing your
body’s pH levels.
In
general, alkaline water may have a hydrating effect on your body. For some
people, it might also improve symptoms related to stomach acid reflux.
However,
in a body with normal function, alkaline water will not cause a significant
change, if any, in your body’s overall acid-base balance measured in the
bloodstream.
What the research says
There
currently isn’t any scientific evidence to support the idea that alkaline water
can treat or prevent cancer.
It’s
nearly impossible to grossly alter the pH level of your blood by eating or
drinking certain foods or liquids.
Under
normal circumstances, your body naturally balances its internal pH level without
needing a high level of thought or action on your part.
Your body
has multiple, complex and interrelated cellular mechanisms involved in keeping
your internal pH where it should be.
If you
have cancer, it shouldn’t drastically affect your overall pH level. Cancerous
cells do produce lactic acid, but it usually isn’t enough to alter the pH level
of your body.
In
general, there’s very little research about the way alkalinity affects the
human body.
How to use alkaline water
In 2011,
the World Health Organization (WHO) published updated guidelines Trusted Source on
the quality of drinking water.
These
guidelines state that the pH level generally doesn’t have a direct impact on
people. Water that’s disinfected with chlorine preferably has a pH less than
8.0.
If you’d
like to use alkaline water, you may be able to drink it as you would regular
tap water.
But, keep
in mind that too much alkaline water may cause side effects, such as upset
stomach and indigestion.
Risks and warnings
Drinking
water with a balanced pH is necessary. If the water is too acidic or too
alkaline, it can potentially have a negative effect on your health.
Your body
isn’t designed to drink alkaline water alone. If you drink too much, it can
disrupt the acid production in your stomach. This can result in indigestion
or stomach ulcers.
Other
risks include vulnerability to bacterial overgrowth and other germs causing
infection in your small intestine.
Your body
may also have difficulty digesting and absorbing nutrients.
If you’re
experiencing any kidney problems or have a chronic condition
related to your kidneys, talk to your doctor before use as it may be harmful.
Where can I get alkaline water?
You can
create your own alkaline water with special filters or faucet attachments. You
can also use additive drops to alkalinize water.
You can
purchase water ionizers that convert your tap water to an alkaline pH in most
large chain stores. Bottled alkaline water is also available at most grocery
stores.
There
isn’t scientific evidence to suggest that this has a positive impact on cancer
treatments or health.
Because
of this, alkaline water typically isn’t covered by your health insurance
provider.
What you can do now
Although
alkaline water is generally considered safe to drink, there isn’t any evidence
to suggest it has health benefits.
If you do
decide to give alkaline water a try, here are a few tips:
· Once metabolized, it produces alkaline byproducts that make urine more
alkaline. Adding a squeeze of lemon or lime to your water can reduce the
alkalinity because these citrus fruits are acidic.
· If you decide to create your own alkaline water, use distilled water.
This may reduce the number of additives.
· Don’t drink alkaline water at meal times. Drinking alkaline water with
food may negatively affect your body’s digestion.
If you
start experiencing any unusual side effects, you should discontinue use and
consult your doctor. They can work with you to determine the cause and, if
needed, update your treatment regimen.
Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo, LDN, RD,
specialty in nutrition, on April 19, 2019 — Written by Kelli Hansen, RN, CMCN,
CSA, CDP
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