The Benefits of Alkaline Water for Optimal Health

Do you suffer from gastrointestinal issues? If so, you're not alone. In fact, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, over 60 million Americans suffer from some form of digestive disease.

While there are many different digestive disorders, they all share one common symptom: stomach discomfort. This can manifest itself as bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or even acid reflux.

What do you need to know about alkaline water?

Alkaline water is water that has a pH level of 8.0 or above. It is sometimes referred to as "ionized water" because the water has been ionized by an electrolysis process. Alkaline water is purported to have many health benefits, such as improved hydration, antioxidant properties, and improved mineral absorption.

The electrolysis process works by passing an electric current through a water ionizer. This separates the water into two streams: acidic water and alkaline water. The acidic water has a pH level of 6.0 or below, while the alkaline water has a pH level of 8.0 or above. The higher the pH level, the more alkaline the water is.

Alkaline water also contains higher levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, compared to regular tap water. These minerals are thought to be beneficial for bone health and may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

In addition, alkaline water helps the metabolism speed up, promoting weight loss. Being at a healthy weight is another way to help control digestive issues. Carrying excess weight worsens any digestive problem, but this is especially true of acid reflux.

Unveiling the causes of gastritis

Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach. It's a common condition with a wide variety of causes. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and occasional bleeding.

The stomach lining contains special cells called epithelial cells, which produce a protective layer of mucus. This mucus helps to protect the stomach from the digestive acids and enzymes that break down food. When this mucus barrier is weakened or damaged, the stomach lining can become irritated and inflamed, leading to gastritis.

Gastritis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

1. Infection: Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can cause gastritis by damaging the stomach lining. The most common bacterial infection is Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which can be spread through contaminated food and water, or contact with an infected person.

2. Medicines: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, and other drugs can irritate the stomach lining and cause gastritis.

3. Excessive alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol irritates the stomach lining and can lead to gastritis.

4. Stress: Stress can increase the production of stomach acid, which can lead to gastritis.

5. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy to treat cancer can damage the stomach lining and lead to gastritis.

Symptoms of gastritis include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, bloating, and loss of appetite. Sometimes, the stomach lining may become so irritated that it begins to bleed, leading to blood in the vomit or stool.

Treatment for gastritis depends on the underlying cause. For example, H. pylori infections are typically treated with a combination of antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and other medications. Medications that reduce stomach acid production, such as PPIs, are also used to treat gastritis caused by medications or excessive alcohol consumption.

In some cases, lifestyle changes may be recommended to help reduce the symptoms of gastritis. For example, cutting back on alcohol consumption and avoiding foods that irritate the stomach can help reduce gastritis symptoms. In addition, avoiding the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other medications that can irritate the stomach can help reduce symptoms and prevent further irritation of the stomach lining.

The benefits of alkaline water in treating gastritis:

Gastritis is a condition that affects many people, resulting in inflammation of the stomach lining, abdominal pain, and other digestive symptoms. Fortunately, there are a number of treatments available to help people manage their condition and improve their quality of life. One such treatment is alkaline water, which has become increasingly popular in recent years as an effective way to reduce symptoms of gastritis.

A 2017 study found that alkaline water was an effective treatment for gastritis, The study's participants drank alkaline water for eight weeks and saw a significant reduction in stomach inflammation and other symptoms.

In summary, drinking alkaline water is an effective treatment for gastritis. This type of water contains minerals that help to balance the acidity in the stomach, reducing inflammation and helping to restore the balance of pH. In addition to drinking alkaline water, making dietary and lifestyle changes can also help to reduce the symptoms of gastritis.

My Personal Story:

I was diagnosed with an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) called Crohn's disease when I was 15 years old. I remember going to the doctor because I was having severe stomach pain and diarrhea. They did a bunch of tests and eventually, I was told that I had an incurable disease that would require me to take medication for the rest of my life. Since then, I've been on a lot of different medications, trying to find the right combination that would help control my symptoms. Some have helped more than others, but there has always been a trade-off. The medications that help the most often have the worst side effects.

I've tried different diets, too. I've been on a low-fat, high-fiber, and everything in between. I've Eliminated dairy, gluten, and different types of food groups to see if that would help. Nothing has ever completely gotten rid of my symptoms. I've had good days and bad days, but mostly bad.

A few years ago, I read about alkaline water and its potential health benefits. I was skeptical, but I figured I had nothing to lose by trying it. I started drinking alkaline water and noticed a difference almost immediately. My stomach pain and bloating were gone and my stool was more regular. I was even able to reduce the amount of medication I was taking.

I'm not completely symptom-free, but alkaline water has made a huge difference for me. I feel better than I have in years and I'm finally able to enjoy my life again. If you suffer from gastrointestinal issues, I urge you to try alkaline water. It might just be the answer you've been looking for.

Final thought:

It is clear that the experiences shared regarding alkaline water and its notable impact on managing IBD, particularly Crohn’s disease, cannot be dismissed. Consequently, any individual suffering from gastrointestinal issues should consider incorporating alkaline water into their daily lifestyle and monitor any physiological changes that may result. Although it is essential to remain mindful of any potential risks or adverse effects, it is also reasonable to conclude that alkaline water may present a viable health benefit for those diagnosed with IBD.