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The consensus is widespread that drinking water is good for you. When you’re sick, water becomes even more important to fight off dehydration. The question then becomes: Can I drink alkaline water when I’m sick? Is there any harm in drinking alkaline water, as opposed to regular drinking water, when I’m sick?
Before diving into the specifics of alkaline water, first it is necessary to establish the importance of water in general when someone is sick. (Note: By “sick,” this blog is referring to everyday sicknesses, like the cold, flu, etc. Consult a medical profession if experiencing serious symptoms or a long-term disease.)
When someone is sick, they are at a higher risk of becoming dehydrated. Fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating can all lead to dehydration (1). Because the human body is made up of 60% water, it is vital to maintain an adequate amount of water in the body to keep it running properly.
When you are sick, symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and fever quickly deplete the body of its water, which can lead to dehydration and its harmful symptoms. By drinking enough water, you can fight back against dehydration while also regulating the body temperature, better digest food, and help your cell membranes build up a “barrier to prevent bacteria from entering the body. It can also help decrease nasal irritation when coughing, sneezing, and even just breathing” (2).
Additionally, when you are fighting off a virus, your body needs more electrolytes to maintain the body’s fluid levels and help with cell function (2). Water contains these essential electrolytes, so drinking more than enough water when you are sick allows your body to work the best it can to ward off the illness.
Alkaline water is a type of water that has a higher pH than regular drinking water. In its pure form, water has a neutral pH of 7. Alkaline water, on the other hand, typically has a pH of 8 or 9. Alkaline water contains added minerals–sometimes called “alkaline minerals”–which may provide the consumer with added health benefits.
Alkaline minerals include magnesium, potassium, sodium, and calcium. These minerals are all electrolytes. While all water contains small levels of electrolytes, alkaline water contains more than the average drinking water. This can be especially beneficial when you are sick or participating in sports, since electrolytes tend to be lost during these times.
The benefits of alkaline water continue to be researched, so not all benefits of alkaline water are yet set in stone. However, it is clear that alkaline water contains more electrolytes than normal drinking water, and these healthy minerals can help keep you staying hydrated for longer periods of time.
Additionally, alkaline water has been associated with improved bone density in people with osteoporosis and improved stool for participants during a study conducted in Japan (3). People who suffer from heartburn or acid reflux may find relief in drinking alkaline water, as it is cited to help with acid reflux as well (4).
While many claim that alkaline water will boost your body’s pH levels, many scientists dispute this claim. More research needs to be conducted on the matter. However, drinking alkaline water can increase the pH of urine, which may lessen the risk of kidney stones (5).
Drinking water is very important when you are sick, both to lessen symptoms and to fight off dehydration. Alkaline water provides extra benefits–like added electrolytes–which can help to replenish minerals that are lost due to fever, vomiting, etc.
As a whole, alkaline water is considered safe to drink for all demographics without any negative side effects (3). However, people with kidney disease should consult their doctor before drinking alkaline water that was prepared via ionization. That being said, there is no evidence suggesting that alkaline water is considered dangerous to any human demographic.
When you are sick, alkaline water is a great choice to drink. Alkaline water has a higher pH than normal drinking water due to the addition of healthy minerals. These minerals are all electrolytes, so drinking them is beneficial when you are sick because your body needs to replenish its electrolytes more often than when you are healthy. For the common cold or other illnesses, alkaline water is a great choice. To make alkaline water at home, try a Seychelle alkalizing water pitcher.
Is alkaline water good for kids?
Yes. Alkaline water is safe for kids to drink, and it helps them get extra minerals.
Is lemon water alkaline?
Yes. While lemons themselves are acidic in nature, once digested, lemons will have an alkalizing effect on the body.
Is alkaline water good for acid reflux?
Yes. Studies have shown that alkaline water can help with heartburn and acid reflux.
References
Anna Gunther,Yale New Haven Health,https://www.ynhhs.org/articles/how-to-stay-hydrated-when-sick
Canadian Digestive Health Foundation,https://cdhf.ca/en/the-importance-of-staying-hydrated-general-hydration-and-virus-recovery/
Angelica Balingit,Healthline,https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/alkaline-water-benefits-risks
Howard LeWine,Harvard Health Publishing,https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/is-alkaline-water-better
National Poison Control Center,https://www.poison.org/articles/is-alkaline-water-good-for-you
