In this evidence-based guide, Dr. Sean Hashmi reveals the science-backed truth about alkaline water and shares practical, actionable insights about its effects on kidney health. Learn why the pH of your water matters less than you might think for your overall health and kidney function.
ABOUT THIS VIDEO
Dr. Sean Hashmi, board-certified nephrologist, examines the scientific evidence behind alkaline water claims. Using peer-reviewed research, he separates fact from fiction regarding alkaline water’s effects on kidneys, acid reflux, athletic performance, and overall health.
QUICK NAVIGATION
00:00 – Introduction
01:01 – What Is Alkaline Water?
04:18 – Claims vs. Science
07:05 – Alkaline vs. Regular Water Comparison
10:15 – How Alkaline Water Affects the Body
13:08 – Kidney Health and Alkaline Water
16:06 – Acid Reflux and Digestive Health
18:08 – Athletic Performance and Recovery
20:49 – Bone Health and Aging
22:14 – Environmental Impact and Cost Analysis
23:31 – Myth Busting: Common Alkaline Water Claims
26:11 – Key Takeaways
KEY INSIGHTS
– Your body maintains a strict pH balance (7.35-7.45) regardless of the water you drink
– Commercial alkaline water often lacks sufficient alkali content to affect urine pH or kidney stone development
– For acid reflux, alkaline water may provide symptomatic relief but doesn’t address underlying causes
– Environmental impact and cost (up to $1,500 annually) may outweigh minimal proven benefits
SCIENTIFIC REFERENCES
– PLOS ONE (2022): Cross-sectional study showing association between alkaline water consumption and positive health markers in postmenopausal women
– Journal of PLOS One (2018): Double-blind placebo-controlled study examining hydration status and exercise performance with alkaline water
– Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2023): Study on alkaline water’s protective effect against calcium oxalate-induced kidney injury in mice
– Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology: Study showing alkaline water at pH 8.8 can inactivate pepsin, potentially helping with acid reflux
ABOUT DR. SEAN HASHMI
Dr. Sean Hashmi is a board-certified physician specializing in Nephrology, Lifestyle Medicine, and Obesity Medicine. He translates complex medical research into actionable strategies to help you maintain healthy kidneys and improve your overall wellbeing.
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MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or create a doctor/patient relationship. Viewers use this information at their own risk. The content should not substitute for professional medical advice—always consult your physician for medical conditions. Never delay seeking medical care based on information from this video. Views expressed are Dr. Sean Hashmi’s own and do not necessarily represent those of affiliated institutions.
#KidneyHealth #EvidenceBasedHealth #AlkalineWater #KidneyDoctor #HealthyKidneys
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Have you tried alkaline water? What was your experience, and did you notice any differences in how you felt? I'm curious to hear your real-world experiences!
If you found this video helpful, check out my video on kidney-friendly beverages here: [LINK] which pairs well with this information on water choices.
Our community grows stronger when we share our experiences and questions, so don't hesitate to ask anything about hydration and kidney health below.
If this evidence-based breakdown helped clear up confusion about alkaline water, please hit the like button so more people can find science-based information instead of marketing hype!
Video Chapters/Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction
01:01 – What Is Alkaline Water? Understanding pH
04:18 – Claims vs. Science: Research Evidence Review
07:05 – Alkaline vs. Regular Water: Direct Comparison
10:15 – How Alkaline Water Affects Your Body's Systems
13:08 – Kidney Health Implications of Alkaline Water
16:06 – Acid Reflux and Digestive Health Considerations
18:08 – Athletic Performance and Recovery Benefits
20:49 – Bone Health and Anti-Aging Claims Examined
22:14 – Environmental Impact and Cost-Benefit Analysis
23:31 – Myth Busting: Common Alkaline Water Claims
26:11 – Key Takeaways and Practical Recommendations
So at 20:40– if it doesn't change your blood ph- then it should have no effect on sports, gut health, or anything really. If the diet of food is not the same, there is no telling if the food you eat, or the water you drink, is having the effect. People should start with the Carnivore Diet first. Then see how things go for your body. Also, put high quality natural sea salt with minerals in your water. That will help with hydration and loss of minerals through sweating.
6:55 2 liters of hydrochloric acid per day..?
Thank you so much for sharing, super interesting. I have never tried alkaline water and am happy to report I feel great staying hydrated and fit with regular water, tons of varied exercise and healthy eating.
Alkaline water is not nearly enough to raise your pH. A simple tablespoon of baking soda wil, however. Twice a day.
Thank you for giving light regarding Alkaline Water and how it affects the physiological system of the body.
I’ve definitely benefited from drinking natural alkaline water that comes from the South Island of New Zealand. I used to get reflux and I don’t now.
I’m also an older woman and I don’t need to take any medication. Blood tests show kidney liver and cholesterol all normal. A combination of vitamins and natural alkaline water I think definitely help. I also stopped eating carbohydrates eg bread potatoes rice etc and follow a more ketogenic lifestyle
I'm 75 & have a Hailta Hernia which causes occasional Acid Reflux! It is at those times I'll drink 4-8oz Alkaline "Smart Water"! The rest of the time we drink about 24-48oz of regular Smart Water per day! I'm unable to take alot of supplements so the Electralytes in the water keeps me in Balance! I think continuing to Learn the Facts about a Healthy Life Style is a good thing but Mindfulness & living a Life of Greatfulness along with Common Sense & Bibical Principles is the REAL Key to a Long Healthy & Happy Life!
Right up to acid reflux I was with you. Acid reflux is due to a reduced acid level in the stomach causing the sphincter at the top not to close. INCREASE the acid with Betaine hydrochloride or apple cider vinegar and the reflux goes away. Tums and pump inhibitors work against our natural body state. Unless you have an ulcer it's MORE acid, not less.
Nice presentation, though I’ve come across some expert opinions that take a different stance on alkaline water. Would love to see a deeper dive into both sides of the science!
Mom use to make alot of biscuits , she would add baking soda, did not like. Taste. Pot belly diet. Ignorent.
Bad microbes , heart burn for many years, took zantack 30 days 1 hr before any thing eaten and one tab 1 hr after. Thirty five years and not one case of heart burn.
Let me guess. It’s a con.
“Distill what we learned.” 🤭
❤😮😊thankyou😊
You don’t want alkaline bottled water, you need Alkalized water known as “ERW”
This is where western medicine gets confused. There are thousands of scientific studies on ERW in PubMED. It’s not preliminary or “small studies” and there is no “more research needed”. It’s well documented.
What brand is recommended
Im a 73 year old diabetic. This is the first time in 25 years that Ive had a complication. A week ago I started passing blood with a bladder or kidney infection.This is the first time since my diagnosis that I was fearful. This is a video I need now
I really appreciate how this video breaks down the science behind alkaline water instead of just selling hype. Have any of you actually felt a noticeable difference when switching to alkaline water?
Thanks!
Dr. Sean,
Could you look into hydrogen rich water, please?
There are over 1500 peer review studies and it seems to give a boost of energy significantly, yet quite subtle.
Arm & Hammer baking soda is made of 100% pure sodium bicarbonate.
and also can you discuss the benefits of hydrogen water used extensively in Japan?
what about drinking distilled water. I read that it helps the kidneys pull inorganic material from the body. and why do they use distilled water in kidney dialysis? can you do a show on that?
TY
What about hydrogenated water?!
Things change all the time. One moment it’s good for you the next it’s bad. Then good again and back to bad. It’s hard to believe and count on good information.
I drink regular tap water because I believe drinking bottled water when you have clean tap water available, is a waste of money. I do however drink at least 2 litres of fluid daily, mostly in the form of water. I am aware that alcohol ( which I very seldom cunsume) and coffee can cause dehydration. I have noticed that on very hot days, increased fluid intake , I stay thirsty. It does help a lot though when I drink 5ml of bicarb in a glass of water. In South Africa, where I live, powders to add to your water called rehydrate which is supposed to correct your electrolyte balance, is very expensive. I only use it when I have had severe diarrhea.
Don't believe everything you see on the internet, even this. Ehat is his sngle?
Is magnetised water good for prostate and kidney patients….please reply me…🙏🙏🙏
Many problems with your story. Water and other things are absorbed through the stomach, magnesium bicarbonate is better, maybe the benefit is in absorbing protons in the stomach, etc. All in all, your conclusion that alkaline water is ineffective is NOT supported.
It's tastier and easier to drink. That's all there is to it. Drop some salt and sodium bicarbonate in your water and call it a day. That's all
I figured this out 10 years ago, and fixed my kidney problem. Good thing I didn't wait for the medical industry to wake up:)
Sounds like you are trying to keep your customers coming back.
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