If you have recently been diagnosed with kidney disease or have noticed some changes in your kidney function tests, you might be wondering about a very common question:
Is alkaline water good for kidney patients?
With alkaline water being heavily marketed in the United States and the United Kingdom as a health-promoting beverage, it is no surprise that kidney patients are curious about it. Some people claim that it has the ability to balance pH, detoxify the body, and promote the function of organs, but what does the science say?
What Is Alkaline Water?
Alkaline water is water that has a higher pH level than regular drinking water.
- Regular water has a neutral pH of about 7
- Alkaline water usually has a pH level between 8 and 9.5
- It may also contain minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium
Some of these products are naturally alkaline (from mineral springs), while others are made using ionization machines.
It is usually used for:
- Acid balance
- Detoxification
- Hydration
- Anti-aging properties
However, when it comes to patients with kidney problems, we have to dig deeper.
How Do the Kidneys Control pH Naturally?
Your kidneys are also very important in regulating the acid-base balance in your body.
Healthy kidneys:
- Excrete excess acids from the bloodstream
- Reabsorb bicarbonate
- Maintain a narrow, healthy range of blood pH
However, if you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), your kidneys may have difficulty maintaining the body’s acid levels. This can cause metabolic acidosis, especially in the advanced stages.
This is why some people think that alkaline water can be beneficial. But the truth is more complex.
Is Alkaline Water Good for Kidney Patients? The Short Answer
The truth is: It depends on the stage of kidney disease and your health status.
For early CKD (Stage 1 or 2), moderate consumption of alkaline water is not likely to be harmful.
For advanced kidney disease (Stage 4 or 5), it may be risky, especially if mineral intake is not monitored properly.
Alkaline water is not a kidney disease treatment, and it should never be used as a substitute for medical treatment.
Potential Benefits of Alkaline Water for Kidney Patients
Although there is no concrete evidence, here are some potential benefits that are often cited:
- Reduces acid load – In early CKD, limiting dietary acid intake may be beneficial for kidneys.
- Increases hydration – Some patients find alkaline water more palatable to drink in larger quantities.
- May alleviate mild metabolic acidosis – In certain situations, limiting acid intake may be beneficial under medical guidance.
- Mineral supplementation – Magnesium and calcium may provide some mild benefits to certain patients.
These potential benefits are not universally applicable and may differ from person to person.
Possible Risks of Alkaline Water in CKD
This is where being cautious becomes necessary.
Patients with kidneys need to be aware of the following:
- Excess potassium – Some alkaline water sources have potassium added to them. This is harmful to patients with severe CKD.
- Electrolyte imbalance – Drinking too much of any mineral can lead to an imbalance in a patient’s kidney diet.
- Fluid overload – Drinking too much of any water can be harmful to patients with severe kidney disease.
- False sense of security – Thinking that alkaline water can “cure” kidneys can lead to a patient not seeking proper treatment on time.
The National Kidney Foundation and the National Health Service recommend hydration but do not recommend alkaline water as a treatment for kidneys.
Does Alkaline Water Lower Creatinine?
This is one of the most searched questions in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, London, and Manchester.
At present, there is no concrete scientific evidence to support the claim that alkaline water reduces creatinine levels.
The following factors affect creatinine levels:
- Kidney filtration rate (eGFR)
- Muscle mass
- Hydration status
- Total kidney damage
Hydrating the body helps to keep the kidneys healthy, but there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that alkaline water helps to reduce creatinine levels.
Is Alkaline Water Safe for Stage 3 CKD Patients?
For patients with Stage 3 CKD, the answer is different.
In most situations:
- Moderate consumption of balanced alkaline water is acceptable
- Electrolyte levels should be checked
- It is recommended to get your doctor’s approval before consuming alkaline water
Patients with potassium or fluid restrictions should be careful.
Who Should Avoid Alkaline Water?
Certain kidney patients should avoid or limit the consumption of alkaline water:
- Stage 4 or 5 CKD patients
- Dialysis patients
- Those with high potassium levels
- Those with strict fluid restrictions
- Those with severe electrolyte imbalance
In advanced kidney disease, accuracy is crucial, and even small changes in diet can make a huge difference.
Is Regular Water Better Than Alkaline Water?
For most kidney patients, clean and filtered water is more than enough.
Hydration is more important than pH value.
The kidneys do not need alkaline water to work properly. Their function is to maintain pH balance in the body – although this becomes difficult in advanced CKD.
Rather than emphasizing only alkaline water, kidney patients should focus on the following:
- Satisfactory fluid intake per day (as advised by the doctor)
- Lower sodium intake
- Balanced potassium levels
- Well-controlled blood pressure
- Blood sugar regulation
These have a much greater influence on kidney health than water pH.
Alkaline Water vs Regular Water for Kidney Patients
| Factor | Alkaline Water | Regular Water |
|---|---|---|
| pH Level | Higher pH (8–9.5) | Neutral pH (around 7) |
| Mineral Content | May contain added minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium | Usually contains natural trace minerals |
| Effect on Kidney Function | No strong scientific proof of improving eGFR or creatinine | Supports hydration and natural kidney filtration |
| Risk in Advanced CKD | May increase electrolyte imbalance if high in potassium | Generally safer when taken as per doctor’s advice |
| Hydration Benefit | Can support hydration if consumed moderately | Equally effective for proper hydration |
| Recommended for CKD | Only after medical consultation | Commonly recommended as primary fluid source |
What About Metabolic Acidosis in CKD?
Some patients with CKD may also experience metabolic acidosis, a condition where the body becomes too acidic.
To treat this condition, your doctor may prescribe the following:
- Sodium bicarbonate supplements
- Dietary changes
- Specific medical treatment
Alkaline water cannot be used as a medical treatment for this condition.
If you think you have metabolic acidosis, it is important to get proper lab work and consult with your doctor.
Hydration Tips for Kidney Patients in the US & UK
Rather than following what advertisers say, follow these evidence-based tips:
- Drink water throughout the day
- Avoid sweet drinks
- Avoid high-sodium drinks
- Follow fluid restrictions as ordered
- Watch for swelling and weight changes
- Discuss your hydration plan with your nephrologist
These tips apply no matter where you live, whether Chicago or Birmingham.
Common Myths About Alkaline Water and Kidneys
Let’s set the record straight on a few myths.
Myth 1: Alkaline water can detox your kidneys.
Fact: Your kidneys can naturally detox your body.
Myth 2: Alkaline water can cure kidney disease.
Fact: There is no cure for CKD. Only slowing the progression of the disease is possible.
Myth 3: The higher the pH, the better your kidneys are functioning.
Fact: The ability of your kidneys to filter is what matters, not the pH of your drinking water.
Final Verdict: Is Alkaline Water Good for Kidney Patients?
Alkaline water is not harmful to all patients with kidney disease, but it is also not a proven remedy.
For patients with early-stage CKD, moderate consumption is likely safe under the care of a physician.
For patients with advanced kidney disease, care must be taken, especially regarding mineral and electrolyte issues.
Hydration is important. The pH marketing hype is much less significant.
If you are thinking of incorporating alkaline water into your regimen, you should discuss it with your healthcare provider. Patients with kidney disease need individualized care, not cookie-cutter remedies.
How Medilux ayurveda can help you with your kidney disease?
At “Medilux Ayurveda” we offer personalized treatment for kidney patients, including tailored diet plans and lifestyle modifications. Regardless of whether you are in stage 1 through stage 5 of kidney disease or are currently on dialysis, we are available to assist you 24×7.
To begin your holistic treatment, get in touch with us at “Medilux Ayurveda” for a complimentary doctor consultation. Please complete the patient form and submit it with basic information about your condition, and our certified team will contact you as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can also reach our team via phone or live chat.