Alkaline water
Alkaline water is a pricey alternative to regular old water, and has been touted by celebrities as having health benefits because it’s less acidic than tap water. But Dr. Steve Vasilev, MD, a gynecologic oncologist and the medical director of Integrative Gynecologic Oncology at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, says it’s ultimately not doing your health any real favors.
“The answer is not to simply drown yourself with supposedly life-saving—and often very expensive—alkaline water,” he explains. “You can also harm yourself because one area that requires a highly acidic environment to digest food is your stomach. Depending on the type of alkaline water and associated minerals you take in, it is quite possible that you will alkalinize your stomach to a point that leads to bad digestion and disease.”
Instead, just be sure to stay away from processed foods and fast food, and research the acid levels associated with foods you typically eat. “By choosing wisely and to your taste, you can have quite an alkaline diet,” he says.
