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It is not a cure for GERD
No water, regardless of pH, can cure a structural or chronic digestive condition.
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An evidence-based look at what peer-reviewed science tells us about alkaline water's potential role in managing acid reflux symptoms — including the boundaries of what the research actually shows.
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet or treatment plan.
Acid reflux, clinically known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus. This backwash can irritate the lining, causing the burning sensation commonly known as heartburn.
Burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), regurgitation of food or sour liquid, difficulty swallowing, a sensation of a lump in the throat. Some people also experience chronic cough, hoarseness, or breathing changes.
Conventional management typically includes lifestyle modifications (dietary changes, weight management, elevating the head of the bed during sleep), over-the-counter antacids and H2 receptor blockers, and prescription medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Always work with your doctor on a treatment plan.
A key factor in reflux-related tissue damage is an enzyme called pepsin. Pepsin is a digestive enzyme produced in the stomach that breaks down proteins. When stomach contents reflux into the oesophagus and throat, pepsin can adhere to the tissue and cause irritation. This is where pH becomes interesting.
The most widely cited study on this topic was conducted by Dr Jamie A. Koufman and Dr Nikki Johnston, published in 2012 in the Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology — a peer-reviewed medical journal.
★ Peer-Reviewed · 2012
The study examined the effect of alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 on pepsin activity in laboratory conditions. Researchers found that water at this pH level irreversibly denatured human pepsin — it became permanently inactive. They also found alkaline water demonstrated good acid-buffering capacity.
It's essential to understand the scope of these findings. This was an in vitro study — experiments conducted in a laboratory setting rather than inside the human body. The researchers demonstrated a mechanism by which alkaline water might benefit reflux sufferers, but additional clinical research is needed to confirm these findings translate to the same effect in real-world conditions.
Pepsin is most active at highly acidic pH levels (around pH 2). As pH increases (becomes less acidic), pepsin activity decreases. At mildly elevated pH levels, pepsin is merely inactivated temporarily. At pH 8.8 and above, the study showed pepsin is permanently denatured.
Beyond pepsin denaturation, the study noted alkaline water demonstrated good acid-buffering capacity. This means it may help maintain a higher pH in the oesophageal environment for longer than regular water, which has minimal buffering capacity.
Transparency matters. While the research is promising, it's important to be clear about the boundaries of what alkaline water can and cannot do.
No water, regardless of pH, can cure a structural or chronic digestive condition.
If your doctor has prescribed PPIs, H2 blockers or other treatments, do not stop them on your own.
Reflux symptoms can mimic other conditions. Get properly diagnosed.
Your body maintains blood pH on its own. The mechanism here is local — in the oesophagus, not systemic.
What the evidence suggests is that alkaline water may serve as a useful complement to conventional reflux management strategies — one factor among many in a holistic approach to digestive health that includes diet, lifestyle and medical care.
Designer Water is a South African premium alkaline water with a stable pH of 10 — exceeding the pH 8.8 threshold examined in the Koufman & Johnston study. Produced in Midrand, Gauteng. Every bottle independently tested.
Designer Water contains added minerals including calcium, magnesium and potassium. Every batch is tested to ensure consistent pH and mineral content, so you know exactly what you're drinking with every bottle. Available in 330ml, 500ml, 750ml, 1L, 5L and 10L.
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The research cited describes laboratory findings that have not been confirmed through large-scale clinical trials in humans. Individual results may vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised guidance.
Designer Water pH10 — alkaline at pH 10+, mineralised, hydrogen-infused. Bottled in Midrand under SANBWA, ISO 22000 and four other independent certifications.