The Stomach, Digestion, and Alkaline Ionized Electrolyzed Water

Drinking water—whether it’s alkaline, neutral, or even slightly acidic—cannot alter the stomach’s pH. To illustrate this, it only takes a few drops of the stomach’s strongly acidic gastric juices to neutralize a whole bottle or large glass of alkaline ionized water. While drinking alkaline ionized water doesn’t alter stomach pH (which is a good thing), it can assist digestion in several crucial ways.

This blog post explains how.

What Is the Stomach?

The stomach is a muscular, J-shaped organ in the digestive system that:

• Stores and mixes food.
• Begins digestion.
• Controls the release of partially digested food into the small intestine.

The average empty stomach holds only about 1-2 ounces of gastric juices, mostly HCL, but can accommodate 2, 4, or even more liters of food and liquid for big eaters. (It expands like a balloon when you eat or drink.)

PH Balance in the Stomach

Inside the stomach, where digestion occurs, I think of this as an expandable container that holds a varying amount (according to need) of highly acidic gastric juices. But around this “container” is a relatively alkaline protective inner mucous layer into which bicarbonate is secreted. The critical thing to note here is that only the digestive juices are acidic, and they are so acidic as to eat away at the inner lining of the stomach if not for the protective mucous layer.

The stomach continuously produces small amounts of hydrochloric acid (HCl), even when not digesting food. This acidity helps prevent bacterial overgrowth and keeps the digestive system ready for the next meal.

But balance is key. While the stomach is designed to be acidic, there are limits. The stomach's acidity needs to be at an optimal level-enough to digest food and kill microbes, but not so excessive that it damages tissues or leaks upward. This delicate balance is crucial for maintaining a healthy digestive system.

Optimal acidity is enough to digest food and kill microbes, but not so excessive that it damages tissues or leaks upward. Too much acid production—or acid in the wrong place—can cause problems:

1. Acid reflux (GERD): If acid moves into the esophagus, it causes heartburn and damage, since the esophagus isn’t built to handle acid.

2. Ulcers: Overproduction of acid or damage to the stomach lining can lead to gastric ulcers.

3. Disrupted acid balance: Chronic stress, poor diet, or medications (like NSAIDs) can interfere with acid regulation, leading to either too much or too little acid.

Protein Digestion

An acidic environment is crucial for initiating protein digestion; specifically, a low pH denatures proteins, unraveling them so that enzymes can break down peptide bonds. [A peptide is a short chain of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, that are linked by peptide bonds.] It also stimulates Pepsin, the primary stomach enzyme for protein digestion, which is only active at very low pH levels.

However, beyond the inner container of the stomach, as the protein enters the next phase of digestion, as with all other food, a more alkaline environment is required (i.e., to activate the appropriate enzymes). So, when the chyme (the semi-fluid, acidic mixture of partially digested food and digestive juices) enters the duodenum at the bottom of the stomach, the pH is neutralized by bicarbonate from the pancreas.

How Ionized Alkaline Water Helps the Stomach and Digestion

Some people consider drinking alkaline water with a meal to be a gray area, i.e., it is unclear whether one should drink alkaline ionized water during a meal. But in fact, electrolyzed ionized alkaline water (typically pH 8–9.5) is only mildly alkaline, not strongly basic (like baking soda or antacids). So, it doesn’t take much to neutralize electrolyzed water, like I stated earlier, just a drop of gastric juices at a time is all it takes. Anyone can conduct a simple experiment with drops of vinegar, a water sample, and pH reagent drops to simulate the strongly acidic gastric juices.

The mildness of pH matters in terms of its effect on stomach acid and digestion:

1. Alkaline ionized water does not neutralize large amounts of acid.
2. The stomach hardly even needs to compensate by producing more acid in response to small to medium influxes of alkaline water.

Unless a person has a specific HCL deficiency, drinking alkaline water, whether with a meal or between meals, is considered safe and is unlikely to significantly disrupt digestion.

Drinking alkaline water between meals is undoubtedly beneficial, with no gray areas. (See my pages on the benefits of ionized water and research on molecular hydrogen.)

Best Practice (Timing) for Drinking Alkaline Ionized Water (or any water for that matter)

• Before meals: Drink small amounts of water in sips, ideally at a neutral pH (~15–30 minutes before). I like to add a few drops of apple cider vinegar to my ionized water both before and during meals, and also just take sips here and there. This can help prepare the digestive system.
• During meals: Limit the amount of water you drink while eating. Moderate water intake (not excessive) aids swallowing, activates digestive enzymes, helps moisten food, and may make it easier to chew and swallow, while also supporting nutrient absorption. During meals, alkaline ionized water (especially when combined with a squeeze of lemon) can be the perfect solution for breaking down, transporting, and absorbing soluble nutrients, particularly water-soluble vitamins (B and C) and minerals.
• After meals: Continue as above, with just sips here and there, until 30 minutes after the meal, or possibly longer for a larger meal, to ensure digestion is well underway. Then drink freely.
• Between meals is an ideal time for alkaline or hydrogen-rich water to:
  
  • Help neutralize residual metabolic acids.
  • Promote hydration.
  • Support systemic hydration and promote healthy bowel movements. Water keeps intestinal contents soft and moving, helping prevent constipation.
  • Support detoxification and antioxidant balance (especially if rich in molecular hydrogen).

By itself, water does not trigger digestion. Water has no calories and, therefore, passes directly through the stomach without triggering digestion if you drink it without food. Water is the ideal medium for delivering hydrogen, antioxidants, and pH buffers to your body and cells. It gets into your body and cells extremely quickly, so there is very little loss of the hydrogen benefits when it reaches the cells.

Avoid Possible Negative Effects:

Avoid drinking large amounts of water during meals, as it may temporarily dilute stomach acid, potentially slowing protein digestion.

Between Meals: After Digestion Starts

After 30 minutes, the stomach is well underway in the process of digestion and is actively breaking down food, mixing it with acid and enzymes.

Drinking Alkaline Ionized Water now will continue to support further digestion. The water will mix with stomach contents. There is no adverse effect when it mixes with the chyme. Furthermore:

• It can aid in the movement of chyme through the stomach,
• Help prevent constipation by hydrating the intestines downstream.
• Water is essential for transporting nutrients and molecules throughout the body.
• Alkaline ionized water is beneficial for the intestines, offering improved digestion.

Drinking electrolyzed water is also reported to reduce acid reflux in various scientific studies.

Both PH Balance and Hydration Make the Body Healthier

Achieving the proper pH at the right place and at the right time can make all the difference in the world.

Emerging research shows electrolyzed alkaline water has created the following positive effects:

• Reduce oxidative stress
• Improve hydration efficiency
• Support acid-base balance

Expert Tells All - Dr. Hiromi Shinya

Dr. Shinya, a pioneer in colonoscopy and digestive health, advocates a balanced diet, ionized water, and lifestyle changes. He recommends drinking alkaline or electrolyzed water between meals to avoid interfering with stomach acid while supporting gut health and hydration.

Based on follow-up colonoscopy results, he believes alkaline ionized water:

• Provides antioxidant benefits for gut health.
• Promotes intestinal pH balance
• Improves digestion and nutrient absorption

Why is between meals best?

Drinking alkaline or electrolyzed water during meals may dilute stomach acid, interfering with digestion of proteins and fats.

Between meals, the stomach is less active, so water passes through quickly—hydrating the body and delivering beneficial antioxidants without disrupting digestion.

Other Research

• There’s official recognition in Japan of the potential benefits of alkaline ionized water for the gastrointestinal tract.
• A pH of 9.5 is considered safe and beneficial for daily consumption within the guidelines.

What Is a “Balanced pH Diet”?

A pH-balanced or “alkaline-forming” diet doesn’t change your blood pH (which remains tightly controlled at 7.35–7.45). Instead, it reduces your body’s acid load by emphasizing:

• Alkaline foods
• Alkaline ionized water

Reducing acid load supports:

• Kidney function
• Bone mineral balance
• Muscle metabolism
• Inflammation contro

How a Balanced pH Diet Reduces Acid Load

• The body itself works to neutralize acid through the use of bicarbonate, minerals (such as calcium and magnesium), and urinary excretion.
• However, without also modifying your diet to include more alkaline foods and water, it can be too much for the body to handle, and sickness sets in.
• When the acid load is high (from diet), the body may:
  • Pull alkaline minerals from bones (affecting bone density).
  • Increase muscle breakdown to buffer acid.
  • Stress the kidneys, which filter and excrete excess acid.

Science Snapshot

• The Japanese Ministry of Health has approved alkaline ionized water devices for supporting gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Human and animal studies suggest benefits from hydrogen content, including anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects.
• Alkaline water may help buffer gut or urinary acidity and offset acid load from processed foods.
• Reducing oxidative stress may improve metabolic markers (e.g., insulin resistance).
• ERW’s alkalinity might optimize enzymatic conditions, though more research is needed.
• Clinical evidence is still limited—further independent studies are needed.

Final Thoughts

A water ionizer is a tool—not a magic bullet. But when used correctly and combined with a thoughtful diet and lifestyle, it can:

• Support hydration
• Deliver antioxidants (via H₂)
• Help buffer dietary acid load

As with any health tool, results depend on how you integrate it into your life.

“These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.”

Scientific & Medical References

Stomach Acid and Digestion

1. Martinsen, T. C., Bergh, K., & Waldum, H. L. (2005). Gastric juice: a barrier against infectious diseases. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, 96(2), 94–102.
2. → https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1742-7843.2005.pto960201.x
3. Helander, H. F., & Fändriks, L. (2014). Surface area of the digestive tract – revisited. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology, 49(6), 681–689.
4. → https://doi.org/10.3109/00365521.2014.898326

Role of pH in Enzyme Activation

1. Kageyama, T. (2002). Pepsinogens, pepsins, and pepsin inhibitors: structure, function, and evolution. Biological Chemistry, 383(3-4), 311–317.
2. → https://doi.org/10.1515/BC.2002.032

Hydrogen-rich Alkaline Water & Digestion

1. Shirahata, S., Kabayama, S., Nakano, M., Miura, T., Kusumoto, K., Gotoh, M., ... & Katakura, Y. (1997). Electrolyzed-reduced water scavenges active oxygen species and protects DNA from oxidative damage. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 234(1), 269–274.
2. → https://doi.org/10.1006/bbrc.1997.6595
3. Hara, T., Yamaguchi, T., Yoshida, M., & Nakayama, M. (2010). Alkaline electrolyzed water suppresses gastric injury caused by aspirin in rats. Medical Gas Research, 1(1), 13.
4. → https://doi.org/10.1186/2045-9912-1-13

Japanese Ministry of Health Recognition

1. Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW). Approval of alkaline ionized water for gastrointestinal symptoms.
2. → [Note: Official English documentation is limited. Refer to MHLW archives or Japanese-language regulatory sources.]

Dr. Hiromi Shinya’s Work

1. Shinya, H. (2007). The Enzyme Factor. Millichap Books.
2. → Dr. Shinya promotes plant-based diets and electrolyzed water for digestive and colon health based on decades of clinical experience.

Acid Load and Diet

1. Remer, T., & Manz, F. (1995). Potential renal acid load of foods and its influence on urine pH. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 95(7), 791–797.
2. → https://doi.org/10.1016/S0002-8223(95)00219-7
3. Schwalfenberg, G. K. (2012). The alkaline diet: is there evidence that an alkaline pH diet benefits health? Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2012.
4. → https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/727630

Hydration, Constipation, and Electrolyte Balance

1. Popkin, B. M., D’Anci, K. E., & Rosenberg, I. H. (2010). Water, hydration and health. Nutrition Reviews, 68(8), 439–458.
2. → https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00304.x