Ionized Water: Separating Fact from Fiction About Alkalinity

I recently watched a video by Dr. Eric Berg, D.O., in which he discussed what he called the "negatives of alkaline ionized water." While his statements appear logical and he presents himself confidently, his key “facts” are either false or scientifically inaccurate. In this article, I’ll clarify and fact-check the main claims he made, starting with the most compelling one.

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Let's Fact-Check This Statement:

“When you take something that's alkaline, and specifically I'm talking about alkaline water, you are going to alter the stomach's pH. You may end up with heartburn, acid reflux, gas, GERD, infection, hair loss, or heart arrhythmia.”

This statement is false, misleading, and scientifically inaccurate, despite sounding authoritative. Let’s break it down:

Claim in Statement	Scientific Reality
“Alkaline water alters stomach pH”	False: Stomach pH quickly self-corrects.
“Causes heartburn, GERD, infection, etc.”	False: Unsupported by research. There is no credible scientific evidence to make this claim.
“Only natural alkaline water is safe.”	False: Both natural and ionized water are safe.
“Alkalinity itself is harmful.”	False — 8-9.5 pH alkalinity is safe and often beneficial.

The Stomach’s pH Is Tightly Regulated

The stomach restores its pH quickly after drinking or eating. It maintains a very strong acid (pH 1.5–3.5) to digest food and kill microbes.

Drinking alkaline water (even at pH 9–10) does not meaningfully alter this. The stomach simply compensates by secreting more acid, restoring its normal pH within moments.

Because of false and misleading statements made by just a few, some worry that alkaline water can disrupt digestion or stomach acidity, but this is total theory and simply not supported by science. Statements like this are usually made by someone who has very little or no experience with alkaline ionized water and makes theoretical claims based on their authority, outdated schooling or something else.

See my Doctor's and Experts page to examine data from professionals who have broadly used alkaline ionized water in their practices and see what they have to say. This is not to replace the advice of your personal doctor. 

Notes:

• Drinking large amounts of any water during meals can temporarily dilute stomach acid and slow digestion — especially for those with low stomach acid to begin with. So, just sip during meals and don't gulp.
• Reduced stomach acid production can occur with age, poor dietary choices, overeating, or frequent use of antacids — not simply aging itself. For anyone concerned about insufficient HCl production, adding a squeeze of lemon to water can help bring the pH closer to the digestive range.

The “Natural vs. Artificial” Argument Is False

Dr. Berg suggests that only naturally alkaline water (such as from springs or artesian wells) is safe. But in reality the mineralization and composition of ionized alkaline water with proper mineralization vs. alkaline spring water is the same: H2O plus beneficial minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

The key difference is not mineral content and purity — or whether the water was created naturally or ionically. It's the fact that ionized alkaline water also provides molecular hydrogen, which acts as an antioxidant.

This image is from a peer reviewed article: Hydrogen Water: Extra Healthy or a Hoax? As a research summary, it is educational and not meant as individual medical advice.

The Antioxidant Potential of Ionized Water 

For more information about the antioxidant potential of ionized water see our Benefits of Ionized Water and Scientific Studies pages.

Is Distilled water neutral (or better to drink at meals)?

Freshly distilled water is neutral (pH 7.0) only in theory, but once exposed to air it absorbs carbon dioxide, forming carbonic acid. Its pH then drops slightly to 5.5–6.5 — mildly acidic. So, the statement that distilled water is neutral is false.

Distilled water's slightly acidic pH does not make it more suitable to blend with the highly acidic gastric juices. These juices are exponentially stronger than any sort of water.

Distilled water is also worse for digestion, because it lacts the minerals our bodies need to aid in digestion. Minerals are crucial for processes like producing digestive enzymes and stomach acid, maintaining gut lining integrity, and supporting proper muscle function in the intestines. Minerals like zinc, magnesium, and potassium play a key role in keeping the digestive system running smoothly and are essential for overall digestive health. If the water you drink lacks these minerals the body will get it from somewhere else, however over time, exclusive use of distilled water can slightly reduce mineral reserves.

In contrast, alkaline ionized water is mineral-rich, similar to naturally alkaline mountain spring water.

Whether you prefer distilled, spring water or alkaline ionized water at meals, adding a squeeze of lemon is an excellent option. Lemon lowers the pH of any type of water closer to about a 3.0 pH and stimulates stomach acid production and bile flow, aiding digestion in more ways.

The best way to maintain pH balance during meals is to sip small amounts of water — enough to moisten food and aid swallowing. Avoid large gulps or multiple glasses of water immediately before, during, or right after a meal to prevent diluting gastric acid.

Choose mineralized or electrolyzed alkaline water for better hydration and digestion support, not distilled.

Finding True Balance

Lifestyle, diet, and hydration choices all influence overall health. When experts such as Dr. Hiromi Shinya recommend drinking alkaline ionized water and eating “alkalizing” foods, they are speaking from their vast experience as health care practitioners.

When the expression "alkalizing the body" is mentioned, it's referring to creating balance — not altering blood pH, but supporting the body’s ability to keep tissues and organs healthy and free from excess acidity. See the Dr. Shinya page.

Common Sense Suggestions for Creating Healthy Balance

• Drinking ionized water is a healthy choice to aid in alkalizing our bodies, just like avoiding sodas, processed snacks, and sugary foods.
• During the course of a day, your diet should naturally vary in pH, but ultimately support the body’s fluids and tissues, which are slightly alkaline.
• Overall health depends on variety, moderation and balance.
• Balance is key: include plenty of nutrient-rich, whole foods and pure water throughout the day.
• Gradual shifts toward a healthier lifestyle — rather than sudden extremes — is the best, most sustainable, path to wellness.