Mineral water rich in bicarbonates promotes acid-base balance

To function properly, the body must maintain the pH of the blood within a narrow range, located between 7.35 and 7.45, that is to say in slightly alkaline values ​​(greater than 7). To achieve this, the body has different buffer systems to neutralize acidity: at the level of red blood cells, bones, lungs and kidneys, which excrete H ions⁺ surplus.

Read: Why act on the body’s acid-base balance (subscribers)

The consequences of an acid-base imbalance in the body

When blood pH deviates from its normal range, membrane enzymes and proteins may not function properly, and metabolic pathways are affected (1). When the body’s buffer systems are overwhelmed, chronic acidity can set in and have serious long-term consequences, as dietician Florence Piquet explains in her reference book, The guide to acid-base balance :

• the bones become demineralized and weaken;
• the muscles decrease in volume;
• the risks of kidney stones and kidney failure increase;
• sensitivity to pain may increase;
• tissues may be less sensitive to insulin;
• blood pressure may increase, the immune system may be less effective, fatigue may set in…

Diet is an important lever to activate to prevent these problems, starting with water.

The benefits of water rich in bicarbonates

In a randomized controlled intervention study, 94 healthy participants were divided into two groups: one consumed mineral water high in bicarbonate and sodium (HBS) and the other mineral water low in bicarbonate and sodium. Changes in venous blood gases and urinary acid-base parameters were measured in the short term (3 days) and long term (28 days). Potential renal acid load (PRAL) and nutrient intake were calculated at baseline and after 28 days (2).

Results: Compared to water low in bicarbonates, consumption of HBS water led to an increase in urinary pH and bicarbonate levels; it was accompanied by a reduction in acids and ammonium, leading to a reduction in net excretion of acid by the kidneys. These changes occurred from the first days and persisted until the end of the study. Changes in blood gases were modest in both groups.

These results show that you can alkalize your tissues by drinking sodium bicarbonate water. A slightly alkaline state is linked to many health benefits. It should be remembered that sodium, when linked to bicarbonate, does not increase blood pressure.

Read: Mineral water rich in sodium does not increase blood pressure (subscribers)

What water to drink?

The alkaline waters which provide the most bicarbonates are often sparkling waters: Vichy St-Yorre (4,368 mg/L of bicarbonates), Vichy Célestins (3,025 mg/L), Badoit (1,250 mg/L). In the study cited above, HBS water contained 4,368 mg/L of bicarbonates and 1,708 mg/L of sodium, which corresponds to the composition of Vichy St-Yorre.

Drinking enough during the day (1.5 to 2 L) helps eliminate acids by stimulating the work of the kidneys.

To go further: The guide to acid-base balance

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