Skip to main content
Alkaline

Myth of Alkaline Water: How Misguided Beliefs Are Leading People to Hospitals

Recently, at Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi, a series of patients have been admitted in critical condition due to poisoning, difficulty breathing, and even comas after believing in rumors about "alkaline water" – a type of water claimed to have the ability to cure all diseases. Many people have disregarded medical treatment, following the advice of local healers and word of mouth about the miraculous benefits of alkaline water, which has led to serious health consequences.

A Nightmare for Patients

One of the notable cases is that of P.T.M, a 60-year-old woman from Tan Dan, Soc Son, Hanoi. When she was admitted to the hospital in a weak state, with trembling limbs and uncontrollable vomiting for several days, Ms. M. explained that she had followed the advice of people in her community and began drinking 5-6 liters of "alkaline water" daily, hoping it would cure ailments such as stomach pain, thyroid nodules, and numbness in her limbs.

However, her condition deteriorated rapidly, and she was transferred to the Poison Control Center at Bach Mai Hospital. Tests revealed that she had been poisoned by alkaline water, suffering from severe hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis, which led to respiratory failure and required mechanical ventilation to sustain her life.

Unfortunately, Ms. M. is not the only case. Earlier, several other patients also suffered severe consequences after abandoning medical treatments and trusting in this so-called "miracle" method. A group of patients with kidney failure had stopped their dialysis treatment to drink alkaline water based on advertisements. Within just a few days, they fell into critical conditions, requiring hospitalization in comas, with heart damage and respiratory failure due to fluid overload complications.

Alkaline Water – A Dangerous Hidden Threat

Health experts warn that consuming excessive amounts of water, particularly alkaline water, can have extremely harmful effects on the body. According to Dr. Nguyen Trung Nguyen, Director of the Poison Control Center at Bach Mai Hospital, drinking too much water – whether regular or alkaline – in one day is already dangerous. When it comes to alkaline water, which has a high pH, the risks are even greater. This can lead to edema, respiratory failure, electrolyte imbalances, and even death.

Another serious issue is that excessive alkaline water consumption dilutes stomach acid, altering the acidic environment in the stomach. This impairs the ability to kill harmful bacteria and protect the body from harmful pathogens in food and drinks, allowing diseases to take root.

Drinking too much alkaline water not only causes water overload but also changes the pH of the blood, leading to metabolic alkalosis. This may seem trivial, but it is incredibly dangerous and complex. The body’s blood pH must remain stable between 7.35 and 7.45, which is crucial for the movement and activity of many substances and enzymes in the body, facilitating absorption, metabolism, and the functioning of organs. When the blood pH is altered, the body undergoes disruptions, leading to various diseases. Drinking excessive alkaline water raises the body's pH, causing sensory disturbances, comas, and hypokalemia, which can result in arrhythmias, paralysis, reduced enzymatic function, and even death.

A Warning: Do Not Trust Claims Lacking Scientific Evidence

Advertising alkaline water as a "cure-all" with no scientific basis is extremely dangerous. These so-called miracle treatments can place patients in life-threatening situations, as evidenced by numerous hospital admissions in recent times. Therefore, following advice that lacks scientific grounding from unqualified individuals or healers can result in severe health consequences.

To avoid such tragic mistakes, Dr. Nguyen Trung Nguyen advises the public to seek proper medical care at accredited healthcare facilities whenever experiencing health issues. The use of any type of water should follow official medical guidelines, avoiding overconsumption or relying on unverified advice. Ultimately, the best way to protect one's health is by choosing scientifically proven treatment methods rather than relying on unproven "miracle cures" that carry substantial risks.

Source: VTV Online