Alkaline Water: Kidney Doctor Reveals What Science Actually Says

Sean Hashmi, MD April 16, 2025
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Sean Hashmi, MD

@seanhashmimd

About

Your kidneys control more than you think—metabolism, aging, weight, and blood pressure. I teach you how to protect them before it's too late. I'm Dr. Sean Hashmi, a board-certified Nephrologist and Obesity Medicine Specialist. After 15 years of treating kidney disease and metabolic conditions, I realized something was broken. We wait until people are sick, then scramble to fix the damage. Losing my sister and watching my family's health struggles changed my path. I left the "treat the symptom" model to focus on prevention—teaching people the science of staying healthy. The SELF Principle Sleep. Exercise. Love. Food. Four pillars that protect your kidneys, reverse insulin resistance, and add years to your life. This framework guides everything I teach. New videos weekly on kidney health, metabolic health, longevity, and disease prevention. Practice kindness and gratitude—starting with your health.

Video Description

In this evidence-based guide, Dr. Sean Hashmi reveals the science-backed truth about alkaline water and shares practical, actionable insights about its effects on kidney health. Learn why the pH of your water matters less than you might think for your overall health and kidney function. ABOUT THIS VIDEO Dr. Sean Hashmi, board-certified nephrologist, examines the scientific evidence behind alkaline water claims. Using peer-reviewed research, he separates fact from fiction regarding alkaline water's effects on kidneys, acid reflux, athletic performance, and overall health. QUICK NAVIGATION 00:00 - Introduction 01:01 - What Is Alkaline Water? 04:18 - Claims vs. Science 07:05 - Alkaline vs. Regular Water Comparison 10:15 - How Alkaline Water Affects the Body 13:08 - Kidney Health and Alkaline Water 16:06 - Acid Reflux and Digestive Health 18:08 - Athletic Performance and Recovery 20:49 - Bone Health and Aging 22:14 - Environmental Impact and Cost Analysis 23:31 - Myth Busting: Common Alkaline Water Claims 26:11 - Key Takeaways KEY INSIGHTS - Your body maintains a strict pH balance (7.35-7.45) regardless of the water you drink - Commercial alkaline water often lacks sufficient alkali content to affect urine pH or kidney stone development - For acid reflux, alkaline water may provide symptomatic relief but doesn't address underlying causes - Environmental impact and cost (up to $1,500 annually) may outweigh minimal proven benefits SCIENTIFIC REFERENCES - PLOS ONE (2022): Cross-sectional study showing association between alkaline water consumption and positive health markers in postmenopausal women - Journal of PLOS One (2018): Double-blind placebo-controlled study examining hydration status and exercise performance with alkaline water - Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2023): Study on alkaline water's protective effect against calcium oxalate-induced kidney injury in mice - Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology: Study showing alkaline water at pH 8.8 can inactivate pepsin, potentially helping with acid reflux ABOUT DR. SEAN HASHMI Dr. Sean Hashmi is a board-certified physician specializing in Nephrology, Lifestyle Medicine, and Obesity Medicine. He translates complex medical research into actionable strategies to help you maintain healthy kidneys and improve your overall wellbeing. CONNECT & GROW SUBSCRIBE for weekly evidence-based health content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9LQOhavwlGM58bIWbnXTDA?sub_confirmation=1 Get free resources: https://selfprinciple.org Follow Dr. Sean: @seanhashmimd JOIN our community: [Click "JOIN" above for exclusive content] MEDICAL DISCLAIMER This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or create a doctor/patient relationship. Viewers use this information at their own risk. The content should not substitute for professional medical advice—always consult your physician for medical conditions. Never delay seeking medical care based on information from this video. Views expressed are Dr. Sean Hashmi's own and do not necessarily represent those of affiliated institutions. #KidneyHealth #EvidenceBasedHealth #AlkalineWater #KidneyDoctor #HealthyKidneys