#Middlebury
DEAR DR. ROACH: With everyone drinking a lot of water during the summer, I noticed that the water depot where I fill up my gallon jugs supplies water in different ranges of alkalinity, from 8-10. This seems to be a new venture for the depot. The owner sells the alkaline water from inside the store and claims the benefit of this water is to neutralize the acidity of the many products we eat daily. He suggests that one might start by taking water with a pH of 8 or stronger, then dilute it to one’s requirements.
The purified water involves reverse osmosis so the company reintroduces calcium, magnesium and potassium to bring it up in value. Do you have any comments on alkaline water being consumed during this hot summer season? – B.A.
ANSWER: I recently have seen much confusion about acid and alkaline consumption. By adding a base to water, you raise the pH, making it more alkaline. You can do this at home simply by adding a bit of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to your water – you don’t need to buy alkaline water. Calcium carbonate is a common antacid. Calcium, magnesium and potassium are all elements we need, so in that respect, the alkaline water you are talking about is better than the sodium you would add to water with baking soda.
However, the important point is that under normal circumstances your body does not need any help in maintaining pH or in neutralizing acid. The body’s systems are able to maintain pH under almost any dietary condition. Alkaline water is not necessary for health.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 90 years old, physically and mentally in good health. Fourteen years ago, I had a triple bypass, which was very successful. Since then I have had trouble with my blood pressure. The low always runs between 50 and 70, which is fine, but the high side is between 150 and 190, which is not good. My doctor has me on amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide. Is there any way to lower the high pressure without also lowering the low side? My doctor does not want to increase the dosages because it would keep me tired all the time. – J.B.
ANSWER: High systolic blood pressures in the elderly often are due to very stiff blood vessels. Since you have coronary artery disease, I think it’s likely that you have calcium in your large arteries, which make them unyielding to the degree that the rush of blood from the heart drives the pressure up very high. It may be impossible to lower the pressure without causing symptoms, so I understand your doctor’s concerns and position.
When I think about treating blood pressure, I think more about trying to prevent bad outcomes (like stroke and heart attack) than just treating a number. There is good evidence that ACE inhibitors, like ramipril, reduce heart attack risk in people with known risk factors, so I might try a very low dose to see if it helps the blood pressure without making you feel fatigued or lightheaded.
Dr. Roach regrets he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu. To view and order health pamphlets, visit www.rbmamall.com, or write to Good Health, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
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