Eli5: Given that our stomach acid is very acidic, how come drinking something with a higher pH, like alkaline water, not neutralize it?

Question

Aren’t alkaline drinks supposed to counteract the acidity found in our stomachs? How do they pass through with no effect?

In: Biology

Answer 1

When you drink alkaline water, it temporarily raises the pH of your stomach, making it less acidic. However, your stomach quickly responds by producing more acid to counteract this change and restore its usual highly acidic environment. This quick adjustment by your stomach means that the effect of alkaline water on stomach acidity is short-lived and minimal.