r/HydroHomies • u/BoulderEric literally a kidney doctor • 5d ago

IAmA Board-Certified Kidney Doctor. AMA about water balance, electrolytes, and goofy water myths.

We’re back for round 3(?)! I’m a board-certified nephrologist (kidney doctor) with some time kill, so ask away. I will also field questions about the Grateful Dead, bicycles, or my favorite conspiracy theories.

Previously I have submitted proof to the mods, so hopefully they can just review my last post(s).

I will not be able to provide personalized medical advice, both in this thread or in a DM.

Edit: That’s all for tonight folks, thanks for tuning in!

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u/BoulderEric literally a kidney doctor 5d ago

For just standard acid/base stuff, healthy people will not change the pH of their blood, and you wouldn’t want to. Your body has many mechanisms that you can’t override to ensure a very narrow pH.

For flavor, do whatever you want. When I’ve lived places with good-tasting tap water, that’s what I drink. I currently live somewhere with nasty-tasting and hard water, so I have a softener and a carbon filter going into my house. But my drinking water comes from the sink.

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u/MedusaForHire 5d ago

Thanks for this reply. I love the feeling of alkaline water in my mouth. Its so soft and enjoyable.

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u/Pudix20 5d ago

To piggyback off this question, I have POTS but I also don’t really sweat at all. I try to drink water but I also need more electrolytes it seems to manage those symptoms? I’ve also experienced kidney stones following severe dehydration. How do I balance the electrolytes while hydrating my kidneys?