A few weeks ago I purchased a water ionizer because I have been acidic for some time, don't absorb acid water well and thought it would help with some other issues. After a week of using it, I really started to feel good and an old bacterial infection seemed all but gone. I then had to have a tooth extracted (old infected root canal) and ended up having to take the antibiotic for 3 days. I recovered and felt great for another week. Then I took a dive. Though I'm replenishing my intestinal flora, I now have joint pain in my hands and feet...like arthritis, headaches and now my kidneys are hurting. I went back to the purified water and off of the alkaline/iodized water and am feeling better...joint pain seemes to be resolving. I've read that ionizers can cause build up in kidneys. I guess I'm kind of baffled by it all. Any light on the subject would be greatly appreciated.

Alkaline water contains caustic hydroxides (OH), which also happen to some of the strongest free radicals known. As an example Drano is potassium hydroxide and lye is sodium hydroxide. You would not drink these would you? These hydroxides will severely burn the tissues. Alkaline waters are just more dilute versions of the above.

In addition the alkaline waters will neutralize stomach acid leading to decreased absorption of vitamins and minerals, improper digestion of proteins that leads to an increased risk of allergies, and increases the risk of infections since the acid is there in part to protect us from pathogens.

Over alkalinizing the blood can also cause minerals to precipitate out of solution. This could theoretically cause kidney stones.

As far as I am concerned the whole alkaline water thing is nothing but a money making scam.