If you’ve ever had to endure the discomfort of acidity—whether it’s the burning sensation in your chest, the bloating, or the constant need to clear your throat—you probably understand how much it can disrupt your daily life. While medications like antacids offer some relief, they often only mask the symptoms without addressing the root cause.
But what if we told you that something as simple as drinking water from a copper bottle could help tackle acidity in a natural, holistic way? This isn’t just another wellness fad; it’s an ancient practice backed by modern science that could be the answer to your digestive woes.
The Ancient Practice of Storing Water in Copper
Storing water in copper vessels isn’t a new trend. In fact, Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, has been promoting the benefits of copper water for thousands of years. Known as “Tamra Jal” (which translates to “copper water” in Sanskrit), this practice involves storing water in copper containers for 6–8 hours or overnight. During this time, copper ions are slowly released into the water.
What Happens When You Store Water in Copper?
When you store water in a copper bottle for a few hours (ideally overnight), a process called oligodynamic effect occurs. This means tiny ions of copper leach into the water in safe, trace amounts. This natural process imbues the water with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, making it a powerful tool for improving digestive health, reducing acidity, and boosting overall wellness.
How Drinking Water from a Copper Bottle Reduces Acidity?
So, how exactly does drinking water stored in a copper bottle help reduce acidity? The answer lies in copper’s unique qualities. Here’s how it works:
1. Balances Stomach pH
Excess stomach acid is the primary culprit behind acidity and acid reflux. When you drink water stored in a copper bottle, the copper ions in the water help to neutralize excess acidity in your stomach, promoting a more balanced pH level. This can reduce symptoms like heartburn, bloating, and discomfort after meals.
A balanced stomach pH is essential for proper digestion, as an overly acidic or alkaline environment can disrupt the digestive process, leading to further complications like indigestion, gas, or nausea.
2. Aids in Healthy Digestion
Copper is known for its role in stimulating the production of digestive enzymes, which help break down food more efficiently. It can also stimulate peristalsis, the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract. This can help prevent constipation, indigestion, and sluggish digestion—all common contributors to acidity.
By improving digestion, copper water can help food move more efficiently through the digestive system, preventing it from lingering too long in the stomach, where it can ferment and produce excess acid.
3. Fights Harmful Bacteria
Copper has strong antimicrobial properties. Studies have shown that copper can destroy harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi, including pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella. By removing these harmful microbes, copper helps to maintain a healthier gut, which can reduce inflammation and irritation that may trigger acidity.
A healthy gut microbiome is critical for preventing digestive issues like bloating and indigestion, which often accompany acidity. By supporting gut health, copper water helps create an environment where your digestive system can thrive.
4. Reduces Inflammation and Heals the Stomach Lining
Inflammation in the stomach lining, often triggered by excess acidity or acid reflux, can lead to conditions like gastritis. Copper has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe and heal the stomach lining, reducing irritation and discomfort caused by high acidity levels.
Over time, copper’s healing properties may support the regeneration of healthy tissue in the stomach, contributing to overall digestive health and reducing the likelihood of recurring acidity.
How to Use a Copper Bottle for Maximum Benefit?
The process of drinking copper-infused water is simple, but a few key practices can help you make the most of this natural remedy:
1) Fill Your Copper Bottle with Water at Night:
Place clean, filtered water in a copper bottle and let it sit overnight or for 6–8 hours. This allows time for copper ions to slowly leach into the water, providing all the health benefits.
2) Drink the Water on an Empty Stomach:
The best time to drink copper water is first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach. This allows the copper-infused water to work its magic on your digestive system before you eat anything else.
3) Stick to One or Two Bottles a Day:
While copper water can be beneficial, moderation is key. Drinking more than one or two bottles of copper water per day may lead to copper toxicity, which can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Stick to a moderate intake to avoid these risks.
4) Clean Your Copper Bottle Regularly:
Over time, copper bottles can develop tarnish or buildup inside. To maintain the bottle’s cleanliness and prevent any contamination, clean it once a week with a natural cleaning method. Simply mix lemon juice and salt to scrub the inside, as these ingredients naturally clean copper without damaging it.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
While copper-infused water can be incredibly beneficial for acidity, there are a few important considerations:
- Don’t Overdo It: Excessive copper intake can lead to copper toxicity. It’s crucial to limit the amount of copper-infused water you consume daily—stick to around 1–2 bottles a day.
- Avoid Storing Acidic Liquids in Copper Bottles: Copper can react with highly acidic liquids (like juices), potentially causing the copper to corrode. Stick to water for the best results.
- People with Wilson’s Disease Should Avoid Copper: If you have Wilson’s disease (a genetic disorder where copper builds up in the body), avoid using copper bottles altogether, as it can worsen your condition.
The Bottom Line
Drinking water from a copper bottle isn’t just a wellness trend; it’s a natural, time-tested practice that can help reduce acidity, support digestion, and improve overall gut health. The copper ions in the water can work wonders by balancing your stomach’s pH, fighting harmful bacteria, and soothing inflammation—all of which contribute to reducing the discomfort of acidity.
If you’re struggling with acid reflux, bloating, or other digestive issues, giving this ancient practice a try might just be the gentle, holistic solution you’ve been looking for.
As with any natural remedy, consistency is key. Start incorporating copper water into your daily routine and see how it works for you. Over time, your digestive system may become more resilient, and you may experience fewer bouts of acidity and indigestion.
Also Read: