Hey everyone! I’m here to talk about something near and dear to my heart (and throat): water, reflux, and the amazing AquaTru countertop filter that changed my life (and saved my bank account!)
Now, for some people, water might seem like a basic, even boring topic. But if you struggle with reflux like me, you know it’s anything but. For over two years, I have battled mostly reflux (LPR) & mouth / throat irritation, with the occasional heartburn, and the all-too-familiar discomfort of GERD flares. Bottled alkaline water helped (and was recommended by both of the leading reflux experts who I consulted), but the cost added up quickly, and the plastic waste gnawed at my conscience. Plus, let’s be honest, bottled water often tastes…well, flat and disappointing.
Then, my husband stumbled upon a book about water quality, and it opened our eyes to the hidden toxins lurking in even treated tap water. We knew we needed a better solution, but the thought of complicated and very expensive reverse osmosis (RO) systems made me want to run for the hills.
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Enter the AquaTru Countertop Filter (link to Amazon). Intrigued by its ease of use and promises of cleaner, tastier water, and a much easier reverse osmosis system designed for the countertop, we decided to give it a shot. And guess what? It was a complete game-changer.
Now, here’s where it gets personal: my husband and I have different needs when it comes to water. He prefers the refreshing taste of the regular pH (normal) water model, while I, following the advice of my reflux specialists, can only drink the alkaline option. (I felt increasing irritation in my throat when I tried the regular water model for a while, thus leading me to order the alkaline version. Note that these aren’t two settings on the same filter. You would need to buy two different models.) Even though these filters are pricey at almost $320 each at the time of this writing, they are FAR cheaper than normal reverse osmosis systems, which we had previously considered. And reverse osmosis systems cost thousands, are difficult to install, and then cost hundreds per year to maintain.
Now, let me tell you, I’ve tried my fair share of alkaline water, from pitcher filters to expensive bottled brands. Most left me with an unpleasant taste and a filter cleaning headache. But the AquaTru alkaline water? It’s like a soothing oasis for my throat. No irritation, just a smooth, clean taste that hydrates and feels genuinely soothing. I drink this water as my only source of hydration (other than the coconut water (link to Amazon), which my nutritionist recommended, and I drink one bottle daily to help with hydration as a runner and for the gastro issues caused by covid).
Anyway, here’s why we absolutely love the AquaTru:
For everyone:
- Easy setup and use: No plumbing needed, just minutes to cleaner water. Yes!
- Removes over 83 contaminants: This is huge, knowing the hidden toxins we were unknowingly ingesting.
- Great-tasting water: No more bottled water concerns. Enjoy refreshing, clean water at home.
- Cost-effective: Saves money on bottled water and filter replacements are affordable.
- Eco-friendly: Ditch the plastic bottles and do your part for the planet. (We purchased & love the very nice glass water bottles, also linked below).
For reflux sufferers like me:
- Alkaline option: My doctors swear by alkaline water for neutralizing pepsin and soothing reflux. So far, it’s been a godsend!
- Cleaner filtration: Removes potential irritants from tap water that could trigger reflux.
- Convenient: Always have filtered water on hand, no more worrying about running out.
- Portable: I even take this filter when we take RV trips to ensure consistent, reflux-friendly water.
- Taste: Unlike other alkaline water options, this one actually tastes good! A win-win.
Now, I know I promised some doctorly wisdom too. Remember that email from my leading reflux specialists? Here are some key points they highlighted about the AquaTru:
- Reverse osmosis technology: They consider it a superior filtration method for removing a wide range of contaminants.
- Ease of use and maintenance: This is crucial for busy folks like us!
- Cost-effectiveness: Compared to bottled water and complex RO systems, this is MUCH cheaper.
- Alkaline option: They support the potential benefits of alkaline water for managing reflux symptoms.
Additional benefits:
• Waste not, want more! Unlike typical RO systems that require 4 gallons of water for every gallon they purify, the AquaTru is an eco-warrior. It uses an impressive 3:1 filtration ratio, meaning you get three gallons of fresh, clean water for every four it filters. That’s a win for your wallet and the planet!
- No more filter guessing game! The AquaTru has a built-in smart display that flashes when it’s filter change time. It’s very simple & obvious. No more wondering, worrying, or accidentally forgetting – just crystal-clear water on autopilot.
• Not all heroes wear capes, but some filters fight microbes! While RO systems are masters at banishing contaminants, they don’t target nasty microbes unless the water is already microbially safe, like from pre-filtered water in some (but not all) cities. But fear not, the AquaTru solves these concerning problems. It’s perfect for treated municipal water or well water, giving you double the peace of mind.
• Minerals: Myth vs. Munchies! Worried about losing precious minerals with RO filtration? Relax! Most tap water is already low in minerals anyway. Plus, the AquaTru doesn’t strip everything – it leaves behind some beneficial minerals. But remember, food is your true mineral powerhouse, so keep snacking healthy!
But remember, everyone’s journey is unique. What works for us might not be the magic bullet for someone else. However, if you are looking for a better way to hydrate, or especially if you are battling reflux, I strongly encourage you to consider the AquaTru. It’s been a game-changer in my life, and I truly believe it can make a positive impact on yours too.
Bonus tip: I find spraying the filtered water directly into my throat, recommended by my reflux doctor after exposure to irritants (because drinking doesn’t reach all affected tissues), offers extra relief. That’s become a habit I swear by!
Remember, consult your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet or reflux management routine. But if you’re ready to explore options, the AquaTru Countertop Filter might just be the answer you’ve been searching for. Give it a try, and let me know your experience in the comments on YouTube (or eventually I might get this installed on this site LOL)!
These links all go to Amazon, where you can purchase either model of this water filter:
Alkaline countertop filter (reverse osmosis, alkaline, for people healing from reflux)
Regular pH Aquatru Filter (not alkaline / for people without reflux) water countertop filter (reverse osmosis)
If you buy either Aquatru Filter, do yourself a favor and get the sliding tray — makes moving on your cabinet to refill much easier
Also highly recommended to go along with the water filter itself:
You’ll probably want this addition (we did), to slide the filter forward & refill the tanks more easily:
Best water bottle for overall use / will not break easily / great for drinking while exercising, or bedside (not breaking if it falls), plus not plastic: IronFlask
Perfect glass water bottles if you don’t want plastic and prefer glass
Also nice glass water bottles
Update: Someone from YouTube said that tap & bottled water are fine, and have no contaminants. Since other people may share this opinion, I wanted to add:
The AquaTrue is a ground-breaking countertop Reverse Osmosis (RO) System. RO systems are known to be the most effective at filtering water. But they are very expensive (cost thousands) and cost hundreds annually to maintain. This is much cheaper by comparison, with the same filtration system.
And here’s what Chat GPT says about the chemicals that Reverse Osmosis systems remove:
“Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are highly effective at removing a wide range of contaminants from water, making them popular for improving the quality of both tap and bottled water. These systems work by forcing water through a semipermeable membrane, which blocks contaminants larger than water molecules. Here are some of the toxic chemicals and other contaminants that RO systems can remove:
- Lead: RO systems can significantly reduce lead in water, which is crucial for preventing lead poisoning that can result in serious health issues, especially in children.
- Arsenic: Arsenic is a toxic element found naturally in the earth’s crust, and it can contaminate water sources. Long-term exposure can lead to various health problems, including cancer.
- Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium): Known for its toxic effects and carcinogenic properties, RO systems can remove chromium-6 from water.
- Fluoride: While fluoride is added to many water supplies to prevent tooth decay, some people choose to remove it due to health concerns. RO systems can reduce fluoride levels significantly.
- Nitrates and Nitrites: Commonly found in agricultural runoff, high levels of nitrates and nitrites in water can be harmful, especially for infants and pregnant women.
- Sodium: RO can remove sodium from softened water, which is beneficial for people on low-sodium diets.
- Chlorine and Chloramines: Often used in water treatment for disinfection, these chemicals can be removed by RO systems to improve the taste and odor of water.
- Pesticides and Herbicides: Trace amounts of agricultural chemicals can be found in water sources and are effectively removed by RO systems.
- Pharmaceuticals: Increasingly detected in water supplies, various drugs can be reduced through RO.
- Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): RO systems are effective in lowering the levels of TDS, which include a variety of minerals, metals, and salts.
- Microorganisms: While not chemicals, harmful bacteria, viruses, and protozoa can also be removed by RO systems, although they are primarily targeted by the system’s pre-filters and post-filters rather than the RO membrane itself.”
References
- Koufman, J.A., Johnston, N. (2012). Potential benefits of pH 8.8 alkaline drinking water as an adjunct in the treatment of reflux disease. Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology, 121(7), 431-434. This study showed that alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 inactivates pepsin, an enzyme responsible for the damage associated with reflux, and offers acid-buffering capacity, suggesting therapeutic benefits for reflux patients.
- Zalvan, C.H., Hu, S., Greenberg, B., Geliebter, J. (2017). A comparison of alkaline water and Mediterranean diet vs proton pump inhibition for treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux. JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, 143(10), 1023-1029. This study demonstrated that a combination of alkaline water and a plant-based diet provided symptom relief comparable to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), suggesting that this natural approach may be effective for managing reflux.
- Gourin, C.G. (2012). Alkaline drinking water may benefit patients with reflux disease. ENT Today. This review highlights how alkaline water can reduce the activity of pepsin and may offer therapeutic benefits in treating reflux disease.
- Koufman, J.A. (2023). Alkaline water for acid reflux? Dr. Jamie Koufman Blog. Dr. Koufman explains that alkaline water helps neutralize pepsin, reducing reflux symptoms, and recommends it for patients with respiratory reflux and other forms of acid reflux.
- St. Vincent’s Medical Center (2023). Can alkaline water help with acid reflux? This article explains that alkaline water with a higher pH can help neutralize stomach acid, providing relief from acid reflux symptoms.
About The Author
Tina is a dedicated LPR researcher and advocate with over 3 years of personal experience managing this condition. With extensive research, consultations with leading reflux experts, and personal experimentation, Tina shares insights to help others on their LPR journey. Read more about Tina’s reflux background, experiences & journey, so far.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is based on personal experience and research. It should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for medical guidance tailored to your individual needs.
Thank you for all the information you’ve shared. I also booked to speak to one doctor – paid $400, realised I couldn’t make that time appt (I’m in the UK) and cancelled by mistake instead of rescheduling – I wrote to her many times to reschedule and was totally ignored. I never had an acknowledgment or reply. I guess just interested in collecting her pension.
I’m concerned with my reflux as it’s definitely LPR and it hits the same spot in my throat and ear when I flare. I even have it in I’m my sinuses. I was on and off Nexium for a couple of months. Tapered to Famotidine, was taking 20g in morning and eve, now just taking one in evening. The back on after another flare for two weeks. Was on Acid watchers Warriors FB group who strictly follow Dr Aviv, great group and the support is amazing!but they use so much maple syrup and bananas and peanut butter with everything. I think the sugars affect me. I’ve seen an ENT about a year ago who saw nothing, and had a scope too. I’m going to do the Detox diet from Kaufman for at least 2 weeks and see. I’ve also overeaten and eaten too late, so really going to take on board what you’ve said about that. I usually find something I’m ok with and because I think it’s safe I’ll eat too much of it. I’m a hungry girl! Also mention lost about 4 stone in a really bad flare about 18 months ago. Still feel I need to lose more.
I have a Cerra jug, but was wondering if the one you recommend is better. As I realised the actual source of the water has to be quite high to begin with to achieve 8.5 ph. Do you just use tap water in water system the one you recommend.
Many thanks,
Rosalin
Rosalin, Hello! I just typed like an entire paragraph then accidentally deleted the whole thing! OMG. Anyway, I can’t strongly enough encourage you to eat smaller meals. Trust me, I swear on everything in the world, I believe it is worth being extremely strict now, to see what you can do — yes you hope it will be 2 weeks. But my therapist who has gut issues encouraged me to think about doing this “as long as it takes.” That being said — I really believe that one month of truly being strict and you will see significant gains. But you can’t break the rules (I know how hard this is, God do I ever know). I would follow the strictest diet from Dr. K, just to start, try for 4 weeks. (Trust me, 3 years later, I promise you 4 weeks is nothing — it gets harder to benefit from Pepcid over a few years, at least it has for me — Pepcid is now causing pretty significant anxiety that is giving me low grade reflux that is not as responsive to these changes. I still make progress but it is much slower.) If I were in your position, if your doctor agrees, then I would take 20 mg of Pepcid before breakfast, followed by 2 tsp of Gaviscon*, 2 tsp of Gaviscon after lunch, 20 mg. of Pepcid before dinner, followed by 2 tsp of Gaviscon, then 40 mg. of Pepcid before dinner, followed by Gaviscon. (That being said, I cannot personally tolerate Gaviscon at all, so I use Reflux Gourmet, which is not as strong. And even with RG, I get badly constipated if I take that much. So I only take RG before my runs, and before bedtime. Experiment to see what product and amount works best for you. I would love to take that much Gaviscon so that’s what I would do, unless it causes intolerable side effects, in which case I would take what you can tolerate and still be regular as far as morning bathroom.) Also, unfortunately, it is extremely critical to eat a small, early dinner. This really makes a difference and you really just cannot make exceptions. Even though I ran 6 miles today, my dinner was only 5 bites, at 5 p.m. I JUST LAST WEEK started eating this early, and I have noticed a MAJOR AND FAST improvement over eating at 6-6:30 p.m. (I was told to eat dinner 5 hours before bedtime, and I don’t sleep until 1 a.m. But I started wondering whether my circadian rhythm might mean that I should still eat at 5 pm., as some experts recommend. That has helped a lot. But if I miss ONE night, then I have a bad reaction, and go back to square one.) Reflux really requires total commitment for at least a few weeks. But the good news is that I think you *should* start to feel better even with a few days of compliance, which hopefully will inspire you to keep going. You don’t have to be perfect, as in you might be okay with 5:15 instead of 5. But eating significantly later will cause a major setback and reverse all prior progress, in my experience. And dinner needs to be small or you’ll have the same problems. If all of these meds are causing food to move slowly, really your meals need to be as early in the day as you can. I eat a fairly normal sized breakfast, because I couldn’t get through my day with a small meal and still run (which I can usually manage without significant reflux symptoms). I usually don’t have symptoms after breakfast. But I found my “sweet spot” and did experiment until I found the breakfast size that didn’t cause symptoms. Same thing with lunch and one snack. You really just have to feel whether you are having any symptoms after eating any meal. If you are, then you need a smaller portion. But dinner especially needs to be early and small. There’s just no getting around it. Then, if you aren’t sleeping sitting almost straight up, you need to change. I can feel the difference with any kind of wedge pillow. They are useless, as is sleeping on your side. I’m planning a post in the near future with my ideal sleeping position. I believe I found the perfect set up which I haven’t seen advertised or discussed anywhere. It took me at least 3 months to figure out the sleeping situation. But now I can comfortably sleep sitting up, and have been doing so for over 3 years. As far as the water, when I first started, I bought the Cerra picture. But I never really liked the water. Then I switched to bottled water and spent lots of money on many brands for probably 2 years. Finally, last year, we purchased the alkaline water filter on this page — and it is AMAZING! I really think you will love the taste and healthfulness of this water. It’s pricey but I have no idea how much money we wasted on bottled water. We should have purchased this much sooner. It’s also the highest quality in terms of filtration — that’s why it costs so much. I have had lessons in water over this last few years. It really is important to have a nice filter and this one is the best. It’s truly one of my favorite new things (if I ever get back to drinking regular water, which I hope to do, we have the regular pH version of this same filter for my husband, and I’ll definitely be using that because of the water quality). Then every night, I take my IronFlask bottle (which seriously was also a “find” of sorts as far as reflux because it’s metal so doesn’t have plastic, plus when I drop it on the floor when reaching for it in the middle of the night, it doesn’t break! LOL) and a glass water spray bottle. I keep those right on my nightstand. If I do have a reflux episode, I take the water and swish it hard around in my mouth (trying to protect my teeth), then drink the water to hopefully deactivate any pepsin. Then I spray the water in my throat. That also helps. I read on AI recently that spraying that area targets the area most harmed by the pepsin. I don’t know whether that’s correct, but at least I know that just drinking doesn’t do everything. Then I have a particular brand steamer, which also helps. I saw Dr. Aviv who recommended this particular brand of steamer, twice a day for 5 min. That really helps if you are in a bad phase with the mucous. I also use A water in that, when I need to use it. (Also the steamer doesn’t feel immediately like it’s done anything, but over several sessions, you can tell that the mucous is less bothersome, and therefore you are less likely to clear your throat, which clearing causes further problems so needs to be avoided.) I know this is all very overwhelming, but I swear if you just stick with it — you will start feeling better. It took me a long time to comply with everything. Then I’ve had so many docs and alternative MDs and nutritionists give me bad advice, causing so many more setbacks. Now I’m just sticking with the basics, and personally trying to overcome this major hurdle of the side effects I’m now experiencing from long-term Pepcid use (which has caused severe anxiety in me). Please check back as I’m planning a blog post on my best sleeping tips and best products. I’ve spent truly thousands and thousands on everything under the sun. But I’m just going to share what has really, truly helped me. I think the biggest two things are my sleeping gear / bed / pillows and my alkaline water, but there are a few other things. Also, even though I truly hate Pepcid, especially early in my journey, I wish I would have taken more, not less. Dr. K has said that less than 80 mg is not therapeutic, and Dr. Aviv also recommended 80 mg of Pepcid. I just really can’t say enough that getting serious as soon as you can matters. Because both the diet and Pepcid, together, I genuinely believe have caused serious nutritional issues for me, and those cause a whole host of other problems including severe anxiety, which contributes to reflux (that didn’t happen in the early days — and I had zero history of anxiety before — and the anxiety has disappeared completely every time I’ve stopped pepcid almost immediately). I just have to say that I’m not a doctor, I’m just a patient sharing what I think would work based on what’s worked for me. But you should check with your doctor and not change what you do based on what I’ve said. I wish you the best in healing Rosalin!