DEAR DR. BLONZ: I want your opinion about some online videos I have seen, which claim that acidic water is a health risk. The people in these videos use pH drops in popular brands of water and show that most are acidic. One exception, of course, is their "medical grade" alkaline water that they claim is best for health -- the only one that turns the indicator blue. After this comes a list of health conditions that are affected.

I know this is a serving of promotional nonsense, but I want to know if it is OK, and no less healthy, if the water we drink is not always alkaline. Also, how does this logic translate to whole foods that are acid or alkaline? -- W.F., New York City

DEAR W.F.: I receive frequent questions on this topic, perhaps because there is so much misleading nonsense out there about the impact of water pH -- the measure of its acidity or alkalinity -- and whether we harm ourselves by drinking the wrong stuff. It's a sales pitch attempting to cash in on the public's limited understanding of the topic.

The products on offer are not sodas or flavored waters, but plain waters with different minerals and natural carbonation combinations. The indicator drops in that video were probably qualitative, meaning they don't tell you if the water is a strong acid or base, but simply whether its pH is above or below 7.

The body has overlapping systems designed to maintain pH because essential chemical reactions can't occur if our pH is out of the accepted range. Diseases, conditions, medications, stress or anxiety, in addition to a poor diet, can create an unhealthfully acidic environment. But if you are adequately hydrated and have a healthful, balanced diet, there is no need to be concerned about water that might measure a bit acidic. The systems in our bodies are designed to compensate to keep things on track. We don't need to eat a more "alkaline diet;" the only real help the body needs is a healthful, plant-based whole foods diet and an active lifestyle.

Healthful foods, including fruits and vegetables, can be on the acidic side: Carrots (pH 6.1), asparagus (pH 6.3) and cauliflower (pH 5.6) would have all turned that indicator the "wrong" color. A typical vinegar used in salad dressing has a pH of about 3, and lemon juice has a pH of 2.3. The hydrochloric acid released in our stomach to break down foods is a very strong acid with a pH of 1.0.

On the alkaline (base) side, baking soda and egg whites have a pH of 8.0. A typical laundry bleach has a pH of 11.4, and the pH of ammonia used for cleaning is 12.0. (Check the pH of many substances at b.link/pdf75.)

A healthy body is adept at dealing with variances, and makes adjustments while foods are in the digestive system and then absorbed. The kidneys play a crucial role: The pH of our urine will change according to our state of health and any disease process that might be underway. It also reacts to what we have been eating, drinking or doing, and any medications we are taking. Aside from urine, our perspiration and breath also help to keep body pH in its optimal range.

Send questions to: "On Nutrition," Ed Blonz, c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO, 64106. Send email inquiries to questions@blonz.com. Due to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.

DEAR DR. BLONZ: My elderly mother is convinced that taking daily multivitamins causes weight gain. I have never heard of such a thing, and don't believe it. Is this possible? -- S.T., Oakland, California

DEAR S.T.: No. OK, there could be a weight-gain twist in an exceptional circumstance, such as a nutrient-deprived body that had wasted away a bit. In such a case, a multivitamin could provide the deficient nutrients and help return one to normal health, which could involve regaining the lost body weight.

But outside of a rare, specific case such as that? No.

DEAR DR. BLONZ: In a recent column, you responded to a question about nutrition while on dialysis. Thank you for the link you posted (b.link/3nucqh) regarding how a registered dietitian can help.

The renal nutrition plan is complex, and dietary recommendations can change monthly, based on the most recent lab results. This can be very confusing to individuals who might not understand unless they receive personal nutrition counseling from a dietitian familiar with renal dietetics.

Thank you for this helpful information. Now retired, I worked as a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator. -- J.M., via email

DEAR J.M.: Thank you for these comments. As you know, the blood is what carries nutrients throughout the body. It also serves as the medium through which metabolic wastes produced by the cells get picked up, transported and eventually eliminated from the body.

It is essential to appreciate our kidneys' central role as the blood's cleansing filter; they are also responsible for fine-tuning the concentration of various substances in our bloodstream to desired levels. When they are not working correctly, close attention must be paid to what we put into the body -- which is where dietitians specializing in renal dietetics play their role.

DEAR DR. BLONZ: When using a blender, do you get the same amount of dietary fiber as the unblended food? I am having some work done on my jaw and will be shifting to a liquid diet while things heal. -- S.C., Oakland, California

DEAR S.C.: No problem with using a blender; the fiber value will be the same as long as the whole food gets consumed. The same goes for a juicer, but only one that does not discard the solids, which tend to be the source of insoluble fiber. Blenders and juicers can cause the food to spend slightly less time in your stomach, but the net effect of the fiber should be the same.

As for your particular situation, there are liquid fiber supplements on the market that can be used to fortify foods, but also to help those who can only eat through a straw. In your case, the idea of blending whole foods or using a liquid supplement can make sense.

Keep in mind that your digestive system and its muscles usually do what your blender will be doing; that can translate to some minor upsets until the whole system gets used to your new way of eating. A consult with your physician would be in order, as well as one with an associated dietitian, who can help you select a progression of foods to soothe the adjustment period and help with the healing process.

Send questions to: "On Nutrition," Ed Blonz, c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO, 64106. Send email inquiries to questions@blonz.com. Due to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I know that you are a nutritionist and recommend healthy eating and lifestyle, but I wanted to tell you my story. The blood test at my most recent wellness exam showed that my cholesterol levels were OK, but I had very high triglycerides. My family has a history of heart disease, so I remain concerned. My family doctor recently retired, and I had started with a new nurse practitioner, and she prescribed Tricor for my triglycerides.

The results were almost immediate. My numbers dropped from very high into the normal range. I had been working on this using diet and exercise, but the use of Tricor was almost a miracle since no one for 20 years had any suggestions on how to lower my triglyceride numbers. -- F.S., Tulsa, Oklahoma

Dear F.S.: Tricor is a brand name for a prescription medication based on the compound named fenofibrate. It is one of the medications that can help lower elevated blood lipids, including triglycerides. It's great that you have experienced success. If you haven’t already, I recommend you read through the accompanying documentation about this drug.

If the documentation is no longer available, consider visiting a website with consumer information on this compound. Pay particular attention to possible interactions with other medications and food-drug interactions (check the pages at b.link/quwac8). For example, if taking fenofibrate, you should avoid grapefruit juice and monitor your alcohol intake. Remember to contact your pharmacist or other health professionals if you have questions or concerns.

Having very high triglycerides is not good, and the fact that heart disease is in your family history would certainly heighten your concern. It's excellent that you have a health professional who has helped. It is essential to appreciate that while the medication has lowered your triglyceride level, it does not lessen the importance of a healthful diet and lifestyle, so don’t give up on these. Continue to live that healthful life, and there will be more of it to enjoy.

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I am a cat lover and owner, and I know that taurine is an essential amino acid for cats, but not for us. I see it in energy drinks and wanted an explanation. -- R.G., Chicago

DEAR R.G.: Taurine is not an amino acid; it is a related compound known as a sulfonic acid. You are correct that it is needed by cats and not by human adults; a healthy body can make what it needs on its own.

Taurine does play several roles, including involvement in fat digestion and various aspects of the cardiovascular system. There is also evidence that additional taurine may help with some pathologies. In sports drinks, though, the caffeine provides the kick, so it is unclear what taurine adds aside from misdirected curb appeal, especially given the small amount provided per serving.

Send questions to: "On Nutrition," Ed Blonz, c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO, 64106. Send email inquiries to questions@blonz.com. Due to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.