“One of the most important characteristics of Kalak is the close approximation of its formula to the correlation of the contained salts as they occur in the human body, together with its freedom from salts foreign to the human economy. Another is its almost unbelievable palatability, considering its high degree of alkalinity, it being eleven times greater than any other known mineral water, artificial or natural.”
These statements are false. The salts dissolved here bear no discernible relation to the needs of the body, as disclosed by the composition of the blood or solid tissues or as shown by the character of the urinary excretion. The last statement concerning the high alkalinity is neither clear nor accurate. Then, this warning and remedy:
“It seems to be an unappreciated fact that the degree of urinary acidity, checked with the acidity of the saliva, is in direct ratio to the existing acid toxemia, and a urine acid to methyl red should be the signal for immediate and adequate alkalinizing treatment....
“Startling clinical results have been observed by physicians who have used Kalak thoughtfully and sufficiently in the more serious types of acidosis associated with diabetes, nephritis, rheumatism, gout and the acute infections. There is also evidence of its good effect in acute alcoholism and the respiratory edemas; in fact a certain few have hailed Kalak as a possible solution of the annual hay fever problem. Of perhaps supreme importance, however, is the use of Kalak throughout pregnancy as preventive medicine against the inevitable ‘toxemia of pregnancy.’ ”
Also this:
“Kalak has accomplished certain unexplainable things for the diabetic and nephritic, and if, in future years, diabetes and nephritis should prove to be constitutional diseases, based upon functionation or its lack, Kalak therapy, the embodiment of physiological alkalescence may come into its own, for if acidity retards, alkalinity must normalize functionation.”
It is not necessary to quote further. In order to insure that everyone will recognize the great need of Kalak it is advised to test the urine for acidity by means of a group of indicator solutions sent out to the physicians. Methyl red is one of these and any urine showing an acid reaction with this is said to be open to suspicion. Paranitrophenol is another of the indicators and the explanations given of the behavior of the two and the conclusions to be drawn are questionable. The methyl red solution furnished is too concentrated for proper use and perfectly normal urines from normal individuals have given a rather marked color with it. This indicator gives some color at [H+] = 1.2 × 10-6 and a strong reaction at 3 × 10-3. To condemn a urine on such a finding is entirely unwarranted.
Sodium bicarbonate is the main constituent of the water. The value of the phosphate in such a combination, with so much calcium, is problematical. In case an alkaline reaction in the intestine is reached some of it would be left as insoluble phosphate. A few grams of bicarbonate daily would have equal therapeutic value with this water. The advice based on the indications of methyl red and the urine is bad.
The committee’s report was sent to the Kalak Water Company for comment. The company promised to withdraw the advertising circular referred to in the report and disclaimed responsibility for the accuracy and value of the set of indicators which it sent out, but, on the whole, the previous advertising claims were insisted on.