Potential Benefits of Alkaline Water: A Science-Backed Exploration
By Dr. Shubham Pandey +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey
Last updated: Jun 11, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Shubham Pandey +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey
Last updated: Jun 11, 2024Table of Contents
Drinking water is a fundamental requirement for our daily lives. However, lately, there has been a surge in the popularity of alkaline water. Its followers claim numerous potential health benefits and even suggest it may help avoid chronic diseases. In this article we will provide an in-depth exploration of what alkaline water is, explain its differences from regular water, review the research supported potential benefits and risks, discuss how you can make your own alkaline water at home, and answer some frequently asked questions.
Did you know?
Alkaline water has more pH than normal water. So, it’s less sour and has more alkaline minerals.
Water with a pH value over 7.0 is alkaline water. This means it’s less sour and more alkaline than normal water. The pH scale starts from 0 (sour) to 14 (alkaline). The pH of neutral water sits at the middle, 7.0.
The term “pH” stands for “potential hydrogen”. It shows how sour or alkaline a substance is. A substance with a low pH is sour, while a high pH makes it more alkaline. Our body aims to keep a steady pH level of around 7.4.
Alkaline water differs from normal water in terms of their pH levels. Also, their taste and appearance.
Normal drinking water has a pH of 7.0, which makes it neutral. But alkaline water typically has a pH between 8.0 and 9.0. This gives it less acidity and more alkaline content than normal water.
Alkaline water may have a smoother and slightly sweet taste. It also feels “slippery” or “velvety” when compared to normal water due to its higher pH level and added mineral content.
You can get alkaline water from natural or artificial sources, these have been described in the section below.
Natural alkaline water is found in some springs and water sources. Here, water flows over stones and minerals. It picks up alkaline minerals like calcium and magnesium. This raises the water’s pH level, making it more alkaline.
Artificially made alkaline water is made using ionizing machines, alkaline water filters, or adding pH-boosting additives.
Ionizing machines use a process called electrolysis. This separates the sour and alkaline molecules in water. The alkaline molecules stay, while the sour molecules are thrown out. This results in a higher pH level.
One can attach alkaline water filters to a faucet or use them as a water jug. These filters raise the pH level of water by adding alkaline minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
One can also add pH-boosting additives like baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, to make water more alkaline. It is important to remember that consuming too much sodium bicarbonate might lead to negative health effects.
Drinking alkaline water is proposed to have many potential health benefits which are discussed below.
According to a study, drinking alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 helps to neutralise pepsin, a digestive enzyme. This enzyme worsens acid reflux symptoms. So, alkaline water may help lessen acid reflux symptoms.
A scientific study showed positive weight loss results. The study combined exercise training, intermittent fasting, and alkaline supplementation. So, alkaline water may aid in weight loss. However the weight loss in those studies cannot be solely be attributed to the alkaline supplementation.
According to a study, drinking alkaline water after a tough workout may change whole blood viscosity. It is a key factor in how well blood moves in the vessels. So, this suggests that alkaline water may hydrate better than normal water after your exercise.
While there is no direct evidence, useful minerals in alkaline water, like calcium and magnesium, may help maintain skin healthy. Moreover, the antioxidant properties of alkaline water is proposed to improve skin health by fighting the harms of oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
Some supporters claim that alkaline water may help to cleanse the body. It does this by washing out sour waste products and toxins. Despite a lack of evidence to back this up, staying hydrated is vital for kidney function and getting rid of toxins.
The human body is great at maintaining a steady pH level. But some people think that alkaline water may help balance excess acidity in the body. This may help promote overall health. However, we need more scientific research to corroborate this claim.
There is no concrete evidence yet, but some propose that alkaline water and its minerals and higher pH level may help boost energy levels.
While drinking alkaline water may offer a range of potential health benefits, it comes with risks that need to be kept in mind.
Drinking too much alkaline water may cause over-alkalinity, leading to metabolic alkalosis. Symptoms of metabolic alkalosis include nausea, vomiting, muscle twitching, confusion, and coma.
Having a lot of water with added minerals can cause an imbalance. This could lead to gut problems, high blood pressure, kidney stones, and other health issues. Thus, people with reduced renal function should not consume alkaline water.
Highly alkaline water may neutralise stomach acid which is key for good digestion. This can cause gut problems such as bloating, indigestion, and acid reflux.
Also Read: Potential Benefits of Hydrogen Water: Breaking Down the Research and Claims
You can make alkaline water at home in an easy and cost-effective manner .
You can add a small amount of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to a glass of water to make it more alkaline. But always keep in mind that having too much baking soda may pose health risks.
Adding fresh lemon or lime juice to water can also make it more alkaline. Despite their sour taste, the citric acid in lemons and limes is weak. Plus, lemon and lime contain minerals that help raise the pH level of the water.
You can buy alkaline water filter pitchers and ionisers online or in stores. They increase the pH level of tap water and add key minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
You can use pH test strips or digital pH meters to keep an eye on your water’s pH level. It is important to ensure that your alkaline water has a safe pH level, ideally between 8.0-9.0. This avoids potential health threats.
Also Read: Colloidal Silver Benefits: A Science-Backed Guide
Alkaline water may offer many potential health benefits ranging from GERD relief to supporting weight loss, enhancing hydration, improving skin health, and potentially increasing energy levels. However, it is vital to understand that the benefits of alkaline water should be weighed against risks such as over-alkalinity and mineral imbalances.
Incorporating alkaline water into your daily routine should be based on your personal preferences and individual health needs, following your doctor’s approval. Staying well-hydrated is a key component of overall health, and finding the right balance of regular water and alkaline water consumption may help you maintain optimal well-being.
Remember to consult with a healthcare professional if considering incorporating alkaline water into your diet, especially for those with kidney disease or impaired kidney function.
There are several potential health benefits linked to drinking alkaline water like GERD relief and better hydration. However, we need more research to validate these claims.
The pros of alkaline water include potential health benefits relating to GERD relief, hydration, and skin health. The cons address risks such as over-alkalinity, mineral imbalances, stomach acid neutralisation, and harms it poses to people with kidney issues.
Potential benefits from drinking alkaline water include relieving acid reflux symptoms, supporting weight loss efforts, better hydration, improving skin health, and possibly improving energy levels. But we need more research to confirm these claims.
People with kidney illness or compromised kidney function should avoid or limit their alkaline water intake. This is due to the health threats posed by the minerals in alkaline water.
There is no set amount, as the balance between normal water and alkaline water depends on individual likes and health needs. Aim to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. Be mindful not to drink too much alkaline water, as it can lead to over-alkalinity and potential health risks. Always check with your healthcare provider before changing your hydration habits.
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