Alkaline water has become famous due to its ultra-hydrating and pH-balancing abilities. But what could be the chemistry behind this popular drink? Though celebrities like Mark Wahlberg and Miranda Kerr drink it, you need to ask yourself if this alkaline water is worth the hype.
What Is Alkaline Water?
The difference between the alkaline water and tap water is that it’s less acidic. The pH level is above seven. According to the Eating Reset Plan founder, Alyse Levine, R.D., hydrogen ions found in alkaline water has a low concentration. Basic chemistry has it that all liquids have acid which gets measured on a pH scale of 0-14. The pH scale measures the number of hydrogen ions found in the fluid. If below seven like in orange juice, vinegar, and black coffee, it means the liquid is acidic. When at precisely seven, it’s neutral. Above seven such as in baking soda indicates that the liquid has alkaline.
Where Can You Get Alkaline Water?
You can get alkaline water from the following sources:
- Special filters
- Faucet attachments
- Additives that increase the pH
Alkaline water such as Evamor or Essentia gets sold as bottled water in many grocery stores.
What Are The Benefits Of Drinking Alkaline Water?
You may be wondering, if I drink alkaline water, are there any perks? According to the US National Library of Medicine, a study indicated that an 8.8 pH alkaline water helps with soothing acidic reflux. High pH levels are known to kill pepsin enzyme that’s responsible for breaking down proteins which cause acid reflux.
According to Levine, alkaline water helps in:
- It neutralizes the acid present in the bloodstream. By doing so, it increases the level of oxygen and improves energy and metabolism
- It has antioxidant properties which are responsible for anti-aging
- Cleansing the colon
- Rejuvenating the skin
- Lubricating muscles and joints
- It prevents chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes. A study indicated that alkaline water benefits people who are suffering from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
A recent study done on 100 people discovered a vast difference in the whole blood viscosity after taking water with a high pH compared to ordinary water after working out. The direct measurement of the flow of blood through the vessels is called viscosity. For those that took high pH water, their viscosities reduced by 6.3% while those that received regular water decreased by 3.36%. It was a clear indication that blood flowed better with alkaline water. In doing so, more oxygen gets delivered to the whole body.
Evamor, one of the famous alkaline bottled water stated that increasing alkalinity in your diet would result to:
- Reduction of body fat
- Bone protection
- Fatigue reduction
- Supporting your immune system
- Better overall health
It’s incredible, right? Hold on, before you fill your fridge with alkaline water, the emphasis should be on “Power Up” your life while looking at the benefits. According to Levine, there aren’t any substantiated health claims. Clinical studies are yet to support these claims confidently. So far, study reports are lacking and are overall inconclusive. The only form of water that has gotten proven to have laundry benefits is Hot Lemon Water.
Though some may repute the fact that it is a fountain of the youth, alkaline water gets applauded for its ability to ultra-hydrate. According to Essentia, their alkaline water hydrates better than any leading bottled water. Taking alkaline water during workouts increases your hydration.
Does Alkaline Water Have Any Side Effects?
Excess alkaline in your body may result in skin irritation and gastrointestinal issues. Your body’s normal pH gets agitated and causes metabolic alkalosis which gets associated with the following symptoms:
- Hand tremors
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Tingling in the face or extremities
- Muscle twitching
- Reduce calcium
Should You Go for Natural or Artificial Alkaline Water
You can get natural alkaline water only if it passes over rocks. Good examples are springs. The water collects minerals which increase its alkaline level.
Alkaline water also gets gotten through a chemical process known as electrolysis. An ionizer gets used to increase the pH of regular water. According to ionizer makers, electricity gets used to separate the acidic or alkaline molecules where the acidic water gets funneled out. Some researchers and doctors are yet to agree with this claim as they question the researches behind such claims. World Health Organization published a study that cautioned people against regularly taking water that has got low mineral content.
Is Alkaline Water Safe?
Health professionals have no issue with the safety of the alkaline water. What bothers them is the health claims associated with alkaline water. No scientific evidence has ever been presented to showcase that alkaline water can treat any health condition. Unless verified, don’t believe everything said about alkaline water.