Nowadays, there is an increasing trend towards healthier lifestyles, and this includes not only our food consumption but also the type of water we drink. Alkaline water has emerged as a popular choice for those conscious about their health. This article sheds light on the health benefits of drinking alkaline water.
What is Alkaline Water?
Alkaline water refers to liquid with a pH level greater than 7, and contains alkaline minerals and negative oxidation-reduction potential (ORP). Think of it as the opposite of acid, where the higher the pH, the less acid the water contains[^1^].
Potential Health Benefits of Alkaline Water
Better Hydration
Alkaline water molecules are smaller than regular water molecules, making them more readily absorbed by your body. This leads to better hydration, which is beneficial for every bodily function – particularly for those who are physically active and need efficient hydration[^1^][^2^].
Antioxidant Properties
Alkaline water has antioxidants which can help protect your body from harmful free radicals. Free radicals can cause cell damage and accelerate the aging process. Alkaline water assists in neutralizing these free radicals[^1^][^3^].
Boosts Immune System
Regular consumption of alkaline water can help in boosting immunity due to its pH balancing properties. It assists in neutralizing the acidity in our body that is caused by poor diet, stress, and environmental toxins[^2^].
Detoxifying Benefits
Alkaline water contains minerals such as magnesium and calcium, important for maintaining a healthy skeletal system and to detoxify the body by flushing out the toxins that gets accumulated in our body[^1^][^2^].
Digestive Health
Drinking alkaline water can alleviate common digestive issues. It aids in digestion due to its higher pH level that kills pepsin, a stomach enzyme involved in breaking proteins down into smaller particles[^4^].
Weight Loss
It is suggested that drinking alkaline water can help with weight loss. Alkaline water, being more easily absorbed by the body, may help increase metabolism thus aiding in weight loss[^3^].
Make Alkaline Water At Home
You can create your own alkaline water using baking soda, lemons, or by using an ionizer. For baking soda, add 1/8 tablespoon into 8 ounces of purified water, shake it well and drink it. Lemons, despite their acidic nature, are rich in minerals and create an alkalizing effect on the body once digested. To use an ionizer, you connect it to the faucet, and the device uses electricity to separate the incoming water into alkaline and acidic water[^5^].
Takeaway
While the health benefits of alkaline water are promising, more research is needed to fully understand its potential. One thing is for certain – staying hydrated, no matter the pH of the water, is essential for overall health. As with any health regimen, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your dietary routine.
[^1^]: Harvard Health Publishing. “The Hype of Alkaline Water: Healthy or Hoax?” Harvard Health, www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-hype-of-alkaline-water.
[^2^]: Ax, Dr. Josh. “Alkaline Water: Benefits and Risks.” Dr. Axe, 1 Dec. 2018, draxe.com/nutrition/alkaline-water/.
[^3^]: Bennett, Eliza. “Is Alkaline Water Really Better for You?” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 3 Apr. 2020, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/313681.
[^4^]: Koufman, Jamie A., and Nikki J. Johnston. “Potential Benefits of PH 8.8 Alkaline Drinking Water as an Adjunct in the Treatment of Reflux Disease.” Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology, 2012, pp. 431–434., doi:10.1177/000348941204100602.
[^5^]: The Health Benefits Of Alkaline Water. Water Ionizer Expert, 1 Dec, 2020, waterionizerexpert.com/pages/the-health-benefits-of-alkaline-water.