The wellness and health worlds buzz with varying trends every year, with everything from detox teas to fitness regimens making the rounds. One such development that has gained notoriety in recent years is drinking alkaline water, a beverage championed for its potential health benefits.
But what is alkaline water, and what are these supposed benefits? In this article, we navigate the subtleties of alkaline water, diving into its properties, the science-backed health benefits it may provide, and how to incorporate it into your daily routine.
What is Alkaline Water?
Before we delve into its potential benefits, it’s essential to understand the basics of alkaline water. Alkaline water presents a higher pH level than regular drinking water. While typical water has a neutral pH of 7, alkaline water’s pH typically ranges from 8 to 9, though it can even reach as high as 11[^1^]. This higher pH level signifies that alkaline water is less acidic and contains alkalizing compounds, including calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
Potential Health Benefits of Drinking Alkaline Water
Alleviates Acid Reflux
Research indicates that alkaline water might help people with acid reflux. Groundbreaking research carried out by the Voice Institute of New York found that drinking naturally carbonated artesian-well alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 can deactivate pepsin, the main enzyme that triggers acid reflux[^2^].
Promotes Better Hydration
Positive hydration is another potential health benefit of drinking alkaline water. It hydrates the body more effectively than regular water, which can be especially beneficial for athletes who require optimal hydration. One study found that athletes who consumed alkaline water showed better hydration, improved cardiovascular health, and greater exercise performance than those who consumed regular water[^3^].
Supports Bone Health
Clarifying the relationship between alkaline water and bone health is still a work in progress. Preliminary studies imply that alkaline water may have a positive effect on bone health due to its ability to influence the body’s pH and reduce blood viscosity. It is believed that with reduced viscosity, blood can circulate more efficiently, leading to better oxygen delivery throughout the body, including to the bones[^4^].
Integrating Alkaline Water into Your Routine
While more research is needed to form conclusive findings on the health advantages of alkaline water, the embargoing studies make a case for considering its integration into day-to-day life. However, drinking alkaline water should not be done impulsively but rather in moderation and in complement to a balanced lifestyle.
Most importantly, proper filtration should be kept in mind. Some water filters that claim to alkalize water may also raise levels of contaminants, including radon, in drinking water. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a high-quality water filter certified by agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF)[^5^].
Conclusion
Drinking alkaline water offers potential benefits for many, particularly those who struggle with conditions such as acid reflux, dehydration issues, or bone health concerns. However, as with any wellness trend, it’s essential to incorporate alkaline water into a balanced health regime and seek professionals’ guidance when necessary.
The world of alkaline water, its myriad benefits, and potential implications for overall wellness is an exciting space to watch. As science continues to uncover more health benefits of alkaline water, including how to best incorporate it into your daily routine, it’s a topic worth returning to in the quest for optimal health.
[^1^]: Frassetto, L., et al. (2012). Metabolic and physiologic improvements from consuming a paleolithic, hunter-gatherer type diet. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition,66(8), 947-955. https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2012.34
[^2^]: Koufman, J.A., & Johnston, N. (2012). Potential Benefits of pH 8.8 Alkaline Drinking Water as an Adjunct in the Treatment of Reflux Disease. Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology,121(7), 431-434. https://doi.org/10.1177/000348941212100702
[^3^]: Heil, D. P., & Seifert J. G. (2015). Influence of bottled water on rehydration following a dehydrating bout of cycling exercise. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition,6(1), 2. https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-6-2
[^4^]: Wynn, E., et al. (2009). Postgraduate Symposium: Positive influence of nutritional alkalinity on bone health. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society,69(1), 166-173. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0029665109991712
[^5^]: National Science Foundation. (2021). Certified Product Listings for Drinking Water Treatment Units. NSF International. https://info.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/