The world seems to be riding a health and wellness wave these days. From balanced diets and comprehensive workout programs, to beauty regimens and alternative medicine, it appears everyone is interested in maintaining and improving their health. One trend receiving a great deal of attention is alkaline water. Its proponents claim that it can boost immunity, slow down aging, prevent chronic diseases, and enhance nutritional absorption among other health benefits. However, what exactly is alkaline water and are these health claims substantiated by science? Let’s dive into the whys and wherefores of alkaline water.
Alkaline Water: An Introduction
Simply put, alkaline water is water that has been treated to increase its pH level to more than 7. Tap water typically has a neutral pH of around 7, so anything above this is considered alkaline or basic. This alkaline condition is achieved through a process known as electrolysis in which water is passed through an ionizer to separate acidic and alkaline parts. However, alkaline water often contains essential minerals such as calcium, potassium, sodium, and magnesium1
Drinking Alkaline Water: The Purported Health Benefits
Detoxification and Hydration
Alkaline water contains smaller molecular clusters than ordinary water. This promises better cell permeability significantly increasing hydration and detoxification levels. Optimum hydration is important for maintaining your energy levels and supports detoxification systems in eliminating toxins that can compromise health.
Reducing Acid Reflux
A study in the ‘Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology’ revealed that alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 can help deactivate pepsin, a chief cause of acid reflux2.
Potentially slowing Aging and Preventing Chronic Diseases
Scientific evidence suggests that over-acidification of the body may contribute to aging and the development of chronic diseases. By drinking alkaline water, you can alkalize your body thereby slowing aging and preventing diseases.
Enhancing Nutrient Absorption
Alkaline water enhances the bloodstream’s capacity to absorb essential nutrients more efficiently. This is due to the higher pH which makes your cells less resistant to uptake essential minerals.
Alkaline Water: The Other Side of The Coin
Not all health experts and researchers share the same enthusiasm about alkaline water. Some view the health benefits claims as unsubstantiated, with minimal scientific evidence proving that alkaline water is superior to regular water. Many assert that the body regulates pH levels effectively, so drinking alkaline water will likely provide no added health benefits3.
Furthermore, excessive alkaline in your body can cause gastrointestinal issues and skin irritations. It could also lead to a condition known as metabolic alkalosis, encompassing symptoms such as hand tremors, nausea, confusion, light-headedness, and twitching muscles.
The Bottom Line
While drinking alkaline water has been suggested to offer a range of health benefits, it’s not a miracle solution. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, are more proven ways to achieve optimal health. Whether alkaline water is a part of your health regimen or not, ensure you stay hydrated. After all, water is crucial for good health, regardless of whether it’s alkaline or not. Do consult a health care provider before any major changes in your dietary routine.
In conclusion, drinking alkaline water might offer certain health benefits, but these potential gains need to be balanced with a general understanding of the absence of substantial scientific reinforcement, possible side effects, and the body’s own remarkable ability to maintain healthy pH levels.