Alkaline water is water with a pH of between 8 and 10 (slightly basic).
Where does this fall on the pH scale?
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- The pH scale ranges from 0-14
- 0 is the most acidic
- 14 is the most basic
- 7 is neutral
Most tap water sits between 6.5 to 7.4, but alkalinity isn’t only about pH…Healthy alkaline water also contains minerals, like calcium and magnesium, which play an important role in the body.For starters, they act as antioxidants that help fight free radicals and prevent disease.
To top it all off, these minerals create cellular energy and fuel almost every process in the body.
Can Drinking Alkaline Water Really Neutralize Acidic Body Chemistry?
Some advocates of alkaline think that it can help neutralize acidic body chemistry.
It’s no secret that the modern Western diet is overloaded with acidifying foods, like:
- Trans fats
- Processed sugar
- Hydrogenated oils
- Artificial food colorings and preservatives
These foods crank up acidity levels throughout the body.
Research suggests that eating fewer acidifying foods and more alkalizing foods may reduce the risk of death from chronic diseases.
The heightened pH of water that is considered alkaline may also promote a healthy acid-base balance.
With that said, reducing acidic body chemistry is a complicated process, and so far it’s too early to tell if drinking alkaline water can make a significant impact. However, alkaline water has several other health benefits to toot its horn about…
Health Benefits of Alkaline Water
When it comes to the potential health benefits of, early research suggests that it may...
- Relieve acid reflux
- Strengthen bones
- Lower blood sugar
- Improve blood flow
- Support hydration
- Improve sleep quality
Let’s take a closer look.
May relieve acid reflux by deactivating pepsin: the main enzyme that causes acid reflux.
“Unlike conventional drinking water, pH 8.8 alkaline water instantly denatures pepsin, rendering it permanently inactive. In addition, it has good acid-buffering capacity. So, the consumption of alkaline water may have therapeutic benefits for patients with reflux disease.”
Ultimately, too much pepsin can damage the larynx and esophagus. By neutralizing pepsin, alkaline water can reduce acid reflux symptoms like nausea, bloating and heartburn.
Strengthen your bones by optimizing calcium function and hormone production. First off, it decreases the production of parathyroid hormone, which is known to promote calcium loss.
A recent study, participants drank either acidic water or alkaline water for a 4-week period. Participants in the alkaline group retained more calcium than the acidic group.
Multiple studies show that drinking alkaline water may reduce blood sugar, especially in people with diabetes. In a recent study published in the Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine, participants with diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure drank high pH water for several months.
May improve blood flow by thinning the blood. A recent 100-person study found that participants had significantly lower blood viscosity than those who drank standard drinking water. Viscosity measures the thickness of the blood, and the lower the viscosity, the easier it flows. Researchers found that the alkaline group reduced viscosity by 6.3 percent, compared to only 3.36 percent in the standard group.
This means that alkaline water is better for improving blood flow.
Alkaline water may improve hydration. In a recent study published in the Journal of the Society of Sports Nutrition, participants were given either alkaline electrolyzed water or standard water. Electrolyzed water is water that’s been treated with an electrical current to kill microbes. Researchers found that the electrolyzed water helped participants rehydrate faster following intense exercise.
6. Improves Sleep Quality
Alkaline water may improve sleep quality. In a recent Japanese study, patients were given alkaline electrolyzed water for a 4-week period. By the end of the trial…
“A high proportion of the respondents said that they felt they were able to sleep soundly, and the proportion of subjects who answered that they felt good when awakening increased. The effect of reducing oxidative stress, thus allowing for improved sleep.”
Side Effects of Acidic Water
Regardless of the potential health benefits of alkaline water, one thing is for sure: acidic water is not good for drinking!
Acidic water can occur naturally due to runoff from rock formations, acidic rain and soil microbes. However, acidic water is often the result of industrial pollution from chemical dumps, animal farms and power plants. So if you test your water and find out that it’s acidic, it might also be toxic.
Contaminated acidic water can erode tooth enamel and may even promote cancer. It can also be hard on your home—low-pH water dissolves metal pipes, causes leaks and stains appliances.
Fortunately, there are plenty of under-the-sink water filters that remove toxins and balance pH.
Click here to learn more.
