Recently there has been a lot of hype in regards to the numerous benefits of alkaline water. Some people believe that it makes you look younger, reduces your risk of developing chronic health conditions, or balancing the pH level in your body.
But what is alkaline water?
The “alkaline” in water is used to categorize the pH level of the water. pH levels range from 0 to 14, where a compound with a pH of 14 is considered very alkaline, and something with a pH of 1 is very acidic.
Alkaline water has a higher pH than the normal water we drink, and for this reason, some may believe that it can help control the acidity in the body.
The regular drinking water has a neutral pH of 7, while alkaline water has a pH of 8/9. But the alkalinity of a substance isn’t just dependent on just the pH level.
For water to be alkaline, it must contain negative oxidation-reduction (ORP) and certain alkaline minerals. ORP is water’s ability to act as an antioxidant or pro-oxidant. The higher the negative ORP, the higher it’s level of antioxidizing.
Does Alkaline Water Really Work?
The answer to this question is a bit controversial because so many health professionals believe that there isn’t enough science backing up the health benefits of alkaline water. The differences in these findings may be because different types of alkaline water were studied.
Certain research believes that normal water has a lot of health benefits for most people, and there isn’t enough evidence to agree on the benefits of alkaline water.
While there is still no substantial evidence on the beneficial impact of alkaline water, there are a few benefits that cannot be discarded.
Putting Health Claims into Consideration
Advocates of alkaline water claim that because of its increased hydrogen level, it provides more hydration than normal water, most especially after an intensive workout.
They also believe that frequently taking water with a pH below 7 puts you at risk of having too much acid in your blood.
According to them, very alkaline water reduces acidity in the cells, increases energy, improves digestion, slows aging, improves metabolism, and reduces bone loss
Benefits of Alkaline Water
Alkaline water has more-hydrating properties than regular water, and this would be helpful for those who engage in intense workout sessions and need plenty amount of water in their body. Scientifically, the water molecules in alkaline water are really small, and this would make your body cells absorb it easily, keeping you re-hydrated faster.
Alkaline water contains various minerals, magnesium, and calcium inclusive, and they are both necessary for healthy and strong bones.
Alkaline water contains so many potent antioxidants that would stop the growth of free radicals, which can lead to premature aging or fast aging.
One of the benefits of alkaline water includes boosting of the immune system. Your immune system may help the body neutralize the acidity that happens as a result of environmental toxins or not eating right.
Side Effects of Alkaline Water
Although alkaline water is termed “safe” for consumption, when taken in excess, can cause some serious damages.
The major side effect of consuming too much alkaline water is that it may damage your stomach’s natural acidity, thereby killing your body’s good bacteria in the process.
Also, when there is excess alkalinity in your body, it can cause you to have gastrointestinal tract problems, or it can even affect the appearance of your skin.
Excess of alkalinity in the body can upset the body’s normal pH, which can result in alkalosis, and this may lead to the following symptoms:
- Tingling in the face
- Nausea
- Muscle twitching
- Hand tremors
- Confusion
How Does Alkaline Water Taste
Depending on the alkalinity of the water, it can taste somewhat bitter and entirely different from your tap water. Also, it can change the taste of your coffee and other beverages if you use it in making them.
Unless you have a kidney-related condition, there is no reason why you shouldn’t take alkaline water if you want to, because it doesn’t pose a threat to your health.
Although the high pH level in alkaline water can make your skin itchy and dry, and may even cause an upset stomach, that’s all there is, nothing more.
But also, for the fact that it is considered safe for consumption, it doesn’t mean it does anything for you either.
