What Is Alkaline Water? Discover Its Amazing Benefits Today
Alkaline water has become quite popular in recent years, with many people discussing its supposed health benefits. It is frequently mentioned in wellness trends that focus on pH balance and hydration. However, what exactly is alkaline water and why all the hype? This article digs into exactly what alkaline water is, whether is it good for you, and what benefits you might enjoy by adding it to your hydration routine.
What is Alkaline Water?
Alkaline water is water with a higher pH level than drinking water. Using the pH scale, it measures exactly how strongly acidic or alkaline a substance is. Anything that has a pH below 7 is acidic, while anything with a pH above 7 is alkaline. Most tap water has a pH level of around 7, which is neutral. On the other hand, alkaline water has a higher pH, usually about 8 or 9.
This higher pH can occur naturally, as in springs or mountain streams when water travels over rocks and collects minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. But most alkaline water sold as a commercial product is artificially made through electrolysis. This process uses electricity to separate acidic and alkaline components of water, raising the pH of the water you drink.
It is believed that alkaline water neutralizes acids in the body and will offer benefits in hydration as well as disease prevention. Does science support these claims? Is alkaline water good for you? Let’s read about it.
Is Alkaline Water Healthy?
The question of whether alkaline water is good for you continues to be debated, with varied results. Despite some possible benefits, there is a lack of scientific data to back up many of the more spectacular health claims.
One popular misconception is that alkaline water can help balance your body’s pH levels, making it less acidic. However, the human body is extremely adept at maintaining its pH balance. Your blood, for example, maintains a pH of 7.35 to 7.45, regardless of what you eat or drink.тАЛ
Your stomach is highly acidic, with a pH ranging from 1.5 to 3.5, allowing for food digestion. Stomach acid quickly neutralizes alkaline water.
That being said, some research suggests that alkaline water does have some utility, at least as it relates to hydration and the prevention of acid reflux, although overall, there’s just too much to know definitively about its long-term health benefitsтАЛ.
Benefits of Alkaline Water
Despite the ongoing debate, there are a few alkaline water benefits that are worth exploring. These include hydration, help with acid reflux, and possibly support bone health. Let’s delve further into these claims.
Hydration
Alkaline water can hydrate you better, particularly after intense exercise. Some studies indicate that since it contains electrolytes like calcium, potassium, and magnesium, alkaline water might hydrate you better than regular water тАЛ. This could be particularly beneficial for athletes or those engaging in physical activities that lead to sweating and electrolyte loss. However, itтАЩs important to remember that hydration is essential regardless of whether the water you drink is alkaline or not.
Acid Reflux Relief
One of the most promising properties of alkaline water is its ability to treat people suffering from acid reflux or GERD. Alkaline water has been demonstrated to neutralize pepsin, the enzyme that causes acid reflux symptoms like heartburn. Drinking alkaline water may relieve the burning sensation and other discomforts caused by stomach acid backing up into the oesophagus.
Bone health support
There’s also some evidence that alkaline water may decrease bone loss. A small study found that persons who consumed alkaline water had a decreased rate of bone resorption. This may offer long-term benefits for bone health. However, much more research is needed to discover whether alkaline water can considerably improve bone density or prevent problems like osteoporosis in the long run.
May Enhance Performance
Alkaline water has been found to improve athlete performance and recovery after intense exercise. Experimentation on some athletes revealed increased blood viscosity following exercise, suggesting greater flow or rate of flow of blood for better oxygen delivery to tissues. As previously said, these findings remain encouraging and require further investigation to assess long-term impacts.
Detoxification and antioxidant properties
There are some claims about alkaline water having antioxidant properties, which may neutralize the harmful free radicals in the human body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that could damage a cell and potentially lead to conditions such as cancer or ageing. However, the evidence supporting this claim is limited, and much more research is needed to confirm any substantial detoxifying effects of alkaline waterтАЛ.
Conclusion
Alkaline water can be helpful for individuals in several ways. Those who wish to increase hydration, prevent acid reflux, or perhaps even promote healthier bones will find it convenient to add alkaline water to their routine. While the science behind some of these claims is still developing, drinking alkaline water is generally considered safe for most people. However, it is not a cure-all and should not be used to treat major medical disorders or to replace a healthy diet and regular medical care.
If you prefer the taste of alkaline water and think it’s a nice way to stay hydrated, go for it. For everyone else, plain water should provide the same hydration at a significantly lower cost. Of course, like with all things, you should be an informed consumer and consult with a healthcare expert if you have any concerns.
So, in all aspects and senses, staying hydrated — whether with alkaline water or just plain water — is undoubtedly the best thing you can do for yourself. If alkaline water works for you, drink as much as you like! Just remember the key to wellness lies in a balanced approach to your overall health.
