What Is Alkaline Water?
Alkalinity and acidity are both measurements on the pH scale of 1 to 14. Neutral is considered 7.0, and anything below that point is considered acidic. Alkaline water typically has a pH between 7.0 7.5 pH.
Another common name for alkaline water is ionized water. It is thought that natural spring water is the best source of alkaline water, with a pH around 8.0 to 9.0.
Natural alkaline water occurs when water travels over rocks. For instance, spring water will obtain minerals and increase in alkalinity during this process. Basically, spring water is naturally alkalinized.
Health Benefits of Alkaline Water
Alkaline water helps alkalize an acidic body. This is especially important for people who consume diets that are rich in acidic foods, such as processed foods, dairy, sugar, and red meat. Some research suggests you can live longer drinking alkaline water.
Evidence also suggests a handful of other alkaline water benefits:
1. Helpful for Detoxification
Detoxification is important for removing the accumulation of harmful toxins in the body. Toxic overload can lead to chronic fatigue, low energy, bloating, mental confusion, inflammation, and food sensitivities. Drinking alkaline water can help detox the body of heavy metals, such as mercury.
2. Alkaline Water Weight Loss Plan
It may be beneficial to try an alkaline water weight loss plan. Researchers found that obese individuals who drank two liters of alkaline water daily lost an average of 6 kilos over two months.
3. Reduces Acid Reflux
Acid Reflux will typically create a burning feeling in the lower chest, typically after a person has eaten. It is a condition where stomach acid flows into the esophagus. It is also commonly known as acid indigestion and heartburn. People are often diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where acid reflux is experienced at least twice a week.
Research shows that alkaline water can be a beneficial therapeutic treatment for patients with acid reflux disease. Researchers discovered that drinking alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 results in beneficial acid-buffering activity. Alkaline water also inactivates pepsin, an enzyme that plays a role in acid reflux.
4. Helps Improve Bone Health
Alkaline water could also improve bone health. It is thought that alkaline water is a safer dietary source of calcium than milk or dairy. Researchers discovered that alkaline water significantly reduced two markers associated with bone loss—PTH and S-CTX—in 30 female dieticians.
5. Provides Antioxidant Benefits
Alkaline water is a natural antioxidant that can neutralize harmful radicals in the body. Laboratory studies have also tested the antioxidant potential of alkaline water. In a 2006 study the journal alkaline water showed potent antioxidant activity when mixed with vitamin C.
6. Essential for Heart Health
Drinking alkaline water can reduce certain risk factors associated with heart disease. Researchers found that alkaline water consumption for three to six months could significantly reduce blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol.
It was concluded that alkaline ionized water could improve the symptoms associated with diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. Heart disease and hypertension are risk factors for diabetes. Researchers also suggested that alkalized mineral water could lower blood pressure in people with low calcium and magnesium levels.
Drinking alkaline water may also help hydrate your body, improve mental clarity, and boost your overall immune system.