Is alkaline water beneficial?

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes 24 seconds

In the last few years, alkaline water has gained popularity, especially with its prominence on social media. While some people promote alkaline water as a miracle drink, others think it is a passing trend like many other things. But is alkaline water really a miracle drink? What makes it different from regular water? If you are wondering the answers to these and similar questions, this article is for you!

How is alkaline water different from regular water?

One of the main features that distinguishes alkaline water from normal water is the difference in pH value between these two waters. The pH value of alkaline water is approximately 8-9.5. In normal tap water, this value is approximately 7. The fact that alkaline water has a higher pH value than normal water makes alkaline water less acidic than normal water. With its less acidic nature, alkaline water can help balance the body’s pH levels. Alkaline water also contains minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, and bicarbonate. These minerals cause both the difference in the taste of alkaline water and the difference in its contribution to the body.

It is possible to convert water into alkaline water naturally or artificially. Natural alkaline water is formed by the minerals that the water collects as it passes over the rocks during its flow and increases the pH value. On the other hand, it is also possible to obtain alkaline water artificially through a process called electrolysis using a water ionizer.

It is important to remember that alkaline water is still water, albeit a component with differences from normal water. The perceived effect of alkaline water may vary depending on the health status, body, and general lifestyle of the person consuming it. Therefore, it is important not to consider alkaline water as a miracle in itself.

Is alkaline water beneficial?

Alkaline water has gained popularity in recent years due to its alleged health benefits. However, we should say that some of these claims have not yet been scientifically proven, and scientific research on alkaline water continues.

However, there are some known benefits of alkaline water. We can list the most commonly cited benefits of alkaline water as follows:

• Supports hydration: Some studies show that alkaline water can help with hydration, that is, getting enough water into the body and distributing it in a balanced way, especially after intense physical activity.
• May help with acid reflux: Initial research has shown that alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 can help neutralize pepsin, the enzyme that causes acid reflux.
• Contains beneficial minerals: Alkaline water often contains minerals such as magnesium and calcium, which are essential for bone health and general well-being.
• Possible antioxidant properties: Although there is no conclusive scientific evidence yet, there are suggestions that ionized alkaline water acts as an antioxidant and reduces oxidative stress.

Although the benefits listed above are promising, studies on the extent to which alkaline water affects health are not mature. Therefore, we should emphasize that more rigorous scientific studies are needed to make a more accurate assessment of alkaline water.

Is there any harm in consuming alkaline water?

The recent marketing of alkaline water as healthy does not necessarily mean that it can provide great health benefits. As we mentioned before, there are ongoing scientific studies on alkaline water. Therefore, to draw a clear conclusion about this water, we must wait until scientific studies on alkaline water have gone a certain distance. However, alkaline water is unlikely to cause any harm when consumed in moderation by a healthy person.

In some rare cases, excessive consumption of alkaline water can lead to a condition known as metabolic alkalosis. This is an imbalance in the body’s pH caused by too much alkalinity. Symptoms of metabolic alkalosis can include nausea, vomiting, muscle twitching, hand tremors, and confusion. People who have kidney problems or who are on medications that affect their electrolyte balance should be extra cautious with their drinking.

How to consume alkaline water?

You can think of alkaline water as a simple addition to your daily eating and drinking routine. However, in any case, it would be better to make this change gradually. People who are new to alkaline water, for example, if they drink 7 glasses of water a day, they can start by consuming 1 or 2 glasses of this daily consumption as alkaline water. It would be better to continue in this way for a while and watch whether their body reacts in any way and then increase the amount.

The best times to drink alkaline water are usually the following:

• Morning: Starting the day with a glass of alkaline water on an empty stomach in the morning can help flush out toxins and support digestion.
• Before or after exercise: After intense physical activity, the body loses electrolytes and fluids. Alkaline water is thought to help rehydration.
• Between meals: Drinking alkaline water between meals is thought to aid digestion.

However, you do not need to replace your entire water intake with alkaline water. Many people find a balance between alkaline water and regular water and drink both together. As with everything else, it is very important to listen to your body when it comes to alkaline water consumption.

Can I make alkaline water at home?

Good news, especially for regular alkaline water drinkers! Yes, you can make alkaline water at home. You can make your alkaline water with a few easy methods without the need for expensive tools.

We can list the most common methods of making alkaline water at home as follows:

• With baking soda: Baking soda, an alkali, is used to convert water into alkaline water. One of the simplest methods is to add about 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda to an 8-ounce glass of water.
• With lemon and salt: The alkaline potential of water can be increased by squeezing fresh lemon and adding a pinch of Himalayan salt.
• Alkaline water pitcher: These pitchers are used in conjunction with filters designed to raise the pH of normal water and add beneficial minerals.
• Water ionizer: Water ionizers that use electrolysis are a more costly option than others, but can be a good long-term choice for frequent users.

Whichever method you choose, testing pH with strips is a good idea if you want to monitor alkalinity levels. Making your alkaline water gives you control over what you drink and allows you to tailor it to your preferences.