Water is a vital necessity for life, and in recent years, a particular type of water known as ‘alkaline water’ has garnered significant attention. Some proponents suggest it can provide numerous health benefits, from superior hydration to better bone health. Alkaline water differentiates itself by having a higher pH than regular drinking water, and this characteristic is often claimed to help neutralize acid in the body. This article will explore the potential health benefits of alkaline water, delve into the scientific evidence supporting these claims, and address the controversies surrounding this health trend.
Understanding pH And Alkaline Water
The pH scale measures how acidic or basic a substance is, ranging from 0 to 14. Standard drinking water typically has a neutral pH of 7, while alkaline water typically has a pH of 8 or 9. It’s crucial to comprehend this scale since the human body performs optimally at a slightly alkaline pH level. A balance in the body’s pH level is important, with significant deviations potentially leading to health issues.
Alkaline water can either be naturally alkaline or artificially ionized. Naturally, alkaline water passes over rocks and picks up minerals, increasing its alkaline level. In contrast, ionized alkaline water uses electrolysis to separate molecules in the water, producing alkaline and acidic water.
The Theory Behind Alkaline Water And Health
The acid-alkaline theory of disease is based on the idea that certain foods can affect the acidity and pH of bodily fluids, including urine or blood. Proponents of this theory suggest that high acidity levels in the body can cause chronic diseases. Since alkaline water is less acidic than your typical tap water, it is thought to neutralize acid in the body.
The kidneys play a significant role in maintaining the body’s acid-base balance by excreting hydrogen ions into the urine and reabsorbing bicarbonate from the urine. The idea is that drinking alkaline water could possibly aid these functions, thereby helping maintain or improve health.
Potential Health Benefits of Alkaline Water
Alkaline water is often credited with a variety of health benefits. Among these, improved hydration is often the most cited. Alkaline water contains mineral ions like calcium, potassium, magnesium, and bicarbonate, which could aid in better hydration as compared to regular water.
Besides, some research suggests that alkaline water may help individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. A 2016 study in the “Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine” found that participants consuming alkaline water over three to six months showed significant differences in blood viscosity (a measurement related to hydration) as compared to those drinking standard water. This suggests that alkaline water may help reduce the risks of heart disease by improving blood flow.
