This water has a slightly higher pH compared to regular bottled water. Many claims associate this water with a slower aging process and cancer prevention. But how true are these claims? Are there other benefits that alkaline water can offer?
What is alkaline water?
Regular bottled water has a pH of 7, which is neutral. Alkaline water can have a pH of 8 or 9. When discussing its benefits, let’s take a look at some studies.
A 2012 study showed that consuming alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 could deactivate pepsin, one of the culprits behind acid reflux. Another study found that alkaline water could benefit patients with high blood pressure or diabetes. A recent study showed how alkaline water could improve blood flow.
Alkaline water contains calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium, all of which could provide certain benefits.
What are the benefits of alkaline water?
Since it is more alkaline than regular water, it can counteract excess acidity in our bodies. Alkaline water may also help treat diabetes and cancer and stimulate bone health. Bathing in alkaline water may have beneficial effects on the skin.
1. May help treat diabetes
A Korean study conducted on rats claims that alkaline water can reduce blood glucose levels. It may also help treat high cholesterol, which is often associated with diabetes.
Another study claims that alkaline water could improve blood viscosity in diabetic patients, which, in turn, may enhance their overall health.
Other sources also suggest that alkaline water can help lower blood sugar levels.
2. May improve bone health
Having high acid levels can weaken bones over time, increasing the risk of fractures. Since alkaline water can reduce acid levels, it may help prevent this.
Some studies have found that alkalinity, in general (not just alkaline water), could benefit bone health. The study analyzed the overall diet of the population and concluded that a more alkaline diet could protect bones.
Subjects who consumed alkaline water were found to experience less bone degradation and a significant reduction in bone loss through urine. However, there is little research on alkaline water for arthritis or gout.
3. May regulate blood pressure
Some studies suggest that consuming alkaline water could have positive effects on blood pressure. This may be related to the minerals in the water. But we need more studies to reach a conclusion. Until then, we recommend following your doctor’s advice.
4. May aid in weight loss
In an animal study, it was found that rats consuming alkaline water had lower body weights in subsequent tests. In fact, the rat with the lowest body weight was the one exposed to the highest pH value (the most alkaline).
Other studies also claim that supplementing with alkaline water can have positive effects on body weight. One reason for this, according to some experts, is improved metabolism.
5. May help treat cancer
Some sources say that cancer cells thrive in acidic environments, and since alkaline water can neutralize acidity, it may help in cancer treatment. Some experts recommend following an alkaline diet, which includes alkaline water.
Several studies have also found that an alkaline environment can make certain chemotherapy drugs more effective and less harmful. Other sources say that an alkaline diet can help reduce inflammation, which is one of the major causes of cancer.
6. May help treat acid reflux
Alkaline water can neutralize stomach acid and alleviate symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn. It may have a buffering effect against hydrochloric acid, the stomach acid that aids digestion and whose excess can cause acid reflux.
However, according to doctors, more research is needed before we start using alkaline water as an effective treatment for acid reflux and associated conditions, such as GERD.
7. May be beneficial during pregnancy
Sources suggest that pregnant women who consume alkaline water may have easier deliveries and increased lactation. There are also reduced cases of jaundice.
Another study suggests that consuming alkaline water has substantial biological effects on postnatal growth. This may be related to the minerals in the water.
8. Aids in detoxification
Although there are no studies that directly state the benefits of alkaline water for detoxification, one study discusses the importance of an alkaline environment for this. The study claims that adjusting the alkalinity of tissues can lead to more efficient excretion of toxins from the body.
9. May help treat dry eyes
Although we do not have substantial research, some sources say that alkaline water (especially when applied to dry eyes) may help treat the condition. While water may not directly benefit the eyes, there is no concrete evidence to suggest it would be useful. Therefore, consult your doctor for more information.
10. May help treat fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by severe musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. Anecdotal evidence suggests that consuming alkaline water may reduce pain and improve energy levels. It may also help muscles feel well-lubricated.
11. May help treat ovarian cysts
Some anecdotal evidence suggests that consuming alkaline water may dissolve cysts and treat the condition. Another study suggests that alkaline water may improve bodily imbalances caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and, as a result, may even improve fertility.
12. May help treat skin diseases
Consuming alkaline water may help treat skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. It may also help with acne. Even bathing in alkaline water (which could be an expensive endeavor) may nourish the skin and offer anti-aging benefits.
However, there is very little evidence to suggest this. Using alkaline water for this purpose would not cause any harm.
13. May stimulate hair growth
There is no concrete research. But, like regular water, alkaline water may stimulate blood circulation, which, in turn, may improve hair health and promote growth.
These are the claimed (and some researched) benefits of alkaline water. But don’t worry—you don’t have to buy it. There are simple ways to prepare alkaline water right at home.
How to prepare alkaline water at home
First, you need to understand the pH level of the water. There is a way to test it. Usually, you can get a pH kit (which comes with pH strips and a color chart). Dip a strip in the water you want to alkalize, let it sit for a moment, then compare it to the color chart. Water above a pH of 7 is basic, while below 7 is acidic. Ideally, you want it to be between 7 and 9.
There are three ways you can prepare alkaline water at home.
Using baking soda
Add 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda to 250 ml of water. Baking soda has a high alkalinity. When mixed with water, it enhances the alkaline properties. But make sure not to use baking soda if you are on a low-sodium diet, as it is high in sodium.
Using lemon
Take 2 liters of water. Cut a lemon into 8 slices and put them in the water—do not squeeze them. Let the water sit covered for about 8 to 12 hours at room temperature. You can also add a teaspoon of Himalayan pink salt if you like. Lemons are anionic, and when you drink water with lemon, your body reacts to their anionic properties and makes the water alkaline as your body digests it.
Using pH drops
You can obtain a bottle of pH drops for alkalizing water from the nearest pharmacy or health food store (you can also get it online). Follow the instructions regarding how many drops you can add to the water. The drops contain alkaline minerals that can alkalize your water.
Naturally alkaline water occurs when it passes over rocks and collects minerals that make it alkaline. This usually happens in natural springs.
However, most people consume alkaline water that has gone through electrolysis, which uses an ionizer to raise the pH of the water. However, there have been mixed reactions among doctors and scientists regarding the consumption of artificially alkalized water.
In precise terms, naturally alkaline water is simply called alkaline water. But artificially alkaline water is referred to as ionized alkaline water.
What are the side effects of alkaline water?
When you start drinking alkaline water, normal side effects include headaches, fatigue, and darker, softer stools. These may be caused by a decrease in stomach acidity, which helps kill bacteria and eliminate other unwanted pathogens. These adverse reactions will diminish once your body gets used to alkaline water—it may take anywhere from a few days to 2 to 3 weeks. If you have any concerns, please consult your doctor.
Aside from these, a serious side effect is excessive alkalinity. Too much alkaline water can disrupt the normal pH of the body and lead to a condition called metabolic alkalosis—this causes confusion, nausea, vomiting, hand tremors, and tingling in the hands and feet.
