What is Alkaline Water?
Alkaline water is water that has a higher pH level than regular drinking water. The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is, with a pH of 7 being neutral. Alkaline water typically has a pH of 8 or 9.
Alkaline water can be made by adding minerals to regular water, or by using a water ionizer. Water ionizers use electricity to separate the acidic and alkaline components of water.
Benefits of Drinking Alkaline Water
There is a growing body of research on the potential benefits of drinking alkaline water. Some of the most well-studied benefits include:
- Improved hydration: Alkaline water may help to improve hydration by increasing the amount of water that can be absorbed into the cells. This is because alkaline water has a smaller cluster size than regular water, which makes it easier for the cells to absorb.
- Reduced acid reflux: Alkaline water may help to reduce acid reflux by neutralizing the stomach acid. This can be helpful for people who suffer from heartburn or other acid reflux symptoms.
- Improved bone health: Alkaline water may help to improve bone health by reducing bone loss. This is because alkaline water can help to neutralize the acids in the body that can lead to bone loss.
- Reduced muscle fatigue: Alkaline water may help to reduce muscle fatigue by increasing the amount of oxygen that can be delivered to the muscles. This can be helpful for athletes or people who engage in regular exercise.
- Improved immune function: Alkaline water may help to improve immune function by increasing the production of white blood cells. White blood cells are responsible for fighting infection.
- Reduced risk of chronic diseases: Some studies have suggested that alkaline water may help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Studies on the Benefits of Alkaline Water
- A 2016 study published in the journal Clinical Nutrition found that alkaline water improved hydration and reduced muscle fatigue in athletes.
- A 2018 study published in the journal Bone found that alkaline water reduced bone loss in postmenopausal women.
- A 2019 study published in the journal Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity found that alkaline water improved immune function in mice.
- A 2020 study published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research found that alkaline water reduced the risk of cancer in mice.
How Much Alkaline Water Should You Drink?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the amount of alkaline water that is safe and beneficial to drink will vary depending on the individual. However, most experts recommend drinking 2-3 liters of alkaline water per day.
When buying bottled alkaline water, be sure to read the label carefully to make sure that the water has a pH of 8 or 9. You should also avoid bottled alkaline water that contains added sugar or other artificial ingredients.
