Drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water daily is essential for maintaining good health. But alkaline water might be a compelling option if you’re considering healthier alternatives.
So, is alkaline water truly healthier? What are its potential health benefits, and should you make the switch?
Let’s dive into the details.
What is Alkaline Water?
Before deciding if alkaline water is healthier, it’s important to understand what it is.
The term “alkaline” refers to the pH (potential hydrogen) level of a substance, which measures acidity or alkalinity on a scale from 0 to 14. A pH level below 7 is acidic, while a pH above 7 is alkaline.
Regular drinking water typically has a neutral pH of around 7. Alkaline water, however, has a pH greater than 7—often between 8 and 10.
Proponents believe alkaline water can help neutralize acidity in the body, improving overall health and reducing susceptibility to certain diseases.
How is Alkaline Water Made?
Alkaline water can be produced in two primary ways:
1. Electrolysis or Ionization
Using a water ionizer, the H2O compound is separated into hydrogen and oxygen molecules. This process removes some acidic hydrogen molecules, raising the water’s pH.
2. Mineral Infusion
As water flows over rocks, it naturally picks up minerals like calcium and potassium, making it naturally alkaline.
Alternatively, minerals like bicarbonate can be added manually to increase alkalinity.
DIY Methods to Make Alkaline Water
You can make alkaline water at home using these simple methods:
- Baking Soda: Mix 1/8 of a tablespoon of baking soda with an 8-ounce glass of water.
- Lemon or Lime Juice: Add freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice. Although acidic, they produce alkaline byproducts after digestion.
- pH Drops: Add liquid alkaline minerals to your water.
Benefits of Drinking Alkaline Water
1. Helps Balance Body Acidity
If your diet includes acidic foods like dairy, sugar, red meat, and processed items, alkaline water can help neutralize the acidity in your body. Research suggests that maintaining a balanced pH may reduce the risk of certain diseases.
A study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that drinking alkaline water may help deactivate pepsin, the enzyme responsible for acid reflux. By reducing acidity, it may provide relief for those suffering from heartburn or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
2. Improves Bone Health
Alkaline water is rich in calcium and magnesium, which are vital for strong bones. Studies indicate it may reduce bone loss markers and promote healthy bone growth.
A 2009 study published in Bone concluded that alkaline water with bicarbonate and calcium reduced bone resorption (a process where bones break down and release minerals into the blood) compared to acidic water. This suggests that drinking alkaline water may support better bone density over time.
3. Supports Heart Health
Drinking alkaline water may lower the risk of heart disease. Proper hydration thins the blood, making it easier for the heart to pump, which may reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
A 2016 study in Medical Gas Research showed that alkaline water significantly reduced blood viscosity (thickness) after exercise in participants, indicating improved hydration and cardiovascular efficiency.
4. Provides Antioxidant Benefits
Active hydrogen molecules in alkaline water act as antioxidants, neutralizing harmful free radicals that can damage cells and contribute to disease.
Research published in Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology highlights that alkaline water may reduce oxidative stress in the body, potentially lowering the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases.
5. Aids in Weight Loss
Research has shown that consuming two liters of alkaline water daily can support weight loss. It helps release acidic waste stored in fat cells, assisting in more effective fat reduction.
In a 2011 study conducted by The International Journal of Experimental Pathology, obese individuals who drank alkaline water for two months experienced significant weight loss and improved metabolic health.
6. Boosts Hydration
Alkaline water hydrates better than regular water, according to studies published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Improved hydration can enhance energy levels, athletic performance, and overall wellness.
Athletes, in particular, may benefit from alkaline water. A 2010 study found that consuming alkaline water post-exercise helped participants rehydrate faster and maintain electrolyte balance more effectively than plain water.
7. May Enhance Immune Function
By neutralizing acidity and reducing oxidative stress, alkaline water can create a more favorable environment for immune system function. While more studies are needed, some research suggests that it may help the body combat inflammation and infection more efficiently.
Alkaline vs. Acidic: Does pH Really Matter?
The body naturally maintains a tightly regulated pH level, with blood typically at 7.4. However, proponents of alkaline water argue that the modern diet, rich in processed and acidic foods, can disrupt this balance.
Alkaline water may assist in maintaining an optimal pH balance, reducing acidity-related health issues like acid reflux and inflammation.
While some health professionals remain skeptical, numerous anecdotal and preliminary studies highlight its potential benefits.
The Verdict: Is Alkaline Water Healthier?
Alkaline water may offer several health benefits, particularly for those with high acidity levels, bone concerns, or hydration needs.
However, it’s essential to approach it as a complementary part of a healthy lifestyle, not a cure-all.
Key Takeaways:
- Drinking alkaline water can help balance body pH, improve hydration, and support overall health.
- It’s rich in essential minerals like calcium and magnesium.
- While it offers potential benefits, it should not replace a nutrient-rich diet or medical treatments.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating alkaline water into your daily routine may provide valuable health benefits, but it’s not a magic solution. True wellness comes from a combination of healthy eating, regular exercise, proper hydration, and stress management.
If you’re curious, try adding alkaline water to your routine gradually and observe how your body responds.
Remember, balance is key—no single health practice can replace the need for a well-rounded lifestyle.
Ready to experience the potential benefits of alkaline water? Start by making your own at home with baking soda, lemon juice, or pH drops. Or, explore natural alkaline water brands at your local supermarket.
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Hi Alice,
First off, you’ve got a pretty awesome site! There is so much relevant information and the site is well formatted.
Now, about your post. Going for alkaline water has become the new trend. I also heard my friends talk about how alkaline water has some health benefits that are not found in ordinary bottled waters. Perhaps they’re right, even though according to your article, there has not been much validation in as far as health research and studies are taken into consideration.
However, what I read here has made me curious about alkaline water and so I thought why not. Plus, I do not even have to buy since I can easily prepare it alkaline water with lime or lemon.
I will go prepare one right now, thanks for such a valuable read!
Phil
Hey Phil,
You got that right! The health benefits of alkaline water are not well established and backed by a ton of research studies but there’s no harm in trying, considering that you don’t really have to spend a lot in order to experiment on it.
And even if alkaline water has not been 100% proven to be healthier than ordinary bottled waters, I think it’s still worth giving a try. In fact, people are already drinking alkaline water without them being aware because a lot of people love lemon water which is alkaline in pH.
I also had no idea about alkaline water but I often hear my colleagues talk about it during break time. They keep going back and forth how alkaline water is healthier than regular water, so I decided to check it out.
This article has opened my eyes to what alkaline water is all about and how we can prepare our own alkaline water and we do not have to buy it at an expensive price. Thank you for the informative post.
So we’re kind’a have the same experience in that we both heard about alkaline water firsthand from our colleagues. And yes, you can prepare your own alkaline water by using either baking soda or lemon, your choice.
Thanks for your comment.
Thanks for sharing this info. I was on the idea that water was alkaline no matter what. It seems I was wrong. Thanks for enlightening me. 😉
I also thought all water was neutral (with a pH of 7) but I was wrong too. But now that alkaline water is getting more and more popular because of the “supposed” health benefits, I do not see any harm in trying it ourselves.
However, you do not have to spend too much. You can easily alkalize your ordinary water by adding baking soda. But if you find the taste unpleasant, just squeeze in fresh lemon or lime and you have alkaline water.
I had not previously heard of alkaline water. Great info, makes me curious to find out more. Are there brands that are associated with alkaline water? What do I need to look for when shopping for bottled water?
Hello Patricia,
There are certain brands of alkaline water available in the market. Some of the more popular ones include Noah’s Spring Water (pH 8.4), Fiji (pH 7.5) which is derived from springs in Fiji, Evamor (pH 8.0), Real Water (pH 8.0), Trinity Springs (pH 9.0), Qure (pH 9.5) and Essentia (pH 9.0).
Have fun shopping alkaline water for a healthier you!
Thank you so much for sharing such a nice information about alkaline water.
Very well written and very well explained. Superb work, I would love to read more from your site.
Thanks Sarah.
I hope to be able to write more informative articles on what we all can do or practice in order to stay healthy, because health is wealth.
Never knew there was so much benefit in alkaline water. I used to struggle drinking water because of the taste, but now I often drink water with lemon juice, sometimes as a hot drink. So surprised but also happy to know that I have been benefiting my body.
I don’t buy bottled water but when I do it’s normally sparkling spring water, I find I can tolerate the taste more. Thanks for writing the article, it was a good read.
Hi Jamila,
Alkaline water is currently selling like hot cakes in almost every supermarket worldwide due mainly to the hype that the producers have caused. And although there have not been a lot of tangible proofs of the “supposed” health benefits of drinking alkaline water, more and more people are riding its popularity, especially the health-conscious people.
Interestingly, most of us have already been drinking home made alkaline water without even knowing it. I mean, who doesn’t enjoy lemon water? Perhaps we drink lemon water for the purpose of losing or maintaining our weight but we are actually drinking healthier water.
Thanks for stopping by Jamila.
Wow, great information, I haven’t heard about that.
I always loved to drink lemon water, now I learned that this is also a lot healthier than normal water. I live in Thailand and am wondering if when I use lime juice instead of lemon juice is that changing the pH level too?
Thanks again, this is very helpful.
Hey Stefan,
Like you, I loved drinking lemon water too even before knowing how lemon changes the pH of water to alkaline. I always thought lemon makes water more acidic but it is actually the opposite. No wonder some restaurants serve lemon water before anything else.
If lemon is not available, you can always substitute it with lime as they have the same effect – they both raise the pH of water making it alkaline.
Have fun preparing your own alkaline water!