To better understand what alkaline water is, it helps to know how pH measurement works. Ph is a measurement of how acidic or alkaline a substance is on a scale of 0-14. A pH of 0 means a substance is very acidic, while a pH of 14 is considered very alkaline.
Liquids that have a pH of 0 or 14 are often caustic and dangerous such as commercial cleaners or laboratory acid. Liquids that are safe for human consumption such as orange juice or alkaline water are close to the middle of the scale.
Normal drinking water has a very neutral pH of around 7. However, alkaline water has a slightly higher pH between 8 and 9. Some brands of alkaline water even have a pH as high as 10 or greater.
What Is the Alkaline Water Buzz About?
Alkaline water has become popular in the last few years due to many claims about its health benefits, such as weight loss and improved immune health. While some research is limited for many specific claims, there is evidence that alkaline water provides many potential benefits.
What Are the Benefits of Alkaline Water?
While there is still debate in the health science community about the exact effects of alkaline water, there is evidence of many potential benefits:
Improved Hydration
Due to its smaller molecular structure, studies show that alkaline water can penetrate cells easier. This easier penetration may allow for better hydration. A 2010 study1 found that alkaline water raised the pH of participants’ bodies and increased their overall hydration levels.
Detoxification
A 2003 study2 found that alkaline water may have reduced the harmful effects of mercury on 43 Swedish women who lived in an area with alkaline water. This study suggests that alkaline water may help detoxify the body of heavy metals, such as mercury. Building up these harmful toxins can cause fatigue, mental fog, inflammation, and headaches.
Weight Loss
Alkaline water may also be beneficial for weight loss. One 2011 study3 involved clinically obese participants drinking two liters of alkaline water per day for two months. The participants lost an average of 12 pounds, even without substantial changes to their diets.
Reduces Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is a digestive condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, creating a burning feeling in the lower chest. A 2012 study4 found that alkaline water can help those with acid reflux disease by reducing pepsin, an enzyme responsible for acid reflux.
Improved Bone Health
Alkaline water could also improve bone health. A 2009 study5 suggests that alkaline water reduced PTH and S-CTX, two of the most important numbers associated with bone loss. This finding could mean that drinking alkaline water can indirectly improve overall bone mineral density (BMD).
How to Get Alkaline Water
There are several ways to get alkaline water, all with important considerations:
- Natural Spring Water: At a pH between 8 and 9, natural spring water is one of the best alkaline water sources. When the water in natural springs travels over rocks, it picks up minerals that cause the water to become more alkaline. If you have access to a natural spring well, you may have alkaline water.
- Bottled Alkaline Water: Both physical and online retailers offer dozens of brands of bottled alkaline water. The price of bottled alkaline water is usually higher than regular water, but not all brands are of the same quality.
Some companies add salts and chemicals to the water to raise the pH. The quality of plastic they use for the bottles may also be a concern because some types are known to contaminate water over time.
Be sure to research the brand of bottled alkaline drinking water carefully so that you are sure that it is high quality and safe. Or, you can install a home water system to get great-tasting alkaline drinking water on demand without driving to a store or waiting for delivery.
Home Alkaline Reverse Osmosis Water Systems
If you want a convenient and steady supply of high-quality alkaline drinking water, you should. They are a wise investment for any household and typically pay for themselves after just a few uses! Generally, there are two types of home water systems that can alkalize water:
- Water ionizers use a process called electrodialysis to separate alkaline ions from acidic ions. The systems are relatively easy to install and operate, and they don’t require much maintenance besides an occasional filter change.
- Alkaline water filters, such as our Rain Water Systems Alkaline Cartridge, add mineral hydrates to the water to make it more alkaline. This filter pairs well with our advanced reverse osmosis system to produce quality alkaline water for you and your family.
If you are ready to provide your household with healthy, clean alkaline water, we are here to help. Contact us today to get your free consultation and estimate!
Sources:
1Heil DP. (13 September 2010). Acid-base balance and hydration status following consumption of mineral-based alkaline bottled water. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. Retrieved 8 September 2021 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20836884/
2Rosborg, I., Nihlgard, B. and Gerhardsson, L. (2003) Hair Element Concentrations in Females in One Acid and One Alkaline Area in South Sweden. Ambio, 32, 440. Retrieved 8 September 2021 from https://www.scirp.org/reference/ReferencesPapers.aspx?ReferenceID=2222613
3The Free Library. (2014). The effect of daily consumption of 2 liters of electrolyzed water for 2 months on body composition and several physiological parameters in four obese subjects: a preliminary report. Retrieved 8 September 2021 from https://shorturl.at/eivFN
4Koufman JA, Johnston N. (July 2012). Potential benefits of pH 8.8 alkaline drinking water as an adjunct in the treatment of reflux disease. Retrieved 8 September 2021 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22844861/
5Wynn E, Krieg MA, Aeschlimann JM, Burckhardt P. (January 2009). Alkaline mineral water lowers bone resorption even in calcium sufficiency: alkaline mineral water and bone metabolism. Bone. Retrieved 8 September 2021 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18926940/