Drinking Alkaline water, it is stated, delivers more health benefits than one. It slows down ageing, balances the body's pH levels, and guards against certain chronic illnesses. Normal water cannot neutralise acid levels in the body, but alkaline water can. Numerous health professionals have disagreed about the usage of this contentious health practice. Examine alkaline water to see if it lives up to the hype and what it is all about.
Alkaline Water: What Is It?
Alkaline water has perhaps been linked to a variety of health benefits. According to some, it can prevent chronic diseases like cancer, control your body's pH balance, and halt the ageing process. But what is alkaline water precisely, and why is there so much hype?
The pH of alkaline water is what is meant by the word "alkaline." On a scale from 0 to 14, the pH level of a substance indicates how acidic or alkaline it is. A pH of 1 indicates that something is extremely acidic, whereas a pH of 13 indicates that something is extremely alkaline.
Regular Water Vs Alkaline Water
The pH level of alkaline water is greater than that of ordinary drinking water. Because of this, some proponents of alkaline water assert that it helps balance your body's acid levels.The pH of typical drinking water is typically 7. A pH of 8 or 9 is common for alkaline water. However, pH alone is insufficient to significantly increase the alkalinity of water.Alkaline minerals and water with a low oxidation-reduction potential are also necessary (ORP). Water's ORP refers to its capacity to function as a pro- or antioxidant. The more antioxidizing something is, the more negative its ORP value is.
Is Alkaline Water Effective?
The use of alkaline water is debatable. The numerous health claims stated by users and vendors are not sufficiently supported by research, according to several health specialists. The many sorts of alkaline water investigations may account for variations in research findings.
Alkaline water may be beneficial for certain illnesses, according to a few studies.
As an illustration, an in vitro study conducted in 2012 discovered that consuming naturally carbonated, 8.8 pH artesian-well alkaline water may aid in the deactivation of pepsin, the primary enzyme responsible for acid reflux. To investigate these findings in humans, more research is necessary.A tiny 2018 study by Japanese researchers found that 60 individuals' stools appeared to be marginally better after consuming alkaline electrolyzed water. After drinking high-pH water as opposed to standard water after a rigorous activity, a 2016 study with 100 participants indicated a substantial difference in whole blood viscosity. The direct measure of a fluid'sa measure of how well blood moves through the vessels.
Viscosity was decreased by 6.3 per cent in those who drank high-pH water, compared to 3.36 per cent in those who drank regular purified drinking water. This indicates that the blood flowed better in the alkaline water. This may improve the body's ability to distribute oxygen. Beyond these short investigations, more research is yet required. Research is especially needed to address additional assertions made by proponents of alkaline water. Alkaline water supporters persist in their belief in the purported health benefits of the product despite the paucity of conclusive scientific studies. These consist of:
- Anti-ageing qualities (via liquid antioxidants that absorb more quickly into the human body)
- Bowel-cleansing capabilities
- Hydration, skin health, and other cleansing qualities for the immune system
- Cancer resistance and weight reduction
Additionally, they contend that properly ionised and alkalinized water has significantly negative ORPs compared to soft drinks, which are notoriously acidic and have very positive ORPs that cause a variety of health issues. Antioxidant-rich green tea has a somewhat negative ORP.
Natural or Synthetic?
Water becomes naturally alkaline when it flows over rocks, such as those found in springs, and picks up minerals that raise the alkalinity of the water. However, a lot of individuals who drink alkaline water purchase it after a chemical procedure known as electrolysis.
This method raises the pH of ordinary water using a device known as an ioniser. Electricity, according to ioniser manufacturers, is used to separate water molecules that are more acidic or alkaline. These claims, according to several medical professionals and academics, aren't supported by reliable research. To make sure that there are no impurities in the drinking water, it is essential to consider the source's water quality before ionisation. Reverse osmosis is recommended by some experts to sufficiently filter water before employing an alkaline ioniser to increase pH and add minerals. A 2014 study warns against regularly consuming water that has been produced by reverse osmosis, distillation, and other techniques (without added mineralization) and has low mineral content.
Obtaining Alkaline Water
Many grocery and health food stores sell alkaline water. It is also accessible online. Additionally, a lot of big chain retailers sell water ionisers. You can create your own at home as well. Another method to increase the alkalinity of water is to add baking soda or pH drops. There is no evidence to suggest a limit on the amount of alkaline water that can be consumed daily if th ewater is properly filtered to remove contaminants, ionised and re-mineralized, or bought from a quality source.
Benefits of Alkaline Water
Due to the notion that alkaline water may be healthy, it has gained popularity in recent years. Some of the benefits of alkaline water are-
Healthy Bones And Osteoporosis
On the effects of alkaline consumption on bones, some research has been done. A study discovered a connection between the two and bone resorption. Old bone cells decompose and are replaced by new ones during the process known as bone resorption. Better bone strength is obtained by reducing bone resorption and increasing mineral density. A bicarbonate- and calcium-rich alkali mineral water "decreased bone resorption more than a calcium-rich acidic mineral water," the authors wrote in their conclusion. But this only had a minor impact. The experts urged more investigation to see whether the long-term benefits of less bone resorption could increase bone mineral density.
Another study investigated the effects of an acidic diet against alkaline water on osteoporosis, a condition characterised by fragile bones. This study was also published in Nutrition Journal. The authors discovered a significant number of assertions being made on the Internet while reviewing the study's background. According to these statements, "alkaline diets and related commercial items combat acidity, assist the body in regulating pH, and hence avoid disease processes." The review's conclusion, which was supported by credible evidence, was that the acid in today's diet does not induce osteoporosis. Additionally, it was found that an alkaline diet, alkaline supplements, or alkaline salts do not prevent osteoporosis.
An alkaline diet produced more alkaline pee and potentially less calcium in the urine, according to a 2012 assessment of studies. However, the researchers found no proof that this would enhance bone health or help prevent osteoporosis and did not anticipate that this would reflect total calcium levels. It has been demonstrated that eating a meal rich in acids accelerates bone loss by increasing calcium excretion through the urine. On the other side, an alkaline diet can stop bone resorption to assist maintain bone health. According to certain research, alkaline water may strengthen bones by affecting particular hormones that regulate bone metabolism. For instance, a study involving 30 women from the Centre of Bone Diseases at Lausanne University Hospital in Switzerland demonstrated that drinking alkaline water reduced levels of
parathyroid hormone, which triggers the release of calcium from bones into the blood. Additionally, it decreased the levels of a biomarker used to gauge the rate of bone turnover.
Cancer
Dr Tanis Fenton and associates published a review of the effects of alkalis on cancer in the BMJ Open publication. The evaluation examined thousands of research, but the authors could only locate one valid, randomised study linking diet acid and bladder cancer. They couldn't find any studies linking alkaline water to human cancer. According to the researchers, "In our experience, salespeople approach cancer patients and promote water alkalinizers as a technique to treat their disease."They state:
"Despite the media and salespeople's promotion of the alkaline diet and alkaline water, there is essentially little empirical study to either support or refute these concepts," says the author.
According to one study, several chemotherapy medications used to treat cancer may work better when taken with an alkaline diet rather than just alkaline water.
Reflux of Acid
When the stomach's acidic contents splash back up the food pipe, it is called acid reflux disease. Long-term acid reflux can harm the oesophagus and lead to a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A study that was published in Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology suggested that drinking alkaline water as a supplement to existing reflux disease therapies would be worth further investigation.
It was discovered that alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 prevents an enzyme linked to reflux disease. Additionally, it seems to lessen the stomach's acidity. Rather than on actual people, the research was conducted in a lab. These conclusions would need to be supported by additional research.Additionally, stomach acid serves a role. It eliminates germs and other infections and aids in nutrition absorption and food digestion in our bodies. reduces the symptoms of acid reflux.
Acid reflux sometimes referred to as GERD, is a disorder where the stomach's acid flows back up into the oesophagus, resulting in symptoms like nausea, bloating, and burping. Pepsin, an enzyme that breaks down proteins, is important in acid reflux and can cause symptoms. To alleviate symptoms, alkaline water may have a positive effect on neutralising pepsin. A Voice Institute of New York in vitro study found that consuming alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 helped deactivate pepsin, which may have therapeutic benefits for those with acid reflux. It's crucial to remember that inhibiting pepsin has a similar impact to that of antacids in that it only serves as a temporary fix for the underlying issue. Alkaline water may aid in relieving symptoms, but it may not be able to treat the underlying cause of acid reflux, Hypertension and diabetes.
Researchers in Shanghai discovered that 3 to 6 months after consuming alkaline water, individuals with high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high blood lipid levels experienced a reduction in each of these measurements.After exercise, 100 adults showed lower blood viscosity, according to research published in 2016 (. This might lessen the stress on the heart brought on by dehydration.The researchers note that the subjects' initial levels of whole blood viscosity varied, which could have had an impact on the outcomes.In addition to providing the alkaline water, Essentia Water supported the study.
Controls Blood Glucose
Maintaining high blood sugar levels can have a negative impact on your health, resulting in symptoms like increased thirst, headaches, and fatigue as well as more severe, long-term repercussions including vision loss and nerve damage.Alkaline water may help balance blood sugar to maintain normal blood sugar levels and promote improved health, while research is still in its early stages. A six-month Chinese study found that participants' blood sugar levels were dramatically lowered to normal range after consuming alkaline water. Alkaline water also had anti-diabetic effects, according to a mouse study conducted at Dongduk Women's University's Department of Obesity Management at the Graduate School of Obesity Science and published in Life Sciences. The study found that alkaline water decreased blood sugar and improved glucose tolerance.
Daily Recommended Intake
There is no recommended dosage for alkaline water to boost health because there is no proof to back up these claims.But if you want to start drinking alkaline water, start off slowly and build up to it. This can lessen the extremely alkaline water's corrosive effects.
The Alkaline Diet: What Is It?
According to Fenton's study, the alkaline diet is encouraged to treat "the acid state that modern food causes."It entails consuming less protein and more fresh fruits and vegetables.The selling of related supplements and water alkalinizer devices is also promoted by the alkaline diet, according to the authors. This is done through nearly every media outlet, including websites, books, and videos.An alkaline diet may have certain advantages, according to a review article in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health.According to the researchers, fruits and vegetables have a negative acid load that may enhance the salt and potassium balance, thereby improving the health of bones and muscles. This may lessen the risk of stroke, high blood pressure, and other chronic illnesses.
Growth hormone levels in children with severe metabolic acidosis typically tend to be low, which might result in short stature. In those who are susceptible, an alkaline diet may aid in reducing issues connected to low growth hormones.Additionally, an alkaline diet seems to boost the amount of magnesium in cells. Vitamin D is then activated by magnesium.But none of these discoveries is specifically related.
Longevity
A 2016 study examined how drinking alkaline water affected 150 mice over the course of three years.According to the findings, those who drank alkaline water showed indicators of enhanced longevity, meaning they aged less and had a higher likelihood of living longer.The heart, liver, kidneys, brain, and intestine of the study groups showed no significant differences, and no harm occurred; however, there were variations in the ageing of the mice and their organs.
Enhances Circulation
Alkaline water may enhance circulation, making it easier for blood to move through your body and nourish your tissues with oxygen and other vital nutrients, according to some research. It is thought to function by making the blood thinner and hence more easily able to flow through the bloodstream.This was proven in a 2016 study that used 100 healthy adults to rehydrate after a rigorous activity with either ordinary water or alkaline water. The results were published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. It's interesting to note that those who drank alkaline water saw a 6.3 percent decrease in blood thickness compared to those who drank ordinary water only seeing a 3.36 percent decrease.
Boosts Hydration
It's important to stay hydrated for general health and wellness. Getting adequate water helps your body remove waste, deliver nutrients, and control body temperature.Drinking alkaline water is thought to improve hydration even more than regular water. According to a study that appeared in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Medicine, those who drank alkaline water for two weeks had higher levels of alkalinity in their blood and urine as well as better hydration than those who drank ordinary water.
Does Alkaline Water Help People Lose Weight?
There are no known advantages of alkaline water for metabolism or overall health.There is no evidence to support alkaline water as a stand-alone weight loss solution, even though it won't add calories as part of a balanced or controlled diet.
Risks
Too-alkaline water might have negative effects when consumed.
- An alkaline diet may be hazardous because it encourages people to shun foods that contain critical nutrients, according to researchers who studied the relationship between alkaline water, an alkaline diet, and cancer.
- They concluded that "Public promotion of alkaline water and diet for cancer prevention or treatment is not justified."
Potential Issues
The pH of water probably has little impact on health.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), alkali is equally as corrosive as an acid if used in excess.Researchers conducted a study in which rats at various stages of life drank alkaline water with a pH of 11.2 or 12 for a year, and the results were published in 2001.The rats had lost weight or had grown more slowly by the time the trial was through, and the female rats' fur had become patchy and dull in appearance. Oral mucosa in some of the rats was discoloured.None of the research on alkaline water that was examined, according to the study that was published in the BMJ, "supported the claims that suggest alkaline water enhances good health."
Risks and Negative Impacts
Going overboard with alkaline water could upset the sensitive pH balance in your body, which could cause dangerous health issues like alkalosis. Alkaline water's side effects include nausea, vomiting, trembling, and confusion may result from this.Regular consumption of alkaline water can also inhibit pepsin's function, making it more difficult for you to effectively digest proteins. The natural acidity of stomach acid, which is in charge of eliminating bacteria and pathogens to maintain your body's health, may also be interfered with.
If you do choose to consume alkaline water, make sure to do so sparingly and combine it with a balanced diet and frequent exercise to keep your body in peak shape. As usual, talk to your doctor or another reputable healthcare provider if you have any questions.
Adverse Consequences Of Alkaline Water
While a bottle of alkaline water a day won't have much of an effect on your health, drinking a gallon or more of it every day has the potential to upset the pH equilibrium in your body.Alkalosis, which happens when your bloodstream loses too much acidity, could result from this. Alkalosis signs and symptoms include:
- Uncertainty Hand tremors
- Nausea
Since the minerals in alkaline water might build up in some individuals' systems, Corey advises that they avoid it in particular for the following groups:
- those with renal illness or those taking medications that affect kidney function
- those suffering from gastrointestinal conditions like Crohn's disease or colitis
Conclusion
Alkaline minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium are present in alkaline water, which has a higher pH than conventional water. The majority of claimed health advantages of alkaline water are unfounded because our body takes excellent care of itself without the need for anything extra.According to Patton, consuming alkaline water generally has no negative effects; it is just more expensive. However, choosing alkaline water is a healthy lifestyle choice if doing so would result in you drinking more water in the long term.
Alkaline water is supposed to contain minerals including calcium, potassium, sodium, and magnesium and is said to have a higher pH than ordinary water. Water typically has a pH of 7.0, making it neutral. Contrarily, alkaline water often has a pH of 8 or 9. Increased hydration, fewer symptoms of acid reflux, better blood sugar regulation, improved bone health, and improved circulation are just a few advantages of alkaline water. Alkaline water and cancer prevention, anti-ageing benefits, or weight loss claims have not been well investigated and are not yet backed by science. It is safe when used in moderation, but for the greatest health advantages, it should be combined with a wholesome diet and an active way of life.
