As a professional in health and wellness with years of experience, I’ve seen trends come and go. One trend that has sparked considerable interest is the concept of alkaline water. Its proponents suggest that it helps to combat the acidity inherent in most of our diets, aiding in achieving a balanced body pH for optimal health. But is alkaline water worth trying? Let’s dive into the details to find out.
Understanding Body pH and Alkaline Water
Our diet is typically inundated with acidic foods – corn, meat, certain cheeses, wine, poultry, fish, processed sugar, coffee, and most grains. In fact, these foods often comprise a significant portion of our daily intake. An overabundance of these acidic foods can lead to an unhealthy decrease in your body’s pH, the scale used to measure acidity and alkalinity. Symptoms of an overly acidic body may range from a lack of energy, headaches, and ulcers, to more severe conditions such as accelerated aging and bone loss.
Compounding the problem, even the water we drink often leans towards acidity, despite being naturally neutral (pH 7). This is where alkaline water enters the picture.
Why Alkaline Water?
Alkaline water sports a naturally higher pH level, usually around 7.5-9.5, depending on the brand. This higher pH helps counteract the acidity brought about by our diet. Drinking alkaline water can enhance intracellular hydration, prevent the formation of free radicals that can damage cells, eliminate waste products, provide essential minerals, and help maintain normal blood flow. Further, alkaline water is suggested to hydrate the body more efficiently, as it penetrates cell walls more effectively than regular water.
Advantages of Drinking Alkaline Water
1. Rich in Dissolved Minerals:
Alkaline water holds a higher pH value than normal, pure water, primarily due to its dissolved mineral content. These dissolved minerals are more readily absorbed by the body, potentially assisting in disease prevention, including conditions like osteoporosis.
2. Helps Manage Body Acidity:
By virtue of its higher pH level, alkaline water can help regulate your body’s acidity. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with chronic conditions associated with high acid levels, such as diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and acid reflux.
3. Improved Absorption:
Interestingly, alkaline water is composed of smaller clusters of water molecules, making it easier to absorb than regular water. This results in more efficient hydration, as water can more readily enter and exit your body’s cells.
However, while alkaline water’s benefits sound compelling, it’s also crucial to explore its drawbacks before you make it a staple in your diet.
Disadvantages of Drinking Alkaline Water
1. Lack of Conclusive Evidence:
Despite numerous claims about alkaline water being a panacea for various chronic diseases, no official studies substantiate these assertions yet. Many suggest that staying hydrated with regular water and maintaining a balanced diet can achieve similar health outcomes as consuming alkaline water.
2. Higher Costs:
Alkaline water typically comes at a premium, largely due to the special filters required for its production. Although alternatives exist—such as alkaline water drops that you can add to your regular water—the overall cost of consuming alkaline water remains higher than that of standard water.
3. Need for Special Filters:
For home-based consumption, special filters that induce electrolysis are required to make your water alkaline. Before you commit to this investment, it’s worth weighing the pros and cons to ensure that the benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks.
4. Potential Side Effects:
Despite alkaline water is generally considered safe, it may cause adverse effects in some individuals, including vomiting, hand tremors, confusion, nausea, muscle twitching, skin irritation, and in some cases, gastrointestinal issues. Excessive alkalinity can lead to a condition known as metabolic alkalosis, which can adversely impact bone health by decreasing your body’s free calcium.
Finding Quality Alkaline Water
If you’re considering giving alkaline water a try, a few reputable brands include Penta, Fiji, Life Essence, San Pelligrino, and my personal favorite, Evamor. These waters have a pH of greater than 7, with some, like Life Essence, reaching up to 9.5.
For those interested in alkalizing their drinking water, companies like Kangen and Alkaviva offer ionizers. While alkaline water can be pricey, these options provide more cost-effective solutions. However, if you prefer buying bottled alkaline water, I recommend Evamor Water for its quality and affordability.
To find alkaline water, your local health food store is a great starting point. Here, knowledgeable professionals can answer your questions and help you find what you need. There are also a multitude of online resources that provide free information on this subject.
Alternatively, you can buy an alkaline water pitcher.
Conclusion
Alkaline water holds potential benefits, but like any health trend, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons before integrating it into your diet.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader concerned about their health should contact a doctor for advice.
Jay
Jay is a health and wellness enthusiast with expertise in water quality and nutrition. As a knowledgeable advocate for holistic well-being, Jay successfully manages Type 2 Diabetes through informed lifestyle choices. Committed to sharing reliable and authoritative insights, Jay combines firsthand experience with a passion for enhancing health."
