Alkaline water is somewhat controversial. Many health professionals say there isn’t enough research to support the many health claims made by users and sellers. Differences in research findings may be related to the types of alkaline water studies.
Normal drinking water generally has a neutral pH of 7. Alkaline water typically has a pH of 8 or 9. However, pH alone isn’t enough to impart substantial alkalinity to water.
Alkaline water must also contain alkaline minerals and negative oxidation-reduction potential (ORP). ORP is the ability of water to act as a pro- or antioxidant. The more negative the ORP value, the more anti-oxidizing it is.
Benefits of Alkaline Water
Although the benefits of alkaline water are still being studied, researchers know that pH levels are very important to physical health. While more research is needed to confirm the full value of alkaline water, the potential benefits are extensive:
- Hydration: Alkaline water allows the proper balance of ions and minerals and improves kidney function.
- Exercise: Exercise causes the muscles to increase their hydrogen ion production, eventually causing fatigue. Alkaline water is thought to enhance the body’s ability to buffer acidity, improving performance and slowing body fatigue.
- Toxins: While tap water is disinfected, to protect us from bacteria and toxins, these disinfectants can cause by-products (DBPs). Alkaline water can break down some DBPs, potentially decreasing the long-term dangers. It can also draw out certain toxins in the body, that build up from pharmaceuticals and the environment.
- Gut Health: Alkaline water may provide additional disinfectant properties to the gut, helping the body fight off dangerous microorganisms that can accumulate in the stomach and intestines.
- Glycation: This is a natural reaction, occurring as simple sugar molecules, like fructose or glucose, attach to proteins or lipid fats in the body. This process creates rogue molecules to form, (advanced glycation end products or AGEs), which are associated with chronic illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and diabetes. Alkaline water has been shown to lower glycation levels, which are shown to reduce liver damage and positively affect blood sugar and insulin levels.
- Other health benefits Numerous studies have shown alkaline water may lower cholesterol, blood glucose, blood pressure, acid reflux, and dementia