The health magazines are talking about it. The word is around that you can turn your health around if you start drinking alkaline water. You may have probably heard about it from your neighbour or your relatives. Many brands are also coming up with alkaline water filters, guaranteeing health benefits. Consequently, you might be persuaded to give alkaline water a go.
However, switching to alkaline water may be an extra expense. But are the benefits worth the investment? Does science back alkaline water? What changes can it do to your health? Are these changes going to be revolutionary?
Well, it’s natural to be confused. But don’t worry because we will be offering you all the answers you are looking for.
What is alkaline water exactly? And how is it different from regular water?
As the name suggests, alkaline water contains alkaline minerals and it is less acidic as compared to regular drinking water.
The word “alkaline” denotes the pH level. It is a number that measures how acidic or alkaline a chemical or substance is. The range falls between 0-14. A number below 7 is acidic, 7 is neutral, and any number above 7 is alkaline.
Here are a few potential benefits of alkaline water
Many brands are now coming up with packaged alkaline water and water filters that turn water alkalic. You may be tempted to make investments given the many benefits you have heard. But are these benefits backed by science? Let’s look at the potential benefits and if they are really true.
Let’s explore these and a few more benefits in detail:
Supports bone health
Having increased acid levels can weaken the bones with time, increasing the chances of fractures. As alkaline water can reduce acid levels, it may help prevent this.
Some studies reveal that alkalinity, as a whole could benefit bone health. The study observed the overall diet of the population of the survey and concluded that a more alkaline diet can protect the bones. This means that the participants who drank alkaline water had less bone breakdown and deduction in bone loss via urine.
May support diabetes treatment
One Korean study conducted on rats revealed that alkaline water can reduce blood glucose levels. It may also treat high cholesterol, associated with diabetes and heart health. An alternate study also indicated that alkaline water may also improve blood viscosity in diabetics. Other sources also claim that alkaline water can help lower blood sugar levels.
Might regulate blood pressure
Some studies also indicate that drinking alkaline water might positively affect blood pressure. This may have something to do with the minerals in the water. However, more research is needed to get something conclusive.
Can aid weight loss
In one animal study, alkaline water was found to have lower body weights in the end. In fact, the rat having the lowest body weight was exposed to the highest pH value.
Other studies also suggested that alkaline water supplementation can have positive effects on the body weight of an individual in longevity.
Supports detoxification
Though there are no conclusive studies that prove the benefits of alkaline water in promoting detoxification, one study, however, speaks of the importance of an alkaline environment for detoxification. The study suggests that the adjustment of tissue alkalinity can mean more effective excretion of toxins from the body.
Are there any disadvantages as well?
As alkaline water has a higher pH than tap water, drinking heavy amounts can potentially change the body’s natural pH balance (as per theories). However, this imbalance is not likely to occur, as the body can maintain proper pH levels, all thanks to the kidneys.
In addition to that, excessive drinking of alkaline water may pose digestive problems like stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Once again, it is a theory, no definite proof exists.
Thirdly, it may also pose interference with medication absorption. If the pH of the stomach becomes too alkaline, it could speed up the absorption of acidic medications. This can lead to the medication entering the blood faster than it should.
The verdict
The health claims about alkaline water are potentially more about sales rather than science. There isn’t any conclusive research to support them. Additionally, you must note that the pH levels in the blood cannot be significantly changed with diet and water.
Also, your body, with its kidneys can keep your pH levels at an even level. They are a built-in filtration system. It is their job to balance and maintain the acid levels in your body. In case your blood gets too acidic, your body reduces the levels by breathing out more carbon dioxide
