Alkaline Water: Is it really good for me?

Benefits and risks included :-)

First lets start off with: What is alkaline water?

I'm sure some of you have heard all the different health claims about alkaline water. Some say it can help slow the aging process, or regulate your body’s pH level, and prevent chronic diseases like cancer. But what exactly is alkaline water, and why all the hype?

The “alkaline” that people are talking about in alkaline water refers to its pH level. The pH level is a number that measures how acidic or alkaline something is on a scale of 0 to 14. (could be more but that's not for practical purposes) For example, something with a pH of 1 would be very acidic, and something with a pH of 13 would be very alkaline.

Alkaline water has a higher pH level than regular drinking water. Because of this, some advocates of "alkaline water" believe it can neutralize the acid in your body. Normal drinking water generally has a neutral pH of 7. Alkaline water typically has a pH of 8 or 9.

Does it really work??

Alkaline water is somewhat controversial. Many health professionals argue against its use, saying there isn’t enough research to support the many health claims made by users and sellers. According to the Mayo Clinic, regular water is best for most people, as there is no scientific evidence that fully verifies the claims made by supporters of alkaline water.

However, there are a few studies that suggest alkaline water might be helpful for certain conditions.

For example, a 2012 study found that drinking alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 may help deactivate pepsin, which is the main enzyme that causes acid reflux.

Another study suggested that drinking alkaline water may have benefits for people who have high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

A more recent study that included 100 people found a significant difference in whole blood viscosity after consuming high pH water compared to regular water after a strenuous workout. Viscosity is the direct measurement of how blood flows through the vessels. Those who consumed high pH water reduced viscosity by 6.3 percent compared to 3.36 percent with standard purified drinking water. This means blood flowed more efficiently with alkaline water. This can increase oxygen delivery throughout out the body.

However, more research is needed beyond these small studies, specifically into some of the other claims made by alkaline water supporters.

Despite the lack of proven scientific research, proponents of drinking alkaline water still believe in its many proposed health benefits, which include:

• anti-aging properties (via liquid antioxidants that absorb more quickly into the human body)
• colon-cleansing properties
• immune system support
• hydration, skin health, and other detoxifying properties
• weight loss
• cancer resistance

SO WHY NOT?

Possible side effects and risks of alkaline water

Don't get me wrong, alkaline drinking water is considered safe, however it may produce negative side effects.

Some examples of negative side effects include the lowering of natural stomach acidity, which helps kill bacteria and expel other undesirable pathogens from entering your bloodstream.

Additionally, an overall excess of alkalinity in the body may cause gastrointestinal issues and skin irritations. Too much alkalinity may also agitate the body’s normal pH, leading to metabolic alkalosis, a condition that may produce the following symptoms:

• nausea
• vomiting
• hand tremors
• muscle twitching
• tingling in the extremities or face
• confusion

Alkalosis can also cause a decrease in free calcium in the body, which can affect bone health. However, the most common cause of hypocalcemia is not from drinking alkaline water, but from having an underactive parathyroid gland.

How do you make water alkaline?

Water that is naturally alkaline occurs when water passes over rocks — like springs — and picks up minerals, which increase its alkaline level.

However, many people who drink alkaline water buy alkaline water that’s been through a chemical process called electrolysis, which uses a product called an ionizer to raise the pH of regular water. Makers of ionizers say that electricity is used to separate molecules in the water that are more acidic or more alkaline, and that the acidic water is then funneled out. (I don't recommend using the machines because artificially alkaline water only neutralizes acidity where it has direct contact, like the stomach and small intestine. When consumed daily, the small intestine in particular becomes overly alkaline and side effects begin to appear. Most common are erratic heart behavior, hypertension, nervousness/anxiety, urinary tract and bladder infections, and stabbing side pains, usually goes away after drinking natural alkaline water.

When measured in drinking water, an alkaline pH can be a result of either natural or unnatural conditions in the water. Thus when comparing two waters, each with a pH of 9.5, one can be healthful while the other causes side effects.

Water ionizers split apart water molecules with electricity to artificially create alkaline water. Why is this artificial? All water found in nature has a pH that perfectly corresponds to the minerals in the water. When you drink alkaline water, the body assumes it is receiving alkaline minerals, like calcium and magnesium. The problem with ionized water is that the body thinks it is receiving more alkaline minerals than what are actually present in the water.

If our goal is to be healthy, why would we drink or eat anything artificial? For the companies manufacturing ionizer machines, creating naturally alkaline water simply costs too much. Don’t expect the manufactures to start discussing the issue anytime soon. Most people never question whether water is naturally or artificially alkaline and these companies prefer it that way. A way to know if the machine you are getting for alkaline water is natural is if the water is going through minerals and the machine don't require electricity and are usually larger in size.

Now drinking water with low mineral content on a regular basis may not be good either. An example would be pure RO water. Its important that minerals be added back otherwise the water can be very harsh (don't want to get off topic) try our Ultimate Pure n Clear RO system (best RO water) ;-)

How do I get it?

Alkaline water can be bought in many grocery or health food stores. It can also be found online. Water ionizers are sold in many large chain stores and by private people who will come tell you the benefits and help you purchase one. (we are working on a water bottle that uses natural minerals to bring up the alkaline for those who want alkaline water on the go)

You can also make your own at home! Even though lemon and lime juices are acidic, they contain minerals that can change the composition of water. Adding a squeeze of lemon or lime to a glass of water can make your water more alkaline. To get off topic only because I love the alcohol topic ;-) Alcohol is slightly alkaline as well!!!! BUT not all alcohol is the same. Ethanol is the alkaline part of alcohol, problem is we add other acidic stuff to the drink. Ever notice those lemons or limes with drinks? Well like I was saying it adds alkalinity, less acid means less of a hangover in the morning, more energy, and a decreased chance of getting sick within the next few days. Back to where we left off, adding pH drops or baking soda is another way to make water more alkaline. (great for stomach problems) It’s important to use distilled water when making alkaline water because tap water or bottled water may have other additives.

Bottom line: Is it safe?

The issue that many health professionals have with alkaline water is not its safety, but rather the health claims that are made about it.

There’s not enough scientific evidence to support the use of alkaline water as a treatment for any health condition. Medical experts warn against believing all the marketing claims. I believe they are against it because it doesn't help with the pharmaceutical industry ;-)

Drinking natural alkaline water is generally considered safe, since it contains natural minerals. However, you should use caution with artificial alkaline water, which likely contains fewer minerals necessary for good health than its high pH would have you believe. Overuse may leave you deficient.

A bit in the morning and some throughout the day shouldn't hurt you (although I'm no doctor, so I shouldn't give you any advice in this matter ;-) Point is, don't mess with your body.

Respectfully, Sam Shifrin

Call me if you have any water purification needs. I cant be reached at 732-942-9430 ext 103