What Is Alkaline Water?

Have you watched a video or read an article about all the health benefits of alkaline water, including the potential to slow aging? The term alkaline refers to the amount of alkalinity or acid in the water. In other words, the water’s pH levels. If something has a low pH number, such as zero or one, it’s extremely acidic. Battery acid is zero and sulfuric acid is one. The scale for pH levels goes up to 14, so anything that’s 13 or 14 is caustically alkaline. Liquid drain cleaner is 14, with bleach at 13. Normal drinking water is 7, while alkaline water has a pH of 8 or 9, but that’s not all that’s necessary to be called alkaline water. Alkaline water has negative oxidation reduction potential, which makes it a powerful antioxidant. It also contains alkaline minerals.

There’s limited research on alkaline water with different conclusions.

While some health professionals suggest that simply drinking regular water is best, such as Mayo Clinic, there are studies that show there might be something to some of the claims of alkaline water users and sellers. Some claims also include immune system support, improved skin health, weight loss, a lower risk of cancer and the ability to cleanse the colon.

If you have acid reflux or want a better workout, studies show alkaline water may help.

Acid reflux can create a host of other problems, from sinus infections to aspiration pneumonia. It occurs for a number of reasons, but one of them is too much pepsin. One study in 2012 concluded that water from an artesian-well that was naturally carbonated pH 8.8 alkaline water helped inactivate the pepsin when compared to two of the most popular bottled waters. They concluded that it would be beneficial for those with acid reflux.

There are some studies that show alkaline water can potentially help people with high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

These are big claims and need further research but some studies do indicate there might be a good possibility that alkaline water is beneficial. One study showed it made a big difference in the viscosity of the blood, by reducing blood viscosity more than purified water. The thicker or more viscous blood is, the more potential there is for high blood pressure, slower blood flow that can cause plaque to stick to artery walls and blood clots to form. The more efficiently it flows, the more oxygen can go to all parts of the body.

  • The increased oxygen delivery from the lower viscosity of the blood may help diabetes. The more oxygen released, the less acidic the cells. That aids the pancreas by reducing the work to restore pH levels, taking it away from the function of regulating blood sugar levels.
  • Some studies show it may cause problems, like lowering stomach acid that kills bacteria. Increased alkalinity could cause skin irritations, digestive problems or alkalosis.
  • The natural alkaline water from springs adds minerals and increases alkalinity. Most alkaline water purchased is made by electrolysis in an ionizer. The water quality before ionizing is important.
  • The biggest health issue with drinking too much alkaline water is not safety, but lack of minerals when made from electrolysis in an ionizer. Naturally alkaline water has all the necessary minerals.

For more information, contact us today at Sci-Fit Nutrition

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