Is everything claimed about alkaline water really true?

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Krishna: The “alkaline” in alkaline water you mentioned refers to its pH level. A pH level is a number that measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is on an approximate scale of 0 to 14. So something with a pH of 1 would be very acidic, and something with a pH of 13 would be very alkaline.

Alkaline minerals, such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, or iron, determine the pH of alkaline water.

Water that’s naturally alkaline occurs when it 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. This technique 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 alkaline. The acidic water is then funneled out.

Various health claims about alkaline water exist, such as its potential to prevent chronic health conditions and improve menopause symptoms. Alkaline water has a higher pH level than regular drinking water. Some advocates of alkaline water believe it can neutralize the acid in your body.

Drinking alkaline water can help you increase the amount of important minerals in the body and may help with certain health conditions.

Alkaline water may be more hydrating than regular water (3).

Alkaline water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, which may contribute to lower blood pressure. Also alkaline water has a higher pH than regular water, which can neutralize stomach acid and reduce symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn.

That said, there isn’t enough evidence to support all the potential benefits, and there may be some health risks if you drink it long-term.

Not all of the benefits people mention are supported by research.

Moreover, although alkaline water has a different pH than regular water, your body will make physiological changes to counter it if you drink it more frequently, like continuing to produce hydrochloric acid, to regulate the stomach’s pH levels and achieve homeostasis, which is a state of stability.

There are also some other safety concerns to drinking ionized alkaline water. When you drink it regularly, there is a greater chance of developing hyperkalemia, particularly if the pH of the water is greater than 9.8. (1)

Other concerns include that it could hinder growth, deplete minerals and vitamins from the body, and interfere with nutrient absorption. Additionally, it might harm your mucosal lining and result in excessive thirst.

People with kidney disease or other types of impaired kidney function should avoid drinking alkaline water without supervision, especially if it is ionized (2).

Finally, what is good? Natural drinking water unless your genuine highly qualified doctor recommends something else!

Footnotes:

1. Electrolyzed-Reduced Water: Review II: Safety Concerns and Effectiv...
2. Electrolyzed-Reduced Water: Review II: Safety Concerns and Effectiv...
3. Effect of electrolyzed high-pH alkaline water on blood viscosity in...