Alkaline water

Alkaline water is slightly less acidic than regular drinking water and contains alkaline minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, or iron which determine its pH. 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, though this isn’t supported by any research. Regular 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(1).

There are few studies that suggest alkaline water might be helpful for your health in particular ways:

• A 2020 study on mice found that daily intake of alkaline water improved markers of aging in the DNA of the mice(1).
• A 2018 study on mice suggested alkaline water may help reduce symptoms of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(1).
• A small 2018 study in Japan suggested that drinking alkaline electrolyzed water slightly improved stool in 60 human participants(1).
• A 2016 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(1).

However, many health professionals say there isn’t enough research to support the many health claims made by users and sellers(1). It’s important to note that the pH levels in your blood cannot be changed drastically through diet, including by drinking alkaline water. Your kidneys and lungs work to ensure that the levels stay within a very strict range of 7.35-7.45 for its pH level, which is what you need for healthy functioning(1).

In conclusion, while there are some studies that suggest alkaline water might be helpful for your health in particular ways, many health professionals say there isn’t enough research to support the many health claims made by users and sellers(1).

Reference

1. The Alkaline Diet: An Evidence-Based Review (healthline.com)