Alkaline Water - Know Utility Of It!

Alkaline water is less acidic than regular water - it is rich in compounds like silica, calcium, magnesium, potassium and bicarbonate. The term ‘alkaline’ refers to the pH level of the water – a number that measures the alkalinity or acidity of a substance on a scale of 0 to 14. A substance with pH level 1 would be very acidic while one having pH level 13 would be extremely alkaline.

You may have heard several health claims concerning alkaline water. Of course, its pH level is higher (8 or 9) than regular drinking water (7). However, that is not the only thing that makes alkaline water different from normal water. The former contains alkaline minerals and negative ORP (Oxidation Reduction Potential). ORP refers to the water’s ability to act as an anti or pro-oxidant. The more negative the value of ORP, the more anti-oxidizing the water.

Health Benefits of Alkaline Water:

There are many controversies regarding the health benefits of drinking alkaline water. While some healthcare professionals suggest regular water is the best and safest option, various studies state that alkaline water might prove beneficial in certain conditions.

• Alkaline water having pH level 8.8 helps deactivate pepsin – the enzyme responsible for causing acid reflux.
   
• Mineral-rich alkaline water improves mineral intake and hydrates the body better than normal drinking water does, thereby helping in lowering high blood pressure. It is also helpful for patients having diabetes and high cholesterol levels.
   
• According to a recent study on 100 people, those who consumed high pH water instead of regular water following a tiring workout session reportedly had a significant difference in blood viscosity (the state of being thick, sticky, and semi-fluid inconsistency, due to internal friction) – the measurement of how efficiently blood is flowing through the blood vessels. This, in turn, increases oxygen supply throughout the body.

The proposed health benefits of alkaline water include-

• Anti-ageing properties
• Colon-cleansing properties
• Cancer resistance
• Weight loss
• Immune system support
• Skin detoxifying properties - hydration, purification

Alkaline water is available in almost all grocery stores and supermarkets.

Naturally Alkaline Beverages:

Apart from local stores, you can also resort to drinks, which are naturally alkaline.

• Replace normal dairy milk with almond milk.
• Switch from coffee to green tea.
• Keep yourself hydrated with alkaline drinks like coconut water.

Although most healthcare experts claim alkaline water to be safe, excessive consumption of the same may have negative effects on the body – nausea and vomiting, muscle twitching, hand tremors, gastrointestinal issues. Therefore, it is recommended that you consult a doctor or nutritionist before you replace your regular drinking water with a high pH containing alkaline water. He/she can tell you how much to drink and when to limit your water intake.