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Are we drinking acidic or alkaline water? Yes most of us do drink acidic water by definition. Being habituated to RO water at homes, office or occasions, we unknowingly consume acidic water (nearly 6 pH). RO water strips off the salts of calcium , magnesium , potassium and sodium that influence pH. Even the boiled tap water indicates varying pH before and after boiling. The water pH differs with water sources ( here crystal clear spring water considered as reference), soil and other climatic influences.
For our sustenance, water is an essential need for body health. It’s no secret that drinking the recommended eight glasses of water a day is good for your health. As studies suggest, staying hydrated can improve your productivity, mood, memory, energy level, and clarity. But what if we told you that there’s something you can drink that will not only hydrate you faster and longer than regular drinking water, but also improve your blood, bone, and organ health – would you believe us? Well, you better…because it’s true with alkaline water!
Water is available or dispensed as tap water, bottled water variants (copper water, flavoured water, alkaline water). Researchers show that alkaline water provides other extra great benefits that regular tap or bottled water lack, provided it is consumed in moderation.
Alkaline water is water that has been altered to adjust its alkalinity.i.e having higher pH. It’s intended to provide a wide range of benefits for the drinker. This water has a higher pH than standard water, making it more alkaline.
Alkaline water raises the pH level in the colon, hydrates the colon, and removes free radicals and toxins from the digestive tract. Finally, alkaline water contains magnesium, calcium, and other minerals that act as a mild laxative to help with digestion
The pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity. Normal drinking water generally has a neutral pH of 6.5-7 typically while alkaline water should measure between 7- 8.5. The water quality regulations specify that the pH of drinking water should be between 6.5 and 8.5.
Results show that alkaline water is more beneficial as it restores pH balance in the body compared to other water and can also reverse energy levels that were withdrawn. Moreover, alkaline water contains alkaline minerals and can act as an antioxidant or pro-oxidant. Anti-oxidant materials promote anti-aging properties (liquid antioxidants can absorb more quickly into the human body), colon-cleansing properties. immune system support. hydration, skin health, and other detoxifying properties. Adequate hydration lowers blood viscosity.
When sourced and stored safely, spring water is typically the healthiest option. When spring water is tested, and minimally processed, it offers the rich mineral profile that our bodies desperately crave
Alkaline water raises the pH level in the colon, hydrates the colon, and removes free radicals and toxins from the digestive tract. It contains magnesium, calcium, and other minerals that act as a mild laxative to help with digestion
The best alkaline waters are naturally alkaline. This means they come from sources that have high levels of alkaline minerals naturally, plus a high pH rating. Other waters are made alkaline artificially, by adding electrolytes and often ionizing the water. The type that’s made this way has been heavily processed to make it alkaline. Even ORS (Oral rehydration salts) dissolved in water raises the solution pH.
Anything higher than seven is alkaline. The human body has a very tight pH range of 7.35-7.45 that it must maintain for survival.
If your blood becomes too acidic, you will breathe out more carbon dioxide. The kidneys are also able to excrete excess acid in your urine.
Not all bottles of branded alkaline water test to the advertised alkalinity. They differ in pH claims and may taste bitter or have metallic aftertaste. They are mostly infused with electrolytes, available in BPA-free bottles (assurance of safer plastic), but not free from fluorides completely.
Though alkaline water sounds like the best thing ever, always seek additional advice from a medical professional before switching.
One brand has a high pH of nine or higher. It’s vapor distilled for purity and electrolytes are added for taste. To achieve a high pH value, this water is ionized.
Alkaline water pH of 8.8 and above is purified using reverse osmosis (or multi-stage filtration process). Furthermore, it’s enhanced with Himalayan sea salt and includes vital electrolytes and minerals including calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
The idea that alkaline water is medicinal, curative, and able to bring about optimal health seems to be based on the belief that acidic properties in the body and blood are the cause of ill health and disease and need to be neutralized. Therefore, a more alkaline body will lead to better health.
Alkaline water contains four major minerals that contribute to its remarkable health benefits:
- Calcium: Important for bone health, as well as heart, muscle, and nerve function
- Magnesium: Helps turn food into energy and is necessary for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body
- Sodium: Regulates blood pressure and volume, and supports nerve/muscle function
- Potassium: A type of electrolyte that is essential for muscle function and promotes healthy digestion
If we are concerned about our diet being too acidic, follow an anti-inflammatory diet and fill your plate with fruits and vegetables. In general, animal products, caffeine, salt and sugar are acid-forming, while fruits, vegetables and whole grains are more alkaline.
(Photo Credit: Pixabay)
Possible risks
Possible overconsumption of alkaline water can over-neutralize the body’s natural acid levels which can remove the probiotic “good bacteria” needed. Probiotics are the good bacteria that the body requires to fight off harmful bacteria and other pathogens.
Though alkaline water sounds like the best thing ever, always seek additional advice from a medical professional before switching.
Drinking a bottle of alkaline water every other day won’t significantly affect your body. However, if you drink a gallon of alkaline water daily, your body has to work hard to maintain its pH and that means that over time, your body will produce more gastric juices and digestive enzymes. For people who have a kidney condition or who are taking medication that alters their kidney function, the minerals in alkaline water could start to accumulate in their bodies.
Since alkaline water has a high pH, it lowers the natural acidity of your stomach. That acidity is what kills bacteria and pathogens, preventing them from entering your bloodstream. Without the natural barrier of your stomach’s high acidity, bacteria and pathogens might survive your stomach and make it into your bloodstream.
If your body becomes too alkaline, you might experience gastrointestinal issues. Skin irritations might also occur. When your body is too alkaline for too long, metabolic alkalosis can set in, inducing nausea, tremors, muscle twitches, confusion, and vomiting.
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