If you have paid attention in science class, then you would know that water has a neutral pH of 7. But sometimes, depending on the impurities in the water or the way it has been treated, the pH can go up or down. pH higher than 7 makes a water alkaline. There is a lot of buzz about alkaline water and bottled water home delivery services offers it as well. But is it good for your health? What are its disadvantages? Here is everything you need to know about alkaline water.
What Is Alkaline Water?
Alkaline water is exactly what you think it is. It is water with a slightly more basic pH than regular water. However, there is more to alkaline water than meets the eye.
Alkaline water is not only water with an alkaline pH. It has more minerals and other components in it that alter the taste and pH of the water. When it comes to alkaline water, even though the pH is basic, it cannot be said for sure whether it is a good thing or not.
The internet is filled with the benefits of alkaline water, but the truth is that no one really knows the benefits of this water type and how it can affect human health any differently from regular water.
Alkaline water can be made through a series of processes, but it is also found naturally. Usually, when water passes through rocks, it picks up minerals on the rock surface, hence sufficiently increasing the OH ions in the water, thus leading to a more alkaline pH.
This is mainly common in spring water and other freely floating water bodies from where it is sourced.
As for making alkaline water, it is done through a process known as electrolysis or even ionization. Basically, in this process, more minerals, either in the form of ions or electrodes, are added to the water to alter the pH and make it more basic in nature.
Benefits Of Alkaline Water
While many alkaline water users and sellers claim that there is a plethora of benefits of drinking this specific water, there is very little scientific evidence that supports the claims.
Very few studies have been done on alkaline water and they can’t say for sure whether it can have the same benefits and advantages as people claim.
Based on the research that has been done, the following are the main benefits of alkaline water.
It Can Increase Bone Density
It has been studied that alkaline water can actually increase bone density with regular use. So, if you’re a woman in her menopause or someone with general bone issues, then drinking alkaline water may actually help to keep your bones strong and healthy.
It Can Improve Gut Health
It can improve gut health as well and it can lead to better movement. People who have acidity can try alkaline water and the alkaline in the water will neutralize the acidity in your stomach, which will lead to a not-so-irritable bowel and stomach and you will be good to go.
A Few Studies Claim Slower Aging
Very few recent studies have been done on the effects of alkaline water and DNA aging markers, so making any huge claim at the moment might be misleading.
Fewer Dental Problems
A small amount of studies show that alkaline water can reduce dental problems.
So, even though there aren’t a lot of benefits when it comes to drinking alkaline water, you can say with certainty that the alkaline ions in the water can help with a number of things in the human body, which is quite amazing.
If you want to drink alkaline water or have regular issues with the gut, then it is best to consult with your doctor right away before making any decision by yourself.
Health Risks Of Alkaline Water
On the flipside, you also want to know about the potential health risks that come with drinking alkaline water.
Alkaline water may seem like it can’t cause any health issues, but that is not true at all. Just because something is alkaline doesn’t mean that it is going to be all healthy for you and, in most cases, using tap water or using a simple water filtration system Warren for clean drinking water is better. So, here are some potential and common health risks associated with alkaline water.
Bitter Taste
First of all, alkaline water can taste a bit bitter, especially if the pH is too alkaline, exceeding 10 or more. You definitely will not want to drink this water if it tastes too bitter or bad in taste. That is basically because of the high amount of sodium in the water.
Not Suitable For People Who Take Certain Medication
If you’re taking certain medications like proton pump inhibitors that already deal with the acid reflux in your stomach, then you want to avoid pairing alkaline water with them. The proton pump inhibitor and the alkalinity of the alkaline water will lead to a bad reaction in the stomach and it can lead to problems in the gut, rather than solving them.
Not Recommended For Hypertension Patients
If you are someone who is hypertensive, then you should chug alkaline water carefully. You don’t want your blood pressure to spike because alkaline water contains a lot of sodium, even more than regular water, which is really bad if you’re already on the brink of hypertension. It is better that you stick to regular water.
Not Suggested For Daily Use
Lastly, you also don’t want to make it a habit to drink alkaline water regularly or daily. It can cause deposition of minerals in the important veins and arteries of the body and that is not what you want. It can lead to kidney issues and vascular disorders too.
Can You Make Alkaline Water Yourself?
Even though alkaline water is made through a process and you can get bottled alkaline water from a store to get it delivered to your house, you can also make it at home if you don’t want to go out and buy an ionizer or something like that.
Also, alkaline water is more expensive than regular water, so sometimes, making it at home is the way to go. Here are some ways in which you can make alkaline water at home.
Baking Soda
First, you will need some good ole baking soda. Yes, the same thing you use in baking. Baking soda is nature’s alkalinity packed substance and it can be used to make your water more basic in nature too. All you need is 1/8th of a tablespoon of baking soda, and add it to 8 ounces of water. Mix it in and you are good to go. You will be able to faintly taste the salinity in the water, but it won’t be so bad.
Alkaline Drops
There are also alkaline drops available for you to add to your water. This is also a really easy and less expensive way of making alkaline water, but you need to be careful about one thing. You want to follow the instructions given on these alkaline drops and add only the instructed amount. Any more and you will end up with bitter water that you won’t be able to gulp down.
Pitchers
You can also get a pitcher or cartridge that can help with the alkalinity of the water. It is basically like a regular pitcher, but you can add water to it and the rest of the job will be done by the pitcher. It adds alkaline ions to the water and you will have alkaline water in no time at all. It’s super fast and easy – way better than electrolysis or ionization.
Conclusion
Alkaline water is used for a lot of things, along with drinking and has a few benefits. If you want to get alkaline water or any other type of water delivered to your house, you can subscribe to a drinking water delivery service Erie.