What is Alkaline Water? Benefits, Side Effects, PH, and price

Throughout history, whispers have risen around a magical place called the ‘Fountain of Youth’. A mythical place of great mystery and allure whose potent water can restore anyone’s youth. What more can a person dream of than having eternal youth? Although no such place has been found to date, another potent form of water that is making youth and health cravers talk about it a lot is– Alkaline Water. 

What is Alkaline Water? Is this latest buzz really helpful? And if yes, then what are the precautions you should take?

So let’s unfold the mystery of Alkaline water!

What is Alkaline Water?

Every liquid in this world is measured for its acidity or alkalinity. The scale that measures these values is called a pH scale. A pH value tells if a solution is acidic or alkaline. The scale goes from 0 to 14, where anything below 7 is acidic, 7 is neutral, and over 7 is alkaline. To give you an idea about it, here are the pH values of a few known liquids:

• Regular or normal drinking water has a pH ranging from 6.5 to 8.5;
• The Hydrochloric Acid present in our stomach has a pH of around 1.8;
• Milk has a pH value of around 6.8

Acidity in water refers to the presence of a high amount of acid in the water, which makes it sour or bitter to taste. It is caused by the presence of hydrogen ions in the water, which makes it more acidic. 

Now, let’s come down to Alkaline Water.

Alkaline water, also known as ionized water in Japan, is water that has a pH level greater than 7, making it less acidic than regular tap water. Alkaline water can taste slightly bitter and has a slippery or soapy texture. This water contains minerals that can neutralize the acid in the bloodstream, potentially improving overall health. Alkaline water is found naturally in some springs and wells and is created by adding special machines or drops to regular tap water. But is this water worth losing your pockets for? 

Alkaline water is believed to have originated in Japan, where it is known as “ionized” water.

Let’s learn about its possible benefits.

What Are The Benefits of Alkaline Water?

Various studies have been done around this ionized water and all these show it to have favourable effects on the human body. The science behind this is still not completely understood. However, a few studies suggest that the antioxidant properties of this water help our bodies get rid of free radicals. These free radicals cause damage human cells and thus cause ageing and other issues. 

Also, alkaline water helps balance the pH level of our bodies. A highly acidic body environment causes early ageing and gastrointestinal issues. Apart from it, here are the other benefits of iodized water:

1 – Provides essential minerals and antioxidants

Many companies infuse alkaline with added essential minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, and other alkaline minerals. These minerals are vital to our healthy growth and help our body function properly. Here are a few areas where these minerals help:

• Build strong bones, 
• Regulate heart rate and blood pressure, 
• Maintain a healthy immune system, and 
• Produce energy. 

Different minerals have different functions and are needed in varying amounts.

Also, this ionized water contains antioxidants that fight harmful radicals in our bodies.

2 – Improves digestion and metabolism

The regular ingestion of alkaline water has proven to enhance digestive function and overall health. In a study done in Japan, two groups were compared with one taking the AEW (Alkaline Electrolyzed Water); the impact was seen in stool normalization, intestinal health improvement, and easing of gastrointestinal issues. 

In Japan, AEW apparatuses have been approved to be used medically due to the proven benefits of alkaline water in the human body. Another study showed that this water has a potential impact on reducing acid reflux.

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3 – Enhances immune system function

The supporters of alkaline water have claimed that ionized water enhances immune function due to its antioxidant and pH-balancing properties. However, know that more research is needed in the area to prove its effectiveness.

Alkaline water has gained popularity among athletes and fitness enthusiasts who believe it can improve hydration and help with post-workout recovery.

4 – Boosts hydration and reduces fatigue

Our bodies process more water to dispel the acid and other toxins present in the bloodstream. This leads to frequent urination and thus a state of possible dehydration. Drinking alkaline water neutralizes the acid in the bloodstream and creates an alkaline environment in the body; consequently, reducing the workload on the kidneys. 

Also, this, in turn, allows the body to more efficiently transport oxygen and other nutrients to the cells, which can increase energy levels and reduce feelings of fatigue. Additionally, the smaller water molecule clusters found in alkaline water may make it easier for the body to absorb and utilize the water, further improving hydration levels. 

5 – Alleviates skin conditions 

Alkaline water has a higher pH level than regular tap water, which means it may help neutralize the acidity on the skin’s surface. This is beneficial for people with conditions such as eczema or psoriasis and acne breakouts, which are often associated with skin acidity. Not only this, alkaline water contains minerals that can help nourish and hydrate the skin, promoting a healthy and radiant appearance.

There are different ways to make alkaline water, including through a water ionizer, adding alkaline minerals to regular water, or using alkaline water drops.

But as is the case with anything out there, alkaline water also might have potential side effects. Let’s look at the other side of the coin and learn about its possible negative effects.

How to Prepare Alkaline Water at Home

If you are already curious about the possible advantages of alkaline water but do not want to spend a lot of money on bottled versions, the best news is that you can always prepare it yourself! 

Now we are going to explore some of the simplest, creative, yet inexpensive ways to prepare alkaline water in your very own kitchen.

1. Using Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

It is among the fastest and simplest methods of preparing alkaline water at home. Baking soda is an alkaline compound that is naturally easy to use to increase the pH value of water by neutralising the excess acidity of water.

What You’ll Need:

• 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 litre of filtered water

How to Make It:

• 1 litre of pure water is put in a jug or bottle.
• To the water, mix in 1/ 8 teaspoon of baking soda.
• Put it on a good stir, till the baking soda is completely dissolved.
• Allow the water to rest for a couple of minutes to stabilise pH levels.

Why It Works: Baking soda is highly alkaline, with a pH of about 9.^[1] When you put it in water, you raise the pH, making ordinary water alkaline and able to neutralise acid in your body.

2. Using Lemon (Yes, Really!)

It is counterintuitive because lemons are acidic, yet Lemon juice has an alkalizing effect in the body when metabolised. Lemon becomes alkaline when it is digested in your body, making it a perfect way to add a bit of zing to your alkaline water.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 fresh lemon
• 1 litre of filtered water

How to Make It:

• Into a glass or a bottle, squeeze the juice out of one fresh lemon.
• Add 1 litre of filtered water.
• Serve and take, or keep chilled in the refrigerator and have as a cold drink.

Why It Works: Lemon juice leaves an alkaline residue in your body. Though it initially feels acidic, this will help improve your overall pH level and make the inside of your body more alkaline.

3. Cucumber Infused Alkaline Water.

The easiest and most natural way to turn your water alkaline is to add a cucumber to it. Not only is it refreshing, but it’s also an easy way to enhance your hydration with added health benefits. Naturally, you can make water alkaline by adding a cucumber to the water for between 8 and 12 hours.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cucumber (sliced)
• 1 litre of water (tapped or filtered)
• How to Use It:
• Take a fresh cucumber, chop it, and put it into a jug or a bottle of water.
• Allow infusion of 8 to 12 hours at room temperature.
• The water is now naturally alkaline and may be drunk after infusion.

How It Works:

Cucumber is alkaline and helps raise the pH of your water. You are not just adding a refreshing taste but also enhancing hydration and digestion. Alkaline water infused with cucumber is also suitable for detoxification and may provide a slight boost of minerals to help keep your body’s pH balanced, keeping you active and hydrated all day.

4. Using Alkaline Drops

Alkaline drops are an excellent option for individuals who want a fast, convenient way to adjust the pH of their water. These specially designed solutions can even, within a short period, transform regular water into alkaline water by adding just a few drops. They serve people on the go who want to take their hydration to the next level.

What You’ll Need:

• Alkaline drops (they can be purchased in health food stores or online)
• 1 litre of filtered water

How to Make It:

• Add 1 litre of filtered water to a bottle.
• Add the appropriate number of alkaline drops (the recommended range is 5-10, but it may depend on the brand).
• Shake the bottle to disperse the drops in the water.
• Allow it to rest for a few minutes, then drink.

Why It Works: It works because alkaline drops are composed of minerals such as potassium and magnesium that immediately increase the pH level of the water, making it more alkaline and potentially beneficial to the user.

5. The Himalayan Salt Method

Another natural and entertaining way to make alkaline water is to use Himalayan salt, which contains many minerals that can raise the pH of your water.

What You’ll Need:

• 50g to 100g Himalayan pink salt (or Himalayan salt powder)
• 1 liter of filtered water

Try Aashirvaad Himalayan Pink Salt that is a good source of calcium and magnesium because it comes straight from the Himalayas. There are no additional colors or contaminants in Aashirvaad Himalayan Pink Salt.

How to Make It:

• Put the salt pieces, or powder, in your water bottle.
• Add 1 liter of filtered water into the bottle.
• Allow to rest for several hours to allow the salt to dissolve and raise the water’s pH.
• Shake well before drinking.

Why It Works: Himalayan salt has more than 80 trace minerals and the dissolved salt aids in increasing the PH of water turning it more alkaline. This is also a process that gives a certain tint of mineral to your water.

Pro Tip: How to Test Your Alkaline Water

You can check the pH of your homemade alkaline water with simple pH strips (you can find them in most health stores, in case you are interested how its performance is going). The optimal PH of drinking water is 8 to 9, therefore, make the goal of this experiment 8 to 9 when testing your homemade alkaline water.

Why Make Alkaline Water at Home?

Preparing alkaline water at home will save money and minimise plastic waste, and you will be able to control the ingredients and minerals in your water. And, it is a cool and attainable means to introduce healthy behavioral patterns to everyday life!

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Side Effects of Alkaline Water

Humans are habitual of devouring anything beneficial beyond their limits. Not only this, we often tend to ignore the negative effects of the influence of our cravings. Although alkaline water has been proven beneficial in numerous studies done, the research is still limited. So, before you consume it, here are the side effects that you should keep in mind.

• Over-alkalinity can harm health: The body has a natural pH balance that ranges from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. If the pH balance is disrupted, it can lead to health problems. 
• May lead to metabolic alkalosis: Over-consumption of alkaline water can cause the body’s pH balance to shift towards alkalinity, which can lead to a condition called alkalosis. Symptoms of alkalosis include nausea, vomiting, hand tremors, muscle twitching, and confusion.
• Interferes with medications: Human body breaks down medicines into smaller molecules to ensure that it is able to expel them when needed. Over-consumption of alkaline water can also interfere with the body’s ability to metabolize certain medications.
• Harmful for people with kidney problems: Because more research is needed, people with kidney problems should avoid its intake. It’s because the added minerals might fail to get filtered and build up in the system.
• Might lead to fibrosis: A study done in 1998 on rats indicated that prolonged intake of ionized water can lead to fibrosis. 

If you are looking to include alkaline water in your diet, consult your doctor first. This way, you’ll be able to get specific advice after keeping your present medical condition in focus. 

Now, before we move on to conclude its intake, it’s important to know the difference between Alkaline water and a few other types of water.

The Difference Between Alkaline, Normal, Black, and Hydrogen Water

Because the market is so dense with different health-enhancing products, it might sometimes make you itch your head in confusion about what is what. When it comes to magical water, there are a few forms around. Let’s learn about its different forms.

Normal water is any tap water that has a pH ranging between 6.5 and 8.5. Pure water has a pH of 7 because it has neither acidic nor basic properties. Alkaline water, also called ionized water, on the other hand, has a pH greater than 8. 

Black water, also called black alkaline water, which has recently grasped the celeb world, is alkaline water infused with fulvic acid, which is a natural compound found in soil and rocks. This gives the water a dark colour and a slightly earthy taste. Claims have been made about its health benefits, such as detoxification, improved digestion, and increased energy. However, further research is required.

Hydrogen water, on the other hand, is hydrogen-rich water that has hydrogen gas dissolved in it. It is said to have antioxidant effects.

How Much Does Alkaline Water Cost?

The market competition has recently pumped up around alkaline water. This has brought down the cost significantly. This water costs slightly more than the normal packaged drinking water. Today, the cost might hover anywhere around US $1 to $2 for a 1-litre bottle. This price may further increase depending upon the minerals and other additions made to the water.

Conclusion: Is Alkaline Water Really Worth It?

Although studies have been done on the possible benefits of alkaline water for the human body, the evidence is not conclusive enough for all the claims made. When it comes to intestinal health, ample hydration, and antioxidant benefits, alkaline water has been proven helpful. However, consulting a doctor is recommended if you suffer from any underlying health condition. Also, precautions must be taken regarding over-consumption, which can lead to severe health conditions including alkalosis. 

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