We all know about the benefits of drinking the recommended amounts of at least eight 8 ounce glasses of water each day, but did you know that there are also benefits to be reaped by adding alkaline water to your routine? But what is alkaline water and how is it different than drinking the regular water that we are all used to?
Alkaline water is water that has a higher pH level than tap water or bottled water. If you think back to science class in high school, you might remember that pH refers to the level of acidity of any substance. It is measured on a scale of 0-14, with the lower end of the scale being more acidic and the higher end of the scale being more basic, or alkaline. Lemon juice and vinegar are really acidic since they fall at a 2 and 3, respectively on the scale and things like milk of magnesia and ammonia increase in alkalinity since they rank at 11 and 12 on the pH scale. If we take a look at regular drinking water, we will find that it falls at a 7 on the scale, but alkaline water generally falls between an 8 or 9. While all this information might seem as interesting as that high school science class, there are some real benefits to drinking alkaline water that can really impact your overall health. Some of the benefits of alkaline water include:
1. Detoxification
Over time, our bodies can accumulate acid waste buildup caused by consuming processed or large amounts of red meat or sugar. If you find yourself feeling constantly tired, bloated or suffering from inflammation, switching to alkaline water can help by working to detoxify the body by removing toxins and neutralizing acid waste build up. Combining alkaline water with more fresh fruits and vegetables will lead to improvement in your overall well-being,
2. Acid Reflux
Studies show that when compared to commercially bottled water, alkaline water has been proven to be more effective in helping those who suffer from acid reflux. This is because alkaline water is able to break down the enzymes in the stomach that lead to acid reflux. If you suffer from acid reflux or heartburn after eating, alkaline water can help in relieving some of those painful symptoms.
3. Stronger Bones
According to a study published in Bone, the consumption of alkaline water led to lower rates of bone tissue breakdown and higher rates of mineral density in bones, resulting in stronger bones.
4. Improving Heart Health
In addition to eating healthy and exercising, drinking alkaline water can also aid in treating some of the risk factors that are associated with heart disease, including lowering blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. In fact, according to a study published
If you are interested in improving your overall health, consider switching to alkaline water. You can even consider it for more than just typical water consumption. Coffee or tea can be made with it, produce can be washed with it and food can be cooked with alkaline water.
Sources:
Koufman, J.A., et al., “Potential benefits of pH 8.8 alkaline drinking water as an adjunct in the treatment of reflux disease,” Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology 2012; 121(7): 431-434.
Marchione, Victor. “6 health benefits of drinking alkaline water.” Doctors Health Press. Accessed 27 July 2017.
McDevitt, Leo. “How much alkaline water should I drink?”Life Ionizers. Accessed 27 July 2017.
Wynn, E., et al., “Alkaline mineral water lowers bone resorption even in calcium: alkaline mineral water and bone metabolism,” Bone 2009; 44(1): 120-124.