Are There Any Health Benefits Of Drinking Alkaline Water?
Are you looking to advance your health and wellness?
One option that you may have heard of is drinking alkaline water.
But what is alkaline water and are there really any health benefits to drinking it?
Let's know everything about alkaline water in detail here.
What Is Alkaline Water?
Alkaline water is water with higher pH level than tap water.
The pH scale varies from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Anything above 7 is measured alkaline, and anything below 7 is measured acidic.
Alkaline water can have a pH
level anywhere from 7.5 to 9.5.
There are a few different ways that alkaline water can be made.
One method is through the process of ionization, which involves passing tap water through an electrically charged chamber that separates it into alkaline and acidic components.
Another method is to add alkaline minerals,
such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, to the water.
Health Benefits Of Drinking Alkaline Water
1. It May Help Counteract Acid In The Body
One of the main claims about alkaline water is that it can help neutralize acid in the body.
Our bodies naturally produce acid, and certain foods and drinks, such as coffee and alcohol, can also contribute to acidity.
Some proponents of alkaline water claim that it can help balance the
body's pH and reduce acidity, which may have a number of health benefits.
2. It May Improve Hydration
Another potential benefit of alkaline water is that it may be more hydrating than regular water.
Some studies have found that alkaline water can better penetrate cells and tissues in the body, leading to improved hydration.
This is because the smaller water molecules in alkaline water are
able to more easily pass-through cell membranes.
3. It May Improve Bone Health
Some studies have suggested that alkaline water may be beneficial for bone health.
One study found that alkaline water with a high pH and high levels of calcium and magnesium may help reduce the loss of bone density in postmenopausal women.
Another study found that alkaline water may
help increase bone density in animals. However, more research is required to
confirm these findings in humans.
4. It May Help With Digestion
Some people believe that alkaline water can help with digestion by neutralizing acid in the stomach and improving the absorption of nutrients.
However, there is limited research to support this claim.
5. It May Have Antioxidant Properties
Some studies have found that alkaline water may have antioxidant properties, which means it may help neutralize free radicals in the body.
Free radicals are basically unstable molecules that causes harm to cells, leading to inflammation and disease.
While the research on this is still
preliminary, the antioxidant properties of alkaline water could potentially
have a number of health benefits.
Are There Any Risks To Drinking Alkaline Water?
While there are some potential benefits to drinking alkaline water, it's important to note that there are also some risks to consider.
For
example, some studies have suggested that alkaline water can interfere with the
body's natural pH balance, potentially leading to metabolic alkalosis, a
condition in which the body becomes too alkaline.
In addition, some people have reported experiencing side effects such as stomach discomfort, nausea, and diarrhea after drinking alkaline water.
It's also worth noting that the long-term effects of consuming
alkaline water are not yet known, as there has not been enough research on this
topic.
Should You Drink Alkaline Water?
The potential health benefits of alkaline water are still being researched and are not yet fully understood.
While some studies have
suggested that alkaline water may have certain health benefits, such as
improving hydration and possibly helping with digestion and bone health, more
research is needed to confirm these findings.
It's also important to consider the potential risks of drinking alkaline water.
Some studies have suggested that it may interfere with the body's natural pH balance and potentially lead to metabolic alkalosis, and some people have reported experiencing side effects such as stomach discomfort and diarrhea.
The long-term effects of consuming alkaline water are not yet
known, as there has not been enough research on this topic.
Overall, it's a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before making the decision to drink alkaline water.
They can help
you understand the potential risks and benefits and advise you on whether it is
a safe and appropriate option for you.
How Much Alkaline Water Should I Be Drinking Per Day?
There is no specific recommended daily intake of alkaline
water, as the appropriate amount can vary depending on a person's individual
needs and health status.
If you are considering adding alkaline water to your diet, it's a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional.
They can help you
determine the appropriate amount for you based on your specific needs and any
underlying health conditions you may have.
It's also worth noting that while alkaline water may have potential health benefits, it's important to keep in mind that it should not be used as a replacement for regular water.
Water is essential for many bodily functions, and it is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
The Institute of Medicine recommends that men consume approximately 13 cups (3 liters) of water per day, and that women consume approximately 9 cups (2.2 liters) per day.
This can include water from all
sources, including alkaline water.
How To Make Alkaline Water?
There are a few different ways that you can make alkaline water at home:
1. Ionization: One method of making alkaline water is through
the process of ionization. This involves passing tap water through an
electrically charged chamber that separates it into alkaline and acidic
components. The alkaline water can then be collected and consumed.
2. Adding alkaline minerals: Another method of making alkaline
water is to add alkaline minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium,
to the water. This can be done by using alkaline mineral drops or by adding a
small amount of baking soda to the water.
3. Filtering:
Some water filters are specifically designed to
remove acidity and increase the pH level of the water. These filters can be
used to make alkaline water at home.
It's important to note that while these methods may be
effective at increasing the pH level of the water, they may not necessarily
produce water that is truly alkaline. In order to accurately measure the pH
level of the water, it is best to use a pH test strip or a pH meter.
If you are considering adding alkaline water to your diet, it's a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate amount for you and to ensure that it is a safe and appropriate option for you.
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