Lately, Alkaline Water has seen a good amount of popularity among a lot of people. It is being used for the number of benefits related to health as well as the difference in appearance measured after using it. Its importance is now in question as water is something we need for survival and consume on a daily basis. Drinking lots of water is certainly beneficial for health but are we drinking the right quality water?
What is Alkaline Water?
Alkaline Water is a slightly higher pH level water than what we usually get. We all know about the pH scale that measures the acidity or basicity of any solution from a scale of 1 to 14.
When the solution is between 1-6 on the pH scale, it is said to be in the acidic spectrum. 1 is considered highly acidic which is the pH of battery water. Lemon juice has a pH of 2 and Vinegar stands at 4.
When a solution is between the range of 8-14, it is considered to be basic. 14 pH is highly alkaline. Baking soda is in the range of 8-9 which is safe. Milk of magnesia is highly basic with a pH of 10 or 11.
Normally, the water that we ought to consume should be neutral that is pH 7. However, the water that we get in the tap is slightly acidic due to the mix of carbon dioxide in it.
We all know that it is crucial for the aquarium to maintain a certain amount of pH balance for the fishes to survive. Also, for small worms and plants to live, the soil must have a balanced pH. The idea of Alkaline Water is the same, to give the human body what it needs, a balanced pH. It is that the pH is kept a little over 7 at 7.4 for better results.
Suggested benefits
Alkaline Water is said to have several benefits which has today made it an attractive option for many. It is said to be
- Good for bone health and helps against osteoporosis
- Helps with cancer
- Helps with acid reflux, blood pressure, and diabetes.
- Improves immunity and digestion
- Slows down the aging process
- Improves your energy levels and
- Supports weight loss
None of these benefits are scientifically proven with substantial evidence which makes Alkaline Water still unknown to many.
What is an Alkaline diet?
This diet is meant to correct the acidic intake that the modern diet creates. It includes a lot more leafy vegetables and fruits with less intake of protein. A review of the effects of alkalis on cancer was published by Dr. Tanis Fenton and colleagues in the journal BMJ Open. Even after reviewing thousands of reports, there was no substantial evidence suggesting an alkali diet can improve your health or fight diseases.
“The marketing of the alkaline diet promotes not only a diet, but also the sale of related supplements and water alkalinizer machines through almost every media medium, including websites, books, and videos,” the authors wrote.
A review published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health concluded that such an alkaline diet may have some benefits. Loads of fruits and vegetables help reduce the acid load and in turn, help maintain a balance between the sodium and potassium levels of the body. This is immensely beneficial for muscle and bone and also can prevent chronic diseases, blood pressure and strokes. Children with a problem of metabolic acidosis can benefit with such a diet as it can help them grow when the growth hormone stops working. The diet increases the intake and absorption of magnesium which in turn activates vitamin D in the cells. None of these benefits though are directly related to Alkaline Water.
Recommended intake
Even though the health benefits of Alkaline Water are not proven, if you wish, you can start consuming it in very little amounts. Make sure the pH does not go beyond 8 as it can be harmful to your body. Also, try taking pH neutral water as much as possible and we suggest you take help of an Alkaline Water filter to get consistent quality, healthy and safe water for consumption.
About the Author:
Ampac USA is a manufacturer of water treatment systems used around the globe for quality drinking water. The company has an experience of over 40 years, uses the latest technology to provide a standard, reliable products and works with experts to give the best possible service.
