What Is Alkaline Water? What Does It Do?

Alkaline water basically contains alkaline minerals, which means it's less acidic than regular water and also has a higher pH level. It tastes a little bitter or slightly different than regular drinking water and also changes the taste of coffee, tea or anything you use it in.

Today, people are swearing at the incredible benefits of this water. While many people think it can slow down aging, others claim that it may prevent cancer, but are these claims true? Let’s learn some interesting things about alkaline water – its benefits, safety, and what exactly does this water do?

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What are the benefits of alkaline water?

Alkaline water consists of four major minerals, namely magnesium, sodium, calcium, and potassium. As it has a high pH level, this water counters excess acidity in the body and is also said to be beneficial in the treatment of cancer and diabetes.

There are several claims when it comes to the benefits of consuming alkaline water. Although these claims lack proven scientific research, there are some that have been backed up by studies but still require more evidence. Here are some benefits:

Might improve bone health

It can improve bone health. (Photo via Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio)

Studies have shown that alkalinity and not just alkaline water can benefit bone health.

Having high acid levels in the body can weaken the bones over time, which can lead to bone disease and fractures. As this water has less pH level, it can help prevent that.

Might manage blood pressure

Studies suggest that consuming this water can regulate blood pressure, but more research is needed to reach a concrete conclusion regarding this claim.

Good for acid reflux

A study found that drinking this water can help calm acid reflux or heartburn symptoms, as high pH levels of water reduce the build-up of pepsin in the body. Pepsin is an enzyme that breaks down food proteins and is considered a major cause of acid reflux.

Effective during pregnancy

This water might be effective during pregnancy. (Photo via Pexels/Leah Kelley)

Studies suggest that drinking alkaline water can help pregnant women deliver smoothly while also boosting lactation. Moreover, it reduces cases of jaundice. Again, more studies are required to support this claim.

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How to make alkaline water?

To make the water alkaline, you can opt for the following ways:

Use lemons

Cut two lemons into small slices, and add them to a gallon of water. Let them sit at room temperature overnight. Lemons increase the pH level of the water and make it alkaline. Additionally, you can also add one tablespoon of pink sea salt to mineralize the water.

Use baking soda

Take one gallon of water, and add 0.5 teaspoons of baking soda to it. Shake the mixture to dissolve the baking soda in water properly. To enhance the taste, you may add a few slices of cucumber or lemon to your water.

Use pH drops

You can alkalize your water at home using lemons. (Photo via Pexels/Elle Hughes)

Adding pH drops is also an easy way to alkalize water. These drops are highly concentrated alkaline and are considered the most effective method to make water alkaline at home.

You can get pH drops from a pharmacy and read the instructions given to alkalize the water at home. Some drops are flavorless, while others might have a fruity taste, so choose accordingly.

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What does alkaline water do?

Regular drinking water has a pH level of 7, which is neutral, while alkaline water has a pH level of 8 or 9, which is higher and the reason why people believe it can neutralize the acids in the body and offer other health benefits too.

Proponents of this water also believe that it might help prevent illnesses such as heart disease and cancer. However, more research is needed to support these claims.

Studies also suggest that intake of this water can help slow down bone loss, especially in older adults, but again, more studies are required to find out if this is really true.

As there isn’t enough research to support the claims made by sellers and users, the use and effectiveness of this water is somewhat controversial. Medical experts, too, warn against believing all the fad marketing claims.

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Is alkaline water the best?

There isn’t enough scientific evidence or studies to support the benefits of this water, so it's impossible to say whether it's the best or not.

However, as it contains essential minerals, consuming it is generally considered safe, unless you have a kidney problem. Also, remember that high pH can cause an upset stomach and make your skin dry.