Alkaline Water

This type of water is supposedly an extra-healthy type of water to drink, with claims that it slows the aging process, increases energy, helps cure fertility issues, regulates the body’s pH level, has antioxidant features, cleanses organs, and prevents chronic diseases like cancer.

Proponents of alkaline water believe it works by making our bodies less acidic. Many people believe that the American diet contributes to chronic low-grade acidosis, associated with health issues including hormonal problems, loss of bone, and metabolic problems.

In your stomach, where the stomach acids digest your food, the pH is 1.5 to 3.5 (acidic). Antacids, like Tums contain alkaline ions that can cancel out acidity and neutralize stomach gastric acid. Under normal circumstances, stomach acid is essential for food digestion.

There are two types of alkaline water: artificial alkaline water, which is generally tap water run through an electrical ionizer to make the pH more alkaline and bottled spring or mineral water. Natural spring water passes through rocks and soil and picks up various minerals, which affect its pH. Naturally-occurring mineral water contains alkalizing compounds, such as calcium, silica, potassium, magnesium, and bicarbonate.

For people who have a kidney condition or people who are taking medication that alters kidney functions, the minerals in alkaline water could start to accumulate in their bodies. Drinking too much alkaline water, or drinking water with a high pH, may disrupt the body’s normal pH. This can lead to a condition called metabolic alkalosis, which may cause confusion, nausea, vomiting, hand tremors, muscle twitching, and tingling in the face, hands or feet.

You can purchase water ionizing machines, which use titanium or platinum to make water alkaline, and they do not introduce natural minerals.

There are no peer-reviewed studies demonstrating that consuming alkaline water can reduce a person's cancer risk or help them to better fight cancer and the American Cancer Society does not make a recommendation for consumption of alkaline water.

It is possible that alkaline water may provide some health benefits, to some people, in some circumstances, such as with acid reflux disease.

No studies, to date have proven there is any benefit to health by drinking alkaline water. According to Mayo Clinic, regular water is best and there is no scientific evidence that verifies the claims made by alkaline water proponents. Caveat Emptor!