Pros and Cons of Alkaline Water

Have you ever glanced at those trendy bottles on the shelf in the store, which advertise "electrolyte-enhanced" or "pH balanced," and wondered what might be so special about them in comparison with all other bottled waters? They typically label alkaline water, a different pH level type of water from the one found in an ordinary drinking bottle.

But what exactly is pH? That is actually potential hydrogen—a measure that brings out the acidic or alkaline nature of a given substance. Substances above 7 on a scale of 0-14 will be alkaline, while on the contrary, those below 7 will be acidic. Whereas the usual drinking water commonly has a normal pH of about 7, alkaline water is one whose pH is at approximately 8 or 9.

This difference in the level of pH is often viewed in consideration of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are of natural alkalinity and, therefore, can influence the pH level of the alkaline water being relatively high.

Potential Benefits of Alkaline Water

With this out of the way, let's get into some of the potential health benefits alkaline water boasts.

1. Hydration:

Staying well-hydrated is a key to good overall health. We've all heard that people need to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, but some advocates of alkaline water are saying that it may even more effectively hydrate the body. This theory postulates that the higher pH of alkaline water would allow more and better absorption of water in the body than regular water. This will need further research into this claim.

1. Digestion:

Heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion are usually recounted diseases for which alkaline water has been recommended. The extrapolation is that since alkaline water has a higher pH level (i.e., it is less acidic), it could have a neutralizing effect on stomach acids, and thus, possible relief might be the result of these digestive discomforts.

The research on the possible treatment of the symptoms that are linked with acid reflux has been researched, and some light of hope has been found. It has to be mentioned, though, that such studies have more often been of small scale, and further research needs to be conducted for definite conclusions.

1. Antioxidants and Mineral Content:

Oxidation is a natural process in the body when it can damage body cells; antioxidants become a group of bodies that help in fighting against damage. Some brands of alkaline water advertise a higher level of antioxidants, apparently meaning that it brings them more health benefits. They research and continue this, but alkaline water can contain minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which will be beneficial to the body in very many ways.

Potential Drawbacks of Alkaline Water

But, on the flip side, as good as those supposed benefits might sound, there are a few potential drawbacks of alkaline water to be aware of before breaking open that bottle.

1. Impact on Stomach Acid:

Our stomachs naturally produce stomach acid, a powerful digestive juice that plays several crucial roles. It breaks down food, assists in the digestion and absorption of nutrients in the body, and even facilitates the killing of bacteria. The concern arises if people constantly consume alkaline water at elevated pH levels, higher than what is found in normal tap water; this could interfere with that delicate balance and reduce the levels of stomach acids, resulting in:

• Impaired Digestion: Low levels of stomach acid can lead to bloating, indigestion, and even constipation, as your body can't break down some of the nutrients it contains.
• Higher Risk of Infection: Stomach acid also helps in killing harmful bacteria present in food. Some of the gastrointestinal infections may include an increased risk if the level of stomach acid is lowered.

Thus, if you already suffer from low stomach acid, which is hypochlorhydria, then you should generally stay away from alkaline water by all means.

1. Cost and Environmental Impact:

There is also the price of alkaline water. To make your water alkaline at home or to buy bottled alkaline water from stores, will cost way more than the everyday cost of tap or bottled water. This might be a deciding factor for many individuals, especially when the potential benefits of spending more remain unproven.

These are also unfriendly to the environment since most alkaline water brands come in plastic bottles; hence, they do contribute to plastic pollution. As such, if you are that person who minds environmental friendliness, you are free to carry out a refillable water bottle along with filtration systems.

Scientific Evidence: Weighing the Claims

Continuing research on the health benefits of alkaline water gives somewhat mixed results. Very specific benefits for those suffering from acid reflux may result, but other studies have not borne that out. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Hydration: There's limited research to definitively say whether alkaline water hydrates you better than regular water.
• Digestion: Some studies show promise for alkaline water in easing acid reflux symptoms, but more research is needed.
• Antioxidants and Minerals: Some alkaline water brands claim to hold higher antioxidant content, but research on this specific claim is still ongoing.

However, minerals in alkaline water, such as calcium and magnesium, can be beneficial. Keep in mind that your body is highly good at keeping its pH all by itself. Diet can affect the pH balance within your body in very small ways. The main influence on maintaining a good internal pH level depends on the function of the kidneys and lungs.

Making an Informed Choice

So should you consider switching to alkaline water? That's something you would have to decide for yourself based entirely on your needs and personal preferences. But there are a few things to consider:

• Do you often have digestive problems, such as acid reflux? Though the available research suggests that alkaline water might be the answer, it is always advisable to see a medical professional who can guide you best on your kind of condition and what you should do to mitigate it.
• Are you still looking for a better way of saving on the "cheap ones"? Well, with time, it is going to be the water tap or filtered, to be more precise.
• Invest in some refillable water bottles and water filtration systems, because if you are an environment freak, the last thing you want is to be surrounded by plastic.

Alkaline water, taken in moderate amounts, will certainly not become poisonous for most healthy people. It should, however, not be administered as a substitute for living healthily with a proper diet.