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The Science Behind Alkaline Water: How Does It Work?

by ken in Water Revival December 12, 2023

In recent years, there has been a surge in interest surrounding alkaline water and its health benefits. Advocates claim that consuming alkaline water can help balance the body’s pH levels, neutralize acidity, and promote overall wellness. But what exactly is alkaline water, and how does it work? Let’s delve into the science behind alkaline water to understand its mechanisms and its effects on the human body.

What is Alkaline Water?

Alkaline water is water that has higher pH levels than regular tap water. While tap water typically has a neutral pH of around 7, alkaline water boasts a pH level greater than 7, often ranging from 8 to 9 or even higher. The increased pH is due to the presence of alkaline minerals and ions such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and bicarbonate.

Mechanisms of Alkaline Water

Alkaline water, characterized by its elevated pH level compared to regular drinking water, has attracted interest due to several potential mechanisms:

1. pH Regulation: The pH scale gauges the acidity or alkalinity of a substance, with 7 representing neutrality, lower values indicating acidity, and higher values indicating alkalinity. Alkaline water’s higher pH is thought to counteract the effects of acidic substances in the body, potentially helping to maintain a more balanced pH.
2. Antioxidant Potential: Alkaline water possesses antioxidant properties, attributed to the presence of negatively charged ions called hydroxyl ions (OH-). These ions have the potential to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, which are implicated in various diseases and aging processes.
3. Hydration: The molecular structure of alkaline water is smaller and is more easily absorbed by cells, enhancing hydration and nutrience delivery.

Effects on the Body

Alkaline water proposes several health benefits associated with its consumption:

1. Acid-Neutralizing Properties: Alkaline water can counteract the acidic foods and beverages prevalent in modern diets, potentially aiding in reducing acid reflux and promoting digestive health.
2. Improved Hydration: Alkaline water hydrates the body more effectively than regular water due to its smaller molecule clusters.
3. Antioxidant Benefits: Negatively charged ions found in alkaline water generate antioxidant effects by scavenging free radicals and mitigating oxidative stress, which can potentially contribute to overall health and well-being.

Ongoing scientific research continues to deepen our understanding of alkaline water’s potential impacts on human health. Alkaline water is believed to counteract the acidity prevalent in modern diets, potentially aiding in reducing acid reflux and fostering improved digestive health. Studies exploring these effects offer promising initial insights, indicating that alkaline water may help neutralize excess acidity, offering relief for individuals experiencing discomfort due to acidic foods and beverages.

In conclusion, alkaline water presents intriguing mechanisms that suggest benefits for pH regulation, antioxidant properties, and improved hydration. The higher pH of alkaline water may counteract the effects of acidic substances in the body, while the presence of hydroxyl ions could contribute to its antioxidant capabilities. Additionally, the molecular structure of alkaline water aids in better hydration and nutrience delivery. Ongoing research is diligently expanding our understanding of alkaline water and its profound impacts on the body. But ultimately, alkaline water stands out as a superior choice when compared to other types of water.

Sources:

• Hydrogen-rich water for improvements of mood, anxiety, and autonomic nerve function in daily life (nih.gov)

• Potential benefits of alkaline drinking water in the treatment of reflux disease (nih.gov)

• Alkaline water and longevity (nih.gov)

• Drinking hydrogen-rich water may protect healthy individuals from gastric damage caused by oxidative stress (nih.gov)

• Effectiveness of hydroge-rich water on antioxidant status of subjects with potential metabolic syndrome (nih.gov)

• Effects of drinking hydrogen-rich water on the quality of life of patients treated with radiotherapy for liver tumors (nih.gov)

• Acid-base balance and hydration status following consumption of mineral-based alkaline water (nih.gov)

• Best waters would be rich in both bicarbonate and mineral cations including Ca (cambridge.org)