In recent years there has been much media attention put toward “alkaline water”. Numerous claims of health benefits associated with drinking alkaline water at home have accompanied these media articles. The web is filled with testimonials from people who swear by alkaline water. Just what is alkaline water, and are the health claims true? In this guide, we will explore alkaline water and some of the claims associated with it.
Alkalinity: An Overview of the Chemistry Behind Water
Chemical solutions can be broadly divided into two categories: acids and bases. These solutions are compared to a scale that measures the concentration of hydrogen ions – a 14-step scale known as pH. The lower half of the scale indicates acidic solutions, while the upper half denotes basic or alkaline solutions.
Pure water, a chemical combination of hydrogen and oxygen molecules, is neutral, falling at 7 on the pH scale. If the water contains dissolved minerals, the pH of the water rises, making it an alkaline solution. Most bottled water sold in stores ranges in pH from 7.2 to 9.5; this water is often filtered at the source and minerals added to boost its alkalinity. Alkaline water at home uses a similar process, first by filtering through a reverse osmosis water filtration system to trap contaminants and then passing the water through a remineralizing or ionizing filter.
What Are the Health Claims of Drinking Alkaline Water?
There have been many health claims associated with alkaline water. Some of the most common include:
- Alkaline water consumption slows the aging process.
- Drinking alkaline water at home improves gut health by balancing the activity of intestinal flora.
- The minerals in alkaline water are purported to help manage high blood pressure.
- Alkaline water neutralizes body acidity, helping to control unwanted weight gain.
- The acid-neutralizing properties of alkaline water are claimed to help speed recovery after strenuous exercise.
There are more claims associated with alkaline water. Some people claim that drinking alkaline water at home reduces the risk of developing certain forms of cancers, while others say that alkaline water supports a healthy immune system. Still, others claim that alkaline water improves hydration, allowing the body to absorb more water into cells.
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While some of these claims may have a basis in science, one major problem is that few of these claims have been rigorously studied in the laboratory. Research has been conducted, but the studies have small groups of participants, or the claims were only investigated on rats rather than humans. In simple terms, researchers are still figuring out just what, if any, claims about drinking alkaline water at home are accurate.
Are There Risks in Drinking Alkaline Water?
Alkaline water consumption is generally considered safe by most health experts. Studies are ongoing to determine the specific health benefits of drinking alkaline water at home. One aspect to consider is that consumption of too much of anything can have negative health consequences – in other words, moderation is key.
Overconsumption of alkaline water – especially water too high on the pH scale – may lead to certain conditions, including upset stomachs, skin irritations, or changes in the body’s ability to balance metabolism. Symptoms of overconsumption may include:
- Nausea
- Muscle tremors
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Tingling in the hands, feet, and face
Drinking alkaline water may have health benefits, and scientists are still in the process of unlocking these potential benefits. For now, moderate consumption of alkaline water may provide benefits while avoiding negative health influences.
Alkaline Water at Home
Are you intrigued by the prospect of alkaline water and its potential health benefits? Do you want to be able to drink alkaline water at home any time you desire? There are systems available for in-home use. The most common is that of a reverse osmosis water filtration system with alkaline remineralization. These powerful systems use the filtering efficiency and effectiveness of reverse osmosis to remove 99% or more harmful contaminants from water supplies. Then, the water is passed through a pH enhancing alkaline mineral filter. The resulting water is pure, crisp, and refreshing.
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a mechanical process that mimics the natural cellular process of osmosis. In living cells, fluid solutions can pass through cell walls to maintain equilibrium in solution concentrations. Solutions of lower concentrations flow through the cell walls to areas of higher concentration. In an at-home RO water filtration system, water is passed under pressure through a semipermeable membrane equipped with tiny, microscopic pores. Contaminants are trapped by this membrane. RO membranes are so efficient that they can remove more than 99% of all contaminants from water supplies, including both well water and municipal water sources. Contaminants trapped by the RO filter include:
- Arsenic
- Lead
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Radium
- Fluoride
A whole house reverse osmosis water filter with alkaline water remineralization uses multiple filter stages to improve water clarity, odor, and taste. With an RO filter installed, you can enjoy the health benefits of alkaline water at home while ensuring clean, pure water quality for you and your family.
