We drink water every day to maintain our health and stay hydrated. But is the water we drink healthy and safe? Nowadays, most of the drinking water is treated with hazardous chemicals, which eliminate any natural goodness there was in it. What’s the alternative?
Alkaline water is potable water that will quench your thirst and improve your health. It improves hormonal balance, boosts digestion and metabolism, strengthens the bones and the immune system, reduces anxiety, and alleviates inflammation. But, how exactly is alkaline water different from regular water?
What Is Alkaline Water?
The alkalinity of water pertains to its pH level (measured from 0 to 14), which determines how alkaline or acidic the water is. A substance with a pH of 1 is very acidic, whereas a substance with a pH level of 14 is extremely alkaline. Typically, alkaline water has a pH level of 8 or 9, while normal drinking water has 7. That’s why many believe that this type of water, with a high pH level, neutralizes the acidity of the body.
Alkaline water, also called ionized water, contains a larger concentration of minerals. It naturally comes from mountain streams. After the water runs over rocks, it collects minerals like potassium, calcium, silica, and bicarbonate. Although there are some debates about alkaline water, you can choose alkaline water for some of its health benefits:
Health Benefits Of Alkaline Water
1. Improves Metabolism
Each organ of the body functions efficiently if the acid-leaning pH balance is eliminated. This will improve the metabolism process and eventually burn fat faster. Drinking alkaline water helps absorb nutrients more quickly than plain water.
2. Reduces Signs Of Aging
Whether we like it or not, signs of aging start to appear sooner or later, be it because of the harsh climate or the bad weather. The alkaline water acts as an antioxidant that helps to flush out free radicals. The mineral content of the water prevents potential mutations of healthy cells and eliminates oxidative stress. With this, it also moisturizes the skin and reduces age-related symptoms, thus making the skin look younger.
3. Boosts Energy
A balanced pH level in your body automatically optimizes your metabolism. Alkaline water can keep acidosis (excess production of acid in the blood) at bay and boost your energy. Drinking a glass of alkaline water in the morning will prevent lethargy and help you stay energetic all day long.
4. Promotes Heart Health
Studies showed that acidosis can cause heart problems like high blood pressure and a high cholesterol level. The ionized calcium present in alkaline water works great for the heart and regulates the blood pressure levels. It also boosts blood circulation, thus preventing plaque buildup in the arteries.
5. Strengthens The Bones
A deficiency of alkaline minerals is one of the major causes of chronic low-grade acidosis, which can lead to bone mineral loss and osteoporosis. To counteract this condition and keep your bones strong, drink alkaline water regularly.
6. Eliminates Inflammation
Increased acidity levels in your body may cause inflammation and irritation in different parts of the body. Alkaline water can help here by lubricating the joints and muscles. It will also alleviate inflammation and pain caused by arthritis.
7. Causes Weight Loss
Alkaline water is recommended in many diet plans for weight loss as it helps to shed the extra pounds. It aids the body in building lean and healthy muscles and also preserves muscle mass. With age, ailments like lung disease and renal failure are the norm. It might be a good idea for older people to increase the intake of alkaline water to avoid such illnesses.
Final Thought
Although drinking alkaline water is safe and comes with its own set of health benefits, excessive intake may also cause adverse effects.
- It can decrease the natural acidity of the stomach and thus lead to gastrointestinal issues.
- Excessive alkalinity may cause metabolic alkalosis, which is accompanied by symptoms like nausea, vomiting, muscle twitching, hand tremors, and a tingling sensation.
To ensure your safety, experts recommend you choose natural alkaline water over artificial alkaline water.
