What Is Alkaline Water And What Are Its Benefits And Risks

When you go to the grocery store, there’s always a good chance that you will get confronted with a lot of choices when it comes to drinking water. There are best-selling types such as natural and distilled, special ones like spring and mineral, and high-priced versions like sparkling and flavored water.

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However, as you go deeper in the hunt for the perfect drinking water, you might also come across the alkaline water. In this article, we take a closer look at alkaline water and how exactly it differs and compares to other drinking types of water.

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WHAT IS ALKALINE WATER?

The “alkaline” in alkaline water refers to the pH level of the actual drink. This pH level is used to measure just how acidic or alkaline the water is on a scale of 0 to 14. For example, normal drinking water has a neutral pH of 7, while this water type has a pH level of between 8 to 9. If the water is lower than 7 and below, then it’s considered as acidic.

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Because this type of water contains a higher pH level than normal drinking water, some say it can neutralize the amount of acid found in your body. There are also other health claims stating that it can help slow down the aging process and even prevent serious sickness such as cancer. However, these claims are still yet to be conclusively proven.

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HOW EFFECTIVE IS ALKALINE WATER?

While there are a lot of health claims going around about alkaline water, many health professionals are still skeptical of these supposed benefits due to lack of research and extensive studies.

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Some of the claims made in favor of the water type have often come from small studies. A 2012 study found that drinking alkaline-infused water with a pH level of 8.8 can help deactivate pepsin, an enzyme that can cause acid reflux. Additionally, a 2001 study also made the claim that alkaline ionized water can help people with high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. More recently, a study concluded that blood flowed more efficiently for individuals who drink water alkaline.

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While these small studies offer different benefits in support of alkaline, many health experts and institutions are still practicing caution until larger and wider studies are made. In the meantime, experts still consider and recommend regular water as the best type of H2O to drink for most people.

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THE BENEFITS OF ALKALINE WATER

Despite the lack of research and studies, many supporters of alkaline water have still given the following supposed benefits:

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• It slows down the aging process via liquid antioxidants
• It aids the colon with cleansing properties
• It supports the immune system
• It promotes clear and healthy skin
• It aids weight loss
• It prevents cancer

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THE RISKS OF ALKALINE WATER

Apart from its supposed health benefits, people are also advised to remain cautious of possible side effects and risks associated with drinking alkaline in water. Some of these negative side effects include the following:

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• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Hand tremors
• Muscle twitching
• Tingling in body’s extremities or face
• Confusion

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IS ALKALINE WATER SAFE FOR YOU?

While a lot of experts still have reservations about alkaline water, that doesn’t immediately mean it’s completely unsafe to drink. Most of these issues are only directed at the health claims being made by alkaline water supporters. Drinking alkaline water is still considered safe and acceptable under normal circumstances. However, it’s still best to continue making normal water as your main source of liquids on a daily basis.

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