Water is essential for life. Every cell, tissue, and organ in our body needs water to survive. This is why you should always stay hydrated throughout the day. Here, the question arises, what is the best water to drink? Many research studies have shown that high alkaline water is much better than the acidic water you get from your tap.
The Case for Ionized Alkaline Water
Water molecules are a combination of hydrogen and oxygen. This is why water is called H2O. Drinking water depends on the pH level of the water to determine its acidity and water meant for human consumption typically ranges from 0 to 14 pH. 7 pH is considered to be completely neutral.
In other words, it is the pH of balanced water that will ensure that you may drink it without any adverse side effects. However, any rating below 7 on the pH scale will mean that water is too acidic. On the other hand, a rating higher than 7, will mean that your water supply is alkaline.
The environment protection agency (EPA) guidelines state that your drinking water should be between 6.5 and 8.5. The higher rating is more important because it means that the water has a higher alkalinity level. This can help to deactivate pepsin, the enzyme that is the causative factor for acidity and heartburn.[1]
Another study concluded that there is evidence linking the consumption of ionized alkaline water with decreasing cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and diabetes.[2]
How to Make Alkaline Water
In order to make alkaline water, you will have to determine the pH level of your water supply. If it is above 7 and below 8.5 you don’t need to do anything. However, water below 6 needs to have its alkalinity improved.
You can easily get plenty of fresh and clean alkaline water by using a small water ionizer that you can attach to your water faucet. This is a user-friendly electronic device that runs your drinking water over positive and negative electrodes in order to ensure ionized alkaline water.
You can also make high alkaline water by using baking soda. Adding 600 mg of baking soda to a glass of water (about 250ml) can get the job done. Baking soda has a very high alkaline content that also increases the alkalinity of your drinking water. Just make sure you shake the container vigorously so that all of the baking soda is evenly dissolved into the water.
What Does Acidic Water Do to the Body?
There are many disadvantages of consuming acidic water over an extended period of time. Some of them include the following:
o Heavy Metal Exposure
Drinking acidic water will expose your body to harmful heavy metals and minerals that are present in the water. These corrosive minerals are capable of eating through your water pipes. If they can do this much damage to the pipes, you can just imagine what they will do to your body!
Long term exposure to these metals can also lead to disease and in some cases metal poisoning. Apart from that, acidic water also has a typically unsavory taste which makes it even more difficult to drink.
o It Can Seriously Damage Your Teeth
The human mouth is filled with natural acids as it is, and they help to break down food and bacteria. Adding even more acid to the mix will prove to be counterproductive and can lead to the corrosion of the enamel on your teeth. In the long run, it can also lead to soft gums and Periodontal Disease.
o It Can Give You an Upset Stomach
Constant exposure to the metals present in acidic water leads to illnesses in the gastrointestinal tract and the stomach. If you are overexposed to zinc or copper (for instance) you will start feeling nauseous and might suffer from sustained bouts of diarrhea and vomiting.
Key Benefits of Drinking Alkaline Water
Alkaline water has a very large number of benefits that can help you to fight disease and remain hydrated all day long. Some of them include the following:
o Rapid Hydration
Alkaline water can hydrate you much faster in comparison to acidic water. If you work out a lot every day, you will definitely need alkaline water to ensure that you don’t become dehydrated. This is due to the fact that alkaline water molecules are much smaller than their acidic water counterparts. I.e., they can be absorbed more easily by your body, which will allow you to rehydrate much faster.
o It Boosts Your Auto-Immune System
Alkaline water has been known to boost the body’s natural immunity against many common ailments. If your body is producing more acid because of environmental toxins, stress or poor diet, your alkaline drinking water will neutralize it.
o Makes Sure That Your Bones Stay Strong and Healthy
Alkaline water usually contains trace elements of important minerals such as magnesium and calcium that are crucial for maintaining healthy bones.
o Fights Esophagus Reflux
This is one of the most important benefits of drinking alkaline water. It can act to neutralize the excess acid in your stomach and the gastrointestinal tract.
o It Contains Antioxidants
Alkaline or ionized water has many highly potent antioxidants that can actively help prevent the growth of cell-damaging free radicals in your body. If left unchecked, they can speed up the aging process. However, drinking alkaline water will ensure that you remain younger for a longer period of time.
Conclusion
The above alkaline water benefits show that this type of water is always much better than acidic or normal tap water for drinking purposes. Check the pH level of your water supply and if it is below 6 you should switch to alkaline water to derive all of these great benefits.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22844861
[2] http://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJFDTOTAL-SHYI200112005.htm
Leave a Reply