Water is essential for your body and keeps you hydrated. While many people know the benefits of drinking water, what they don’t know is that there are different types of water, with varying pH levels. A common type of drinking water is alkaline water. To know more about alkaline water and how it can be produced, read ahead.
Our Picks for the Best Alkaline Water Filters
Removes up to 98-percent of chemicals, heavy metals, sediment, and other contaminants then adds good minerals
Long lasting and easy change filters
100% satisfaction guarentee
Twist and seal filters last longer than most (up to 2 years!)
Slightly more expensive than other options
Easiest to install on the market
High capactiy with forever manufacturer warranty
The Internal 2 Stage Water Filter System gives you cleaner more purified drinking water
Reduces flow slightly but still acceptable
Requires minimum water pressure of 20lbs Per Square Inch of Constant water pressure (20psi) supplied by tap or well water pressureBudget Pick
Removes contaminants commonly found in tap water, like chlorine, sediment, and radon
It is simple to install, and connects easily to most standard kitchen faucets
Proudly made in the USA, APEX makes all of their products according to the National Safety Foundation certified water filter safety standards and requirements
Each filter can filter up to 750 gallons of drinking water before a replacement filter is needed
Does not remove as many contaminants as more expensive units
#1 Pitcher
XA water filter utilizes 7 stage cartridge of ion exchange resin, activated carbon, ion ceramic ball, far infrared ceramic ball, mineral balls and PP pad
Includes TWO long-life filters! = 2400 cups / 153 gallons / 600 litres.
The Pitcher comes equipped with a simple and convenient easy-fill lid to allow you to fill the reservoir without removing the cover
Limited capacity compared to other options but still affordable
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Our water scientists and engineers spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers .
What is Alkaline Water?
Alkaline water is basically water that has a pH of over 7. For example, if water has a pH of 7 or below, that water is acidic, but if it is between 7 or 14, it is alkaline.
Compared to normal drinking water, alkaline water has a higher pH level and this is why some people believe that alkaline water is good for your body since it can neutralize the acidity.
What Are the Benefits of Drinking Alkaline Water?
Drinking alkaline water has several benefits. Here are a few:
It Increases Bone Health
According to research, alkaline can have an effect on bone resorption. This is the process where old bone cells are replaced by new bone ones. Alkaline water can decrease bone resorption, which can increase bone strength and also increase the mineral density in your body.
Acidic water can have a direct impact on your bones and can make them weak overtime. However, alkaline drinking water can prevent your bones from getting brittle and weak. Alkaline water is also known to regulate the pH in your body, which can prevent several diseases.
It Helps With Chemotherapy
Alkaline water does not have any effect on the cancerous cells in your body, but it can greatly help with chemotherapy. Alkaline water is known to enhance the drugs that are used in chemotherapy, which can increase their effect on your body.
It Prevents Acid Reflux
Acid reflux occurs when the acidic contents in your stomach are brought up the food pipe. Most people that suffer from acid reflux know that it can cause serious damage over time. It can give you other gas reflux diseases, which can make it hard to digest various things. Alkaline water is a good way to combat acid reflux since it can stop enzymes that are connected to reflux disease. Alkaline water can also decrease the acidity in your stomach.
It Helps With Blood Pressure and Diabetes
Alkaline water has a direct impact on blood sugar, blood lipids and blood pressure. Consuming alkaline water can reduce high blood pressure and blood sugar in your body and prevent the chances of diabetes. People who have been suffering from high blood pressure for a long time can see drastic results in no time since alkaline water is extremely beneficial for their blood.
Other Benefits
Alkaline water is also known to have anti-aging properties since it contains liquid oxidants that are quick to absorb into the human skin and body. This way, your skin stays hydrated for longer, allowing it to stay healthy and wrinkle free for longer. It can also make your skin shinier and more radiant.
Alkaline water is good for your immune system since it regulates the pH and makes sure that the contents of your stomach do not get too acidic. Besides that, alkaline water can also help with weight loss.
Furthermore, alkaline water has detoxifying properties, so it is a good cleanser. It is known to be a colon cleanser, which can improve your bowel movements and make your body feel healthy and rejuvenated.
Recommended Daily Intake
Alkaline water is good for you and is known to have no serious side effects. However, when you first start drinking alkaline water, make sure to start with a low intake since it will keep the harmful effects to a minimum. You can gradually increase it as time passes by.
How to Make Alkaline Water
There are many ways to make your own alkaline water. Here are some methods:
Use Baking Soda
Adding baking soda to your water is one of the most common ways to make it alkaline. Baking soda has a pH level of 9. Simply add 1/8 tablespoon of baking soda in a glass full of water. Make sure to shake or stir thoroughly until the baking soda is completely immersed in the water. Before drinking, keep in mind that baking soda has sodium, which may give an aftertaste to your water that you may not enjoy.
Furthermore, be careful when drinking baking soda water while you are on medication— it could have an impact on how certain drugs are digested.
Try an Alkaline Water Filter
Another way to make your water more alkaline is by using an alkaline water machine. This water filter machine comes in a jug, so you don’t have to do much. Simply pour the water in the jug and as soon as the water passes through it, the filter will make it alkalized. Every time you pass it through the filter, the water will become more alkalized so be careful.
Besides making the water alkalized, the alkaline water filter also reduces chlorine in the water and removes all impure materials from it. This filter also improves the taste and the smell of the water. These filters are also extremely affordable and easily available.
Use a Water Ionizer
Perhaps the most efficient and quick way to make alkaline water is by using a water ionizer. This machine uses electrolysis to separate positive and negative electrodes, allowing acidic and alkaline water to separate from each other. The water ionizer works quickly and is always effective. This machine is a much better option than store brought water since it will help you save money and produce your own alkaline water right at home.
In conclusion, alkaline water has a lot of benefits for your body and is a much better option than normal drinking water. It can also be easily produced, which can help save costs. If you want to try alkaline water, you can make your own using the methods mentioned above.
Should You Drink Water with Chlorine?
Chlorine is added to water because it keeps it clean by killing bacteria and germs. It is quite effective since it disinfects the water and makes it pure again. Chlorine is also quite affordable, which makes it easy to use for large quantities of water. These days, thousands of people drink chlorinated water every day. However, according to research, drinking chlorinated water can increase the risk of cancer by 93%. Learn all about drinking chlorinated water and why it is bad for you by reading this article.
Our Picks for the Best Chlorine Water Filters
Light-weight, portable, and easily moved around the counter top
Removes viruses, protozoa, TMHs, drugs and other chemicals
Safe to use, durable and long lasting
The system has been tested countless times to produce brilliant results
Needs to be broken in properly to ensure filtering correctly
Filters an astounding one million gallon of water and is expected to last a decade
The UV filter protects against viruses and bacteria from festering and growing
Multiple filtration systems provide your whole house with clean water for all needs
Easy to install and easy to function
More expensive than smaller systems but lasts much longer
Removes up to 99-percent of chemicals, heavy metals, sediment, and other contaminants then adds healthy minerals back
Modular all-in-one filter design for easy maintenance
Comes with a complete DIY-friendly installation kit
NSF-Certified, EPA approved
Requires basic plumbing tools like wrenches and teflon tape
Long lasting and durable, this system can pump around 3,000 gallons of water
No cumbersome maintenance required
Filters out heavy chemicals, metals and chlorine compounds with its 4-filtration systems
One of the cheapest water filtration systems for homes and offices
May run into minor leaking issues
Easy installation unless your fridge is over 20 years old
Why Trust Waterful.org?
Our water scientists and engineers spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers .
Is Chlorine Water Safe to Drink?
Chlorine is useful in disinfecting water, which is why it is a little hard to recognize the harm that it can do to the body if it is consumed in large amounts. Since most water that is consumed by you has a very low concentration of chlorine, there is no cause for immediate concern. However, over time, chlorine can have hazardous reactions so it is best to stop drinking chlorinated water.
Chlorinated water can also smell or taste like bleach, which entirely depends on your chlorine water filtration plant. You may not always be able to control the type of water you drink outside of your house so make sure to drink de-chlorinated water inside the house.
Why is Chlorine Added to Water?
Adding chlorine to water started in the late 19th century. Chlorine was added to eliminate different kinds of bacteria and germs from drinking water. These germs would further spread diseases like dysentery, typhoid and cholera. When it was discovered that even a small amount of chlorine can completely disinfect water, adding chlorine to water became popular. Today, chlorination is the most popular method of treating water.
Chlorine Health Effects
Consuming chlorine through water can lead to serious side effects. In children, chlorine mostly induces asthma attacks but in adults, it can trigger serious long-term health issues. Here’s how chlorine makes water dangerous: when chlorine is mixed with even a small amount of oxygen (or any organic compound), it releases dangerous by-products like Trihalomethanes. These harmful products can roam freely in the body and can trigger your cells. These by-products are also extremely carcinogenic and if they stay in your system for too long, they can cause serious health complications.
Besides causing cell damage, too much chlorine can also have other effects on your body. It can cause reproductive problems and heart attacks. Constant consumption of chlorine can also seriously damage your immune system and make you more vulnerable to gastrointestinal cancer. Chlorinated water should never be consumed by pregnant women since it can cause heart problems, birth defects and cleft palate in fetuses.
Chlorinated water can also cause an increase in allergies and makes you prone to getting sick easily. This is because chlorine is used to disinfect and kill bacteria in water, but when it is ingested by the body, it does the same to our immune system. A huge amount of chlorine can easily destroy beneficial gut bacteria, which can make you vulnerable to all kinds of diseases. Beneficial gut bacteria protect your body from diabetes, obesity, bowel syndrome, asthma, colorectal cancer and even autism. An unhealthy gut can also cause constipation, bloating, abdominal pain and even diarrhea and gas.
How to Test for Chlorine in Water
There are many ways for chlorination testing. Here are a few:
Using Chlorine Test Strips
Perhaps the easiest method to test the chlorine levels in your water is by using chlorine strips. Just like drug or urine testing, chlorine strips help identify the quantity or presence of chlorine in a substance, in this case; water. You can do this at home – just fill a mug with tap water and dip the chlorine strip in it. Read the strip manual to see how long you need to keep it submerged in the water for accurate results. If the strip changes color according to the chart you have, that means your water contains chlorine.
The benefit of using chlorine test strips is that they are quick to give results, are easily available and are extremely cheap. However, there are better ways to identify chlorine’s presence in water than using test strips.
Using Chlorine Test Solutions
Another way to determine whether you are drinking chlorinated water is by using chlorine test solutions. These come in liquid form in small bottles and can be used very easily. Simply take some water in a mug and add some of this liquid to it. Whatever color it results in, you can use the chart to see whether your water has chlorine or not.
Using Chlorine Testing Tablets
Just like liquid solutions, chlorine testing tablets are very simple to use. Simply fill a small container with some water and then mix the tablet in it. Let the tablet submerge for a few seconds and then use the color test chart to determine whether the water contains chlorine or not. There are four kinds of chlorine testing tablets since they determine different variations of chlorine, so make sure to know which one will help you the most. DPD1 helps you determine whether the water has residual chlorine, DPD2 will tell you if there is any monochloramine present, DPD3 is made for combined chlorine and DPD4 helps determine total chlorine.
How to Get Chlorine Out of Water
After you have made sure that your water does have chlorine, the next step is to remove chlorine from the water. There are a few simple ways to do that. You can fill a huge container with water and then leave it open for 24 hours. This way, all the chlorine will automatically evaporate from the water. You can also boil the water to remove chlorine. However, the most effective way to remove chlorine from water is by filtering your water before you drink it.
It is essential to know if your water is chlorine-free before drinking it. Chlorine is harmful for your health if it is consumed in large amounts. You can use the methods mentioned above to test for chlorine in water and remove it accordingly.
How Does a Carbon Activated Water Filter Work?
Humans have been engineering ways to purify their water for thousands of years. One of the most effective ways to remove contaminants and odors from water is by using activated carbon filters. These filters are great for providing users with fresh and neutral tasting water.
Our Picks for the Best Carbon Water Filter
Light-weight, portable, and easily moved around the counter top
Removes viruses, protozoa, TMHs, drugs and other chemicals
Safe to use, durable and long lasting
The system has been tested countless times to produce brilliant results
Needs to be broken in properly to ensure filtering correctly
Filters an astounding one million gallon of water and is expected to last a decade
The UV filter protects against viruses and bacteria from festering and growing
Multiple filtration systems provide your whole house with clean water for all needs
Easy to install and easy to function
More expensive than smaller systems but lasts much longer
Removes up to 99-percent of chemicals, heavy metals, sediment, and other contaminants then adds healthy minerals back
Modular all-in-one filter design for easy maintenance
Comes with a complete DIY-friendly installation kit
NSF-Certified, EPA approved
Requires basic plumbing tools like wrenches and teflon tape
Long lasting and durable, this system can pump around 3,000 gallons of water
No cumbersome maintenance required
Filters out heavy chemicals, metals and chlorine compounds with its 4-filtration systems
One of the cheapest water filtration systems for homes and offices
May run into minor leaking issues
Easy installation unless your fridge is over 20 years old
Why Trust Waterful.org?
Our water scientists and engineers spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers .
Carbon has been used to filter out contaminants from air and water for hundreds of years. The use of charcoal in filtering water can be traced back to Egyptians and Hindus over a thousand years ago. Activated carbon was also used in gas masks used by soldiers in the First World War.
In homes, activated carbon can be found in shower filters, refrigerator water dispenser filters, and in faucet filters. They are also found in air-conditioners and air purifiers.
What are carbon activated filters?
Carbon activated filters are composed of small pieces of carbon in granular or powdered block form. Carbon that has undergone the “activation” process is more porous, and can therefore trap contaminants more effectively.
How do carbon activated filters work?
Activated carbon water filters rely on the adsorptive properties of carbon to remove contaminant molecules and compounds from water that has been passed through the carbon water filter. Activated carbon has a large surface area with sizable pores, and these pores are what trap contaminants and odours.
How are carbon filters made?
Carbon filters can be made from bituminous coal, wood based material, or coconut shell material.
Bituminous coal
Some of the most common carbon filters used in the 20th century were made from bituminous coal. They were effective at filtering water, but are less widely used today due to the presence of arsenic, which is sometimes found in coal.
Charcoal water was also popular with medical practitioners in the past due to its relative purity compared to untreated water.
Wood based material
Wood-based carbon filters were the first type of carbon filter to be invented, and were used by Egyptians thousands of years ago. Wood-based carbon filters were made from burnt wood that was ground up into tiny granules.
Coconut shell
Carbon filters made from coconut shells are believed to be the most effective carbon filters for water purification. They can catch particles as small as 0.5 microns, and are made from a renewable material.
Types of carbon water filters.
An activated carbon water filter could come in one of three varieties: granular filters, block filters, and radial flow granular activated carbon filters. These varieties cover many different types of filtering, and each one offers its own advantages.
Granular activated carbon filters
These filters contain granules of activated carbon that are loose enough to permit the flow of water through them. The water in these filters flows in one direction and is filtered by the carbon granules it comes in contact with.
The loose packing of these granules allows water to flow through them at a speedy rate. However, some of this water may be able to bypass the granules and let contaminants through.
Solid block carbon filters
Solid block carbon filters are composed of fine carbon granules that are bonded together using a bonding agent. In this design, tap water flows in from the side of the filter and exits from the top after being filtered.
These solid block filters have a much larger surface area than granular carbon filters. Their compact block design prevents water from bypassing the granules (which is a common problem in loose granule filters). The downside of using these filters is that they tend to be slow and restrictive.
Radial flow granular activated carbon filters
This design features a large surface area similar to that of solid block carbon filters. However, they also have high flow rates that are comparable to the rates exhibited by granular activated carbon filters.
What do carbon water filters remove?
Carbon water filters are primarily used to remove chlorine and odours from water, but they are effective at removing a variety of minerals and contaminants.
Chlorine is notorious for fouling the taste and smell of water, so many people use carbon filters to eliminate it from their drinking water.
Carbon filters can also be used to remove trihalomethanes, mercury, pesticides and herbicides. Some specially treated carbon filters can even remove heavy metals and bacteria.
However, carbon filters can’t remove calcium, magnesium, or fluoride, or reduce the TDS of water. The small size of calcium and magnesium molecules allows them to freely pass through carbon water filters. As a result, carbon filters can’t be used to soften hard water, which contains high concentrations of calcium and magnesium.
Carbon filters with pores smaller than 1 micron are able to remove coliform bacteria, lead, arsenic and heavy metals. These contaminants are not adsorbed by the carbon, but are too large to fit through the pores of the carbon filter. This essentially filters them from the water.
Using carbon water filters at home
Carbon water filters are used in many places around the home. They can be found in refrigerator water filters, shower heads, and faucets.
A water filter for fridges has to be efficient and effective at removing contaminants to provide users with clean and odorless water on demand. Carbon filters are used in shower heads to remove chlorine, a chemical which is known to damage hair.
Whole house carbon filter
People who live in areas with chlorine contaminated water could benefit from installing whole house carbon filters. These carbon filters are installed at points where the municipal water supply enters a home.
Whole house carbon filters essentially filter and remove chlorine from the household water supply before the water enters your home. This means all your showers and faucets are able to dispense chlorine-free water that has been filtered though the whole house carbon filter.
It’s no doubt that carbon water filters are providing quality filtered water to millions of people worldwide. Developments in activated carbon technology will make such filters even more useful in the future, so get acquainted with carbon activated water filters and start drinking fresher and cleaner tasting water today!
How Does a Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Work
Reverse osmosis has played a key role in providing people around the world with clean and fresh water for decades. The process originated in 1748, but wasn’t considered commercially viable until 2001. Tens of thousands of desalination plants across the globe are using reverse osmosis to desalinate water.
Our Picks for the Best Reverse Osmosis System
Removes up to 98-percent of chemicals, heavy metals, sediment, and other contaminants then adds good minerals
Modular all-in-one filter design for easy maintenance
Comes with a complete DIY-friendly installation kit
EPA approved
More expensive than most systems
Requires basic plumbing tools like wrenches and teflon tape
Removes solids smaller than 1 micron to purify drinking water
Introduces calcium, potassium and magnesium into purified water to remineralise it
Reduces over 74 contaminants, metals, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals
Targets chlorine and ammonia via carbon filtration
Bulky system requires space
Tank needs to be maintained and kept clean
Cheapest option in the recommended list
Eradicates traces of chlorine, sediments and other impurities from tap water
Small filtration system saves space
Ultra-Ease Filtration Replacement features for hassle-free changes
Durability complaints by some users
Lower filtration capacity compared to other systems
Why Trust Waterful.org?
Our water scientists and engineers spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers .
What is reverse osmosis?
Reverse osmosis is a filtration method that uses a semi-permeable membrane to purify water. This membrane separates unwanted ions, molecules, and contaminants from the water that is passed through it under pressure. This produces clean freshwater which is relatively safe for human consumption.
The term “osmosis” itself refers to the process of freshwater crossing a membrane to dilute a concentrated solution. On the other hand, reverse osmosis uses artificial pressure to force the concentrated solution (i.e: seawater or tap water) through the membrane and onto the side with freshwater
How it works.
Reverse osmosis is among the most popular water purification methods due to its easy set-up and use. The semi-permeable membrane it uses is fine enough to block unwanted ions, molecules, and contaminants, while still allowing water molecules to pass through.
The end result is water that has been stripped of disease-causing microorganisms, salts, heavy metals, and others contaminants. This makes the water taste fresher and more neutral than before, so it’s easy to understand why so many people use reverse osmosis filters.
Stages of reverse osmosis filtration
Filtering water with reverse osmosis is a multi-stage process that includes different types of filtering. These stages are carried out in the following order:
- Sediment removal: Sediments such as large rough particles and sand are removed
- Carbon stage: Chlorine and other chemicals are removed to prevent them from damaging the reverse osmosis membrane.
- Reverse osmosis stage: Dissolved solids and molecules that are larger than water molecules are removed. Most of the purification is completed in this stage.
- Remineralization stage: Reverse osmosis also strips the water of desirable minerals, so calcium and magnesium are added back into water after it has been purified.
How is reverse osmosis used.
Reverse osmosis is used in desalination plants and is an effective method for converting seawater into freshwater. It is also used in other reverse osmosis plants to decontaminate waste water commercially.
There are also reverse osmosis water purification systems available for homes. These home water filters are connected to the home’s water supply and are especially useful in places where the municipal water is unfit for consumption. The tap water in these regions could be brackish, or contain nitrates and other dissolved minerals that are undesirable, so it’s best that they are removed.
Types of reverse osmosis filters
A reverse osmosis water filter uses one of two membranes: Thin Film Composites (TFC) and Cellulose Triacetate (CTA) membranes. These two differ on the basis of their filtration ability and chlorine tolerance.
The TFC membranes can remove up to 98% of contaminants, but can treat only chlorine-free water.
The CTA membranes can withstand exposure to chlorine, but are susceptible to bacteria growth. They are able to block only 93% of contaminants, which makes them less reliable than TFC membranes.
Whole house reverse osmosis systems
Reverse osmosis is typically used to provide point-of-use drinking water in homes, however, people living in areas with heavily contaminated or brackish water may require a water purification solution that is larger in scale.
A whole house reverse osmosis system can be installed at the point where water enters the home. This allows every drop of water that enters your home to undergo reverse osmosis treatment so that you have access to purified water from each tap or shower in your home.
Every faucet in your home becomes a reverse osmosis faucet when you install a whole house reverse osmosis system.
What’s the best reverse osmosis system for me?
Anyone living in an area with contaminated or saline groundwater could benefit by getting a reverse osmosis system for their home. RO water is considered to be better than distilled water because the latter could still contain chlorine and other chemicals.
The quality of your municipal water supply should determine the kind of reverse osmosis system you will need for your home. If your water is heavily contaminated and saline, you may need to install a whole house reverse osmosis system.
If your municipal water is fit for uses such as washing and bathing, you can install a compact point-of-use reverse osmosis system to provide clean drinking water in your kitchen.
You should opt to go for a reverse osmosis filter that contains a TCF membrane if your water supply doesn’t contain high concentrations of chlorine. This membrane removes more contaminants than CTA membranes. However, you may have to use a CTA membrane if your water supply contains significant concentrations of chlorine.
Reverse osmosis often produces concentrated brackish wastewater in addition to the purified water it produces. This wastewater is usually disposed of down the drain.
However, zero waste reverse osmosis systems also exist that divert this wastewater to the home’s other faucets. This prevents water from being wasted, but forces residents to use brackish water in their kitchens and bathrooms.
Reverse osmosis system maintenance and lifespan
Reverse osmosis systems can last indefinitely with the right maintenance. The typical reverse osmosis membrane used in homes lasts between 2 and 5 years.
The pre-filters and post-filters on these systems need to be replaced annually, and other parts such as tanks and faucets can be replaced when they are worn out.
Do keep in mind that CTA membranes are susceptible to bacteria growth, so they should be checked up on regularly.
Reverse osmosis systems are still the best option available for purifying water on a large scale. It has made life easier for hundreds of millions of people, and will continue being popular until a more practical and efficient water purification method is discovered.
Is Carbonated Water Bad for You?
We all know that water is essential for us. But sipping on plain water can be a bit bland and boring, unless you are stranded in the middle of a desert. Luckily, carbonated water has various health benefits and choosing it over soda pop is always a great idea.
Our Pick for the Best Water Carbonator
Fully automatic, turns plain water into carbonated water in seconds with the touch of a button
Energy efficient, powered by Co2 cylinder. Each cylinder carbonates up to 60 liters of water
Offers unbelieable amount of flavor choices, from mocktails to cocktails to SodaStream's wide range of flavors
Easy to maintain and clean
Slightly expensive but quality build makes up for it plus all the money you will save not buying bottled carbonated water
Why Trust Waterful.org?
Our water scientists and engineers spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers .
Luckily, we do have several options to quench our thirst with, not all of them are suitable for our health.
It took a long while for the world to realize that sweet fizzy drinks are not good for us. The high sugar content in combination with acidity from carbonation can harm your body in more ways than you know. But is it also true for carbonated water without sugar?
A quick internet search and you will find countless websites warning you that carbonated water can rob the calcium from your bones. Some people even claim that it can cause tooth decay and irritate your stomach. So, we feel it’s time to sort facts from myths. Read on to find out how valid are these claims and are there any sparkling water benefits.
Make Sure Your Water is Purified First
Before we get into all the great health benefits of carbonated water, it is important to make sure that the starting water source has been purified of any potentially harmful contaminants. Check out our review of the best water purifier to learn more about protecting you and your family’s health.
What is Carbonated Water?
Water that is infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure produces bubbly water or carbonated water. Carbon dioxide and water react chemically to form a weak acid, known as carbonic acid. It stimulates the same nerve receptors in your mouth as mustard, which gives you an idea of the acidity of carbonated water. Carbonated water goes by many other names like sparkling water, soda water, seltzer water, etc.
Some amount of salt is added to the water to improve its taste. Often some minerals are also added to it if it’s deficient of those minerals. Sparkling water gives a tickling sensation when you drink it, which is adequately sharp and enjoyable. The pH of the carbonated water ranges between 3 to 4, which shows that it is only slightly acidic.
Since our kidneys and lungs expel the excess carbon dioxide from our body. This keeps our blood within the pH range of 7.35 to 7.45, no matter what we drink or eat. These facts leave no room for the doubt that the acidity of carbonated water can harm your body.
What is Seltzer Water?
Carbonated water has so many varieties that it can be often confusing to differentiate the types. You have lightly fizzy bitter tonic water, which is used for gin. Then you have sparkling mineral water with subtle differences in flavor, from salty to metallic. Apart from these, you also have soda water and seltzer water. All of this variety makes one wonder are not all of these the same?
All of these types of bubbly water appear to be the same. But each one differs in flavor and is made using different processes. What basically sets apart seltzer water from other types is that it is plain carbonated water with no added minerals. It is the simplest of all types and it is made by the carbonation of plain water. Due to its neutral profile natural fruit essence and oils are added to create flavored sparkling water.
Health Benefits of Carbonated Water
Carbonated water has various health benefits. Choosing it over soda and fizzy drinks is always a sound choice. Here are some significant health benefits of carbonated water:
Keeps You Hydrated
A common myth about carbonated water is that it can cause dehydration. Health experts have debunked this belief and they claim that it has the same benefits as that of plain water. In fact, the health benefits can be even greater if the sparkling water is filtered.
Filteration removes organic compounds and toxic chemicals from the water and provides you with clean and healthy water. Carbonated water has a subtle flavor and a bubbly kick which makes the water a true treat to gulp down. As a result, you drink more sparkling water and keep yourself hydrated. So, try sparkling water from a carbonation machine instead of regular water and feel the difference yourself.
Gives a Feeling of Fullness
Many fitness bloggers suggest taking a glass of water right before a meal to prevent overeating. While we cannot be certain about that, what we do know is that sparkling water makes you feel full for longer than regular water. A research shows that carbonated water makes the proximal stomach (the first three parts) contain food longer, which gives you a feeling of fullness for a long time.
Aids Digestion
Carbonated water is also great in keeping stomach issues at bay. Anyone who suffers from dyspepsia, constipation, or an upset stomach frequently can benefit a great deal from drinking sparkling water. The European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology conducted a study that showed that patients of all these problems showed improvement after drinking sparkling water for two weeks. So, that old home remedy of taking lemon-lime soda for stomach bug is not wrong after all.
Supports Bone Health
Another common myth about carbonated water is that it is bad for bone due to its acidic nature. A large observational study showed that only cola can be associated with lower bone mineral density. Carbonated water showed no effect on bone health.
Another controlled study showed that drinking sparkling water for 8 weeks led to better calcium retention in postmenopausal women. Moreover, supplementing hens’ diet with carbonated water for 6 weeks strengthened their leg bones more as compared to tap water.
Fully automatic, turns plain water into carbonated water in seconds with the touch of a button
Energy efficient, powered by Co2 cylinder. Each cylinder carbonates up to 60 liters of water
Offers unbelieable amount of flavor choices, from mocktails to cocktails to SodaStream's wide range of flavors
Easy to maintain and clean
Slightly expensive but quality build makes up for it plus all the money you will save not buying bottled carbonated water
Conclusion
Many people avoid drinking carbonated water thinking that it might be bad for health. The good news for them is there is no valid evidence to prove all the myths about carbonated water. In fact, a lot of research says the opposite. So, you can sip sparkling water from a carbonation machine or a can with zero guilt. Not only will it keep you hydrated, but it also has a handful of health benefits for your body.
Is There Arsenic in Bottled Water?
Contrary to popular belief, fancy labels, packaging and branding do not always imply you are consuming pure refreshing water from bottled water. This is not the case with many mineral water brands and studies have shown arsenic is the largest contaminant for most brands.
Instead of buying wasteful plastic bottles with potentially unsafe water, check out these reverse osmosis water systems and enjoy crystal clear water from your tap everyday!
Our Pick for the Best Reverse Osmosis Systems
Removes solids smaller than 1 micron to purify drinking water
Introduces calcium, potassium and magnesium into purified water to remineralise it
Reduces over 74 contaminants, metals, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals
Targets chlorine and ammonia via carbon filtration
Tank needs to be maintained and kept clean
Modular all-in-one filter design for easy maintenance
Comes with a complete DIY-friendly installation kit
EPA approved and certified by leading drinking water environmental groups
More expensive than most systems
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Bottled water is one product that almost all of us take for granted, thinking that it is safe for us to drink. After all, there are several regulatory bodies in the country responsible for monitoring food and water safety. Therefore, it is only natural to assume that corporations would take full responsibility for the safety of the drinking water products that they are supplying. It is unthinkable to imagine that major corporations would be selling contaminated, dangerous and polluted water to the public. Unfortunately, this is exactly what is happening.
Considering the prevalence of arsenic in water supplies and the danger that it poses, concerned citizens often wonder: “does bottled water have arsenic?” The answer will surprise you.
Arsenic in Bottled Water
The Center for Environmental Health carried out tests on the Penafiel and Starkey mineral water brands to find out that they have unsafe levels of arsenic in water. Starkey is owned by Whole Foods, while Penafiel is owned by Keurig Dr Pepper. What’s most troubling is that these are mineral water products from some of the leading consumer brands sold by retailers throughout the country, including Walmart.
You wouldn’t imagine that major mineral water brands are selling contaminated bottled water but this is precisely the case, unfortunately. And this is not happening for the first time. These offenders are the very same brands that were caught selling arsenic-contaminated water back in the past as well. If you think that this made them clean up their act, then you are wrong. They are at it again, which reflects their complete disregard for your personal safety and health.
According to a Consumer Reports investigation, Penafiel water bottles had arsenic concentrations of 18 parts per billion, which is above the EPA standard of 10 parts per billion.
High arsenic levels of 22 parts per billion in Penafiel were found way back in 2009. The FDA also issued two warnings, in 2015 and 2018 about unacceptably high arsenic levels. From the records that it has obtained, Consumer Reports states the FDA was aware of the arsenic problem in Penafiel since 2013.
In the wake of the Consumer Reports expose, Keurig Dr Pepper conceded that its testing shows an arsenic concentration of 17 parts per billion.
Starkey, on the other hand, was found to have arsenic concentrations of 11.7 parts per billion when it was tested by Florida regulators.
Should you be buying from brands that have no qualms about selling poisoned bottled water claiming that it is ‘pure’? Or should you protect your health as well as the health of your family by taking control of your drinking water – the most essential necessity of life?
But first, you must learn all the facts pertaining to arsenic, one of the most common pollutants in drinking water.
Facts About Arsenic
Is arsenic a metal?
Arsenic is described as a metalloid, that is, it is a semi-metal. In other words, it has the main properties of both metals and non-metals.
Where is arsenic found?
Arsenic poses a danger to health because unsafe levels of this toxic element may be found in air, food and water. The water supply is by far the biggest source of arsenic pollution. Certain places carry a higher risk of arsenic contamination.
Arsenic is so dangerous that regulatory bodies have had to revise the toxic threshold to much lower levels. The Environmental Protection Agency revised the arsenic standard in 2001. The new maximum limit is now 10 parts per billion compared to the previous standard of 50 parts per billion.
There are several places in the US where well water has higher levels of arsenic than what the EPA deems safe. In places like Nevada, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, California, Michigan, Maine and New Hampshire, 20 percent of the well water has arsenic above the EPA standard. (Source)
Arsenic poisoning is associated with higher rates of heart disease as well as lung, bladder and skin cancers. Acute doses of arsenic can cause immediate poisoning symptoms and even death. (Source)
The World Health Organization on Arsenic
Arsenic is on the top 10 list of chemicals that are a major public health concern in the view of the World Health Organization. The WHO recommends that arsenic in drinking water should be no more than 10 micrograms per liter, however, possible steps should be taken to keep arsenic as low as possible. In the “Guidelines for drinking water quality”, the WHO has outlined measures for reducing arsenic in water.
The WHO states that arsenic is not just a carcinogen, but it is one of the most dangerous chemicals to be found in drinking water supplies across the world. The most dangerous forms of arsenic are inorganic compounds. Unfortunately, these inorganic forms of arsenic are found in drinking water supplies across the world, including the US.
The acute effects of arsenic poisoning include diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting. Higher doses of arsenic can cause muscle cramping, tingling of the extremities, numbness and eventually death.
The long-term effects of arsenic include myocardial infarction, kidney diseases, pulmonary disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases. It is also associated with heightened infant mortality and birth defects. Arsenic has several adverse consequences for mental health, including impaired memory, intelligence and cognitive development. (Source)
How to Remove Arsenic from Drinking Water?
In order to keep arsenic as well as other harmful contaminants out of your drinking water, you should use reverse osmosis filtration systems for purifying water.
The CDC recommends reverse osmosis systems for removing arsenic from drinking water. Ion exchange, distillation and ultra-filtration can also help in the removal of arsenic.
Removes solids smaller than 1 micron to purify drinking water
Introduces calcium, potassium and magnesium into purified water to remineralise it
Reduces over 74 contaminants, metals, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals
Targets chlorine and ammonia via carbon filtration
Tank needs to be maintained and kept clean
Modular all-in-one filter design for easy maintenance
Comes with a complete DIY-friendly installation kit
EPA approved and certified by leading drinking water environmental groups
More expensive than most systems