Ashu’s Curiosity
Every morning Ashu’s mother has a habit of getting boiled water for the whole family. Her philosophy is simple – Water is essential for survival & boiled water helps in good digestion and proper hydration of the body.
But one of his friends told him about a recent concept of alkaline water.
After further research, he found that alkaline water has multiple health benefits and is comparatively healthier than regular water.
However, in the same research, he found certain articles that criticised the rising importance of alkaline water over regular water. To get an unbiased understanding, he needs a neutral platform. He also wants to know simple ways to make Alkaline water at home.
So, he again visits Know Ur Diet, let us find out what he gets:
What is Alkaline Water?
In a simple term, alkaline water has a higher pH level compared to regular water which comparatively has a lower pH level. For regular water, the pH level remains around 7. As per the concept, pH level of Alkaline water should remains between 8 and 10. In scientific terminology, this type of water is also called Ionized Water.
This rise in alkalinity of water is due to the presence of various minerals such as Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium. These minerals push the alkalinity of water and turn it into alkaline water. The main idea behind consuming this water is that it counters the acidic elements of the human body and provides multiple health benefits.
You can find multiple brands selling Alkaline water or Ionized water in packaged bottles but you can also make Alkaline water at home as well.
History of Alkaline Water
The history or concept of Ionized water or Alkaline water goes back to the 1950s in Japan. It gained popularity when people started claiming that it has healing effects. Japanese people termed it “shin’nooru solution” or “synnohl liquid”.
In 1962, the ionizer companies were permitted by the Japanese government to manufacture water-ionizing machines for medicinal purposes. Later on, the Korean FDA also approved the manufacturing of similar devices.
Due to the success of Ionized water in Japan and Korea, the population in the Western countries has started taking interest in this type of water.
Health benefits of alkaline Water
Health enthusiasts throughout the world are taking Alkaline water seriously due to its various health benefits. Let us discuss some Alkaline water benefits here:
Aids in Detoxification
The most claimed advantage of drinking Alkaline water is that it helps detoxify the body. The detoxification effect of this water removes the harmful toxins from the body effectively by neutralizing the effects of acids in the body.
However, the human body itself has organs like the liver and kidneys that are responsible for detoxifying the body. But intake of Alkaline water will support the same process.
Helps in Digestion
Many alkaline water advocates claim that drinking Ionized water can help in pacifying the excessive acid creation in the digestion. These excessive acids can cause various gut-related issues like indigestion, nausea and diarrhea.
Boosts Metabolism
Another claim commonly propagated about Alkaline water is that it can boost the metabolism of the drinker. This could accelerate the weight loss process. To justify this claim, brands emphasize that athletes worldwide are regularly consuming alkaline water to boost metabolism and get rid of excess weight.
Not only that, it is claimed by these athletes and brands that there is a boost of energy after the intake of Alkaline water. Studies are already going on to verify the impact of Alkaline water on energy levels, stamina and endurance of the human body.
Bone Health
In some recent research, it has been suggested that alkaline water is beneficial for preventing bone loss. It is considered that mineral elements in Alkaline water such as Calcium and Magnesium support bone density.
In one such research women treated for Osteoporosis were given Alkaline water and found that these women had better bone density improvement than those who were consuming regular water.
Anti-Ageing Properties
As per certain reports and claims regular intake of Alkaline water can improve the elasticity and youthfulness of the skin. This is because Alkaline water hydrates skin cells more effectively than regular water.
Also, when we talk about detoxing the entire body which means the reduction of harmful free radicals from skin cells, this Detoxification by Alkaline water promotes the anti-ageing process.
Cancer Prevention
People who promote Alkaline water also claim that cancer can be prevented by regular consumption of Alkaline water. This is because a rise in the acidic nature of the human body can accelerate the growth of cancer cells.
However, there is very limited research about the impact of Alkaline water on cancer prevention. So due to lack of evidence, Alkaline water’s impact on cancer cells is still suspicious.
These above-mentioned Alkaline water benefits are claimed rather than proved scientifically. Studies about the health advantages of Ionized water are still limited and concrete proofs are still needed.
Read More about Juices and Beverages
Now, let us discuss some Alkaline water risks on health that are observed in certain studies and research:
Alkaline Water Side Effects
There is no doubt that you can enjoy certain health benefits from Alkaline water but there are reports that people have side effects as well after consuming it. Some of them are:
Alkalosis
The main purpose of Alkaline water is to maintain the Alkalinity of the human body by reducing acidic elements. However, the human body itself has the ability to maintain the pH level. So, there are certain cases when regular drinkers of Alkaline water face the problem of Alkalosis.
Symptoms of this health issue include nausea, vomiting, muscle twitching and even hand tremors. You need to observe the impact of Ionized water before considering daily intake of it.
Digestion Problems
To digest food properly it is necessary that the stomach have an acidic environment to break down food particles and eliminate harmful pathogens with it. Alkaline water can create disruptions by reducing the acidic nature of the gut.
This can reduce the digestive ability of your body and can cause symptoms like constipation, indigestion and bloating.
Interference with Medication
You can call it one of the major Alkaline water side effects. The high pH level of Ionized water can interfere with your medication and this is especially possible if you are taking medicines to block excess stomach acid production like Proton Pump Inhibitors.
If you consume water with a pH level higher than 9 for the long term then it can raise the pH level of your normal blood putting you at the risk of having kidney disease.
“Our bodies do a great job of keeping our blood pH in a very tight range, Drinking alkaline water won’t affect this.”
– Alissa Rumsey R.D., C.S.C.S., an expert in fueling athletic performance
How to Make Alkaline Water at Home?
There are various methods to prepare Alkaline or ionized water at home but here we are just including 3 easy ways to get homemade Alkaline water without any major investment in filters and machines:
1. The Lemon-Cucumber Method
Step 1- Take a glass jar full of potable water.
Step 2- Put some slices of lemon and cucumber in the water.
Step 3- Add Mint or Coriander leaves in it.
Step 4- Stir well and leave the jar overnight.
In the morning, you will find your homemade Alkaline water ready for consumption.
2. Baking Soda Method
Baking soda is an edible chemical compound primarily used to prepare baked foods. But you can also use it to raise the alkalinity of regular water.
Step 1- Take a bottle or jar of potable water.
Step 2- Add 1/8th teaspoon of baking soda in the jar or bottle.
Step 3- Stir well until the baking soda dissolves properly in the water.
Step 4- You can enjoy the mixture as Alkaline water.
3. pH Drops Method
In this method, you just need to buy 1 pH drop solution from your nearby grocery store or pharmacy. You can convert your regular water into Alkaline water by adding recommended drops to it. The recommended drops vary as every drop has a different concentration of minerals in the solution.
You can also use pH tablets for the same purpose but you must stir well before consuming the water for the proper dissolution of the tablet.
these methods can help you to get homemade alkaline water in a simple and cost effective way.
Some FAQs related to Alkaline Water
Q.1 Is Alkaline Water safe for Children?
Although we have discussed many health benefits of Alkaline water then also these all are claimed rather than proven scientifically. However, you can provide Alkaline wate to children but it should be in moderate quantities.
Q.2 Can You Boil Alkaline Water?
Yes, similar to other types of water, Alkaline water is good for boiling. When you boil the water, it does not affect the alkalinity of water and the reduction of minerals in it.
Q.3 Is Alkaline water good for cooking?
Yes, you can use alkaline water for cooking because the alkalinity of the water can help preserve the nutritional value of the vegetables and fruits by washing them before cooking them.
Conclusion
Before making any decision, Ashu needed neutral information about Alkaline water benefits and side effects. Know Your Diet helped him a lot in deciding about what are the pros and cons of drinking this ionized water.
Ashu also came to know about how to make Alkaline water at home in a simple and cost-effective way. In the end, Ashu knows how alkaline water differs from regular water and what should be the moderate intake to maintain good health.
