What Is Alkaline Water? Benefits and Risks Explained

In recent years, there has been growing popularity of alkaline water in the world of health and wellness. You must have definitely heard about it, especially in terms of hydration, pH level, and other aspects of physical well-being.

But what exactly is alkaline water, and why should you even think about it for use in your daily life?

We shall examine what alkaline water is, comparing it with regular drinking water and identifying the risks associated with the consumption of alkaline water while highlighting why installing an alkaline water filter might be an excellent decision in ensuring one has access to quality alkaline drinking waters in the house.

Alkaline water refers to water with pH higher than that of normal drinking water. While normal drinking water has pH 7, alkaline water has pH ranging between 8 and 9, making it less acidic in nature.

The pH level of water can be influenced by the minerals it contains, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium ions. The minerals in water work to increase the pH level in addition to being healthy to consume.

For example, calcium and magnesium are good for your bones, while potassium helps in muscle and heartbeat functions in the body. Alkaline water can also offer you enough minerals in a day.

In a survey by Waterdrop, users who regularly consume alkaline water reported relatively noticeable improvements in their physical health.

Tap water has a neutral pH level of 7, which is not acidic or alkaline in nature. Alkaline water, on the other hand, has a pH level of 8 to 9 and is slightly alkaline in nature.

Its higher pH level can easily neutralize the acidity in the body, it is so useful for regulating pH in the body and staying healthy.

Alkaline water can be rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are responsible for the alkalescent nature of the compound. These minerals play vital roles in ensuring that the bones remain strong, boosting muscle performance, and ensuring healthy hearts in the human body.

However, normal tap water might not exhibit high content of such essential minerals in it, based on the nature of the water source.

There are numerous benefits associated with drinking alkaline water. Below are among the most frequently associated advantages.

A 2018 randomized controlled study on combat sport athletes found: " drinking alkalized water improves hydration status, acid-base balance, and high intensity anaerobic exercise performance ".

Alkaline water is thought to be more hydrating than regular water because it can be absorbed more efficiently by the body. This becomes very useful for someone who engages in physical exercise or someone who wishes to increase the hydration level in the body.

The natural pH level in the human body is slightly alkaline, so drinking alkaline water is able to counteract the acidity in the body.

Balancing pH in the body can help improve digestion, alleviate acid reflux, and increase energy.

Alkaline water has high amounts of healthy minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are needed for healthy bones, muscles, and hearts, respectively. The minerals are vital in ensuring that the body has healthy electrolytic balances in place.

In addition to assisting in the neutralization of acids in the body, it can help in hydration, thereby assisting in the elimination of toxins from the body and ensuring proper kidney and liver functions.

Certain forms of alkaline water have antioxidant properties, which work to counteract free radicals in the body. Such functions can aid in lessening stress at the cellular level, which can slow the aging process, among other benefits.

Whereas there are numerous proposed uses for drinking alkaline water, there are also risks involved in drinking it. Below are the proposed risks associated with drinking alkaline water:

The stomach needs to be in an acidic condition with a pH level ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 to facilitate digestion and eliminate any kind of bacteriological infection. If the stomach contents become less acidic because of the consumption of alkaline water, it can lead to problems in digestion or increased chances of infection.

Dr. Masoud points out that for acid reflux relief, drinking more regular water " can dilute gastric contents and enhance gastric emptying leading to less reflux ”

While it is true that drinking alkaline water can offer useful minerals such as calcium and magnesium, it should be consumed in moderation because it might cause mineral imbalance in the body if taken in large amounts.

For instance, if it is high in calcium and magnesium, it would affect the absorption of vital minerals in the body, such as iron or zinc. It can even cause hypercalcemia in the body because it would be in excess due to consumption in large amounts.

Overconsumption of alkaline water can cause alkalosis, which is an abnormal increase in the pH level of the body. Alkalosis can cause various symptoms in the body, including vomiting, nausea, muscle spasms, hand tremors, and confusion in the mind of the individual. Despite being rare, it can still happen if it is consumed in large quantities over time.

If you would rather not pay the high price for alkaline water and can make it yourself, there are many methods to follow in making alkaline water.

• Using Baking Soda: Mix teaspoon of baking soda with glass of water and stir properly. This can increase the pH level of the water slightly.
• Lemon Water: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into drinking water. Despite the acidity of the lemon, it has an alkalizing effect in the body after it has been digested.

For someone prioritizing alkaline water alongside advanced purification, we highly recommend the Waterdrop X12 Alkaline Reverse Osmosis System.

The X12 uses 11-stage precision filtration to reduce over 1,000 impurities, including PFAS and Lead. Crucially, its specialized process infuses alkaline minerals (Ca, Mg) to adjust the water's pH to an optimal 7.5±, boosting flavor and health benefits.

With 1200 GPD Rapid Flow and an unparalleled 3:1 pure-to-drain ratio, the tankless X12 ensures fast, efficient, and great-tasting alkaline water on demand

There are numerous benefits associated with drinking alkaline water, including hydration, pH management, and mineral supplements. It should be noted that one must take careful notice of the risks associated with drinking copious amounts of it to avoid problems related to digestion, mineral deficiencies, and alkalosis.

If you are interested in drinking quality alkaline water at home, you can opt to make use of a reliable water filter to help you out. Waterdrop X12 Alkaline ro system ensures that the water you have is clean and does not contain any contaminants that might harm you in the process.

Many people drink alkaline water hoping for better hydration or balanced body pH. While it can neutralize acid in lab tests, scientific evidence in humans remains limited. It may benefit those with acid reflux, but results vary from person to person.

Alkaline water alone doesn’t cause weight loss. However, better hydration can support metabolism and energy levels, which indirectly helps with healthy weight management when combined with a balanced diet and exercise routine.

Yes, alkaline water is generally safe for daily drinking, especially with a pH between 8 and 9.5. However, excessive consumption or highly alkaline levels may upset your stomach or alter natural digestive acidity over time.

Proper hydration from alkaline water may help maintain skin moisture and elasticity. Some believe its antioxidant potential supports skin repair, but there’s limited scientific evidence. For visible results, combine it with a healthy skincare routine and diet.

People with kidney disease or those taking medication that affects mineral balance should consult a doctor before drinking alkaline water. High alkalinity may interfere with certain treatments or affect electrolyte levels in sensitive individuals.