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It is likely to hear that water is necessary for good health. But why is that?
Water makes up most of the body weight and is utilized in various important functions, including waste removal, body temperature regulation, and brain function. One of the effective ways to stay hydrated is by sipping water throughout the day.
Would you believe it if we told you that there is something you can drink which will not only hydrate you longer and faster than regular drinking water but will also improve your blood, bone, and organ health?
Believe it, because it's true with alkaline water!
You have probably heard the term "alkaline water" and may have purchased a bottle due to the obvious health benefits associated with the buzzword.
Some people believe that alkaline water is superior to regular drinking water, but do you know what alkaline water is, what are its benefits or is alkaline water good for health? Let’s decode everything about ionized water in this article.
What is Alkaline Water?
Water comprises hydrogen and oxygen. That's why it's called H2O. The pH level of water helps determine how acidic it is, ranging from 0 to 14. 7 pH is considered neutral between acidic and alkaline conditions. Water is considered acidic if its pH falls below 7. If it is greater than 7, it is considered alkaline.
Simply put, alkaline water is water with a higher hydrogen potential (also called high ph alkaline water) than usual drinking water. The number of hydrogen ions in a solution calculates the pH level. High hydrogen ion concentrations result in a low pH (acidic substances), whereas low hydrogen ion concentrations result in a high pH. (basic substances).
A pH of 1 indicates something is extremely acidic, whereas a pH of 13 indicates something is extremely alkaline. Examples-
- Generally, alkaline water ph level stands at 8 or 9, thus counteracting extra acidity in the body.
- The blood in our veins is basic in nature, with a pH of 7.4.
- The pH of rainwater is a little below neutral because it contains carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making it more acidic.
- Lemon juice has a pH of 2, vinegar has a pH of about 3, and battery acid about 1.
- The pH of baking soda is between 8 and 9, while Milk of Magnesia has a pH between 10 and 11.
- Coffee with pH 5 and tomato juice with pH 4 is slightly acidic.
Regular Water Vs Alkaline Water
The pH level of alkaline water is higher than regular drinking water. As a result, some proponents of alkaline water believe it can neutralise the acid in your body.
The pH of normal drinking water is usually 7. The pH of alkaline water is usually 8 or 9. However, pH alone is insufficient to impart significant alkalinity to water.
Alkaline water must have alkaline minerals and a negative oxidation-reduction potential (ORP). ORP refers to water's capacity to act as an antioxidant. The lower the ORP value, the more antioxidizing the substance.
Now that you understand the difference between alkaline water and regular water, here are a few benefits.
Advantages of Alkaline Water
The notion that alkaline water is medicinal, curative, and capable of achieving optimal health appears based on the belief that acidic properties in the body and blood are the source of illness and disease and must be neutralized. As a result, having a more alkaline body will result in better health.
With four major minerals, alkaline water is good for all the unique things as below:
- Calcium: A mineral essential for bone health along with heart, muscle, and nerve function.
- Magnesium: Aids in converting food into energy and is required for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body.
- Sodium: Controls blood volume and pressure while promoting nerve and muscle function.
- Potassium: An electrolyte that is necessary for muscular strength and promotes proper digestion.
The high mineral content explains why is alkaline water good for you. There are numerous claims about the health benefits of drinking alkaline water, such as weight loss, immune system support, and cancer resistance. Even though these claims are worth mentioning, they lack scientific evidence.
But, drinking too much alkaline water may have negative consequences too. So, if you’re wondering how much alkaline water I can drink a day– the answer is 5-7 glasses while ensuring a gradual transition from the regular water to the alkaline one. Also, you can mix both portions to ensure your body adapts without suffering major side effects.
Side Effects of Alkaline Water
Even though alkaline water is thought to be safe to drink, there are also potential side effects. You won't notice a substantial difference in your body if you drink a bottle of alkaline water each day. However, if you consume a gallon of it every day, your body will have to work harder to maintain its pH, eventually producing more digestive enzymes and gastric fluids. The minerals components in alkaline water may begin to build up in the bodies of persons with kidney conditions or who are taking medications that affect kidney function. You can face alkaline water side effects if you suffer from kidney illness, and it is advisable not to consume it. You can also choose a health insurance policy to safeguard yourself with a Critical Illness Insurance offered by Care Health Insurance that covers 32 critical conditions, including dialysis cover.
Summing It Up
Alkaline water and their benefits are one of the more recent trends in entering the already crowded healthy eating and wellness world. It is claimed that drinking Alkaline water seems to have more health benefits than drinking regular water. It helps in the slowing of the ageing process, the regulation of the body's pH levels, and the prevention of a variety of chronic diseases. Alkaline water is used to neutralise acid content in the body, that regular water cannot do.
Although alkaline water is beneficial to your health, it is recommended that you consult a doctor before making the switch.
Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only: Policy Assurance and Claims at the underwriter's discretion.
