If you’re interested in natural health, then you’ve most likely stumbled across alkaline water. At first I thought that the only way to get alkaline water was from a Kangen water machine. They cost a fortune, so I decided to simply forget about the concept. For a while...

Then, I learned that you can get an alkaline water filter jug. And it’s way cheaper! Bonus, right?! The thing is, I wasn’t really convinced until I tried it for myself.

Once I drank alkaline water, the old bottled spring water just doesn’t make the grade. Alkaline water tastes so refreshing.

But does it live up to it’s health claims? Let’s dive in and see what we can find out.

So grab a glass of water and we’ll look at the obvious question...

• Alkaline Water

  What Exactly is Alkaline Water?

  You’ve most likely heard the words alkaline and pH in science class. The pH value of water can be either acid, alkaline (basic) or neutral.

  pH stands for power of hydrogen. Which basically tells you the concentration of hydrogen ions in the water.

  You can actually get hydrogen tablets and add them into your water. But you’d first want to make sure that your water is purified.

  That’s why an alkaline water machine or jug is the optimal way to make alkaline water.

  Alkaline water, as you might expect, is more basic. It has a pH higher than 7 which is neutral. Acidic water is more damaging to your body and has a pH of less than 7.

  Coca-cola, and other fizzy drinks have a pH of 2.6. Most alcoholic drinks are acidic, with the exception of Fix High Alkaline Vodka.

  Acidic drinks are harmful to your body and can rot your teeth by weakening the enamel. Conversely, alkaline water is on the other end of the spectrum, and can boost body and tooth health.

  Learn more: Alkaline Antioxidant Water: Hype or Does the Science Back It Up?

  The Benefits of Drinking Alkaline Water

  Many of the health benefits of drinking alkaline water stem from the negative oxidation reduction potential (ORP) value.

  Interestingly, a negative ORP is a good thing, and means that the water reduces oxidative stress.

  Water can either be antioxidative and boost health, or it can be pro-oxidative and reduce health.

  Municipal water cannot be too acidic, as that would damage the health of the people in their constituency. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises that tap water be kept within a pH of 6.5 to 8.5.

  Water that is acidic is often toxic and filled with heavy metals, pesticides and herbicides. That’s because the acid side of life is corrosive.

  Water that is too alkaline is also not safe. But consider this… lithium is given to people who are depressed, and also used to fuel batteries. Which means it’s filled with energy and life.

  Lithium has a pH of 11.3. Sulfuric acid (pH 0.5) is corrosive and can destroy delicate tissue. I think that says a lot about how alkaline water works to boost health.

  Alkaline water that is safe to drink usually has a pH of 8 or 9!

  Learn more: How An Alkaline Diet Incorporates Gentle Detoxing Methods To Promote Lasting Health

• Pros and Cons of Using an Alkaline Water Filter

  When your body becomes too acidic it’s normally due to consuming processed food and drinks. This can weaken your body because the blood stream must stay in a very precise pH range (pH7.35 to 7.45). Your blood and organs will look for calcium to neutralise acids in the body.

  That’s why calcium carbonate is often prescribed to neutralise stomach acid. The problem is that calcium is required for muscle tone and also healthy bones, nails, hair and teeth, so using it up can damage the main structures of the body.

  A highly acidic diet can lead to bone loss. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of drinking alkaline water:

  Alkaline Water Pros

  • Reduces acidity
  • Tastes refreshing
  • Antioxidant rich
  • Superior hydration
  • Soothes heartburn

  Alkaline Water Cons

  • Costs money for device (jug or machine)
  • You need to replace filter cartridge

• Alkaline Water vs Spring Water vs Tap Water

  There have been a few studies carried out by a scientist by the name of Daniel P. Heli, that have compared alkaline water, or alkaline tablets, to tap water or a placebo.

  In one 2010 study, published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, Heli discovered that alkaline water is better at both hydration and boosting cardiovascular health in endurance performance athletes.

  A second study looked at alkaline water and tap water. In that study Heli found that the acid-base balance was enhanced when the participants drank alkaline water, when compared with tap water.

  Additionally, drinking alkaline water reduced acid reflux (heartburn). The researchers tested blood and urine and discovered that the pH was slightly acidic, which is optimal.

  Related: Top 10 Alkaline Foods to Eat Frequently for Great Health

• Conclusion

  Water that is acidic is often toxic and filled with heavy metals, pesticides and herbicides. That’s because the acid side of life is corrosive.

  There are only two sides to science – acid and alkaline (base). In the middle, we have neutral.

  Acidic environments are corrosive and should be avoided. Fizzy drinks, junk food and alcohol are all acidic and can damage the body. Drinking alkaline water can help alkalise your body, in turn providing more energy and wellbeing.

  Interested in learning more about alkaline water and the benefits of hydration more generally? Take a look at the following articles:

  5 Key Benefits of Using a Filter Water Bottle

  Why Reverse Osmosis Water is Pure Dead Water

  What's the Healthiest Water You Can Drink?

  Written by best-selling author and integrative nutrition health coach Rowanna Watson, who has a passion for natural health. Rowanna is an expert in all areas of holistic health, plant-based nutrition, detoxification and personal development.

  Water for Health Ltd began trading in 2007 with the goal of positively affecting the lives of many. We still retain that mission because we believe that proper hydration and nutrition can make a massive difference to people’s health and quality of life. Click here to find out more.