You’ve probably heard more and more about alkaline water lately—at the gym, in wellness circles, maybe even from a friend who swears by it!
But the truth is, alkaline water isn’t some new wellness craze. Its story goes back more than 60 years, rooted in science and innovation.
Researchers first discovered that water with a higher pH and a healthy dose of minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium could do more than just hydrate. It could help balance the body’s acidity and support better long-term health. That’s why, even decades later, alkaline water continues to grow in popularity across the UK and around the world.
Think about it: we drink water every single day, yet most of us don’t give much thought to its quality. Over time, choosing the right kind of water can have a real impact on how you feel—from your energy levels to digestion and even heart health.
Here’s a closer look at how alkaline water came to be, why it’s stood the test of time, and why it might matter more to your health than you think.
How Alkaline Water Began
It all started in the early 1960s in Japan, where researchers built on earlier work carried out in Russia. Their goal was to explore the therapeutic benefits of alkaline ionic water. Using early water ionisation devices, they discovered they could split ordinary water into alkaline and acidic streams.
The results were so promising that alkaline ionised drinking water was soon approved as a medical device in Japan. Hospitals and clinics began using it regularly, and demand quickly spread beyond the medical field.
By the 1990s, production shifted largely to Korea, which became the global centre for manufacturing ionisation devices. Today, Korea continues to be a leader in the industry, and ionised alkaline water is consumed daily in many households across Japan, Korea, and the wider Far East.
Alkaline Water Goes Global
As awareness of diet- and lifestyle-related acidity grew, so did interest in water that could help balance it out. Alkaline and water systems were introduced in North America and Europe, and the question of “where can I get alkaline water?” became more common.
In the UK, ionized water products are now widely available. Whether you’re curious about acid free alkaline water or want to know how to get alkaline ionized water, there’s no shortage of options—from electric water ionisers to more natural mineral-based filters.
Mineral-Based Alkaline Water Systems
In the last decade, alkaline water research has expanded, especially around using natural minerals to water alkalize without electronics. These naturally ionized alkaline water systems work by passing water through layers of alkaline minerals.
The benefits?
They’re more affordable than traditional electric water ionisers.
They provide alkaline based water with characteristics similar to healing spring waters found in nature.
Many systems use minerals like tourmaline, which emit far infrared energy—a process linked to potential health benefits.
Unlike purely electronic devices, mineral-based solutions offer a more natural approach, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of alkaline ionised water without complicated equipment.
How is alkaline water made naturally?
It’s as simple as using the right mineral combinations to shift the pH and enrich the water with essential alkaline minerals.
Why Alkaline Water Matters
As Daniel Reid wrote in The Tao of Detox: “Drinking alkaline water is a great way to neutralize and flush out all of the toxins and acids that drain from the tissues and bodily fluids, and to quickly rehydrate the body and keep the blood alkaline.”
Your body naturally works to maintain a slightly alkaline pH, and alkaline ionized drinking water can support that process. When you’re properly hydrated with mineral-rich, acid free alkaline water, your cells function better, your energy levels improve, and your body can better defend itself from the effects of acidity.
Where to Buy Alkaline Water
If you’re in the UK and wondering where to buy alkaline water or where to purchase alkaline ionized water, there are plenty of options. You can invest in a water ioniser, but for many people, mineral-based filtration systems are a simpler and more cost-effective solution.
At Water for Health, we favour natural mineral-based systems because they:
Are affordable and accessible for more households
Produce water similar to naturally ionised alkaline water found in pristine springs
Offer positive results and excellent feedback from our clients
We also believe these systems make it easier to stay consistent with alkaline and water practices. After all, the best system is one you’ll actually use every day.
Bringing the Benefits of Alkaline Water Home
Alkaline water has a rich history, from its beginnings in Japan to its widespread popularity across Asia, North America, and now Europe. Today, you can enjoy the same benefits of alkaline ionic water at home without the hefty price tag of early ionisers.
If you’d like to learn more about how to ionise the water naturally or discover which system is best for your household, explore our alkaline water solutions.
Because better hydration shouldn’t just quench your thirst, it should also support your energy, balance, and overall wellbeing.
