In recent years, alkaline water has been promoted as a miracle drink with health benefits ranging from better hydration to cancer prevention. Its growing popularity has sparked debates among health enthusiasts and medical experts. But is alkaline water truly a health revolution or just another trend with big claims and little science? Let’s explore this question by understanding what alkaline water is, the science behind it, and whether it’s a hopeful promise or a proven reality.
What is Alkaline Water?
Alkaline water is water that has a higher pH level than regular tap water. While regular water typically has a neutral pH of 7, alkaline water usually ranges from pH 8 to 9. This higher pH is said to help neutralize acid in the body, which some believe leads to numerous health benefits.
The water may become alkaline either naturally by passing over rocks and picking up minerals or artificially through a process called electrolysis. Electrolysis separates the water into acidic and alkaline components using electricity and a special device known as a water ionizer.
Claims Behind Alkaline Water
Supporters of alkaline water claim it can:
- Improve hydration
- Help with acid reflux
- Boost immunity
- Slow aging
- Prevent chronic diseases like cancer
The Science – What Does Research Say?
While some studies suggest potential benefits, the overall scientific evidence is limited and often conflicting.
1. Hydration: A small study in 2016 found that athletes who drank alkaline water had slightly better hydration status after intense workouts compared to those who drank regular water (Heil & Seifert, 2016). However, this benefit was modest, and more extensive studies are needed.
2. Acid Reflux Relief: Alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 has shown the ability to inactivate pepsin, an enzyme involved in acid reflux, which could help manage the condition (Koufman & Johnston, 2012). However, this should not be seen as a replacement for medical treatment.
3. Chronic Diseases and Cancer: Some laboratory studies suggest alkaline environments may slow the growth of cancer cells, but this does not translate directly to drinking alkaline water (Robey et al., 2009). The human body tightly regulates blood pH, and drinking alkaline water is unlikely to change this balance significantly.
4. Bone Health: A few studies have examined whether alkaline water reduces bone loss, but results have been mixed and inconclusive (Wynn et al., 2009).
What Experts Say
Most health professionals agree that while alkaline water is not harmful, it is not a cure-all either. The human body is excellent at maintaining its pH balance through organs like the lungs and kidneys. The food and drink we consume may temporarily alter the pH of urine, but they don’t significantly impact blood pH.
According to the Mayo Clinic, regular water is sufficient for most people, and there is little evidence to support the need for alkaline water in a typical healthy diet (Zeratsky, 2018).
Are There Any Risks?
Generally, drinking alkaline water is considered safe. However, consuming it excessively may reduce stomach acidity, which helps kill harmful bacteria and digest food. This could lead to stomach issues or nutrient absorption problems in the long term.
Also, some artificial alkaline waters may contain added sodium or other chemicals, which might not be ideal for people with certain health conditions like high blood pressure.
- Alkaline water may offer minor benefits, especially for hydration and acid reflux in some individuals, but most of its supposed health claims lack strong scientific support. It’s more of a hopeful supplement rather than a medical solution. Drinking plenty of clean, regular water, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are still the best ways to promote overall wellness.
In the end, while alkaline water isn’t a miracle cure, it’s also not a scam it simply isn’t the magic bullet some make it out to be. As research continues, we may better understand its role in health. Until then, staying hydrated—no matter the pH is what truly matters.
References
- Heil, D. P., & Seifert, J. G. (2016). Influence of bottled water on rehydration following a dehydrating exercise bout. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 13(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-016-0113-z
- Koufman, J. A., & Johnston, N. (2012). Potential benefits of pH 8.8 alkaline drinking water as an adjunct in the treatment of reflux disease. Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology, 121(7), 431–434.
- Robey, I. F., Baggett, B. K., Kirkpatrick, N. D., et al. (2009). Bicarbonate increases tumor pH and inhibits spontaneous metastases. Cancer Research, 69(6), 2260-2268.
- Wynn, E., Krieg, M. A., & Aeschlimann, J. M. (2009). Alkaline mineral water lowers bone resorption even in calcium sufficiency: A prospective randomized double-blind trial. Bone, 44(1), 120–124.
- Zeratsky, K. (2018). Is alkaline water better for you than plain water? Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org
