Chances are, if you have done any research on hydration, you likely came across something about alkaline water. It is also known as ionized water. Regular drinking water has a pH level of 7. Water that is above a 7 on the scale is considered alkaline. Most bottled alkaline water has a pH of around 8 or 9. Many people choose to drink alkaline water because it balances the pH in the body, but this is not the only reason it is considered “healthy water“. There are actually many benefits to drinking alkaline water, and we will discuss 10 of these in this post.
1. Balances The pH Levels In The Body
As previously mentioned, drinking alkaline water helps to balance the body‘s pH. Many people’s pH levels are on the acidic side of the scale because they eat foods that are highly acidic, have been exposed to toxins, or have high stress levels. This can make them more vulnerable to illness. Returning the body to a normal pH by drinking alkaline water can help to ensure better health. A body with a normal pH balance is better able to fight off sicknesses and disease. Three or four glasses a day of alkaline water is said to level out pH in the body.
2. Increases Hydration
Alkaline water is more easily absorbed in the body than regular water. During the process to become ionized, called electrolysis, the water clusters become smaller than they were, making the water easier for the body to absorb. The result is water that provides better hydration and also has a lighter and smoother texture.
Alkaline water also contains minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, sodium, and potassium, that provide your body with extra hydration. These minerals provide better hydration by balancing electrolytes.
3. Acts As A Powerful Antioxidant
By providing the body with negative hydrogen ions, alkaline water is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants help in slowing down the process of free radicals, which are known to be the cause of many diseases, including cancer. Alkaline water also encourages the production of fibrinogen, which promotes the healing of wounds and injuries.
4. Purifies Waste
The western diet today contains many foods and drinks that are high in acid content. Consuming these foods leads to a buildup of acid in the body. Fat cells store these acids, leading to poor health. Alkaline water helps to eliminate acid by pushing it through sweat and waste.
5. Reduces Toxins
Toxins are one of the primary causes of premature aging. They are found in the fluids we drink, the food we eat and in our environment. Toxins are stored in the body and damage cells. Alkaline water helps to detoxify the body by working as an antioxidant.
Dangerous contaminants like arsenic and lead can be found in both tap water and bottled water. Alkaline water has been filtered through minerals and reverse osmosis, making it clean and safe to drink.
6. Improves Skin
Staying hydrated is the key to healthy, beautiful skin. Drinking plenty of water helps to prevent wrinkles and frown lines by improving collagen production. Alkaline water promotes healthy skin by helping it retain essential nutrients, staying better hydrated, and removing harmful toxins that cause premature aging. It is great for treating acne and eczema and helps to remove dirt and oil from the skin.
7. Improved Digestion
We are beginning to understand how important gut health is to our overall health. Drinking alkaline water improves gut health in a number of ways.
Alkaline water helps to reset the gut’s pH, ensuring it is working properly, and by removing excess acid and other harmful toxins, it helps to improve overall health.
A research study conducted in Japan observed several positive changes in microflora after participants began drinking alkaline water, including healthier stools, reduced flatulence and reduced constipation.
8. Reduced Acid Reflux
Alkaline water contains magnesium hydroxide, which neutralizes pepsin, an enzyme that triggers painful gastroesophageal reflux. This prevents the terrible burning sensation that people who suffer from acid reflux experience. Using alkaline water to balance acid levels in the stomach can help in reducing the dependency on acid reflux medicine. This, in turn, allows the body to absorb more minerals and vitamins.
9. Improvement In Cardiovascular Health
Drinking alkaline water has been shown to reduce blood viscosity. This means the blood will flow more efficiently, which then increases the delivery of oxygen throughout the body, especially to your arteries.
10. Helps Prevent Stomach Illnesses
Because harmful pathogens thrive in acidic environments, if your pH is off-balance, you have a better chance of getting sick from dangerous bacteria in food. Drinking alkaline water can balance acidity in your stomach, helping to fight off foodborne pathogens.
As you can see, there are numerous benefits to drinking alkaline water. And these are just a few of them. Adding alkaline water to your diet is easy and convenient, as it can now be found in most stores selling food and beverages. Give it a try and see how your health improves!