Alkaline Water Benefits: What You Need to Know

We all know that water is good for us. Consistent hydration plays a vital biological role in the nourishment of every cell, tissue, organ, and system in our bodies. However, it's important to know that not all water is created alike (yes, really). In recent years, wellness experts, as well as a diverse swath of athletes and celebrities have shined a light on alkaline water, helping to ignite a global growth phenomenon for this bottled beverage that has proven far more than yet another passing health trend.

Alkaline Water Benefits: Seven Reasons to Include This Beverage in Your Diet

Despite the meteoric rise in demand for alkaline water, many people aren't sure exactly what it is and what type of benefits it can offer when included in health regimes or daily routines. A (very basic) scientific breakdown: water, in any of its forms, is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Typically, one molecule of tap water contains two hydrogen atoms for every oxygen atom (hence the name "H2O"). The concentration of hydrogen in the liquid is what designates its pH levels. The lower the water's overall hydrogen levels, the higher the acid levels.

Where normal drinking water typically lands at around a 7 on the pH register, alkaline water generally anywhere from 8 to 9 on the scale. In addition to offering less acidity, an alkaline solution may also contain several minerals and nutrients, such as potassium, calcium, silica, and magnesium. Many wellness advocates believe that making alkaline water part of our diets may offer several potentially significant health benefits, including: 

1. Restore (and Maintain) pH Balance

Drinking water with lower acid levels alkalizes the body, helping to restore balance. Additionally, neutralizing acidity in the blood increases the amount of oxygen that dissolves in the bloodstream, which may improve energy levels and even offer an added metabolism boost.

Woman Drinking Alkaline Water

2. Support Weight Control

In addition to increasing metabolism, alkaline water can help prompt the body to store acidic waste in less critical body parts, potentially lowering the need for fatty tissues to safeguard vital organs.

3. Soothe Acid Reflux Symptoms

A 2012 medical study showed that consuming alkaline water with an 8.8 pH balance denatures pepsin, the primary enzyme that triggers acid reflux disease, permanently deactivating it in the body. Additionally, the report also found that alkaline water offers increased capacity for acid buffering, which may further reduce reflux symptoms. The study also indicates that beyond acid reflux, water with lower acidity may also decrease symptoms for heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

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4. Hydrate Cells

Alkaline water serves as an antioxidant, counteracting damaging free radicals throughout the body. Additionally, the liquid's super hydrating properties enable water to quickly penetrate cells, which may help make skin look healthier.

Alkaline Water Hydrating

5. Increase Blood Flow

In 2016, the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition released a study on 100 participants that showed that consuming electrolyzed water with a high-pH after exercise-induced dehydration reduced blood viscosity by an average of 6.30% compared to only 3.36% when drinking purified water.

Drinking alkaline water while working out

6. Internal Detoxification

Reduced internal acid levels can help eliminate mucus concentrations on the colon's wall, instantly enhancing the absorption of essential nutrients. Additionally, alkaline water can help cleanse the body, flushing out accumulated toxins and wastes.

Alkaline water bottles

7. Improve Bone Health

Elevated acid levels can deteriorate bone health over time, increasing the risk of breaks and fractures. Medical studies that focused on alkalinity's impact on the body (beyond neutralized water alone) revealed that diets higher in alkaline could have a positive influence on bone strength and health.

Are you ready to tap into the health and wellness benefits offered from drinking alkaline water? Consult with your physician to see if adding alkaline water to your diet makes sense for you.  

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Are you ready to tap into the health and wellness benefits offered from drinking alkaline water? Give one of our specialist a call now! (888) 601-5886