What is alkaline water, exactly?
Alkalinity in water refers to its pH level. pH level measures how acidic the water is on a scale from 1 to 14, 1 being highly acidic and 14 being highly basic (aka, alkaline). Most drinking water has a neutral pH of 7, whereas most alkaline waters have a pH of 8.5 or higher. So why drink it? Many proponents of alkaline water believe it can neutralize the acid in your body, which they say helps with hydration, immunity, and fighting inflammation and chronic issues related to it.
Does alkaline water work?
This question is highly controversial, mostly because there hasn’t been enough research on the matter to give it a firm yes or no answer. However, there have been a few studies that suggest drinking alkaline water could be helpful for certain health conditions. For instance, a 2012 study found that drinking water with an above-neutral pH (8.8) may counteract pepsin, which is the main enzyme that causes acid reflux. Another study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that drinking alkaline water after exercise helped blood flow more efficiently through vessels. However, more research is needed beyond these smaller studies in order to make an accurate call on the health benefits of high pH water.
Final word
Though the jury’s still out on whether or not drinking alkaline water is better than drinking regular water, drinking water is always a good idea. It helps us feel more energetic, improves digestion, boosts athletic performance, and makes our skin look happy and healthy. “Drinking water also typically decreases the intake of higher caloric beverages, which is of course good for you as well,” adds Ralph Holsworth, MD, of Southeast Colorado Hospital. Additionally, he points out that all water “assists the body’s ability to combat inflammation.”
