Among the trends of recent years, this alkaline water has been the talk of the alternative health world. Some therapists promote this alkaline water and many users have witnessed its positive effects, sometimes presenting it as a miracle cure, while others are skeptical and tell them it's no better than tap water.
To demystify the issue, we take a closer look at ionized water (alkaline water).
What is alkaline water?
Alkaline water is water with an alkaline pH. According to the pH scale (ranging from 0 to 14), any value over 7 indicates an alkaline pH. Commercial alkaline water (also known as alkaline mineral water) generally refers to a pH between 8 and 9.5.
In its pure state, water is perfectly neutral with a value of 7. Spring water, on the other hand, is naturally alkaline, as the rocks and minerals infuse the water with mineral microparticles, raising the pH and making the water alkaline. Treated tap water normally has an acid pH, hovering around 6.5, while seawater, which is rich in minerals, generally has a pH of 9.1
It should be pointed out that the pH (hydrogen potential) scale is a logarithmic scale with a base of 10. Thus, water with a pH of 8.5 is ten times more alkaline than water with a pH of 7.5, and water with a pH of 9.5 is 100 times more alkaline than water with a pH of 7.5.
Making water alkaline: the benefits of these transformed waters
To date, although scientific data is limited, preliminary studies on the subject of alkaline water are promising and show that drinking alkaline water, i.e. water with a high pH, can :
- Reduce aging factors in the body
- Alkaline water can reduce the incidence and severity of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach).
- Improve bone density
- Promote greater strength, endurance and muscle mass
- Accelerate recovery after sports training
- Protect against certain chronic diseases, notably cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome
- alkaline water helps limit the invasion of cancer cells and the formation of metastases
- Protect the body's pancreatic cells
- Water supports the body's normal detoxification process (antioxidant)
- excretes heavy metals
- Prevent dehydration through body water
- Alkaline water can promote weight loss
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- Balance pH of the body 2,3,4,5,6,7
Some researchers believe that the effects of water are linked to the overall alkalizing effect on the body that alkaline water has. (To learn more about body pH, ways to test it and foods to eat to promote healthy body alkalinity, visit our article on this subject.)
How to consume ionized (alkaline) water?
With so many potential benefits, it's tempting to consider drinking alkaline spring water today. Several versions are available in our stores and online.
There are several brands that make this ionized product, such as Vortex water, an ozonated water produced in British Columbia. Pleasantly soft and rich in electrolytes, Vortex has a pH of 9.5.
Flow is a natural artesian water from Bruce County, Ontario. Naturally alkaline, this untreated water has a pH of 8.1 and is available in a variety of flavors, including cucumber and mint, lemon and ginger, blackberry and hibiscus.
Apart from these ready-to-drink options, it's entirely possible to make your own ionized water at home (i.e., make your own alkaline water). That's exactly what Santevia.
Made in Canada, the Santevia filtration pitcher removes contaminants using organic chemistry to reduce unwanted particles including chlorine, fluoride, heavy metals and plastic microparticles. Following filtration, natural elements such as calcium, magnesium, zinc and hydrogen are added. The pH is then raised to 9 to provide alkalinized, mineralized and pollutant-free water.
For an on-the-go option, choose the alkalinizing stick. Easy to use, simply place in a glass and shake to prepare healthy, alkaline water in less than 5 minutes. With a shelf life of three months, it provides an inexpensive option for acting as a chlorine filter, adding hydrogen, calcium, magnesium and a host of other trace elements to tap water.
Amount to consume for an ideal alkaline life
To reap the full benefits of alkaline water, we recommend drinking two glasses a day. However, alkaline water should not be drunk with food. The stomach needs a sufficiently high level of acidity to ensure proper digestion. Drinking water during or immediately after a meal can interfere with healthy digestion.
For more information on our alkaline waters and alkalizing systems, visit our online store to add a healthy product to your basket and benefit from home delivery!
We wish you good health!
About the author
Naturopaths of La Boite à Grains
Team of licensed and certified naturopaths (ND) in Gatineau, Outaouais.
Original article written by Véronique Cousineau, Naturopath
Sources
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- Magro M, Corain L, Ferro S, et al. Alkaline Water and Longevity: A Murine Study. Evidence Based Complement Alternat Med. May 31 2016
- Mousa, Haider. (2016). Health Effects of Alkaline Diet and Water, Reduction of Digestive-tract Bacterial Load, and Earthing. Alternative therapies in health and medicine. 22. 24-33.
- Maszczyk, Adam (2018). Anaerobic Performance and Acid-Base Balance in Basketball Players after the Consumption of Highly Alkaline Water. International Journal of Food and Nutritional Science. 5. 1-6. 10.15436/2377-0619.18.1754.
- Chaves, Juliana & Souza, Carolina & Modesto, Antônio & Moreira, Fabiano & Teixeira, Eliel & Sarraf, Jonathan & Allen, Thaís & Araújo, Taíssa & Khayat, André. (2020). Effects of alkaline water intake on gastritis and miRNA expression (miR-7, miR-155, miR-135b and miR-29c). 10.21203/rs.3.rs-19940/v1.
- WANG Yu-lianj. (2001) Preliminary observation on changes of blood pressure, blood sugar and blood lipids after using alkaline ionized drinking water. Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2001-12
- Abraham, Guy, and Jorge Flebas. "The effect of daily consumption of 2 liters of electrolyzed water for 2 months on body composition and several physiological parameters in four obese subjects: a preliminary report." Highbeam Research. Original Internist, 01 Sep 2011. Web. 2 Jul 2013
