Alkaline is a term related to the pH scale, which measures how acidic or alkaline something is. This scale goes from 0 to 14, where lower numbers mean more acidic and higher numbers mean more alkaline. A pH of 7 is neutral. Regular water has a neutral pH of 7, while alkaline waters usually have a pH of 8 or 9. Then there’s something called 11.5 alkaline water, which has a pH of 11.5. The thought behind drinking alkaline water is that it can help balance out extra acidity in the body.
Does drinking alkaline water affect the body’s normal pH balance?
Not exactly. Normally, your blood stays at a pH of 7, which is in the middle of the pH scale. The things you consume only impact the pH of your urine. When you have alkaline water, it might change the pH of your urine, not your blood. And when the alkaline water reaches your stomach, the acids there balance it out. So, in the end, you’re spending money on something that won’t really change the acidity of your body.
Is regular tap water alkaline?
Fresh water has a pH of 7, which makes it neutral like your blood. The pH of tap water changes and usually falls between 6.5 and 8.5. Along with that, it carries valuable minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, bicarbonate, and silica. Interestingly, tap water’s origin determines its mineral makeup, and it can even fulfill 1 to 20 percent of your daily calcium and magnesium needs. Hard water tends to be more alkaline and richer in minerals compared to soft water.
Can consuming alkaline water lessen the symptoms of acid reflux?
Several studies indicate that consuming alkaline water inactivates pepsin, the enzyme that causes acid reflux. There is really no way to predict how alkaline water will effect patients with acid reflux, as these trials were conducted in petri dishes rather than on actual people.
How can we change our body’s pH if drinking alkaline water doesn’t work?
The human body is an amazing and intricate machine. No matter what you consume, if your pH level is out of equilibrium, your body will adjust it. For instance, you would breathe out more carbon dioxide if your blood became excessively acidic. Extra acid can also be eliminated by the kidneys through urine.
Is It Safe To Drink 11.5 Alkaline Water?
The verdict on the safety of alkaline water is mixed, according to the Mayo Clinic. They suggest that, for most people, regular water is the best choice. Scientific proof that fully supports the claims made by alkaline water enthusiasts is lacking. Yet, a few studies hint at potential benefits for certain conditions.
In one instance, a 2012 study discovered that drinking naturally carbonated artesian-well alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 might deactivate pepsin, the enzyme behind acid reflux. Another study proposed that alkaline ionized water could hold advantages for individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
A more recent study involving 100 participants showed a notable difference in blood viscosity after consuming high-pH water compared to regular water following intense exercise. Viscosity measures how smoothly blood travels through veins.
Those who had high-pH water lowered viscosity by 6.3 percent, whereas standard purified water led to a 3.36 percent reduction. This indicates that blood flows more efficiently with alkaline water, potentially boosting oxygen delivery throughout the body.
Nevertheless, caution is advised against drinking water with a pH of 11.5, as experts consider it too alkaline for the body. They argue that consuming water with such a high pH could neutralize stomach acid, negatively affecting digestion. This extreme alkalinity might also harm the cardiovascular system and metabolism regulation, which are crucial for maintaining energy levels and overall health.
Can consuming alkaline water lead to problems?
You won’t notice a substantial difference in your body if you drink a bottle of alkaline water every other day. However, if you drink a gallon of alkaline water every day, your body will have to work harder to maintain its pH, which will eventually lead to the production of more digestive enzymes and gastric secretions. The minerals in alkaline water may begin to build up in the bodies of people with kidney conditions or who are taking medications that affect kidney function.
Can you consume too much alkaline water with a high pH?
Remember that a gallon of water weighs 128 ounces, and therefore 144 ounces of high pH (about 11.5 pH) alkaline water are required to neutralize a can of soda’s acid. While the pH of soda is roughly 2.5, that of stomach acid is closer to 1. A gallon of water cannot be consumed in one sitting without making a person ill. You would experience hyponatremia, or water intoxication, if you attempted to consume a gallon or more of water.
The recommended pH of water for daily consumption
Alkaline water experts recommend drinking alkaline water with a pH of 9.5 on a daily basis. This is because optimal health happens when everything is in harmony. The body manages its pH within a small range, and alkaline water with a pH of 9.5 is nearly optimal for keeping the body’s pH balanced.
When should you drink and utilize alkaline water with a high pH?
There are occasions when alkaline water with a pH of 10 – 11 is preferable. If you have metabolic acidosis symptoms such as acid indigestion, a glass of high pH alkaline water may help. Athletes can also use alkaline water with a high pH to alkalize their bodies before working out. Alkaline water with a high pH is also useful for reducing the acidity of some meals, such as fruit juices and coffee. Acidic pesticide residues on produce are neutralized by alkaline water. Simply soak your veggies for around 20 minutes in high pH alkaline water before rinsing.
