We all have the shared desire to drink safe and clean water — and alkaline water filter systems have garnered a lot of attention for potential health benefits. There’s generally a lot of confusion surrounding this topic because people tend to disagree on the truths and the myths of alkaline water. Let’s clear up the topic of alkaline water, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your household:
What is Alkaline Water?
Alkaline water has a higher pH level than other types of water, like reverse osmosis water and tap water. The lower end of the scale is the most acidic water (like sewage water). The ‘neutral’ point is considered to be exactly halfway on the scale. Most tap waters sit at this halfway point that is deemed to be neutral, which is the number seven. Finally, we climb to higher alkaline levels. Alkaline is also referred to as basic.
Take a look at the pH chart we have below to better understand where alkaline water falls on the pH scale — it’s further from acidic pH than any other type of water. So, what kind of benefits do we see in drinking water that has a higher alkaline level?
So, How do Alkaline Water Filters Work?
Alkaline water filters are often referred to as alkaline water ionizers. These machines will use a separation technology called electrolysis to separate the water into two different streams: acidic and alkaline. It’s important to note that alkaline water ionizers create drinkable alkaline water, but often don’t actually purify the water. Harmful chemicals and pollutants could potentially be left behind in the alkaline water you’re drinking from these machines. It’s best to avoid Flouride, salt, and potential parasites by ensuring you purchase a reverse osmosis system that will actually purify the water, so it’s safe to drink.
Did You Know You Can Make Alkaline Water Yourself?
If you’re interested in trying alkaline water to see if you can feel any benefits, you can make some at home without purchasing a pricey filter! The Canadian Society of Intestinal Research recommends placing 1/3 teaspoon of baking soda mixed in at least eight fluid ounces of purified water. Make sure to shake the mixture until the baking soda dissolves. The benefits of this mixture, or alkaline water, are an immediate relief of heartburn and acid reflux. Let’s jump into the popular discussion about whether other perceived benefits are credible within the scientific community:
Truths and Myths of Alkaline Water
This discussion tends to get quite heated between people who claim it’s a hoax and those who believe alkaline water can be healing for the body. So, where’s the truth here? We’ve got some information from scientists and scientific studies to help navigate these waters:
Truth: Alkaline Water Could Improves Overall Health
A few small studies have shown that alkaline water has the potential to improve a person’s health. A study conducted in Japan found that alkaline water relieves gastrointestinal issues. The country has made alkaline water part of treatment plans for those suffering from stomach issues, heartburn, and other ailments.
The National Library of Medicine published a study that found alkaline water reduces oxidative stress — which could cause immune health issues, early aging, and cancer.
Myth: Alkaline Water Helps Cancer Patients
Julie LG Lanford, MPH, RD, CSO, LDN, registered dietitian and nutritionist with 15 years of experience working in oncology nutrition, shared her expertise with The American Society of Clinical Oncology: “Alkaline water does not kill cancer. Thankfully, our kidneys and lungs keep our pH tightly regulated, right where they should be. But don’t worry — alkaline water won’t harm your body, just make your wallet smaller.”
Truth: It’s Provides Better Hydration Than Other Waters
According to a study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, alkaline water has a better hydrating effect through blood viscosity than “acceptable standard purified water.” One hundred healthy adults took part in this study — which involved them exercising in a warm environment. After their workout, different participants were given different types of water. The scientists randomized who would receive which type of water: alkaline water or standard purified water. Those who consumed alkaline water saw their viscosity, or the level of hydration being measured, reduce to approximately 6.30%. The participants who consumed regular water only saw a reduction averaging 3.36%.
Myth: Alkaline Water is Better For You in General
While advocates who claim drinking alkaline water will help reduce acidity in the body for an extended period of time, scientists have proven this belief to be false. Generally speaking, it’s better to drink purified water that has had contaminants extracted from it. Alkaline water isn’t usually filtered — so ingesting this type of water has some potentially harmful effects. You certainly don’t want to consume excess Flouride, sodium, or Chlorine in your drinking water. Overall, it’s better to enjoy filtered water because it’s generally safer.
Reverse Osmosis vs. Alkaline Water
It seems that scientists widely agree that alkaline water doesn’t do much. There are a few notable benefits, like the temporary reduction of heartburn and acid reflux. It can also help hydrate your body after a challenging workout — helping athletes recover their bodies more quickly. But is that worth purchasing an alkaline water filtration system? You could opt to make a single glass of alkaline water with the baking soda recipe we provided above.
When it comes to drinking healthy water, we’d recommend purchasing a reverse osmosis system. Reverse osmosis systems happen to be significantly less expensive than alkaline filtration systems — and they purify your water to the highest level. Unlike alkaline filtration systems, a reverse osmosis system will make the untreated water pass through a semipermeable membrane that will leave unwanted chemicals and pollutants out of your drinking water! P.S. You can also get a whole house carbon filter that will improve the water quality at every tap in your home
