There are many benefits of alkaline water, but there are also some risks. One benefit is that it has the potential to cure some of your most common ailments, including cancer. Another is that it may increase your longevity. However, the scientific research on these effects is lacking. In fact, some of the most well-known studies were funded by the alkaline water companies themselves.
Although some research supports the claim that alkaline water can do things like improve your digestion, a lot of it isn’t supported by science. Most of the alkaline water research has been animal-based, which means it’s not as applicable to humans.
The most obvious benefit of alkaline water is that it can help you stay hydrated. When your body is properly hydrated, you’ll have more energy and better skin. Other health benefits include reduced acid reflux and bone loss.
Some studies have shown that alkaline water may aid in the management of diabetes, but the research hasn’t been conclusive. In addition, there have been no substantiated claims of the drink’s positive effects on osteoporosis. Even though it might be the best way to get rid of heartburn, it might not be for everyone.
One study showed that a gallon of alkaline water daily could not actually significantly change the pH of your blood. However, the same study did find that the viscosity of the blood of alkaline water drinkers was 6.3 percent lower than that of a control group. This is not a big deal, but it can mean that your body’s ability to absorb oxygen will be improved.
A 3-year survival study on 150 mice found that those who drank alkaline water lived longer than the control group. While this may be a fluke, it’s still a good indication that alkaline water can slow down the aging process.
The most impressive of these findings is that the alkaline water did, in fact, have a significant effect on the lifespan of the animals. These results are important for aging research because they’re the foundation of survival rate experiments, which are used to determine the effects of interventions on lifespan.
The best alkaline water drink might be the one that you make at home. You can do this by combining lemon juice with water and baking soda. Or you can buy an at-home ionizer, which is a more expensive option.
Several pre-bottled brands of alkaline water are available on the market, including Evamor and ZenWTR. As with other bottled waters, you can help the environment by purchasing one that’s made of recycled plastic. For every bottle you purchase, ZenWTR donates 1 percent to ocean conservation efforts.
Alkaline water has also been claimed to have a number of other bioactive functions. It’s a good source of antioxidants, which can prevent disease, as well as improve exercise performance. But it’s not as effective as advertised, and its bioactive functions are mainly based on small scale studies.
Whether you’re a longtime alkaline water fan or you’re just looking for a new, natural water to drink, it’s probably not worth the price tag. If you do decide to buy a bottle, make sure you tell your primary care doctor so that he can advise you if it’s safe for you.