We present to you in all its majesty - the invigorating force of nature, the fountain of youth and health, the carrier of life itself - water! Clear, tasteless, and odorless water. We, humans, often differ in a whole wide range of needs, preferences, and characteristics, but if there is one absolute thing we all have in common, all of us - water would be it. For that reason, we go one step further to improve the taste and quality of water by using filters or ionizers to get additional benefits. The introduction of alkaline water has left many of us wondering what the pros and cons of alkaline water are.

We are all in need of daily intake of fresh, clean water. It is no prominent news that water is beneficial for the appropriate functionality of the human body. After all, our body consists of almost 60% water - and this only goes for the adult human body. Infants mark a much higher percentile that ranges between 70 -83% of total body weight. Even our bones contain water. We are practically made of water. So, it will come as no surprise to anyone when we say that having regular access to fresh and clear water is imperative for both our development and survival - since it regulates cardinal bodily functions. Here are just a few of them.

Benefits from Drinking Water

For starters, water replenishes our body cells. If we stop to think that the human body produces 30 trillion new cells in a period of 80 to 100 days, it is more than safe to say that the role of the water in this given process comes as a high priority. We are talking about a whole new you every 3 months here! Thanks, water!

This refreshing liquid also improves our blood flow circulation. Now, we are all aware of what this means and the benefits it brings. Blood and oxygen need to have a clear path for continuous flow throughout the body, as they need to reach every organ and make sure all is working well. Water intake is an integral part of this flow, so again - a very high priority, indeed!
How about improved digestion? Yes, sure, water helps here too. What it does is help break down the food we eat into nutrients. Our body uses these nutrients to complete complicated tasks such as growth, cell repair, and don't forget that energy boost we all know and love so much.

Does anyone else feel like a nice, refreshing glass of water right about now? Go and get one, as we have plenty more to say on this subject. It's vital to stay hydrated!

Now that our understanding of the importance of water seems to be as clear as a babbling brook running through a high mountain, it all looks quite simple to process from here, right? - Just drink more water!
Unfortunately, no, that is not the case. Even water in all its glorious simplicity has its controversies!

For example, alkaline water as opposed to tap water is surrounded in controversy. You've probably already heard of alkaline water, but maybe you've wondered what the alkaline water benefits and disadvantages are? Perhaps you've taken it upon yourself to try and figure them out.

A quick internet search will show you all kinds of divided opinions, preferences, theories, discussions, some good, and some very misinformative articles. All in all, that search will leave you very confused and not at all closer to an answer. So, for this reason, you are now reading this comprehensive guide to explain the pros and cons of alkaline water.

What Is Alkaline Water?

When we talk about alkaline water, we call attention to the water's pH level. A pH level stands for - the potential of hydrogen. "Alkaline" stands as a measure for how acidic or alkaline a substance is on a scale of 1 to 14. To clarify, a substance with a pH level of 1 would be extremely acidic, whereas a substance with a pH level of 14 would be tremendously alkaline. A substance with a pH level of 7 is considered neutral.

Normal drinking water usually has a pH value of 6.5 to 8.5, and alkaline water usually has a higher pH value of 8 or 9. As a reference, and also because it's fun to know - wine has a very acidic pH level between 2.5 and 3.5, similar to orange juice, which has pH 3.9, and most coffee varieties range between a pH level of 4.85 to 5.10. Milk holds a pH level between 6.7 to 6.9. Our own blood, however, has a slightly higher alkaline level of 7.35.

Alkaline water, also known as ionized water, has gained quite a bit of popularity during recent years. It secured its spot as a hot topic among the richest and loudest debates on self-care platforms. It sparked discussions, made promises, and generally got people very excited and engaged. All of this hype comes as a result of one plain fact. The higher pH level that alkaline water has in comparison to regular drinking water.

Pros of Alkaline Water

May Have Antioxidants Benefits

Alkaline water is rich in antioxidants. And we are all aware that antioxidants play a major role in our overall well being. They bring oxygen to our body cells which helps get rid of the toxins. Alkaline water, with its higher antioxidant level may help in flushing out the toxins.

May Prevent Acid Reflux

The burning sensation in the chest moving its way upwards toward the throat after eating is also known as heartburn, acid indigestion, or pyrosis. It can be accompanied by troubled swallowing, pain in the chest, and hoarseness in the morning, or a feeling like you have food stuck in your throat and choking. The cause of acid reflux is the main enzyme - pepsin.

According to a study done in 2012, human pepsin remains stable at pH 7.4 and may be reactivated by hydrogen ions from any source. What this means is that regular drinking water (typically pH 6.7 to 7.4) is not able to affect the stability of the enzyme pepsin. The results of the study have shown that the pH 8.8 alkaline water irreversibly inactivated human pepsin (in vitro), and its hydrochloric acid-buffering capacity far exceeded that of the conventional-pH waters.

May Help With Your Weight Loss

We are all aware of the importance of hydration when it comes to the optimal functioning of our bodies. There are a lot of studies out there that conclusively show how alkaline water provides a higher level of hydration than standard mineral water. The higher pH level in alkaline water makes it easier for the cells to absorb it. Here is a process that prepares and leads your body into effortlessly flushing out any toxins. As a result, your body is better hydrated.

Adequate hydration is crucial for the improved performance of your joint and muscle function, while it also boosts your execution of the demanding workout routine.

Cons of Alkaline Water

The Cost Concern

While there aren't many confirmed alkaline water cons, this one seems to be the one that echoes across the loudest. The pure water advocates are encouraging the high cost of the sizable ionizer tanks as the main disadvantage to its usage. And while there is some truth to that notion, that is obviously not an argument that would settle the matter in its finality.

Yes, ionizer tanks can be rather pricey, and they may not be a good fit for everyone's pocket. That much is true. But, luckily, the market for alkaline water is a bit broader than just that. Alkaline water is not expensive by itself and is easily obtainable in grocery stores and supermarkets. But, if you want to go around the issue of unnecessary plastic usage, or you simply don't want to risk being left without - there are always the alkaline water filters. They come for a fraction of the price of the ionizer tanks.

Final Thoughts

The debate around alkaline water doesn't seem to be going away any time soon, and that is perfectly fine. We should have discussions about it and learn more and more every single day. It would be beneficial to explore the amazing possibilities that alkaline water introduces. We should engage in more scientific studies that bring forward facts and clarify the confusion. It is of great importance to stay informed on the subject, and even more so if you are planning a lifestyle change that will include the intake of alkaline water. And, why shouldn't you?

FAQs

What Is the Best Water to Drink?

Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water is imperative to our well-being. The short answer to this question is - the best water to drink is the one that fits you best individually. Everyone has different needs, distinct preferences, so it makes sense that there is no one -size- fits -all kind of response here. The answer can vary, depending on your biological demands and personal likings.

Is It Better to Drink Alkaline Water or Tap Water?

There is nothing wrong with tap water, of course, but the great idea behind alkaline water simply offers better value for your general well-being. The large number of benefits gained from the regular intake of alkaline water are not a match for tap water.

What Happens if You Drink Alkaline Water Every Day?

This one is probably the most common question asked in regards to alkaline water. There is nothing to worry about. But, if you are hesitant, you can always start slow and gradually increase your intake of alkaline water on a daily basis. This way, you will be able to provide enough time in the process so that both your body and your mind can adjust to the idea and the practice.

Is Alkaline Water Really Beneficial or Just a New Trend?

Even though drinking alkaline water has just recently caught the attention of the wider public eye, and as a process, it has been occupied and popularized by celebrities and influential public figures - that doesn't exclude the fact that there are real, strong benefits of drinking this water. It definitely might be a rising trend, and it certainly has the hype to support such a movement, but in this case, it is fully justified. A lot of people steer clear of mainstream activities, as a personal preference or conviction, but don't let yourself miss out on a great thing if that is the only reason against it.

Is Alkaline Water Bad for Kidneys?

If you do have chronic kidney disease or if you are taking any medications that might affect your kidney function, kindly consult with a medical professional before starting to drink alkaline water.