Benefits, Side Effects, and Dangers

Benefits, Side Effects, and Dangers of Alkaline Water

What is Alkaline Water?

Alkaline water is slightly less acidic than regular drinking water and contains alkaline minerals. However, not all of its purported benefits are supported by research.

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Alkaline Water vs. Regular Water

Alkaline water has a higher pH level than regular drinking water. Some advocates of alkaline water believe it can neutralize the acid in your body, though this isn’t supported by any research. Regular drinking water generally has a neutral pH of 7, while alkaline water typically has a pH of 8 or 9. However, pH alone isn’t enough to impart substantial alkalinity to water.

The Controversy Surrounding Alkaline Water

Alkaline water is somewhat controversial. Many health professionals say there isn’t enough research to support the many health claims made by users and sellers. Differences in research findings may be related to the types of alkaline water studies.

Potential Health Benefits of Alkaline Water

There are a few studies that suggest alkaline water might be helpful for your health in particular ways:

• A 2020 study on mice found that daily intake of alkaline water improved DNA aging markers.
• A 2018 study on mice suggested alkaline water may help reduce nonalcoholic fatty liver disease symptoms.
• A small 2018 study in Japan suggested that drinking alkaline electrolyzed water slightly improved stool in 60 human participants.
• A 2016 study that included 100 people found a significant difference in whole blood viscosity after consuming high-pH water compared to regular water after a strenuous workout.
• A 2021 study suggests it may help improve bone density in postmenopausal people with osteoporosis.

Unbacked Claims and Controversies

Research is also needed to answer other unbacked claims suggesting that alkaline water has:

• Pro-aging properties (via liquid antioxidants that absorb more quickly into the human body)
• Colon-cleansing properties
• Immune system support
• Hydration, skin health, and other detoxifying properties
• Weight loss
• Cancer resistance

Is Alkaline Water Actually Healthy?

Alkaline water is slightly less acidic than regular drinking water and contains alkaline minerals. Drinking alkaline water is generally safe, but research hasn’t definitively provided evidence for the benefits associated with it.

What are the Pros and Cons of Alkaline Water?

Drinking alkaline water can help you increase the amount of important minerals in the body and may help with certain health conditions. However, there isn’t enough evidence to support all the potential benefits, and there may be some health risks if you drink it long-term.

Who Should Not Drink Alkaline Water?

People with kidney disease or other types of impaired kidney function should avoid drinking alkaline water without supervision, especially if it is ionized.

Conclusion

While there is some research on alkaline water, there still isn’t enough scientific evidence to support using it as a treatment for any health condition. Medical experts warn against believing all the marketing claims. Drinking natural alkaline water is generally considered safe since it contains natural minerals. However, you should use caution with artificial alkaline water, which likely contains fewer good minerals than its high pH would have you believe and may contain contaminants. More research is needed to determine its benefits.

FAQs

Q: Is alkaline water safe to drink?
A: Drinking alkaline water is generally considered safe, but research hasn’t definitively provided evidence for the benefits associated with it.

Q: What are the benefits of alkaline water?
A: There are a few studies that suggest alkaline water might be helpful for your health in particular ways, including improved DNA aging markers, reduced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease symptoms, and improved bone density in postmenopausal people with osteoporosis.

Q: Are there any risks associated with drinking alkaline water?
A: There may be some health risks if you drink alkaline water long-term, including the potential for developing hyperkalemia, depleting minerals and vitamins from the body, and interfering with nutrient absorption.

Q: Who should not drink alkaline water?
A: People with kidney disease or other types of impaired kidney function should avoid drinking alkaline water without supervision, especially if it is ionized.