What is Alkaline Water? Discover Its Surprising Benefits

Many health-concerned Aussies are talking about the benefits of drinking alkaline water. Perhaps you’ve noticed it in the supermarket, heard people talking around town, or seen the water ionizers advertised.

But what’s the truth behind alkaline water? Is it revolutionizing health, or merely the next big fad?

In this article, we’ll explore the potential benefits, drawbacks, and the science behind alkaline water, so you can make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you.

Simply put, alkaline water is water that has a higher pH level than regular tap water, typically ranging from 8 to 9 on the pH scale. In contrast, regular tap water usually has a neutral pH of around 7.

To understand alkaline water, we first need a quick refresher on the pH scale. pH stands for "potential of hydrogen" and it measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is. The scale ranges from 0 to 14:

• pH 7 is Neutral: Drinking water is normally pH 7.
• Below pH 7 is acidic: Think of things like lemon juice (pH 2-3) or vinegar (pH 2.5-3).
• Above pH 7, it’s called alkaline or basic: This can include something like baking soda, pH 9, or sea water, pH 8.

The pH level for regular tap water in Australia ranges from 6.5 to 8.5, which may remain neutral or slightly alkaline. Alkaline water, on the other hand, is processed to have higher pH levels, ranging from 8 to 9.5. This is made possible by various processing methods, such as ionization, that alter the chemical composition of water.

The major driving factor is related to the “acid-alkaline diet” concept. According to this concept, the eating habits that include processed foods, meat, and sweet beverages lead to an “acidic environment inside the body,” causing various health problems like weakness, inflammation, low immunity, and sometimes chronic diseases.

Healthine Research Team findings indicate that drinking alkaline water can allow it to counteract the body’s pH, thereby leading to better health outcomes for an individual.

Despite having highly specialized systems (kidneys and pulmonary system) that ensure that it maintains a tight pH level in its bloodstream, it’s still felt that it will benefit from having an alkaline diet and water.

Many Australians who drink alkaline water report a variety of positive effects. These commonly include:

• Increased Hydration

Research has found that, unlike regular water, the molecular structure of both alkaline water and, more specifically, ionized water may contain smaller molecules that could lead to easier absorption and hence greater hydration efficiency. This could benefit highly active Australian citizens, given our warmer conditions.

• Digestive Health

Howard E. LeWine , a chief medical editor at Harvard Health Publishing , claims that " One potential benefit of alkaline water is to provide symptom relief of heartburn from acid reflux ." It also can remove the body’s acidic wastes and toxins through the use of alkaline water.

• Antioxidant Properties

Ionized alkaline water has also been marketed for its negative oxidation/reduction potential, making it an antioxidant that helps protect cells from free radicals that cause aging.

• Support for Bone Health

Although there is evidence that an Alkaline Diet can inhibit bone calcium loss, more conclusive studies are needed for Alkaline Water. If the body has lower acidity and is better hydrated, it can lead to a boost in energy levels for some people.

• Weight Management

Although it is no weight loss solution, enhanced hydration and metabolism could contribute, at least indirectly, to weight management.

It must be noted that although many people attest to the benefits, the science for alkaline water is still developing. It is important to consult a professional health expert prior to making major adjustments to your diet.

For people from Australia, interested in making use of alkaline water regularly, there are various options that range from simple portable options. Which option to choose will depend upon your budget, level of commitment, and requirements for any additional features.

This is usually the cheapest way for Aussies to start investing.

• How it works: The water pitchers employ specialized filtering cartridges that hold mineral materials (calcium, magnesium, and Tourmaline) that will naturally raise the pH level in your tap water. The filtering process also tends to remove basic water contaminants such as chlorine.
• Pros: Affordable, portable, doesn’t require any setup, and easy to use in any kitchen setting.
• Cons: Filtering rate is low, it requires frequent replacement, which is expensive, and it only manages to produce a small amount at a time.

Such systems are installed beneath your kitchen sink, thereby providing a continuous flow of pH-enriched water through a specially installed water tap.

People who prioritize long-term health and wellness, especially those who prefer water with more minerals or antioxidants, might find an under-sink alkaline filter system a great investment.

• How it works: high-quality water systems will use several types of filtration, such as sediment, Carbon Block, and possibly Reverse Osmosis, to remove undesirables, then a Remineralisation/Alkalisation cartridge, which adds desired elements for an alkalinity boost.
• Pros: Large water output, highly effective water contaminant removal, more convenient than water pitchers, sleek look without the countertops mess.
• Cons: Higher initial cost than pitchers

Many Australian families usually choose Waterdrop X12 as their safe guard. It's a compact, NSF-certified alkaline water filtration system designed to provide clean, healthy, and great-tasting water.

It features advanced 11-stage filtration technology, effectively remove 99% contaminants while retaining essential minerals, making it ideal for everyday hydration needs.

This is the easiest way for trying alkaline water.

• How it works: Many bottled water that has undergone processing to reach a higher pH level. Sold in major Australian supermarkets and health food stores.
• Pros: Extremely convenient, allows tests for the effects without having to purchase any equipment.
• Cons: The cost is highest, it generates lots of plastic waste, and it also tends to compromise the pH level.

Portable water alkalization device, handy for creating any water alkaline.

• How it works: The process involves adding a highly concentrated mineral solution, consisting of either potassium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, or calcium chloride, to filtered water inside a glass or water bottle, raising its pH level.
• Pros: Portable, economical in terms of cost per serving, and handy for use when traveling or at the office.
• Cons: Not a water filter, has to be carried by hand through the use of drops/tablets, and has a discernible taste.

Australians have many options for incorporating alkaline water into their healthy lifestyle, irrespective of whether it is a rental or owned home, or financial budget constraints. Or you can make alkaline water by yourself .

Alkaline water is safe, but it does have a few things that people need to bear in mind:

• Not for Everyone: Some people, like those who may have problems with their kidneys, will need to check with their physician prior to drinking water that has a higher pH.
• Over-Alkalisation: Although a rare occurrence, the excessive intake of highly alkalized water can pose a risk to the body by causing it to become too alkaline, disrupting its natural pH balance. However, such pH levels are rare.
• Drug Interaction: The pH change could theoretically alter the absorption of certain drugs. If so, it’s essential to consult your GP, since it contains medication interaction.
• Scientific Consensus: The important thing to keep in mind is that the scientific community is still studying the health benefits associated with alkaline water. Promising, but not conclusive, results have been discovered.

Whether you notice that you are feeling tired, experience indigestion, or would like to find methods for increasing hydration levels, it could prove valuable to give it a try.

Try using an alkaline water filter, and it could be a fantastic way to monitor whether it has any benefits for your body. Notice how it affects your body, from energy levels to your well-being.

Ultimately, it comes down to eating well by eating balanced meals that include lots of fruits and veggies, drinking water that is clean and filtered, and having an active lifestyle.

The difference in pH level for commercial or filtered alkaline water can range from 8.0 to 9.5 pH, which is safe for human consumption without having any negative properties that can disrupt the body’s natural pH level.

Some reports indicate that using water that has a pH level of 8.8 or higher could help to break down pepsin, an enzyme that contributes to acid reflux.

Drinking alkaline water every day is safe for people, given that the human body has strong mechanisms that will keep it safe from any pH imbalance. But it is always important to consult a health professional for people with existing problems with the kidneys prior to using it.

An alkaline water filter will normally use natural filtering media, such as minerals (Calcium, Magnesium) to raise the pH level of water, and will sometimes also add beneficial minerals. An ioniser, by contrast, separates the water using electrolysis, to split the water’s acidic and alkaline parts, creating water that has a higher pH.

No, the consumption of alkaline water will not affect your blood pH. This is because your body has a tight regulation system, through your kidneys and lungs, that maintains your blood pH at a safe level. .