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Alkaline Water: Benefits, Risks and Latest Facts

Water is beneficial to your health. In fact, you are approximately 60% water and regular replenishment of this water is essential to your survival. But, that doesn’t mean all water is created equal.

It’s surprisingly difficult to find pure water. Even the water that comes out of your tap cannot be guaranteed to be safe of clean! Although it is tested at the treatment works it travels miles to reach your home. During its journey, the smallest of slits in the pipe can allow bacteria and contaminants in. In fact, some pesticides and fertilizers can even filter through the walls of the pipes and get into your water supply.

That’s why it’s best to speak to a reputable supplier of water filter Sydney and get the best system for your home and situation. At the very least this will put you in control of the water you’re drinking.

Understanding Alkaline Water

Alkaline water is simply something that has a pH rating of over 7. Any water at 7 is considered neutral, below this figure it is acidic and above alkaline. The higher the number the more alkaline the water is. The highest number, and therefore most alkaline is 14.

In general, experts recommend that you drink pH neutral water. Although there are those that state alkaline water is better for you.

It is worth noting that alkaline water needs minerals and negative oxidation-reduction potential.

Studies have been done into the benefits of alkaline water and the risks. Currently, scientific opinion is divided as more research needs to be undertaken.

The Benefits

There are several things that alkaline water is reputed to help with, if these apply with you it is worth trying it and reporting your findings.

Acid reflux

A 2012 study showed that naturally carbonated well water with a pH of 8.8 can help to deactivate the pepsin in your body. Pepsin is an enzyme that naturally occurs in your body and is the main cause of acid reflux.

Drinking the alkaline water can help to prevent acid reflux!

Reduced Likelihood Of Disease

A different study looked at the effects of drinking alkaline water on blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. The study discovered that alkaline water consumption could actually lower high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. It can even reduce the likelihood of you contracting diabetes or help you to control it if you already have it.

Blood Viscosity

Yet another study discovered a direct link between blood viscosity and alkaline water. The study showed that drinking alkaline water almost halved the viscosity of the blood in sample cases.

Reduced viscosity means a better flow of blood around your body. That improves the supply of nutrients and oxygen to your vital organs and lowers the pressure on your cardiovascular system. That could potentially extend the number of years of health you can experience.

More research is needed to clarify and confirm these points but, other supporters also believe you’ll experience the following benefits:

  • Liquid antioxidant are absorbed more quickly potentially offering anti-aging properties
  • Boost your immune system
  • Maintains hydration and skin health
  • Increases detoxification of the body by efficiently flushing toxins out of cells
  • Increases feeling of fullness and boosts weight loss
  • Increases cancer resistance levels in your body
  • Can cleanse your colon effectively

Of course, more research is needed but it’s a positive-sounding list.

However, you also need to consider the side-effects and disadvantages of consuming alkaline water.

Disadvantages

Be aware of the following before you switch your water supply.

Lowers Stomach Acid Levels

Your stomach is naturally acid as this helps it to dissolve your food and absorb the nutrients If the alkaline water reduces the acidity of your stomach it may be less effective at dissolving food. The result could be less nutrient uptake and poorer health, or more food consumption to get the minerals and nutrients you need.

Skin Irritations

It is possible that the alkaline water will adjust the natural pH in your body. If it becomes too alkaline you’ll notice your body fighting itself. One of the most common signs of this is skin irritations as your body struggles to maintain balance.

It’s uncomfortable and unsightly.

Alkalosis

This condition is a result of the natural alkalinity of your body being adjusted. If you have this then you’re likely to feel nauseous, vomit, have twitching muscles, and even notice hand tremors. You may also feel confused and have tingling in your hands, feet, and face.

This condition can also cause the level of free calcium in your body to decline, potentially giving you bone strength issues in the future.

However, it should be noted that this can also be a result of an underactive parathyroid gland.

Getting Alkaline Water

Alkaline water is available naturally or through a chemical process manufactured by humans. It’s the perfect illustration of why a water filter system is so important. You need to be in control of what you’re drinking. When you use a water filter system you know your water is safe to drink and alkaline if you wish it to be.

It should be noted that naturally, alkaline water has simply picked up minerals while raveling through rocks and the ground to its collection point.

In contrast, neutral or acidic water can be chemically altered through a process called electrolysis. This uses electricity to separate molecules in the water, effectively driving the acidic ones out to increase the alkalinity.

But, the same safety concerns exist over this water, without knowing it’s origin you’ll be unable to decide if the water is safe to drink or not.

If you want alkaline water the safest way is to use tap water and put it through a reverse osmosis filter before using an alkaline ionizer to complete increasing the pH level of the water.

However, as with changing anything in your diet; proceed with caution to ensure there are no negative side-effects.

More: Why filtered Drinking Water Is Essential to a Healthy Pregnancy

 

 

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