Alkaline Water Benefits and Risks
What Wikipedia can’t tell you about alkaline water ionizers
The alkaline water ionizer is a device that uses electrolysis to produce alkaline water. Alkaline water is a type of distilled water that has a pH level higher than 7.0. It is considered to have many health benefits and is known to help cleanse the body of toxins.
Alkaline water is produced when a current passes through an electrolyte solution between two electrodes. When the water is exposed to these electrodes, it splits apart into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. These gases then combine back together to create pure alkaline water.
There are different types of alkaline water ionizers. There are ones that use saltwater, tap water, or mineral water. Some alkaline water ionizers are portable while others are stationary.
What is alkaline water Benefits and Risks?
You might have heard a lot about alkaline water now a days. People are claiming many health benefits by just drinking the alkaline water instead of normal tap water or bottled water available in the market.
Almost every study which has been done in the field of alkaline water has demonstrated the same results and indicated that the high pH value of water around 8 or 9 have the positive effects on the human body. This alkaline water converts the human body from acidic to alkaline body. Ultimately, it slows down the aging process, regulates the body’s pH level, and cures chronic diseases using its core properties of alkalinity.
What exactly is alkaline water and its properties, and why all the hype is created?
The word “alkaline” in alkaline water refers to its pH (Potential of hydrogen) level. A is a number which indicates about acidic or alkaline nature of water and substances present in the water on a scale of 0 to 14. We may understand the pH levels of various foods and beverages from this scale which ranges from 0 to 14.
As you can see I this scale of something with a pH of 1 would be very acidic, and something with a pH of 13 would be very alkaline, and ranges in between these two values.
You can clearly see in the picture about the types of food items having alkaline values and beverages items available in the market which are so called the most minerals rich beverages are assumed before consumption.
What is pH?
pH is a measurement of the acidity or alkalinity. pH scale indicates the value ranging from 0 to 14. The mid point 7 indicates the neutral pH, less than 7 is acidic, and more than 7 is alkaline.
The closer you move towards 0 becomes acidic, and the closer you move towards 14 the solution is alkaline.
pH is depicted on a graphical colour scale as shown below:
Add ph scale
When we consider water, its pH value is directly related to the ratio of positively charged hydrogen ions [H+] and negatively charged hydroxyl ions [OH-]. Here are three situations of ions in the pH values as depicted below:
- When water has an equal concentration of H+ ions and OH- ions, it is said to be neutral (pH=7)
- When water has a greater concentration of H+ ions, it is said to be acidic (pH<7)
- When a solution has a greater concentration of OH-, it is said to be alkaline (pH>7)
Same like the Richter scale. It measures the intensity of earthquakes. The pH indicator colour scale is a logarithmic scale.
This scale clearly defines that when the pH increases or decreases by one unit then the concentration of H+ ions increases tenfold. Hence for example, if a liquid with a pH value of 8.0 is ten times more alkaline than a liquid with a pH of 7.0. A liquid with a pH of 9.0 is 100 times more alkaline than a liquid with a pH of 7.0.
Best pH level for drinking water?
Although, many companies say that high pH like 11.5 is the best alkaline water alike nectar (Amrit). Which may remove all your diseases small or chronic within few days. But, it is not alike because that is highly alkaline water. Although, it is not harmful up to some limit but after few days your body will create some spark as anyone will touches you.
Therefore, you must drink water of pH level either 8.5 or 9.5 for regular or as daily drinking water.
Difference between Alkaline water vs. regular water
Alkaline water has a higher pH level compared to regular or normal drinking water of tap usually used in the household. The high pH value of alkaline water can neutralize the acidity of human body. This is what is assumed in terms of alkaline water.
Normal tap water has a neutral pH value of 7 whereas alkaline water has a pH of 8 or 9. However, it will be a biased decision if we consider pH value alone for alkalinity of water. ORP oxidation reduction potential is also equivalent responsible for the anti-aging properties of water. For the reason most of the people drink the alkaline water.
A minerals rich (like calcium, magnesium, potassium) alkaline water and having a negative ORP. ORP may be understood in a normal language as it is the ability of water to act as an antioxidant. Alike lemon juice is known for its antioxidant properties.
Also, to clarify further a positive ORP value means highly oxidant beverage or food. Instead, a negative ORP value indicates that it is highly antioxidant.
What is ORP oxidation reduction potential or alkaline water?
Oxidation-reduction potential, or ORP, is a number in millivolts and this measurement indicates the potential of a substance (liquid or any other) that can oxidize or reduce human body. ORP is measured in millivolts (mV) with the help of an ORP meter.
A positive ORP reading clearly mentions and declares a substance as oxidizing agent. The more positive the reading, the more oxidizing the substance is. To understand clearly, a substance with an ORP reading of +400 mV in comparison to a substance of ORP reading of +100mV is 4 times more oxidizing.
Negative ORP reading in an ORP meter indicates that substance is a reducing agent i.e. antioxidant. The lesser the reading. Substance is more highly anti-oxidizing. Let’s take an example, a substance with an ORP reading of -400 mV in comparison to a substance with -100mV is 4 times more anti-oxidizing or reducing agent.
In this invisible world of electrons present in all substances surrounding us. The continuous and regular flow of electrons take place inter substances. I.e. between air, water, gas, earth, and human body, even in almost every item present on the earth. This process of flow of electrons is known as ion exchange. During this phenomenon of exchange to attain the stability in their structure they attract lacking electron from other substances. These substances which are seeking the electrons are oxidizing substances. Whereas those substances which release the electrons are known as anti-oxidizing substances or reducing agents. The substances which donate the extra electrons and neutralizes the harmful effects of these free radicals or electrons on the human body are known as anti-oxidizing agents.
The following video explains ORP and shows the ORP level of different kinds of water.
Benefits of drinking highly negative ORP alkaline water.
Negative ORP reading in an ORP meter indicates that substance is a reducing agent i.e. antioxidant. The lesser the reading. Substance is more highly anti-oxidizing. Let’s take an example, a substance with an ORP reading of -400 mV in comparison to a substance with -100mV is 4 times more anti-oxidizing or reducing agent.
Does alkaline water has any effect on human body?
Alkaline water is least researched area where if very difficult to say with surety. Many health researchers have found in their research to support various health benefit claims made by users and sellers show the visible results within few months. Although, the differences in their research findings may be due to the different types of alkaline water studies. Input source water, and the human body status in terms of acidity and alkalinity.
There are a few studies that suggest alkaline water might be helpful for certain conditions.
For example, a 2012 in vitro study found that drinking naturally carbonated artesian-well alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 may help deactivate pepsin. The main enzyme that causes acid reflux.
Researchers in Japan conducted a small 2018 study that suggested that drinking alkaline electrolyzed water slightly improved stool in 60 participants.
A 2016 study that included 100 people. In this study researcher found a significant difference in whole blood viscosity after consuming a high-pH water instead of regular tap water after a strenuous workout. Viscosity is the direct measurement of how efficiently blood flows through the vessels.
Those who consumed high pH water had reduced viscosity by 6.3 percent compared to 3.36 percent with standard purified drinking water or tap or purifier. It indicates that blood flowed more efficiently with alkaline water. Which ultimately increases oxygen delivery throughout the body.
However, more research is needed beyond these small studies. In particular, research is needed to answer other claims made by alkaline water supporters.
What are the health benefits of drinking alkaline water?
Under the light of above small studies the alkaline water is still believed for its proposed health benefits. This is not an exhaustive list it includes various benefits which may not be included in this list as below:
- Cures diabetes
- Weight Management
- Skin health
- Detoxify & Restores Human Body pH Balance
- Boosts Immunity and supports Immune system
- Energizes Human Body
- Prevents Cancer
- Prevents Waterborne Diseases
- Anti-Aging and Antioxidant
- Sustained Hydration
- Astringent Water for Gentle Cleaning & Beauty Care
- 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
Green tea is considered as antioxidants but is slightly negative ORP.
They also argue that soft drinks, which are highly acidic, have positive ORPs. These high ORP and acidic beverages like soda, cold drinks, or drinks cause many health problems in a very short span of regular consumption. Whereas an alkaline water have highly negative ORP minimises its acidic effects and with a short span of time if acidic beverages are not consumed later can even remove the effect or damages caused to your body.
Does highly effective alkaline water have any kind of side effects?
Although alkaline drinking water is considered 100% safe. Also, currently there’s no such evidence that which can clarify any negative side effects.
Furthermore, this is to clearly note that difference in pH levels of body and alkaline water. With the regular consumption it causes some physiological changes and produces HCL i.e. hydrochloric acid. This hydrochloric acid regulates the stomach’s pH levels and helps achieve homeostasis. This state of homeostasis is considered as a state of stability.
Alkaline water natural or artificial?
Water that’s naturally alkaline occurs when water passes over rocks — like springs — and picks up minerals, which increase its alkaline level.
However, many people who drink alkaline water buy alkaline water that’s been through a chemical process called electrolysis.
This technique uses a product called an ionizer to raise the pH of regular water. Makers of ionizers say that electricity is used to separate molecules in the water that are more acidic or more alkaline. The acidic water is then funnelled out.
Still, some doctors and researchers say these claims aren’t backed by quality research. The water quality of the original source, before ionization, is crucial to ensuring contaminants aren’t present in the drinking water.
Some scientists advise using reverse osmosis to adequately purify water before connecting an alkaline ionizer, which can raise pH and add minerals.
A 2014 studyTrusted Source cautions against drinking water with low mineral content, which is created by reverse osmosis, distillation, and other methods (without additional mineralization) on a regular basis.
How to get alkaline water or alkaline water ionizer?
Now a day’s alkaline water is available in various grocery or health stores packed in bottles. Also alkaline water ionizers are sold through various large format stores in the market and Orrrica India is also offering its products via its own supply chain network and online presence through its website, flipkart, amazon, croma, and almost all ecommerce player in India.
You can check out the video demonstration here. Also, you can contact customer care executive and ask for the miracle water properties.
Also, you can buy an alkaline water generator online or at local stores. Most places that sell alkaline water generators also offer them for sale at a lower price than the cost of purchasing an alkaline water ionizing machine.
Is alkaline water safe to drink every day?
There is enough scientific research has been conducted which is yet to support the continuous use of alkaline water. Although we don’t claim any specific treatment of any diseases but still we ensure you that the alkaline water helps the human body to reduce and almost remove any kind of diseases in the human body at any stage of life
Drinking natural alkaline water is generally considered safe since it contains natural minerals. But, now a day’s the normal tap water if full of impurities and hence cannot be relied upon blindly. So to extract minerals from the water and remove the oxidizing part of water you should use an alkaline water ionizer machine at home to stay sustained hydrated.
Furthermore, we would like to warn you that mostly ionizers are using chemicals to make the water alkaline which may likely contain fewer good minerals but may contains harmful chemicals and contaminants.
Therefore, you should buy only an ionizer which don’t use any kind of chemical during its process of splitting water and providing alkaline out for drinking purposes.
Why should you drink ionized alkaline water?
Ionized alkaline water is a type of water that contains positively charged ions. These positive ions have been proven to help improve our bodies’ immune system, reduce inflammation, boost energy levels, and even help us sleep better at night.
Ionized alkaline water is created using electrolysis, which is the process of splitting water molecules into their constituent parts (hydrogen and oxygen). In order to create these positively charged ions, we use a device called an electro-chemical generator or alkaline water ionizer machine.
The benefits of drinking alkaline water are endless, and they go beyond just helping us feel healthier. Alkaline water helps our body’s pH balance, which is the measure of how acidic or basic something is.
Our bodies need a certain level of acidity to function properly, but if our bodies become too acidic, then it can cause problems like fatigue, headaches, and muscle pain. Drinking alkaline water can help bring our bodies back to its ideal pH balance.
Alkaline water also helps neutralize free radicals, which are unstable compounds that damage cells and DNA. Free radicals are produced naturally, but they can also be caused by environmental factors like pollution, smoking cigarettes, and exposure to UV rays. When we consume alkaline water, it helps neutralize these free radicals and protect our cells from further damage.
Drinking alkaline water can also help us relax and get a good night’s rest. A study published in the journal Sleep Medicine Reviews showed that people who drank alkaline water before bed had lower levels of cortisol, a hormone that causes us to wake up feeling stressed out. Cortisol levels were reduced by about 30 percent after participants consumed alkaline water.
Finally, alkaline water can help us lose weight. According to research conducted by the University of California, San Diego, consuming alkaline water can increase metabolic rate and burn calories faster than regular tap water.
Alkaline water benefits for various diseases or health benefits of alkaline water
The alkaline water benefits for various diseases have been known since ancient times. Alkaline water is considered as the best remedy for many diseases. There are many ways to make alkaline water at home. You can use different methods to make alkaline water. In this article we will discuss about alkaline water benefits for several diseases.
1. Cancer
Cancer is a disease caused due to abnormal cells formation in any part of our body. These cancerous cells multiply rapidly and invade nearby tissues causing damage to them. If these cells spread to other parts of the body then they become fatal. According to research, alkaline water helps to reduce the risk of cancer.
2. Heart Disease
Heart disease is a condition where the heart muscle does not function properly. This causes blood clots to form in the arteries and block the flow of blood. When the blood cannot get oxygen, it becomes toxic and damages the heart muscles. Research shows that drinking alkaline water reduces the risk of heart disease.
3. Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates sugar levels in the blood. People suffering from diabetes need to take insulin regularly to control their sugar level. However, if they do not take insulin regularly, then their sugar level increases and they develop complications. Drinking alkaline water helps to lower the risk of diabetes.
4. Arthritis
Arthritis is a painful joint disorder that affects the joints and bones. It is caused due to inflammation of the joints. Inflammation is a natural immune system reaction that occurs when the body detects harmful substances. The symptoms of arthritis include pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and loss of mobility.
5. High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a medical condition where the blood pressure is higher than normal. High blood pressure is a major cause of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and eye problems. Drinking alkaline water reduces the risks of high blood pressure.
6. Obesity
Obesity is a medical condition where excessive fat accumulates around the waist area. Excess weight puts strain on the organs and may lead to serious health issues. Drinking alkaline water prevents obesity.
Benefits of using an alkaline water ionization machine.
There are several reasons why people choose to use an alkaline water ionizer machine over other methods of producing alkaline water. One of the biggest benefits of using an alkaline water ionization machine is that it produces alkaline water without any additives. Other methods of producing alkaline waters often add chemicals to their products, which may not be safe for consumption.
An alkaline water ionization device works by passing water through a chamber where positive ions are produced. When these positive ions enter the water, they cause the pH level of the water to increase. The higher the pH level of the solution, the more powerful it becomes at killing bacteria.
Advantages of alkaline water
Alkaline water is known to have many benefits for our bodies. Drinking alkaline water helps us to stay away from different types of illnesses. Our body is made up of different chemicals and elements. These chemicals and elements need to be balanced properly if we want to stay healthy. When these chemicals and elements are out of balance, they may cause different health problems. One of the major reasons people suffer from various health issues is due to imbalanced chemical levels in their body. If you drink alkaline water regularly, then you will notice positive changes in your body.
There are many benefits of drinking alkaline water. Here are some of them:
– Helps to maintain good blood pressure
– Helps to improve digestion
– Helps to reduce cholesterol level
– Helps to fight cancer
– Helps to keep bones strong
– Helps to boost immunity
– Helps to treat skin conditions
– Helps to prevent heart disease
– Helps to control diabetes
– Helps to detoxify the body
