Chances are you’ve at least heard of alkaline water, along with the notion that it’s better for you than regular ole’ H2O. But if you haven’t jumped on the alkaline water bandwagon, you might be wondering if it’s actually worth it.
Though some famous celebrities have been preaching their sincere love of it, what does the science say? Can this enhanced water actually do wonders for your health and enhance how you feel?
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the details about what alkaline water is, and if it’s worth the hype. In addition, we’ll explore what makes the water alkaline and other ways you can balance the pH in your body and feel your best.
Are You Too Acidic? Why pH Level Matters
Before you learn what alkaline water is, you need to know what pH levels are and why they matter. Studies show that many Western diets are considered “too acidic” due to a high amount of processed foods and animal proteins – combined with a low amount of fruits and veggies. And it’s thought that having a body with a higher alkaline state (or higher pH level) is linked to less disease and imbalance, along with a healthier life. (1)
You may be surprised at where some foods fall in the chart. Proponents of an alkaline diet propose that if you eat more alkaline foods (fruits, nuts, veggies, legumes, coconut and MCT oil, apple cider vinegar), you’ll keep your body in a greater state of health.
So, What Is Alkaline Water?
Along with paying attention to the alkalinity or acidity of the foods you’re eating, alkaline water provides another way to keep your pH up.
In contrast to the water out of your tap, and even regular bottled water, alkaline water has a higher pH. Whereas regular drinking water typically has a “neutral” pH of 7, alkaline water usually has a pH of 8 or 9. Alkaline waters also contain “alkaline minerals” that naturally help boost the pH in the body and provide health benefits. These minerals (which include calcium, magnesium and potassium) are thought to be missing in a lot of Western diets! (2)
How Do You Make Water Alkaline?
As you’ll see in this article, there are quite a few points of controversy when it comes to alkaline water, and one of them is how it’s made. The thing is, there’s a difference between natural alkaline water you’ll find in nature and the kind you find in trendy water bottles.
Water becomes naturally alkaline when flowing water crosses over rocks (like springs), picking up minerals along the way, boosting its pH and alkalinity.
But the alkaline water you’ll find in plastic bottles gets that way through a chemical process called electrolysis. During this process, something called an ionizer is used to raise the pH of the water – and electricity separates the acidic and alkaline molecules in the water. Eventually, all of the acidic ones are funneled out.
Where Do You Get Alkaline Water?
Alkaline water has had a surge of popularity in recent years, and you can now find bottles of it at many grocery and health food stores. You can even find it at gas stations as well as online. In California, it’s become popular to bring glass bottles to “alkaline water stores” to refill your supply.
In addition to buying the pre-made stuff, you can also buy your own water ionizers in many large chain stores and online (though they’re often expensive). And finally, you can make your own alkaline water at home (your best option in our opinion). Plus, we’ll tell you our top recommendation to help you increase your body’s pH and get the minerals it needs. Hint: It tastes much better than plain water.
Is Alkaline Water Good For You?
Though we’re sure this is your most burning question, the answer isn’t that straightforward. Will drinking alkaline water make you feel better? There’s a pretty good chance, being that it’s a great way to hydrate your body, and the minerals themselves provide many potential health benefits, which we’ll discuss much later.
But will alkaline water by itself be able to improve your health in any way? The jury is still out on that, and more research is needed. What some current research does show is that increasing the amount of alkaline minerals in the body through supplementation may lead to a significant boost in blood and urinary pH.
But can that higher pH effect your health significantly? Some sources say yes, some say no. Though there is not a ton of scientific evidence in support of alkaline water benefits, those in favor of the water believe that it can potentially:
- Provide immune system support
- Cleanse the body, especially the colon
- Provide antioxidants that help with anti-aging
- Support weight loss efforts by boosting metabolism
- Boost skin health through hydration
- Assist with good digestion and bowel health
Alkaline Water Vs. Distilled/Purified Water
You may be wondering how alkaline water compares to other types of water, including purified and distilled. While alkaline water has ingredients added into it, the other two types are altered in order to take things out. (3)
For example, purified water goes through a filtering process that removes chemicals and other contaminants. This includes bacteria, algae, fungi, parasites, metals like copper and lead, and chemical pollutants.
Distilled water goes through the most processing. In this method, the water is boiled and the steam is collected and returned to the water. Though this removes the most contaminants and is considered very pure, it also removes the natural minerals and electrolytes found in water.
Whereas you’ll get added minerals with alkaline water, you’ll get a lack of minerals with distilled water – which is not recommended to drink regularly, since it could have a negative impact on your health.
How to Make Your Own Alkaline Water
If you choose to make alkaline water a part of your regular lifestyle, it can get pricy. It also depends on how you do it. If you plan to go out and purchase pre-packed alkaline bottles, you’ll pay a surplus. Plus, it’s not that convenient to have to travel to specialty alkaline water stores if you’re regular grocery store doesn’t carry them.
In addition, if you purchase your own water ionizer, that could cost you potentially around $1,500 for a good unit. Yikes! But if you still want to reap the potential benefits of water with a higher pH, we have some more economical options…
You can easily increase the alkalinity of your water with some simple tricks:
Add baking soda – Add 1/8 tablespoon of baking soda to 8 oz. water and stir. Keep in mind that baking soda is high in sodium, so you’ll want to limit your consumption of this one.
Add lemon/lime juice – Although both lemons and limes are naturally acidic, they become alkaline after consumption. You can add fresh or pre-bottled lemon/lime juice to your drinks to help boost the pH.
310 Lemonade: Our Recommendation for Alkaline Minerals
The bottom line is, the research shows that one of the most beneficial factors of alkaline water is the alkalizing minerals that are in it. And, of course, that it helps to keep you hydrated which keeps your energy levels up and your digestive processes functioning optimally. (4)
310 Lemonade has only 10-13 calories per serving, and no artificial sweeteners or chemicals. It comes in extremely tasty flavors and contains a special green tea extract that helps boost your metabolism to burn more calories.
What else does 310 Lemonade include? Alkaline-boosting minerals calcium, magnesium and potassium. As mentioned earlier in this article, many Western diets are lacking in these important nutrients. Along with helping to reduce acidity in your body and boost alkalinity, the following minerals are also staples for an optimally-functioning body and brain.
- Calcium – Essential for your brain, muscles and nerves to work properly.
- Magnesium – Your body needs this mineral to maintain energy and vitality, and low levels may cause headaches, insomnia and more.
- Potassium – This mineral is necessary for proper muscular activity, one of the main areas being the heart. Without enough potassium, you may experience weak muscles, back pain, constipation, depression or confusion.
Along with providing these essential nutrients, 310 Lemonade is also caffeine-free – so it provides superior hydration benefits while boosting alkalinity. Both of these things help ensure your digestive system works at its peak – along with your metabolism and fat-burning systems.
Try all the amazing flavors of 310 Lemonade today for the most tasty, effective, economical way to experience the potential benefits of alkaline water – without having to run out to the store or purchase pricy equipment! Get this shortcut to a better pH now!
What is your experience with alkaline water? Let us know in the comments below!
Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2702352/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/alkaline-water-benefits-risks
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/purified-vs-distilled-vs-regular-water#section5
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/key-minerals-to-help-control-blood-pressure
