Everybody needs water to function properly. We’ve heard time and time again how important it is to stay hydrated.
Water also distributes oxygen to the different parts of the body to make everything function well. It also helps digestion and maintains blood pressure. The list of benefits goes on and on.
Would alkaline water be even better?
The Benefits of Alkaline Water
Alkaline water refers to the pH level, which measures how acidic or alkaline the water is. The pH level is from 0 to 14. The lower the number, the more acidic it is. This means that a pH level of 1 indicates that the substance is very acidic while a pH level of 13 would mean that the substance is very alkaline.
Regular drinking water has a pH level of 7, which denotes neutrality. Alkaline drinking water has a higher pH level.
The pH Scale
Alkaline water advocates believe that drinking the water would provide the following benefits:
However, there is not enough evidence or medical studies to support the above-mentioned benefits.
Some studies, though, indicate some possible advantages to drinking alkaline water. The following are some of them:
It’s a possible treatment for acid reflux
There are various studies that look into the benefits of alkaline water. For example, there is a research titled “Potential benefits of pH 8.8 alkaline drinking water as an adjunct in the treatment of reflux disease"
The 2012 study found that alkaline water can help people suffering from acid reflux.
The study’s conclusion reads: “Unlike conventional drinking water, pH 8.8 alkaline water instantly denatures pepsin, rendering it permanently inactive. In addition, it has a good acid-buffering capacity. Thus, the consumption of alkaline water may have therapeutic benefits for patients with reflux diseases.”
It may help people with high blood pressure, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia
Another study published in China, through the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, looked at the effect of drinking alkaline water among people with high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, and high sugar.
The study found that “the levels of blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipids decreased significantly even to normal ranges after alkaline ionized water was drunk.”
Blood viscosity
In 2016, the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition published a study titled “Effect of electrolyzed high-pH alkaline water on blood viscosity in healthy adults.”
The study was made among 100 healthy adults to look into how high alkaline water affects blood viscosity. The people were made to exercise in order to have mild dehydration. Some were made to rehydrate with alkaline water while others were made to drink standard water.
The conclusion states: “Drinking high-pH alkaline was shown to reduce systolic blood viscosity significantly more than (regular water) consumption following exercise-induced dehydration, when comparing the percent change in from a dehydrated state to 120 minutes after rehydration and recovery.”
People who drank highly alkaline water reduced blood viscosity by 6.3% compared to the 3.36% among people who consumed regular purified drinking water. This means that the blood flow was more efficient among people who took alkaline water.
More research is needed
The above-mentioned studies were small ones. Research on a larger scale is necessary to scientifically back up the claims of alkaline enthusiasts.
What is clear is that water is necessary for our system whether it’s regular or tap water, distilled, mineral, purified, flavored, or alkaline, among others.
Speaking of alkaline water, what is the right pH level for alkaline water?
According to the National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations, which is set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, pH levels of tap water should be between 6.5 to 8.5. However, it was learned that U.S. tap water only ranges from 4.3 to 5.3.
There is actually a need to increase the alkaline level of tap water in the U.S. Drinking alkaline water is one way to neutralize the acidity of tap water.
So, what is a good pH level for your alkaline water? Generally, anything between pH levels of 8 and 10 is good.
Here are some popular brands of alkaline water and their respective pH level:
QURE Nature Inspired Alkaline Water – pH level 10
Natural is always better. With proper research and development, what nature provides was even made better by QURE. This California-based brand revolutionized the water industry by creating its own high alkaline water that is clean, healthy, and great-tasting. With a pH level of 10, the silky smooth and super hydrating QURE Water is the perfect complement to an active and balanced lifestyle.
BODYARMOR SportWater – pH level 9+
BODYARMOR launched its brand of alkaline water known as SportWater created for people with an active lifestyle. SportWater has a pH level of 9 and contains electrolytes.
CORE Hydration – pH level 7.4
With only a little bit alkaline, Core Hydration has a pH level of 7.4. It’s on the neutral side but it has been enhanced with minerals and electrolytes through a seven-stage purification process.
Essentia Water – pH level 9.5+
This water goes through a microfiltration process and reverse osmosis, which remove unwanted particles. It is then infused with electrolytes for better hydration. Essentia Water’s pH level is at least 9.5.
Icelandic Glacial Water – pH level 8.4
Sourced from the legendary Ӧlfus Spring in Iceland, which has naturally low mineral content, Icelandic Glacial Water is filtered slowly to achieve a pH level of 8.4. Water travels directly from the source to the bottling facility ensuring purity.
Hint Water – pH level 3.5 – 4
The brand makes fruit-flavored water that is delicious but without the sugar. There are no sweeteners and preservatives either. It has zero calories and is more acidic in nature with a pH level of 3.5 to 4.
BLK Water – pH level 8
This brand uses its trademarked Fulvic Fusion Technology in alkaline water to create BLK Water. It has a pH level of 8. The water is infused with fulvic acid, which is an organic compound.
Flow Alkaline Spring Water – pH level 8.1
Sourced from two artesian springs, Flow is naturally alkaline with a pH level of 8.1. It contains electrolytes and is rich in minerals.
Ten Alkaline Spring Water – pH level 10
Sourced from some of the purest springs in America, Ten Alkaline believes that the best water comes from the earth and not from the tap. It has a pH level of 10 and contains minerals and electrolytes.
Boxed Water – pH level 6.4
This is 100% purified water with no added minerals. The purification process comprises eight steps to give the water a clean and crisp taste. With a pH level of 6.4, it is sourced from the water that goes through the Wasatch National Forest in Utah and Lake Michigan.
Alkaline 88 – pH level 8.8
Founded in 2012, the company combined the principles of the alkaline diet and the supposed benefits of the pink Himalayan rock salt. Alkaline 88 is purified through reverse osmosis to clear away impurities and contaminants.
Aquafina – pH level 5.5 – 7
Aquafina water undergoes a rigorous purification process to remove impurities from the water that comes from public sources. The process removes salt, chloride, and other substances that make water taste weird.
Eternal Water – pH level 7.8 – 8.2
This product is naturally alkaline as the water goes through ancient rock layers that allow it to gather minerals. It is sourced from pristine spring waters all over the U.S. like California, New York, Tennessee, and Arkansas, among others. It has a pH level of 7.8 to 8.2.
Perfect Hydration Alkaline Water – pH level 9.5+
There are nine steps of filtration to produce this supercharged water with a pH level of 9.5 and more. Sourced in natural bodies of water in the U.S., the product contains electrolytes and minerals to provide a refreshing taste.
Evamor Water – pH level 8.8 – 9.1
Evamor is sourced from a rare artesian aquifer in Louisiania. The source is half a mile underground, which makes it naturally alkaline. It has a pH level of between 8.8 and 9.1 and contains minerals and electrolytes.
Glaceau Smartwater – pH level 9+
Founded in 1996, Glaceau Smartwater reimagined the water industry. Its alkaline water has a pH level of over 9 and is manufactured by replicating the hydrologic process of treating water to make it pure.
JUST Water – pH level 8
Sourced from the Glen Falls watershed in the Adirondack Mountains in New York, the still water from JUST water is naturally alkaline. It has a pH level of 8.
Bai – pH level 7.5+
The name means pure in Chinese, and it aims to have a beverage just as pure. There are so many varieties of Bai beverage but its antioxidant water has a pH level of more than 7.5. It contains electrolytes to improve the taste.
AQUAhydrate – pH level 9+
With a pH level of more than 9, this water is manufactured in Southern California. The process involves a rigorous one by industry standards. Electrolytes and minerals complete the AQUAhydrate water.
FIJI Water – pH level 7.3 – 7.7
As the name suggests, the product is sourced from an ancient artesian aquifer in Fiji. Specifically, the source is Yaqara on the north shore of Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island. The water is just slightly alkaline with a pH level of 7.3 to 7.7.
Acqua Panna – pH level 8
This water is sourced from an aquifer in the hills of the Mugello region in Tuscany. The process is all-natural as the water undergoes a 14-year natural journey where it is enriched with minerals. The water becomes naturally alkaline with a pH level of 8.
LIFEWTR – pH level 6.4 – 7.4
This water is purified through reverse osmosis. Electrolytes like magnesium, potassium, and sodium are added to create a better and pure taste. It is only slightly alkaline with the maximum pH level pegged at 7.4.
The popularity of alkaline water
These are just the best-selling alkaline water in the market. There are more brands sold in tens of thousands of stores worldwide. Every year, more and more people are embracing the trend of drinking alkaline water.
According to a market report, the sales of alkaline water reached $116.05 million in 2021 and are projected to balloon to $180 million in 2028.
Hydration is important, which is the main thing. Whether you are an advocate for alkaline water or not, you need water. When you are well-hydrated, you have a better quality of life.
