Alkaline Water: The Pros and Cons

The modern health scene thrives on trends and fads, some based on solid science, others more speculative. One such trend, alkaline water, has seen its popularity ebb and flow in recent years. Proponents claim it can balance the body's pH levels, promote weight loss, and even combat serious diseases, while skeptics point to a lack of conclusive evidence to support these claims.

A bit like iPhone vs Android, the believers are very much against the non-believers.

As with any health-related topic, it's essential to sift through the hype and look at the facts. Here, we break down ten good points for and ten bad points against drinking alkaline water.

What is Alkaline Water?

Before delving into the pros and cons, it's essential to understand what alkaline water is. Simply put, alkaline water has a higher pH level than regular drinking water, which is generally neutral. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Anything under 7 is considered acidic, and anything over 7 is considered alkaline or basic. Most alkaline waters have a pH between 8 and 10.

Pros of Drinking Alkaline Water

• Neutralises Stomach Acidity: Alkaline water, because of its higher pH, can help neutralise stomach acid, which can provide relief from acid reflux.

• Promotes Hydration: Some studies suggest that alkaline water, particularly the electrolyte-rich type, can help improve hydration levels, especially after workouts.

• Bone Health: Some research indicates that alkaline water can help reduce bone resorption, the process where bones break down and release minerals into the bloodstream. This may lead to improved bone health.

• Improves Digestion: Alkaline water is said to aid in the breakdown of food more efficiently than regular water, leading to better digestion.

• Blood Circulation: By helping to thin the blood, alkaline water can potentially improve circulation and oxygen delivery to tissues.

• Detoxification: The higher pH of alkaline water can help neutralise harmful substances in the body, aiding in detoxification.

• Boosts Energy: Some people report increased energy levels after consuming alkaline water. This could be due to improved hydration and better circulation.

• Weight Loss: Alkaline water can help to detoxify the body, which could promote weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.

• Skin Health: Alkaline water is said to have a positive effect on skin, helping it stay hydrated and potentially contributing to a more youthful appearance.

• Anti-Aging Properties: Alkaline water's ability to help in the detoxification process can also combat free radicals and slow down the aging process.

Cons of Drinking Alkaline Water

• Lack of Scientific Evidence: Despite numerous claims, there is a lack of solid scientific evidence proving the significant benefits of alkaline water.

• Cost: Alkaline water can be expensive. It costs significantly more than regular tap or bottled water.

• Gastric Acid Balance: While alkaline water can neutralise stomach acidity, this isn't always beneficial. The stomach needs a certain level of acidity to properly digest food.

• Potential to Reduce Stomach Acidity Too Much: Overconsumption of alkaline water could result in excessively low stomach acid levels, which can disrupt digestion.

• Alkalosis: Consuming too much alkaline water can lead to a condition known as alkalosis, resulting in nausea, vomiting, hand tremors, muscle twitching, and tingling in the face, hands, or feet.

• Metabolic Imbalance: Over time, excessive consumption of alkaline water may disrupt normal metabolic processes due to changes in the body's pH.

• Impedes Normal Cellular Processes: Cells are designed to operate optimally at specific pH levels. Overly alkaline conditions can disrupt these processes.

• Interference with Medication: Alkaline water can potentially interfere with the effectiveness of certain medications.

• Nutrient Absorption: Just as a high pH can neutralise stomach acid, it can also interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients that require an acidic environment.

• Not a Panacea: While it's true that certain diseases cannot survive in an alkaline environment, simply drinking alkaline water won't necessarily prevent or cure these diseases.