What is Alkaline Water and How is it Made?
Water's pH level is a measure of its acidity or alkalinity, ranging from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral, while anything above 7 is alkaline and anything below is acidic. Water with a pH of 9 is considered moderately alkaline. The popularity of alkaline water has surged in recent years due to marketing that suggests various health benefits.
There are two main ways alkaline water is produced:
- Naturally Alkaline Water: This occurs when water passes over or through rocks and soil, picking up alkaline minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which naturally raise its pH. Natural springs are a common source.
- Artificially Alkaline Water: This is created by a process called electrolysis, using an ionizer machine to separate the acidic and alkaline components of water. The resulting water is filtered, and alkaline minerals or additives like baking soda may be used to raise the pH level artificially. This process can sometimes alter the water's mineral content and may not provide the same benefits as natural mineral-rich water.
The Claims and Evidence Behind pH 9 Water
Proponents of alkaline water often tout numerous health benefits. Many of these claims, however, are not supported by robust scientific evidence.
Some of the most common claims include:
- Neutralizing Body Acidity: Advocates suggest that consuming alkaline water can help neutralize excess acid in the body. However, the body has a tightly regulated pH level, controlled primarily by the kidneys and lungs. The impact of drinking alkaline water on overall body pH is negligible and temporary at best, especially in the stomach where it is quickly neutralized by stomach acid.
- Better Hydration: While some small studies suggest that alkaline water might improve hydration slightly, the overall evidence is inconclusive. The volume of water consumed is a more significant factor for hydration than its pH level.
- Antioxidant Properties: Some electrically produced alkaline water has a negative oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), suggesting antioxidant properties. However, the actual impact on the body is still debated and requires more research.
- Acid Reflux Relief: Some research has shown that alkaline water can inactivate pepsin, an enzyme involved in acid reflux, and may help alleviate symptoms. This remains one of the more credible, though still debated, potential benefits.
- Bone Health: A 2021 study suggested a link between alkaline water consumption and improved bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. More research is needed to understand the long-term effects.
Potential Risks and Who Should Be Cautious
For most healthy individuals, drinking pH 9 water in moderation is likely safe. Your body's homeostatic mechanisms are designed to handle fluctuations in pH from food and drink. However, some groups should be cautious, and potential risks exist with excessive consumption or pre-existing conditions.
Risks of High-pH Water
- Metabolic Alkalosis: Consuming too much highly alkaline water (especially with a pH above 9.8) can disrupt the body's normal pH balance and potentially lead to metabolic alkalosis, characterized by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, muscle twitching, or confusion.
- Medication Interactions: Alkaline water can interact with certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors for acid reflux, and alter their effectiveness. It is important to consult a doctor if you take regular medication.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Some individuals may experience digestive upset, including an upset stomach, from regular consumption of highly alkaline water.
- Inadequate Stomach Acid: Stomach acid is crucial for killing bacteria and absorbing nutrients like iron, calcium, and B12. Consistently consuming high-pH water might temporarily reduce stomach acidity, potentially impacting digestion and immunity.
- Kidney Disease: Individuals with impaired kidney function should avoid alkaline water. Their kidneys may not be able to effectively filter and remove excess alkaline minerals, leading to mineral buildup or electrolyte imbalances.
- Recall Concerns: A 2021 recall of a bottled alkaline water brand was linked to unexplained liver illnesses, highlighting the importance of regulatory oversight and the potential dangers associated with artificially enhanced products.
Comparison: pH 9 Water vs. Regular Tap Water
| Feature | pH 9 (Alkaline) Water | Regular Tap Water |
|---|---|---|
| pH Level | Ranges from 8.0 to 9.5; sold as alkaline. | Generally ranges from 6.5 to 8.5 per EPA recommendations. |
| Production | Naturally occurring from mineral-rich sources or artificially through ionization and mineral additives. | Sourced from surface or ground water and treated by municipalities to meet safety standards. |
| Mineral Content | Naturally sourced versions are rich in alkaline minerals; artificially enhanced versions may have added minerals. | Contains trace minerals, varying depending on the source and treatment. |
| Taste | Some report a smoother, sweeter, or different taste due to mineral content. | Taste can vary depending on local treatment and mineral content. |
| Cost | Typically higher priced, especially for bottled or ionizer machines. | Much more affordable and readily available. |
| Safety | Generally safe in moderation for healthy individuals, but certain risks exist, especially with artificial and long-term use. | Subject to rigorous public health standards and is reliably safe for the majority of the population. |
| Health Claims | Many unsubstantiated claims; limited evidence for specific benefits like reflux relief. | Essential for fundamental hydration and bodily functions; no specific 'superfood' claims. |
Should You Drink pH 9 Water?
For the average, healthy person, drinking pH 9 water is not harmful in moderation. Your body has sophisticated systems to maintain its internal pH balance. However, the purported health benefits often lack strong scientific support, and the elevated cost may not be justified by tangible advantages over regular water.
For those considering the switch, especially for potential health issues like acid reflux, it's wise to consult a healthcare professional. People with chronic medical conditions, particularly kidney issues, should be especially cautious and discuss this with their doctor before changing their water intake. Choosing natural alkaline water from a reputable source is often preferred over artificial versions, which may not provide the same mineral benefits and could be less pure. In most cases, a balanced diet and consistent hydration with regular filtered water will provide all the necessary benefits for optimal health.
Conclusion
While marketed as a health elixir, the science behind pH 9 alkaline water does not overwhelmingly support many of the grand claims made by its advocates. The human body is remarkably efficient at regulating its own pH, and drinking moderately alkaline water is not a shortcut to better health for most individuals. For those intrigued by the potential, natural mineral-rich alkaline water is a safer and potentially more beneficial choice than its artificially produced counterparts. Ultimately, consistent hydration with clean, safe drinking water, regardless of whether its pH is 7 or 9, remains the most important factor for good health. Consult a medical professional before making a significant dietary change, especially if you have underlying health concerns. Find more information on the science of pH at Live Science.
