DIY Guide: How to make drinking water alkaline at home?

The pH scale is used to measure how acidic or alkaline a substance is, with a pH of 7 being neutral. Discover how to make drinking water alkaline at home using simple, accessible ingredients and techniques that naturally raise the pH level of your water.

Quick Summary

This guide covers several easy methods for creating alkaline water at home, detailing the use of baking soda, lemons, and natural mineral infusions. It explores the different approaches and provides safety tips for preparing homemade alkaline water.

Key Points

• Baking Soda: A quick and inexpensive method, but contains high sodium and may affect taste.

• Lemon Infusion: Creates an alkalizing effect in the body after digestion, offering a refreshing, natural flavor.

• pH Drops: A convenient and neutral-tasting commercial option for controlled alkalinity.

• Mineral Infusion: A slow, natural process using fruits and vegetables that adds subtle flavor and minerals.

• Safety Precautions: Individuals with kidney conditions should consult a doctor before consuming alkaline water regularly due to potential risks.

• DIY Control: Making alkaline water at home allows for control over the ingredients and concentration.

What is Alkaline Water?

Alkaline water is water with a pH level greater than 7. Regular tap water typically has a neutral pH of 7, while alkaline water often has a pH between 8 and 9. This higher pH is attributed to the presence of alkaline minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are either naturally occurring or added during processing.

The Baking Soda Method

One of the simplest and most direct ways to increase the alkalinity of water is by adding baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). Baking soda is an alkaline substance with a high pH, making it an effective and fast solution.

Ingredients:

• 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda
• 8 ounces (1 cup) of water

Instructions:

1. Pour 8 ounces of clean water into a glass.
2. Add 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda.
3. Stir the mixture thoroughly until the baking soda is completely dissolved.
4. Consume immediately.

Note: Due to its high sodium content, individuals on a low-sodium diet should consult a doctor before using this method regularly.

The Lemon Infusion Method

This method may seem counterintuitive since lemons are acidic. However, when a person's body metabolizes lemon juice, it produces alkaline byproducts, creating an overall alkalizing effect. This is a natural and refreshing way to prepare alkaline water at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 fresh lemon, sliced
• 1 quart (32 ounces) of filtered water
• (Optional) 1/2 teaspoon of pink Himalayan salt for added minerals

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass pitcher or mason jar with 1 quart of filtered water.
2. Add the lemon slices and optional pink Himalayan salt.
3. Stir the mixture to dissolve the salt.
4. Let the water sit at room temperature for at least 2-4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the minerals to infuse.
5. The water is then ready to drink.

The pH Drops Method

For a more controlled and convenient approach, commercially available pH drops are a reliable option. These drops contain concentrated alkaline minerals that can be added to regular water to increase its pH level.

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with water.
2. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the bottle of pH drops for the recommended number of drops per glass.
3. Stir or shake the water well to mix the minerals thoroughly.

The Natural Mineral Infusion Method

This is a simple way to add alkaline minerals and flavor to your water using fresh produce. Many vegetables and fruits, like cucumbers and mint, contain minerals that can add alkalinity and nutritional value to water over time.

Ingredients:

• 1 liter of water
• 4-5 slices of cucumber
• A few fresh mint leaves
• 2 slices of lemon

Instructions:

1. Combine the water, cucumber, mint leaves, and lemon slices in a pitcher.
2. Let the mixture infuse for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight, in the refrigerator.

Comparison of Homemade Alkaline Water Methods

Method	Cost	Preparation Time	Sodium Content	Flavor	Convenience
Baking Soda	Very Low	Immediate	High	Salty/Slightly Metallic	High
Lemon Infusion	Low	Overnight	Low (optional salt)	Refreshing Citrus	Moderate
pH Drops	Higher	Immediate	None	Neutral	High
Mineral Infusion	Low	Overnight	None	Subtle & Fresh	Moderate

Safety Considerations and Potential Risks

While consuming slightly alkaline water is generally considered safe for most healthy individuals, excessive consumption of highly alkaline water (pH > 9) can potentially cause side effects. People with pre-existing conditions, especially kidney disease, should exercise caution. Consuming too much alkaline water could potentially disrupt the body's natural pH balance. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes, especially for those with kidney issues or on medications. For more information on the research surrounding alkaline water, you can refer to authoritative sources like the Mayo Clinic.

Conclusion

Making alkaline water at home is a straightforward process with several accessible methods available. Whether you opt for the rapid baking soda approach, the refreshing lemon infusion, the controlled pH drops, or the slow mineral infusion, each has its unique benefits and considerations. It is important to understand that while these methods can increase the pH of water, the overall health benefits of alkaline water are still under scientific debate. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal health needs, taste preferences, and lifestyle. Always prioritize safety and moderation when experimenting with dietary changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is drinking homemade alkaline water safe?

For most healthy people, drinking homemade alkaline water in moderation is generally safe. However, individuals with kidney conditions or those on specific medications should consult a doctor before regular consumption.

How much homemade alkaline water can I drink per day?

It is generally safe for most individuals to follow standard hydration guidelines of about 64 to 80 ounces (eight 8-ounce glasses) per day. However, it is advisable to start with small amounts to see how your body reacts.

Does alkaline water taste different?

The taste of homemade alkaline water can vary. The baking soda method may result in a slightly salty or metallic taste, while lemon or mineral infusions will impart a fresh, subtle flavor.

How can I check the pH of my water at home?

You can check the pH of your water using a digital pH meter or pH test strips, which are available at home improvement stores, gardening supply stores, or online retailers.

Is the lemon infusion method still effective even though lemons are acidic?

Yes. While lemons are acidic outside the body, they produce alkaline byproducts once metabolized. This metabolic process creates the alkalizing effect, not the raw lemon juice itself.

Can I use bottled water to make alkaline water at home?

Yes, you can use bottled water to make alkaline water. Ensure you use a neutral or low-pH bottled water, and then add your chosen alkaline agent, such as baking soda or lemon, to raise its pH.

Are there any side effects to drinking alkaline water?

Excessive consumption of highly alkaline water may lead to some side effects, such as upset stomach or potential imbalances in the body's natural pH, especially for those with pre-existing conditions like kidney disease.