How to Make Alkaline Water at Home Naturally

According to some sources, the pH level of the body is believed to range between 7.3 and 7.45, leading many to seek out ways to balance their diet for better health. A simple and affordable way to support this goal is to learn how to make alkaline water at home naturally. Instead of relying on expensive bottled versions, you can easily increase the pH of your drinking water with a few common household items.

Quick Summary

Discover several easy, natural methods to increase your water's pH, from adding baking soda to infusing with fruits. Explore step-by-step instructions for each technique and find out which approach best suits your needs.

Key Points

• Baking Soda Method: A very easy and inexpensive way to raise water's pH by adding 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda to 8 ounces of water.

• Lemon & Salt Infusion: A metabolism-based method that involves soaking lemon slices and Himalayan salt in water overnight to create an alkaline-forming drink.

• Infused Water: Add cucumber, mint, or other alkaline-forming fruits and vegetables for a mild, flavorful way to increase water alkalinity.

• pH Testing: Use simple and widely available pH test strips to verify the alkalinity of your homemade water.

• Start Simple: Begin with basic, low-cost methods before considering more expensive equipment like filter pitchers or ionizers.

• Balanced Approach: Remember that making alkaline water at home should complement, not replace, a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Why Make Alkaline Water at Home?

Before diving into the methods, it's important to understand what alkaline water is. Regular tap water typically has a neutral pH of around 7, while alkaline water has a higher pH, generally between 8 and 9.5. Many who advocate for alkaline water believe it can help neutralize acid in the bloodstream and offer benefits like enhanced hydration and detoxification. While scientific evidence is still developing, making it at home is a cost-effective way to try it for yourself.

The Easiest Natural Methods

Several simple, natural methods can help you increase your water's alkalinity without special equipment. It's best to start with filtered or purified water as a base to avoid adding contaminants.

Method 1: The Baking Soda Technique

This is one of the most direct and budget-friendly ways to raise your water's pH. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is highly alkaline and dissolves easily.

Steps:

1. Fill a glass (8 oz) with filtered or purified water.
2. Add 1/8 teaspoon of food-grade baking soda.
3. Stir vigorously until the powder is completely dissolved.
4. Optionally, use a pH test strip to verify the alkalinity.

Method 2: The Lemon and Salt Infusion

This method might seem counterintuitive, as lemons are acidic. However, lemons have an alkaline-forming effect on the body after metabolism. The addition of Himalayan pink salt or sea salt helps infuse the water with minerals.

Steps:

1. Fill a glass pitcher with one gallon (about 4 liters) of filtered water.
2. Slice one lemon and add the slices to the pitcher, but do not squeeze the juice.
3. Add 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of Himalayan pink sea salt.
4. Cover the pitcher and let it sit at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours, or overnight.

Method 3: The Fruit and Vegetable Infusion

For a more flavorful and nutrient-rich approach, you can infuse water with alkaline-forming fruits and vegetables. This method provides milder alkalinity and is a great way to improve your hydration habit.

Steps:

1. Fill a pitcher with filtered water.
2. Add slices of cucumber, lemon, and a few sprigs of mint.
3. For a richer flavor and color, add sliced watermelon and basil.
4. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours to allow the ingredients to infuse their properties into the water.

Natural Alkaline Water: DIY vs. Store-Bought

When considering how to make alkaline water, you have options beyond natural DIY methods. Filter pitchers and electric ionizers are also available, each with their own pros and cons. Here is a comparison to help you decide.

Feature	DIY Natural Method	Alkaline Filter Pitcher	Electric Ionizer Machine
Cost	Very low (baking soda, fruits)	Moderate (pitcher + filter replacements)	Very high (expensive upfront cost)
Ease of Use	Very simple	Simple	Complex setup required
Effectiveness	Mild alkalinity, varies	Consistent mild alkalinity	High, customizable alkalinity
Speed	Overnight infusion or immediate	A few minutes to filter	Instantaneous
Natural	100% natural ingredients	Minerals added via filter	Electrolysis process
Taste	Can vary depending on ingredients	Neutral or slightly different	Some report a distinct taste
Portability	Requires prep, not ideal for travel	Good for daily use at home or work	Not portable, stationary

How to Test Your Homemade Alkaline Water

To ensure your DIY method is working, you can test your water's pH. pH test strips are an inexpensive and widely available tool for this. Digital pH meters offer more precision but are a greater investment.

Testing Process:

1. Dip the pH test strip into your prepared alkaline water.
2. Wait for the color on the strip to change, according to the package instructions.
3. Compare the color to the chart on the packaging to determine the water's pH level.
4. For digital meters, simply place the probe into the water and read the display.

Conclusion

Making alkaline water at home naturally is a simple, cost-effective way to explore its potential benefits. Whether you choose the quick-and-easy baking soda method, the flavorful fruit infusion, or a more mineral-rich approach, you can easily create a pH-balanced beverage in your own kitchen. While the science around the health benefits is still evolving, many people enjoy the taste and find it encourages them to drink more water. As with any wellness practice, it's wise to listen to your body and find the method that works best for your routine and taste preferences.

Optional Outbound Link: For more in-depth information on water chemistry and the pH scale, consult the resources available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does adding lemon to water make it alkaline?

While lemons are acidic, they have an alkaline-forming effect on the body after digestion and metabolism, meaning they can support the body's natural alkalizing processes.

How much baking soda should I add to water?

For an 8-ounce glass of water, adding 1/8 teaspoon of food-grade baking soda is sufficient to raise the pH. Stir it well until completely dissolved.

Is homemade alkaline water as good as commercial alkaline water?

Homemade alkaline water is a great natural and affordable option. Commercial products may offer more consistent or customizable pH levels, but homemade methods are simple and effective for a mild alkalinity boost.

Can I use tap water to make alkaline water?

Yes, but for the best results, it is recommended to start with filtered or purified water to remove any impurities that might affect the final product.

How long does homemade alkaline water last?

Freshly made alkaline water, especially infused versions, is best consumed within 24 hours. For water made with baking soda, it's generally best to consume it immediately.

Are there any side effects of drinking alkaline water?

For most healthy individuals, moderate consumption is safe. However, excessive alkalinity could potentially disrupt the body's natural pH balance. Those with kidney conditions should consult a doctor before starting.

How can I tell if my water is alkaline enough?

You can use pH test strips, available online or at most hardware and health food stores, to easily check your water's pH level.