What Does 'Alkaline' Mean in a Drink?
To understand what kind of drink is alkaline, it's essential to grasp the basics of the pH scale. The scale, which ranges from 0 to 14, measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in a substance. A pH of 7 is neutral, with lower values indicating increasing acidity and higher values signifying greater alkalinity or 'basic' properties. Alkaline drinks, which typically have a pH between 8 and 9, have a lower concentration of hydrogen ions than regular water.
The alkalinity of a drink is primarily determined by its mineral content. Water that becomes alkaline naturally does so by absorbing minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium as it passes over rocks and mineral-rich surfaces. Artificially produced alkaline drinks have these minerals added or are created through a chemical process called electrolysis. The presence of these alkaline minerals gives the water a higher pH, and in some cases, a unique taste profile.
Examples of Alkaline Drinks
While alkaline water is the most well-known example, several other beverages can be considered alkaline due to their mineral composition or their metabolic effect on the body.
Naturally Alkaline Drinks
- Naturally Sourced Alkaline Water: Water from certain springs or artesian wells can be naturally alkaline as it picks up minerals from the surrounding rocks. These minerals naturally raise the water's pH. Brands like Essentia and Flow are examples of bottled alkaline water.
- Coconut Water: This natural beverage is a good source of electrolytes like potassium, which contribute to its alkaline nature. It is known for its hydrating properties and mild, naturally sweet taste.
- Herbal Teas: Many herbal teas, such as chamomile, dandelion root, and ginseng, are considered alkaline-forming. They are naturally caffeine-free and are thought to support a balanced internal environment.
- Certain Vegetable Juices: Juices made from green vegetables like kale, spinach, celery, and cucumber are often recommended on alkaline diets. A juice with a combination of carrot and celery is another excellent alkaline-forming option.
Artificially Enhanced Alkaline Drinks
- Ionized Water: This type of water has been processed using electrolysis to separate acidic and alkaline components. This process raises the pH level and may also create a negative oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), which some believe provides antioxidant benefits.
- pH Drops and Mineral Infusions: For those who want to make their own alkaline water at home, adding specialized pH drops or mineral infusions is a common method. These products are typically concentrated and are meant to be added to regular drinking water to increase its pH.
- Baking Soda Solution: A simple and inexpensive way to create an alkaline drink at home is to add a small amount of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to water. However, this method should be used cautiously due to the high sodium content.
Metabolically Alkaline Drinks (Acids that become Alkaline)
Interestingly, some beverages that are acidic in their natural state can have an alkaline effect on the body after being metabolized. Lemon water is the most cited example. While raw lemon juice is acidic, advocates of this practice claim that the minerals left behind during digestion produce an alkaline byproduct, though more research is needed to fully support these claims.
Potential Health Claims and Scientific Scrutiny
Proponents of alkaline drinks suggest numerous health benefits, from neutralizing acid in the body to improving hydration and preventing chronic disease. The scientific community, however, has often expressed skepticism, stating that the evidence is generally weak or inconclusive.
- Internal pH Regulation: The human body has its own robust systems (mainly the kidneys and lungs) for regulating blood pH within a very tight range (7.35–7.45). It's widely considered that dietary changes, including drinking alkaline water, have a negligible long-term effect on blood pH.
- Acid Reflux Relief: Some studies have shown that alkaline water at a pH of 8.8 may help relieve acid reflux by irreversibly inactivating pepsin, an enzyme involved in reflux.
- Bone Health: Research is conflicting on whether alkaline water improves bone density. Some studies suggest a positive effect in postmenopausal women, while others find no long-term benefit.
- Hydration: Some proponents claim that alkaline water is more hydrating due to smaller water clusters, but scientific evidence to support this is lacking. Proper hydration is always beneficial, regardless of pH, but alkaline water likely doesn't offer a significant advantage over regular water in this regard.
Homemade Alkaline Drinks vs. Store-Bought Options
| Aspect | Homemade Alkaline Drinks | Store-Bought Alkaline Drinks |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Much more economical; uses readily available ingredients like baking soda, lemons, or mineral drops. | Typically more expensive due to packaging, brand recognition, and special processing. |
| Source/Ingredients | Uses filtered tap water and adds simple, controlled ingredients. Can use whole fruits and vegetables for juices. | Can be naturally sourced spring water or artificially enhanced with added minerals and electrolysis. |
| pH Level | pH levels can vary depending on the amount and type of additive used and the starting pH of the tap water. | pH is typically consistent and controlled, often ranging between 8 and 9. |
| Convenience | Requires a bit of preparation and time to infuse flavors or mix ingredients. | Ready-to-drink and widely available in grocery and convenience stores. |
| Taste Profile | Taste depends on the additives. Baking soda can leave a salty taste, while fruit infusions are refreshing. | Often described as smoother or slightly sweeter than tap water due to the presence of minerals. |
How to Safely Incorporate Alkaline Drinks
For most healthy individuals, consuming alkaline drinks is generally considered safe. However, moderation is key, and it's important to be aware of potential risks, especially with highly processed or artificially enhanced products.
- Consult a Healthcare Provider: Individuals with kidney disease or other impaired kidney functions should avoid drinking alkaline water without medical supervision. The kidneys are responsible for balancing acids and minerals in the blood, and excessive alkaline intake could be risky.
- Monitor Symptoms: Highly alkaline water (pH > 9) might cause digestive upset, such as gas or bloating, in some sensitive individuals. If you experience any adverse effects, reduce your intake or stop drinking it entirely.
- Natural Sources Over Artificial: Opting for naturally alkaline sources or homemade infusions with mineral-rich fruits and vegetables can be a more holistic and potentially safer approach than relying on heavily processed bottled versions.
Conclusion
To answer the question of what kind of drink is alkaline, it can be naturally sourced spring water, artificially ionized water, or certain juices and teas with high mineral content. While proponents tout various health benefits, scientific research often provides limited or inconclusive evidence to support these broad claims. However, drinking plenty of water, whether alkaline or not, is crucial for good health and hydration. For those interested in trying alkaline beverages, natural sources and mindful consumption are recommended. If you have any underlying health conditions, it is always wise to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes. For more information, the Mayo Clinic provides an expert perspective on the matter, noting that while generally safe, the health claims require more research.
