The pH scale is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is, ranging from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral (like pure water), anything below 7 is acidic, and anything above 7 is alkaline. The human body maintains a tightly regulated blood pH of 7.35 to 7.45, with organs like the kidneys and lungs working constantly to prevent major shifts. Proponents of alkaline water claim it can neutralize excess acid in the body, but this premise is largely unsupported by robust scientific evidence.
The Highest Commercial Alkaline Water
For consumers seeking high-pH water, several brands offer products exceeding the EPA's recommended range for municipal water. However, the highest a consumer can realistically and safely drink without concern for immediate harm typically does not exceed a pH of 10. It's crucial to understand that not all alkaline waters are created equally, with a key distinction between natural and artificial sources.
Here are some of the most prominent high-pH bottled waters found on the market:
- TEN Alkaline Spring Water: Sourced from natural springs in the Great Appalachian Valley, TEN claims to have a pH of 10.
- Alka Power: An Australian brand, Alka Power markets its spring water with a pH of 9-10.
- Essentia Water: A popular ionized alkaline water brand, Essentia guarantees a pH of 9.5 or higher.
- Agua Plus: This mineral-enhanced alkaline water boasts a pH of 9+.
- Alkaline 88: A brand that provides water with a stable pH of 8.8.
While these products are widely available, the health implications of regularly consuming water at the higher end of this spectrum are a topic of ongoing debate and research.
The Difference Between Natural and Artificial Alkaline Water
Understanding how water becomes alkaline is critical to evaluating its health effects. The two main types are naturally sourced and artificially produced.
Natural Alkaline Water
This water becomes alkaline as it naturally filters through mineral-rich rocks and soil, like those found in springs or volcanic terrain. It picks up minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which increase its pH level. This method is often considered more beneficial because it naturally infuses the water with essential electrolytes.
Artificial Alkaline Water
Produced through a process called electrolysis, an ionizer separates the acidic and alkaline components of tap water. The alkaline water is then bottled, and sometimes alkaline minerals like baking soda are added. This method raises the pH but can also introduce trace amounts of the metals from the ionizer's plates and does not guarantee a rich, natural mineral profile. Some experts also warn that the chemical additives in certain artificial waters can cause a mineral imbalance over time.
Comparison of Natural vs. Artificial Alkaline Water
| Feature | Natural Alkaline Water | Artificial Alkaline Water |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Natural springs and aquifers | Tap water treated with an ionizer or additives |
| Mineral Content | Naturally rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium | Minerals are often added artificially, or some may be removed during filtering |
| Purity | Can contain natural minerals, but source quality matters | Purity depends on the initial tap water quality and filtration method |
| Bioavailability | Naturally occurring minerals are often more easily absorbed | Artificially added minerals may be less bioavailable |
| Overall Health | Considered safer and more holistic due to natural mineral content | Controversial; potential risks associated with additives or excessive intake |
Health Risks of Excessive Alkaline Water Intake
While moderate consumption of alkaline water (pH 8-9) is generally considered safe, drinking excessively high-pH water regularly can lead to potential health concerns. The human body is remarkably efficient at maintaining its own pH balance, and forcing a change can sometimes trigger adverse effects.
Key risks include:
- Disrupted Digestion: The stomach's naturally high acidity (pH 1.5-3.5) is crucial for breaking down food and killing harmful bacteria. Drinking excessive alkaline water can neutralize this acidity, leading to digestive issues like bloating and impaired protein absorption.
- Nutrient Malabsorption: A reduced stomach acid environment can interfere with the body's ability to absorb essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, and vitamin B12.
- Metabolic Alkalosis: In rare cases of overconsumption, especially in individuals with kidney problems, excessive intake of alkaline substances can lead to metabolic alkalosis. This condition involves an overly high pH in the blood and can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, muscle twitching, confusion, and hand tremors.
- Kidney Strain: The kidneys play a primary role in regulating blood pH. Consistent intake of highly alkaline water places extra strain on these organs to excrete excess alkaline compounds and maintain balance. Individuals with pre-existing kidney disease are especially vulnerable to hyperkalemia (high blood potassium) when drinking water with a pH above 9.8.
- Chemical Contamination: Artificially ionized water that isn't properly filtered first can concentrate existing contaminants from tap water, posing a higher health risk than the original source.
- Medication Interference: Some medications require an acidic environment for proper absorption. High-pH water can reduce the effectiveness of these drugs.
Conclusion
While the market offers alkaline water brands with pH levels reaching 10, the quest for the highest pH isn't necessarily the healthiest approach. For most people, consuming water within the EPA's recommended range of 6.5 to 8.5 is perfectly sufficient and supports the body's natural functions. Naturally alkaline spring water, with its inherent minerals, is generally considered safer than artificially ionized alternatives for those seeking a higher pH. However, the potential health benefits of high-pH water are not strongly supported by scientific research, and excessive consumption, particularly for individuals with kidney issues, carries significant risks. The best practice for hydration is to drink clean, filtered water and consult a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes. You can always opt for a simple filtration system to ensure safe, balanced drinking water without the risks associated with extreme pH levels.
