Understanding the Truth About Alkaline Water
The phrase “alkaline water” is a broad term that can describe water with a pH above 7. However, the true story of its alkalinity is far more nuanced. The key distinction lies in how the water achieves its higher pH level: through natural mineral content or artificial ionization. Consumers are often bombarded with marketing that touts the health benefits of all alkaline water, but ignoring the source of the alkalinity can lead to buying an overhyped product with no genuine advantage.
Natural vs. Artificial Alkalinity
Naturally alkaline water, such as spring or artesian water, becomes alkaline by absorbing minerals from its environment as it flows through rocks and soil. This process infuses the water with beneficial alkaline minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are the source of its higher pH. Because it is a natural process, the resulting pH is often moderately alkaline, typically in the range of 8 to 8.5. Examples include Icelandic Glacial and some spring waters like Mountain Valley Spring Water.
Artificially alkaline, or ionized, water is created using a process called electrolysis. Water ionizer machines pass an electric current through water to separate the acidic and alkaline components, and the resulting high-pH water is then bottled. These machines can create water with a very high pH, sometimes over 9.5. However, the process does not add a significant mineral profile, and the alkalinity is less stable. Some brands even add mineral additives post-purification to raise the pH, which may not offer the same health benefits as naturally occurring minerals. Additionally, the quality of artificially ionized water is heavily dependent on the source water and the machine's filtering capabilities.
How to Verify if Your Water is Truly Alkaline
It’s a common misconception that you need expensive lab equipment to test your water's pH. In reality, several simple, affordable methods can be used at home. This is the most reliable way to know if your store-bought or home-prepared water truly holds its pH level.
Here are a few options for testing at home:
- pH test strips: These inexpensive paper strips change color when dipped in water. By comparing the resulting color to a provided chart, you can get a good estimate of the water's pH level. Make sure to purchase strips specifically designed for water, not urine or saliva.
- Liquid pH test kits: These kits use a liquid reagent that you add to a water sample. The water changes color, and you can match it to a color-coded chart for a more precise reading than paper strips.
- Digital pH meters: For the most accurate home testing, a calibrated digital pH meter is the best option. While more expensive, it provides an exact pH value, offering pinpoint accuracy.
Comparing Natural vs. Artificial Alkaline Water
| Feature | Natural Alkaline Water | Artificial Alkaline Water (Ionized) |
|---|---|---|
| Source of Alkalinity | Minerals (Calcium, Magnesium) absorbed from natural sources (springs, artesian wells). | Electrical process (electrolysis) used to separate water's acidic and alkaline components. |
| Mineral Content | Rich in naturally dissolved minerals (electrolytes). | Minimal natural mineral content; minerals often added back artificially. |
| pH Stability | Stable due to the presence of dissolved minerals, which act as a buffer. | Less stable, pH can shift over time and with exposure to air. |
| Health Profile | Contains bioavailable minerals beneficial for health. | Claims often debated; benefits may be overstated, dependent on added minerals. |
| Source Quality | Reflects the purity of the original spring or well. | Quality is dependent on the initial source water and the purification process. |
The Hype vs. The Science
Some marketing campaigns for alkaline water make bold health claims, suggesting it can cure diseases or neutralize the body's acidity. However, a wealth of scientific and medical evidence contradicts these extreme assertions. Your body possesses a sophisticated system, primarily involving the kidneys and lungs, to maintain a very tight blood pH range (7.35–7.45). The pH of the water you drink has only a negligible and temporary effect on your overall body chemistry.
While some smaller, preliminary studies have suggested potential benefits, such as improving hydration post-exercise or providing temporary relief from acid reflux, these findings are often not replicated in larger, independent studies. The real benefit of naturally alkaline water is often simply that it provides superior hydration due to its natural electrolytes, and it's a healthier alternative to acidic beverages like soda.
Making Your Own Alkaline Water
For those who wish to create alkaline water at home, there are several cost-effective methods that offer more control than relying on potentially misleading bottled products. One of the simplest and most accessible ways is to add a pinch of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to a glass of water. This safely and effectively raises the pH. Another option is to add alkaline pH drops, which are available at many health food stores and online. However, it is important to handle these drops carefully, as they can be caustic in concentrated form. Finally, some people add a squeeze of lemon juice, but this method is often misunderstood. Though citric acid is initially acidic, the metabolic byproducts it creates have an alkalizing effect on the body after digestion. It does not make the water itself alkaline.
Conclusion: Choose Your Alkaline Water Wisely
When asking “which alkaline water is truly alkaline?”, the most truthful answer is that natural spring or artesian water, infused with minerals from the earth, offers the most genuine form of alkalinity. While artificially ionized water may have a high pH, it lacks the natural mineral profile and the stability of its natural counterpart. The health claims associated with both are often exaggerated, but the benefits of clean water rich in essential minerals like magnesium and calcium are undeniable. The best approach is to test your own water and choose a source—whether a trusted natural spring water or a home filtration system—that delivers clean, mineral-rich water to your glass. An informed choice ensures you're not just buying into marketing hype but investing in quality hydration. For more detailed information on hydration, consider consulting health authorities like the Mayo Clinic.
