Legit benefits or a marketing ploy?
Two dietitians spill their thoughts.
Staying hydrated can provide many benefits.
Adobe Stock / kolonko / matis75
Glowing skin, higher energy levels and heart health are just a few.
Many products venture to capitalize on the potential ofproper hydrationand alkaline water is one of them.
Sounds like miracle water, right?
What Is Alkaline Water?
“Alkaline water is made from hydrogen and oxygenjust like all waters.
Any water above a 7 is considered alkaline.
How Is Alkaline Water Made?
There are two types of alkaline waternatural and artificial.
Some brands of natural alkaline water may include calcium, potassium, magnesium and bicarbonate.
These added minerals are meant to enrich alkalinity and taste.
Water may also be put through a process called electrolysis to raise the pH.
What Are the Benefits of Alkaline Water?
Unfortunately, there’s no medical evidence to support the idea that drinking alkaline water negates cancer growth.
While these resultscouldbe promising, alkaline water may also have an adverse effect for some people.
(More on that in the risks section below.)
Are Any Risks Associated with Alkaline Water?
Although blood pH levels should remain around 7, that doesn’t ring true for the stomach.
Agitating these levels could cause nausea, or skin irritations but nothing too menacing.
Should You Be Drinking Alkaline Water?
“Your body is going to do it for you!”
When it comes to staying hydrated, plain ol' water might be your best bet.
Water labeled “alkaline” doesn’t override your body’s natural ability to regulate pH.
