Is Alkaline water worth the hype? Find out here
Alkaline water has gained popularity in recent years, largely due to claims of various health benefits. To understand why people are choosing it and what it does inside the body, let’s explore its history, the reasons behind its popularity, and its potential effects
Hyderabad: Alkaline water is water that has a higher pH level than regular tap water, typically ranging from 8 to 9.5 (with 7 being neutral). The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is, with values below 7 being acidic and values above 7 being alkaline.
Alkaline water usually gets its higher pH from dissolved minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are naturally present in some water sources. It can also be produced through electrolysis, a process that uses an electrical charge to separate water into acidic and alkaline components, often resulting in water with a higher mineral content.
History of Alkaline water
For centuries, people have been interested in drinking water that has a higher pH. Throughout history, many have turned to natural sources like springs, believing they offered health benefits. In fact, ancient Greeks and Romans often drank from mineral springs, which typically had a higher pH than ordinary tap water.
However, the modern interest in alkaline water really picked up in the 20th century when scientists began to take a closer look at the pH levels in drinking water. The wellness community became particularly enthusiastic about alkaline water, with many suggesting that water with a higher pH could help balance acidity in the body and support overall health.
In the 1960s, a Japanese researcher, Dr. Hayashi, started examining the health benefits of alkaline water. He discovered that water with a higher pH, when filtered through a unique electrolysis process, might offer various health improvements. This discovery fueled more curiosity about alkaline water, especially in Asia
The popularity of alkaline water grew even more in the 1990s and 2000s, thanks to better access to water filtration technology and an increasing focus on health and alternative medicine.
Why people prefer Alkaline water
— The modern wellness movement has driven interest in alternative health practices. Alkaline water is often marketed as a tool to detoxify, hydrate, and balance the body’s pH levels.
— Many proponents believe that alkaline water can neutralise acidity in the body, improve hydration, aid in detoxification, and even help with weight loss. These claims have fueled demand, particularly among those seeking ways to improve overall health and prevent disease.
— Alkaline water is often seen as superior for hydration. Some people believe that it is absorbed more efficiently by the body, leading to better hydration compared to regular tap water.
— Alkaline water is sometimes said to have antioxidant properties, which can supposedly help fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body.
What does it do in the body
Alkaline water has been a preferred hydration choice of many individual’s for years. It’s benefits have been well-know for a very long time.
The contemporary marketing strategies for alkaline water emphasize the health advantages that consumers associate with this beverage.
Alkaline water is promoted as a source of superior hydration, improve metabolis, alleviation of acid reflux, enhanced long-term bone health, weight management, and potential protection against specific cancer types.
Historically, alkaline water has been recognised for its purported benefits, including superior hydration, essential minerals, increased energy, acid reflux reduction, improved long-term bone health, weight loss, and a possible protective effect against certain cancers.
The rationale behind the latter claim is that cancer cells proliferate more rapidly in an acidic environment; consequently, proponents argue that the alkalinity of the water consumed may help neutralise acidity in the bloodstream.
