What Is Alkaline Water, And Is It Really Good For You?

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Alkaline water typically has a pH value of 8.0 or higher, making it less acidic than tap water. It also contains dissolved minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium that provide additional health benefits.

The pH level is used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of water, with a pH of 7.0 being neutral. The pH scale ranges from zero to 14, with lower numbers indicating more acidity and higher numbers indicating more alkalinity.

Additionally, different pH levels of water determine what it should be used for, such as:

- Drinking water: pH level 8.5
- Washing vegetables: pH level 10.0
- Drinking/cooking/making tea: pH level 9.5
- Cooking rice: pH level 9.0
- Skincare: pH level 5.5
- Washing plates: pH level 3.0

Nevertheless, those on medication are advised to avoid drinking alkaline water, as medications may interact with high pH levels. If you're unsure if alkaline water is suitable for you, consult your doctor beforehand.

Acidic waste products are a byproduct of an unhealthy diet consisting of overconsumed processed foods, sugar, and alcohol, which can accumulate in the body over time, leading to a variety of health issues such as kidney failure or digestive problems.

Equipped with a pH level of 8.0 or higher, alkaline water neutralises acidic waste products in the body by balancing the pH level and neutralising the acidity in the body.

Free radicals are molecules or atoms that have one or more unpaired electrons. This makes them highly reactive and unstable, and they can cause damage to cells, proteins, and DNA by stealing electrons from other molecules, leading to damaged cells and the development of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's.

According to Harvard Health, antioxidants can neutralise free radicals by donating an electron to them, making them stable and no longer reactive. This can help to protect the body from the damage caused by free radicals, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Water molecules generally come in clusters rather than single molecules, and alkaline water forms 'micro clusters' of five to six molecules, compared to tap water that usually have very large clusters of 12 to 14 molecules. 

According to PH8, this smaller cluster size gives the water excellent hydrating benefits because it is more easily absorbed by the body. Additionally, because it neutralises acidic waste in the body, alkaline water improves the body's ability to absorb and utilise water so you're well hydrated.

In fact, a study done by Medical Science Pulse found that after a series of cosmetological treatments with alkaline water on a 21-year-old girl, there was a significant reduction of sebum secretion and skin eruptions. 

Panasonic conducted a test that had over 25 patients with gastrointestinal conditions such as food poisoning and bloating consume alkaline ionised water with a pH of 9.5 for two weeks, and they found that 88% of patients saw improvements as well as better bowel movements.

However, the study also stressed that although the clinical trials demonstrated the effectiveness of alkaline ionised water against gastrointestinal symptoms, they do not demonstrate immediate effectiveness comparable to medicines. As such, continued consumption of alkaline ionised water daily is expected for gradual improvements.

Another study conducted by the Japanese Association of Medical Sciences in 2007 had six volunteers given one litre of alkaline water with a pH of 9.0, 10.0, and 11.0 per day. The pH level inside their stomach was then measured over 24 hours, and in all cases, the pH value increased in the stomachs of those who consumed alkaline ionised water with a pH of 9.0, demonstrating the water's antacid effect.

The antacid effect refers to the ability of antacids to neutralise stomach acid and increase the pH level in the stomach. This study proves that alkaline water has a similar effect to antacids, which can also help relief symptoms of indigestion, inflammation, heartburn, while also alleviating discomfort.

The Panasonic Alkaline Ionizer turns tap water into alkaline water through a process called ionisation. It works by running tap water through a series of filters to remove impurities and then passing it through a chamber where it is exposed to a series of negatively and positively charged plates.

The negative plates are made of titanium and coated with platinum, which then act as a catalyst to split the water molecules into hydrogen and hydroxyl ions. The hydroxyl ions are alkaline, and raise the pH level of the water, while the hydrogen ions are acidic and lower the pH level.

The pH level of the water is measured by a sensor, and the ioniser adjusts the current flowing through the plates to control the pH level. The ioniser also has a built-in filter to remove impurities such as chlorine, heavy metals, and sediment to make the water purer and healthier to drink.

The ioniser also boasts a UF cartridge that boasts four different kinds of filter consisting of a non-woven fabric, ceramic, activated carbon, and an Ultra Filtration type hollow fiber membrane for purification.

When tap water is passed through the cartridge, it undergoes a four-step purification system that removes over 19 harmful substances, including viruses and bacteria.

It was also verified by the Kitasato Research Center for Environmental Science and the Japan Food Research Labaratories that 99.9% of viruses and bacteria were removed through this method.

The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader's own medical care.