Water can be categorized into different types on the basis of its characteristics, properties, sources, chemical constituency, etc. Today we are going to talk about yet another type of water known as “Alkaline Water.”  

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What is the meaning of pH level

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Before proceeding further, you must know the meaning of pH level. It is a measure that is used to find out whether a compound is acidic or basic in nature.

A pH scale has a range of 0-14. The compounds below 7 are said to be acidic while those above 7 are considered as basic or alkaline in nature. However 7 are considered as neutral.

 

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What is alkaline water?

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The ph level of normal water is 7. When the pH level of water is increased, it becomes alkaline in nature. This resulting water with a pH level of 8-9 is known as alkaline water. It contains magnesium, calcium and bicarbonates. These compounds bind to hydrogen ions in water to make it alkaline.

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How to make alkaline water?

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It can be both natural as well as artificial. Naturally, the water that passes through the rocks and springs collects minerals on its way. That is why it is alkaline in nature.

Artificially it can be processed and made with the help of ionizing machines and agents. 

This is usually done by ionizing normal water. In this process, water is broken up into hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions. Hydrogen ions have minerals attached to them. Thus the amount of hydrogen ions is increased to increase the amount of minerals, thus resulting in alkaline water.  

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Does it really work?

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Since alkaline water has higher mineral content, enthusiasts believe that it can prove to be beneficial in a number of ways. Some manufacturers suggest that alkaline water can energize and detoxify the body and boost hydration. While some also claim that this water can prevent everything from mild headaches to cancer.

In countries like the USA, alkaline water is highly recommended as sports drink, claiming to increase strength and energy. However there are no scientific backups to these statements yet.

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Benefits of alkaline water

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1. A study conducted in 2012 stated that drinking naturally carbonated artesian-well alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 may help deactivate pepsin, the digestive enzyme found in stomach responsible for acid reflux.
2. Another study suggested that drinking alkaline water can benefit people with high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
3. Some other proposed benefits are as follows:

• Boost hydration
• Aids in digestion
• Strengthens bones by preventing bone loss
• Colon cleansing
• Healthy skin
• Neutralize acidity
• Prevents cancer
• Boosts immunity

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Is alkaline water really safe?

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Yes, consumption of alkaline water is considered to be safe. However, its overconsumption can be very hazardous. Also, if you have any associated allergies, you might want to avoid it.  

Before you start drinking, make sure you have no underlying kidney problems.

Note: Children under the age of 3 should not be given alkaline water.

 

 

 

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Alkaline water risks and side effects

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Too much of anything is never good. While the intake of ionized water is considered safe, its overconsumption can still induce negative side effects in our body.

• It may ruin the natural acids of your stomach killing the good bacteria.
• Excessive alkalinity in your body can cause problem in the gastrointestinal tract and skin.
• It might also disturb the body’s ph level leading to a condition known as alkalosis.
• Furthermore, Alkalosis can produce the following symptoms:

1. Nausea

2. Vomiting

3. Fatigue

4. Confusion

5. Headaches

6. Muscle twitching

7. Hypertension

• If you have an underlying kidney problem, drinking alkaline water may make it worse.

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How to make alkaline water at home?

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1. There are a number of machines available in the market that claim to increase the ph level of water. All you need to do is pour some water into the machine and switch it on. Easy right?

2. Another alternative to buy pH adjustable water filters. Enter the ph value you want and it will be done. For alkaline water you need to enter a value of range 7.5-9.

3. If you don’t want to use machines or filters, here are some DIY tricks:

• Cut a lemon into halves, squeeze half a lemon with a pinch of pink salt to filtered water.

• Add ½ tsp of baking soda to 200ml of normal water.

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How much alkaline water can i drink a day?

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After knowing above information one thing which is coming in mind is what quantity of alkaline water is safe to drink in a day? 

Doctors suggest that alkaline water must be consumed in a systematic way.

1. For adults and aged people: If you are a beginner, start with 1 litre per day. Mix it in normal water while drinking in the starting. This must be done so that your body can slowly adapt to the change. Gradually you can increase the intake to 8-12 glasses per day.

2. Children under the age of 3 should not be given alkaline water.

3. Children between the age of 4-12 years should stick to 2-4 glasses per day.

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What is the ideal time to drink alkaline water?

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Now let's know when should we drink alkaline water for optimum health benefits

1. Water is best absorbed in the system when the stomach is empty. Therefore, take your first glass in the morning right after you step out of bed.

2. Do not take alkaline water 30 minutes before and upto 2 hours after taking some medicine.

3. Do not use alkaline water to take medicine.

4. Our stomach needs to be acidic in order to digest the food we eat. So don’t drink alkaline water 30 minutes before and upto 2 hours after eating a meal.

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Alkaline Water or RO Water Which Is Better?

 

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Comparison of Alkaline and Plain water will make easy to understand which is better and why? 

Parameters	Alkaline water	Plain water
pH scale colour	Greenish-blue	Green
pH level	8-9	6.5-7.5
source	Both natural and artificial	Natural
taste	Slightly bitter	Tasteless
Bone loss	Prevents bone loss	Does not prevent bone loss
antioxidants	Yes	No
minerals	More minerals	Less minerals
Digestive health	Good effects	No effects
Availability in market	Easily available	Easily available
Price	Expensive than plain water	Cheap

 

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