Alkaline water is trending right now, with many proponents saying it’s a healthier choice of water. It has a higher pH level than regular water, and it's this distinction that leads to many of the claims of its health benefits. Is alkaline water more than just a health fad?
What Alkaline Water Does For You
With its popularity now, it’s not surprising that you may have heard many claims already about what alkaline water can do for your body. Although there is only a little scientific and medical study into the effects of alkaline water on the human body, some of the studies that have been performed indicate that alkaline water may have beneficial effects in a number of areas.
1. It May Boost Your Metabolism
Due to its higher pH level than regular water, alkaline water is often labeled as the healthier alternative. For those who are trying to lose weight, you may want to consider drinking a glass of cold, alkaline water at least half an hour before meals. Doing so can increase your body’s thermogenesis, which means your body would burn more calories.
With this kind of effect, it may be deduced that your body’s metabolic rate also increases . This refers to the rate at which your body processes chemicals; and the higher it is, the higher the likelihood that you may also start losing weight.
2. It May Rehydrate Your Body Faster
Mineralised alkaline water may rehydrate your body faster after anaerobic exercise. A small-scale study of soccer players showed that consumption of mineralised alkaline water after exercise showed improved acid-base balance and hydration status. This means that not only did the study show that mineralised alkaline water aided hydration, it also lowered events of lactic acidosis as well when compared to the consumption of normal table water.
3. It May Improve Muscle Function
The improvement of acid-base balance after exercise also appears to enhance muscle performance during exercise by lowering instances of exercise-induced metabolic acidosis, symptoms of which include headache, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. A study of combat sports professionals indicates that “drinking alkalized water improves hydration status, acid-base balance, and high intensity anaerobic exercise performance”, leading to improved muscle performance during exercise.While this study shows the possible effect of alkaline water for intense, long duration anaerobic exercise, no studies have so far been performed to show the possible effects of alkaline water on less intense exercise.
4. It May Give Your Skin A Clearer Complexion
As you age, as well as other environmental factors like sun exposure, your skin typically begins to lose its elasticity.although there is no scientific data to back up the claim, proponents of alkaline water believe that drinking alkaline water may help improve skin pH as well as deliver liquid antioxidants.
5. It May Reduce The Likelihood Of Acid Reflux
Acid reflux occurs when your stomach’s contents are splashed back up to the digestive pipe rather than continuing through your digestive system. When acid reflux keeps progressing, this is known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
A 2012 study indicated that drinking alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 may help alleviate reflux by inactivating human pepsin (an enzyme that helps break digest proteins) while raising the pH of the stomach.
The Best Time To Drink Alkaline Water
Although there are no studies indicating the optimal time to drink alkaline water, if you’re interested in exploring its possible benefits you may wish to try it:
- First thing in the morning - at least half an hour before breakfast to rehydrate your body. This may help replenish the fluids lost during sleep and give you a morning pickup.
- During exercise - replace your regular hydration with alkaline water during exercise as it may boost hydration and reduce instances of metabolic-induced acidosis and increase muscle performance.
Possible Risks Of Alkaline Water
Unlike regular water, alkaline water isn’t without possible negative effects.Before you try alkaline water you should consult your doctor to see if it may be right for you or if you have an existing condition or are using a medication that may be contraindicated.
Some of the possible risks and side effects of drinking alkaline water include:
- Skin irritations
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Nausea
- Hand tremors
As stated above, ask a medical professional before trying alkaline water, especially if you’re pregnant or you’re currently taking medication.