Alkaline Water

Checking the Health Claims

Alkaline water enthusiasts claim that its increased hydrogen provides greater hydration than regular water, especially after a hard workout.
Fans of the stuff also say that regular drinking water with a pH below 7 creates too much acid in your blood and cells. They blame plain water’s low pH for all sorts of health problems, from osteoporosis to cancer.
Water that is more alkaline supposedly reduces acid in the bloodstream and:
• Improves metabolism
• Increases energy
• Slows aging
• Improves digestion
• Reduces bone loss
• Can Alkaline Water Do All This?
• The health claims about alkaline water are more about sales than science. There isn’t much research to support them.
• Also, your body, on its own, can keep your pH levels at an even keel. Your kidneys are your built-in filtration system. It’s their job to balance the acid levels in your body. If your blood gets too acidic, your body brings it down by breathing out more carbon dioxide.
• Your stomach is the great equalizer. Your gastric juices — a combination of digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid — neutralize everything you eat and drink. Basically, your stomach will re-acidify alkaline water before it can do anything the health claims promise.