These days, there seems to be a constant discussion around what is the “best” type of water for consumption. You will likely hear alkaline water mentioned a lot as the go-to choice. If you haven't hopped on the alkaline train, you may be wondering why it has so much hype around it.
What Is Alkaline Water?
Simply put, alkaline water is water that has a pH above 7. This means it is less acidic in nature than other water, including what we regularly consume.
Alkaline can come from natural springs in the earth that are rich in alkaline minerals and have the appropriate pH levels. It can also be made artificially by filtering regular water or using electronic devices and additives.
How to Tell If Water Is Alkaline
You can test your drinking water to see if it has an appropriate alkaline level. First, you need to purchase a pH tester for at-home use and follow the instructions. Then, you will need to test your water and compare it to the pH scale.
If you don't have a kit, you can also use fresh red cabbage and distilled water to create your own pH indicator. Grating the cabbage into two cups of boiled water will create your solution. After stirring and leaving it to sit for thirty minutes, you can finally use it to test your water.
For whichever test you use, you want to achieve a colour that is in the cooler spectrum. This means you should be in the blues and purples to have alkaline water.
Is Alkaline Beneficial?
Alkalinity neutralises the acid in your body. A pH of around eight is optimal, as this is supposed to help your body combat conditions that come from too much acidity. This promotes better digestion, reduces acid reflux, and is supposed to help combat chronic diseases like cancer.
Of course, pure alkaline water isn't just about the pH level. It should also contain alkaline minerals and antioxidants that contribute to its health benefits.
These health benefits include relieving high blood pressure, improving the immune system, getting healthier skin, and assisting in weight management.
When you drink ionised water, you will notice that you feel fuller. This is because you are taking in more water, which is great if you are trying to reduce the number of calories you are consuming.
Other benefits that are also reported include less bloating and more energy. Of course, this can be attributed to healthy drinking water habits in general.
Is Alkaline Water Safe?
Alkaline water is safe for consumption, but the jury is out on just how beneficial it actually is for you. The main factor that may ease your concern is that there is no harm in drinking it and getting the natural minerals that it contains.
What's most important is to ensure that you are getting your alkaline water from trusted sources. You need to ensure that whatever you're drinking doesn't have any contaminants.
Conclusion
Do you drink alkaline water? If not, you may want to start now and see how you feel. It is very accessible, and you can easily get an alkaline water filter or jug if you want to start incorporating it into your lifestyle. This ease of access, along with the reported benefits, is likely why alkaline has become so popular.
Ecobud’s vision is to make healthy living accessible to everyone. Check out our collections to get your own alkaline water filter jug.