Everything You Need to Know About Alkaline Water
Water is one of the most important things we need every day. But not all water is the same. Some people drink what’s called alkaline water. You might have seen it in shops or heard about it from someone. So, what is it? And should you drink it? Many people talk about alkaline water benefits, saying it can help with things like hydration or digestion — but is that really the case?
Let’s explore everything in a simple way to help you understand what alkaline water is and whether it might be right for you.
What Is Alkaline Water?
Alkaline water is water with a higher pH level than normal water. The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is. The scale goes from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral. Below 7 is acidic, and above 7 is alkaline.
Regular tap water usually has a pH of around 7, while alkaline water typically ranges from 8 to 9.5. This higher pH makes it less acidic than tap water, which has led many people to believe that alkaline water may provide some health benefits.
Where Does It Come From?
Natural Alkaline Sources
Some types of alkaline water come from the earth. When rainwater moves through rocks and soil, it picks up natural minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals raise the water’s pH. This makes the water naturally alkaline.
Many people prefer natural alkaline water because it is not artificially processed. It comes from springs or wells and is rich in minerals. Bottled natural alkaline water is often slightly more expensive but priced for its quality and purity.
Ionised or Artificial Alkaline Water
Not all alkaline water comes from natural sources. Some are produced using machines called water ionisers, which raise the pH level through a process called ionisation. These machines split water into acidic and alkaline parts, with the alkaline portion intended for drinking.
This method is popular for home use, and some bottled waters also use ionisation to make the water alkaline.
Alkaline Water Benefits
Many people talk about the possible alkaline water benefits. While some are supported by early research, others still need more scientific study. Let’s look at what people say and what science tells us so far.
May Help with Body Acid
One of the most common ideas is that alkaline water helps reduce acidity in the body. Some people believe this can help with acid reflux or improve digestion. A few small studies suggest that water with a higher pH may help reduce stomach acid after meals.
However, the body generally regulates its own acid levels, so while alkaline water might provide some benefit, it is not a cure.
Supports Better Hydration
Alkaline water often contains helpful minerals. These include calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These minerals may help the body absorb water better, especially after exercise. Some athletes say they feel more hydrated after drinking it.
This is considered one of the more reliable alkaline water benefits, especially if you don’t drink enough water during the day.
May Support Bone Health
Some small studies indicate that drinking alkaline water may help protect bones by reducing calcium loss used to balance body acid.
While this does not replace a healthy diet or medical treatment, it could provide a minor benefit alongside other healthy habits.
How Does It Compare to Tap Water?
pH and Taste
Tap water’s pH is close to neutral, around 7. Alkaline water, with its higher pH, often tastes smoother and less metallic. Many people say they find it easier to drink. Some even feel it helps them drink more during the day.
Added Minerals
Some minerals may be removed from tap water during processing. Alkaline water, whether natural or made with machines, often keeps or adds minerals. These give the water a different taste and may offer small health benefits.
If you're looking for water that supports hydration and has added minerals, water alkaline might be a better choice for you.
Is It Safe to Drink Daily?
For most people, yes, it’s safe to drink every day. Alkaline water is still just water, but with a slightly higher pH and sometimes more minerals.
Don’t Overdo It
That said, drinking too much alkaline water may cause problems for some people. Your body keeps its pH at the right level on its own. Drinking too much high-pH water might reduce your stomach acid, which could affect digestion.
If you have kidney problems or are on medication, it’s best to talk to a doctor before switching to alkaline water.
Natural Alkaline vs Artificial Alkaline
Let’s compare the two types in a simple way:
|
Feature |
Natural Alkaline |
Artificial Alkaline |
|
Source |
Springs or wells |
Made with machines |
|
Minerals |
From nature |
May be added |
|
Processing |
Minimal |
Made using electricity |
|
Taste |
Smooth and earthy |
Clean and crisp |
Many people like natural alkaline water because it feels more “real” and comes straight from nature. Others like using a machine at home because it’s cheaper in the long run.
How to Make Water Alkaline at Home
If you want to try alkaline water but don’t want to buy it, there are a few easy ways to make it yourself.
- Add lemon: Lemons are acidic, but they have an alkaline effect after being digested. Add slices to water for a refreshing drink.
- Baking soda: A small pinch (not too much) of baking soda in a glass of water raises the pH. It’s a cheap and easy way.
- Use a water ioniser: These machines can be bought online. They attach to your tap and turn regular water into alkaline water.
These are all simple ways to try out water alkaline without spending much.
Should You Switch to Alkaline Water?
Switching to alkaline water is a personal choice. If you like how it tastes, or if it helps you drink more water, it could be a good option.
If you are looking for better hydration or have mild acid reflux, it might help. But don’t expect huge changes. It’s not a magic fix. It’s one small part of a healthy life.
Common Myths and Facts
There are lots of myths about alkaline water. Let’s clear up a few.
|
Myth |
Truth |
|
It cures diseases |
There’s no proof that it cures any illness |
|
Your body becomes alkaline by drinking it |
Your body naturally maintains pH balance |
|
The more alkaline, the better |
Too much can cause digestion issues |
Always look at the facts. It’s still water, not medicine.
What to Look for When Buying
If you decide to buy alkaline water, here are a few tips:
- Check the pH: Look for water with a pH of 8 to 9.5
- Read the label: Good alkaline water shows the minerals it contains
- Choose natural if possible: Natural alkaline water often has a better taste and quality
Avoid brands with added chemicals or no mineral content. Always go for trusted names.
Final Thoughts
Alkaline water can be a useful option if you want to try something new. It may help with hydration, give your body extra minerals, and improve your water-drinking habits.
The alkaline water benefits are small but real for some people. Just remember, water is still water. Whether it’s natural alkaline, made by a machine, or just from the tap, what matters most is that you stay well hydrated.
Try it out. See how you feel. It’s a simple change that could make a small difference in your daily routine.
At Hydroflux, we’re passionate about clean, balanced, and mineral-rich water. Our range of alkaline water solutions is designed to support a healthier lifestyle—one glass at a time.
