Over the past few years, there has been much hype surrounding alkaline water—both consumers and businesses strive to follow this new health trend. But does alkaline water worth the price to buy, or is it just overhyped?
Before answering the questions, let’s take a look at what is alkaline water.

What Is Alkaline Water

The “alkaline” refers to the water pH level for alkaline water. A pH level is a number that indicates how acidic or alkaline a substance is on a scale of 0 to 14. For example, a pH 1 substance is very acidic and a pH 13 substance is something very alkaline.
The pH level of normal drinking is around 7, which is a neutral status. The common pH level for alkaline water is about 8 or 9. Chemicals and gases can change the pH level in the water to make it more acidic or more alkaline. Please note that pH alone does not enough to impart substantial alkalinity to water.
To make it more visual, here are some examples of acidic and alkaline substances in life:

Acidic substances:

  • Vinegar: around pH 3
  • Lemon juice: around pH 2
  • Battery acid: around pH 1

Alkaline substances:

  • Baking soda: around pH 8/9
  • Magnesia milk: around pH 10/11
If the water pH is too high or too low, then it would result in adverse effects. Over alkaline water tends to have a bitter taste, and can also accelerate the scale build-up in encrust pipes and appliances. While the high acidic water might corrode metals or even dissolve them. For example, if the water is too acidic, it could bring the metal residue from the water pipes to the tap water.

The Benefits of Drinking Alkaline Water

Alkaline water has been recommended by many nutrition experts for its benefits to human bodies. Below are some common beliefs of the benefits of alkaline water:

  • Bone health

    Many nutrients believe that alkaline water can reduce the risks of neurodegeneration and bone resorption. Studies show that less bone resorption and more mineral density result in better bone strength. The experts conclude that “a bicarbonate- and calcium-rich alkali mineral water decreased bone resorption more than a calcium-rich acidic mineral water.”
    Though more studies need to be done, alkaline water is believed to help osteoporosis and enhance bone strength.

  • Acid reflux

    Acid reflux is a stomach disease when the acidic contents of the stomach splash back up to the food pipe in the body. The continuous acid reflux would end up damaging the stomach, known as gastroesophageal reflux disease.
    Several studies have found that drinking alkaline water would function as a great supplement along with other treatments for reflux disease. The studies show that alkaline water around pH 8.8 levitate an enzyme that is connected to reflux disease, and also help reduce the acidity of the stomach contents.

  • Weight loss

    Though there are no scientific studies that prove alkaline water as a remedy to control weight, alkaline water is believed to help weight loss than its natural counterpart.
    Firstly, alkaline water can help boost your metabolism. Increased metabolic rate is the easiest way to lose weight without taking too much effort. With a higher metabolic rate, your body would burn more calories and unnecessary fat.
    Secondly, alkaline water can stop your cravings. Everyone who tried weight control before would understand the pain of controlling the cravings. It is nearly impossible to resist all tasty and fats and greasy foods. Yet, studies show that drinking a glass or two alkaline water can help people stop cravings. Keep yourself hydrated is a great way to feel full without consuming any calories.

How to Make Alkaline Water at Home

The cost of consuming alkaline water is not as high as many people think, the average price of bottled alkaline water is just slightly higher than normal bottled water. However, please don’t think you only have to buy your alkaline water in bottle form, especially from a plastic pollution perspective.
There are multiple ways to obtain this invigorating water, below are some popular ways to make alkaline water at home.

  • Baking soda

    Mix ⅛ tsp of baking soda with 8oz of water, shake it well (if using a water bottle) or stir it. Make sure the baking soda is fully dissolved in water. Since baking soda is a high alkaline substance, you can enjoy alkaline water at a very low cost.
    Please note that baking soda contains a lot of sodium. If you are on a low sodium diet, then this is not a recommended way to get alkaline water.

  • Lemon

    Though lemon juice is around pH 2, the negative ion of lemon will have chemical reactions with your body and make the lemon water you drink alkaline through digesting.
    To make lemon water, you need to prepare a full jar of filtered water first. Then cut the lemon into pieces and toss it into the jar, please do not squeeze the lemon into the juice form. Let the lemon rest in the jar overnight under room temperature, and you can enjoy this delicious alkaline water with the scent of lemon.

  • pH drops

    The pH drops is another simple way to get alkaline water at home. You can purchase pH drops in the health food/supplement stores or online. Simply follow the instructions on the package for the amount of usage. One thing that needs to be highlighted here is that the pH drops can only adjust the pH levels in the water, substances like the chloride could not be removed by pH drops.

  • In-home alkaline water systems

    If you find the three methods above a bit troublesome and want to enjoy the alkaline water without waiting, then the in-home alkaline water systems would be a great solution.
    The alkaline water systems ensure you can enjoy tasty alkaline water in an efficient and secure way. The water would be treated to remove the contaminants and pass through an alkaline water filter at the end to adjust the pH level.
    Popular in-home alkaline water systems include: reverse osmosis system with the alkaline feature, alkaline water filter pitcher, and water ionizer.