Can Alkaline Water Improve Health?

Share

Remember the days when, if you wanted a glass of water, you poured it from the kitchen sink tap?  This seems so quaint now, considering the vast number of different types of water available, including alkaline water. But is this specialty water better for your health?

Yes, says Dr. Keith Kantor, a natural health expert an author, who says alkaline water balances the body’s pH level, which can help ward off disease.

The body’s pH level refers to the acidity or alkalinity of blood. The lower the pH, the more acidic the blood. The normal blood pH is tightly regulated between 7.35 and 7.45.

“Our body keeps our pH level at between 7.35 and .45 and it does that very well. Every time our body produces an acid, a sodium bicarbonate molecule is produced to neutralize it,” says Kantor, a natural health expert and author.

“Because the American diet is very acidic, acid can build up in the body, which is why it’s beneficial to drink alkaline water,” says Kantor, the national spokesman for Optimal Harmony Water, which manufactures a type of it.

This buildup of acid can result in acidosis (an excessively acidic condition of body fluids and tissues), and this leads to inflammation, he adds.

“Alkaline water can help with a number of health problems, including acid digestion, heartburn, low energy levels and infections, nausea, and dehydration, but the biggest one is inflammation, which leads to diabetes and obesity,” he says.

But is alkaline water really healthier than tap water?

 “The FDA has not studied or reviewed the science relating to alkaline water and cannot speculate or speak to a potential benefit,” says Lyndsay Meyer, spokeswoman for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

As a registered dietitian, Vicki Shanta Retelny says her clients often ask her about different types of water.

“I don’t think there’s enough research to say that this type of water is going to be beneficial for fending off disease,” says Retelny, author of “Total Body Diet for Dummies.”’

“If you live in an area where the tap water is hard, it could be helpful, but what most people need to be concerned with is simply whether they are drinking enough water,” she adds.  (Hard water is high in dissolved calcium and magnesium.)

“There may be too much iron, sulfur or even arsenic in your tap water,” she notes.

Of course, alkaline water isn’t the only specialty water available these days. Retelny’s clients often ask her about other types of waters as well, including the debate over whether tap or bottled water is best, she says.

According to her, most tap water is generally as good as bottled.

“People spend a lot of money on bottled water but it doesn’t mean that it’s healthier than tap. Usually, it’s not really necessary,” she says.

“Some people like bottled water because they want to bring their water with them on the go, and it’s measured, so they know they are drinking enough. But tap water can be just as beneficial,” she says.

Also, although people like to believe their bottled water comes straight from the spring, it does go through a bottling process, Retelny notes.

In addition, environmentalists are concerned about the buildup of plastic water bottles, she says.

Most Americans get their tap water from a water company, which is required to publicly list its ingredients, so you can call your company to find out, she notes.

But what about specialty, or designer waters, like vitamin water. According to Retelny, they aren’t necessarily healthier either.

“Vitamin water sounds healthy, but along with the vitamins comes flavorings, colors and sugar. You need to be aware of these additions because the calories can add up,” she says.

Related Post

“Also, it’s difficult to know exactly how much of vitamins are in that water, and sugar-free ones may have artificial sweeteners,” she adds.

“Ordinarily, I don’t recommend vitamin water because I think you should get your vitamins from the foods you eat,” Retelny adds.

This goes for sports drinks as well, she says.

“Drinks with added potassium and sodium are there to benefit people who are sweating because they are participating in sports, she says.

“They can be beneficial for athletes, but most people don’t need them,” Retelny adds.

To add flavor to chilled water, Retelny recommends these additions:

  • Lime, basil and crushed berries
  • Cucumber, mint and strawberries
  • Apple cider vinegar, honey and cinnamon
  • Rosemary, mandarin orange
  • Lemon, ginger and agave nectar

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "Can Alkaline Water Improve Health?" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card

Dr Alex Jimenez

Welcome-Bienvenido's to our blog. We focus on treating severe spinal disabilities and injuries. We also treat Sciatica, Neck and Back Pain, Whiplash, Headaches, Knee Injuries, Sports Injuries, Dizziness, Poor Sleep, Arthritis. We use advanced proven therapies focused on optimal mobility, health, fitness, and structural conditioning. We use Individualized Diet Plans, Specialized Chiropractic Techniques, Mobility-Agility Training, Adapted Cross-Fit Protocols, and the "PUSH System" to treat patients suffering from various injuries and health problems. If you would like to learn more about a Doctor of Chiropractic who uses advanced progressive techniques to facilitate complete physical health, please connect with me. We focus on simplicity to help restore mobility and recovery. I'd love to see you. Connect!

Published by

Recent Posts

The Benefits of Sleeping with a Pillow Between the Legs

For individuals with back pain, can sleeping with a pillow between or under their knees… Read More

Peppermint: A Natural Remedy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

For individuals dealing with digestive issues or bowel disorders, can adding peppermint to a nutrition… Read More

Acupuncture for Eczema: A Promising Therapy Option

For individuals dealing with eczema, can incorporating acupuncture into a treatment plan help manage and… Read More

Don’t Ignore Whiplash Signs and Symptoms: Seek Treatment

Those experiencing neck pain, stiffness, headache, shoulder and back pain may suffer from a whiplash… Read More

Unleash the Power of Nopal for Health and Wellness

Can incorporating nopal or prickly pear cactus into one's diet help individuals trying to lower… Read More

Enhance Your Breathing Technique for Optimal Fitness

Can improving breathing patterns help further fitness and optimize overall health for individuals who walk… Read More