Should You Be Drinking Alkaline Water?
In recent years, we’ve seen an influx of water products claiming various health benefits. Alkaline water has emerged as a popular choice with different electrolyte formulas, PH levels, and you’ll even find black water some store shelves. But do any of these truly have health benefits or is it just marketing and hype?
Alkaline Water: What Is It?
Alkaline water refers to water that has a higher pH level than regular drinking water. Typically, normal water has a neutral pH of 7, while alkaline water boasts a pH above 7, often between 8 and 9. This increase in pH is usually achieved through a process called electrolysis, which uses an ionizer to raise the water's pH. Proponents of alkaline water claim it can neutralize acid in the bloodstream, boost metabolism, help the body absorb nutrients more effectively, and even prevent or treat certain diseases.
The Reality Behind Alkaline Water
Despite the bold claims, scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of alkaline water is sparse. The human body is equipped with robust mechanisms, particularly the kidneys and lungs, to regulate its pH balance. Drinking alkaline water does little to affect the body's pH due to these regulatory systems. Moreover, the concept that one can significantly alter the body's pH through diet or drinking water is a misunderstanding of human physiology.
The stomach, for instance, is highly acidic, with a pH of around 2 to 3.5. When alkaline water enters the stomach, its pH is neutralized by stomach acid, rendering the alkalinity effect almost moot. Therefore, the idea that drinking alkaline water can drastically impact blood pH levels and cure diseases lacks scientific backing.
Hydrogen Water: Lessor Know, More Benefits
Hydrogen water is water into which molecular hydrogen (H2) gas has been dissolved. Unlike alkaline water, hydrogen water does not focus on altering pH levels. Instead, it provides antioxidant benefits through the addition of hydrogen molecules. These molecules are touted to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are linked to various chronic diseases.
The Benefits of Hydrogen Water
Research on hydrogen water, while still in its early stages, has shown promising results. Molecular hydrogen acts as a selective antioxidant, targeting and neutralizing harmful free radicals without affecting beneficial ones necessary for the body's normal functions. This selectivity is crucial because indiscriminate antioxidants can sometimes do more harm than good.
Studies suggest that drinking hydrogen water may reduce muscle fatigue in athletes, decrease inflammation, improve skin health, and even offer neuroprotective benefits. However, it's essential to note that while these findings are encouraging, more extensive human studies are needed to fully understand the extent of hydrogen water's health benefits.
Alkaline Water vs. Hydrogen Water: The Verdict
When comparing alkaline water to hydrogen water, the latter appears to have a more scientific basis for its health claims, particularly regarding its antioxidant properties. While alkaline water's benefits are largely debunked by its inability to significantly alter body pH, hydrogen water presents a different mechanism that could potentially offer real health benefits.
Making the Right Choice for Hydration
While staying hydrated is crucial for health, the type of water you choose can also play a role in your overall well-being. If you're considering investing in enhanced water products, hydrogen water may offer more scientifically backed benefits compared to alkaline water. Another benefit is that you can purchase a water hydrogen generator for one time investment vs regularly purchasing alkaline water products.
Ultimately, the best approach is to exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, maintain a balanced diet, and stay hydrated. But if you’re looking for an additional edge, then hydrogen water may be worth researching.
Struggling just to drink enough water in the first place? Consider scheduling a consultation with our expert training team at Legacy Personal Training. Our approach goes beyond just hydration, offering personalized programs that cater to your unique health and fitness goals. Let us help you navigate the vast sea of health information and craft a program that works for you.
