Alkaline water is the new craze lately. It has been marketed to be better than traditional drinking water. Claims such as increased wellness, vitality and digestion are just a few benefits that have been revealed. But is this really true? Let's look into the positives AND negatives of Alkaline water and if it's the right fit for you.
WHAT IS ALKALINE WATER?
I can get all technical with you on this, but let's just skip to the basics. Alkaline water is basically a water substance with a higher PH scale. Some people have claimed that because the alkaline content in your body is higher, it counteracts with the extra acidity you may have in your body. Thus, helping with digestion, heart burn etc.
I always take things in better by having an organized list so, below are the 'claimed' benefits and negatives of drinking alkaline water. Keep in mind, there hasn't been enough research to prove any of these. There has been some studies but nothing very conclusive. So take it all with a grain of salt and make sure to do your own due diligence, if this is something you want to add into your daily routine.
BENEFITS:
- Alkaline water has ultra-hydrating properties as compared to normal water. This is great for people who exercise or are very active on a daily basis. Scientifically speaking, the water molecules in alkaline water are smaller and more readily absorbed by your cells, which help your body re-hydrate quickly.
- Boosting immunity: Your immune system may help neutralise the acidity in your body, which is caused by poor diet, stress and environmental toxins.
- Alkaline water is said to have various minerals like magnesium and calcium, both of which are important for maintaining healthy bones.
- Contains antioxidants that help prevent the growth of cell damaging free radicals in the body, which can further rush up the ageing process.
- Neutralises the acidity in our body by lowering excessive acidic content in the stomach and gastro-intestinal tract. Therefore, improving digestion.
NEGATIVES:
- Accessive consumption may ruin the natural acids of your stomach. This can kill the good gut bacteria in your stomach and cause bad indigestion.
- Too much consumption may cause problems in your gastrointestinal tract and skin.
- Nausea
- Flu-like symptoms may occur
** if any of these occur please limit your consumption or stop drinking this water altogether.
So is Alkaline water for you? Conclusively I would say give it a go! If you have any side effects then that is your answer. Personally, I love Alkaline water, I believe it has helped my digestion. Do I drink a ton of it? Definitely not, but I do make sure to consume it in the morning and evening and it seems like it has helped push me in the right direction.
Good luck!