What Is Alkaline Water?
Alkaline water is water that has a pH above the neutral value of 7.0. This elevated pH may occur naturally or by the addition of a mineral salt with an anion component such as hydroxide, carbonate, or bicarbonate. One popular approach is to apply a DC voltage to the water with electrodes separated by a membrane. The water molecule of H2O is split into H + OH. The water on the side of the membrane with the electrode producing the OH or hydroxide radical becomes the water with a temporarily higher pH and is to be consumed for good health.
What Level of pH Is Desired?
Requests and product performance claims vary greatly within a range of 8.5 to 10.5 with little or no published information validating one pH level being best. Some municipal water sources have increased their pH levels to the mid 8′s to prevent corrosion in pipe lines so many people are receiving alkaline water without knowing it. If on a municipal supply it may be worth contacting the water department before spending money. A pinch of baking soda or a few drops of milk of magnesia in a glass of water is a route many people are taking.
Does it Improve One’s Health?
Other than testimonials there doesn’t seem to be any serious blind studies. Intuitively if someone takes the time and spends the money for water treatment they will drink more water thus hydrating and displace the consumption of sodas, coffee and juices, which have harmful ingredients. Add to that the time tested placebo effect and I’m certain that there are positive results regardless of the pH component.
Claims and testimonials are almost endless on the positive effects of such water on the human body by curing or preventing a host of maladies.
