Alkaline water is popular because it is said to contain level higher pH compared plain water, and claimed better for health. While regular water generally has a neutral pH of 7, alkaline water has a pH of 8 or 9. Some of the claims of the benefits of this alkaline water are that it can prevent cancer and heart disease.
Alkaline water was originally obtained naturally. However, now there are several bottled beverage manufacturers that provide artificial alkaline water. Natural alkaline water is obtained directly from springs that pass through rocks and absorb minerals, thereby increasing the pH (acid or alkaline conditions of a substance). While artificial alkaline water is alkaline water that is treated with a machine or ionizer that functions to increase the pH of ordinary water.
Drink Alkaline Water Not necessarily useful
Alkaline water is believed to stabilize the body's pH levels, slow down the aging process, help treat high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney stones, and even high cholesterol, heart disease, and prevent cancer. However, these benefits are mere claims. So far, there has been no research that proves the benefits of alkaline water.
A health research found that alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 can treat acid reflux disease (GERD). In fact, this cannot be fully justified. Drinking alkaline water may be able to relieve GERD symptoms for a while, but not in the long term, especially dealing with the cause.
Do not stop there, there are also other claims that alkaline water can help prevent bone damage. Furthermore, alkaline water is believed to play a role in curing cancer. Unfortunately, as with previous claims, the certainty of this benefit has not been supported by adequate clinical research.
Although the natural mineral content in alkaline water is generally safe for consumption, you still have to be careful. Especially noteworthy is the artificial alkaline water. Consuming artificially alkaline water in excess is at risk of causing health problems.
In addition, you also need to be aware of its pH levels. Although the chances are small, drinking alkaline water with a pH that is too high is at risk of causing alkalosis. This alkalosis is more likely to occur in people with severe kidney or lung disease. This condition can reduce calcium levels in the body so that it causes damage to the bones.
Immediately see a doctor if you experience symptoms of alkalosis, such as:
- Nauseous
- Throw up
- Muscle twitch
- Weak and confused
- Shaking hands (tremors)
- tingling
Before spending money to try alkaline water, it's a good idea to consult a doctor first to ask about the effectiveness and risks of drinking alkaline water for health, especially if you have a history of illness or are undergoing certain treatments.
The most important thing, drinking enough plain water is actually beneficial for maintaining health and meeting the body's fluid needs to avoid dehydration.