Alkaline water: what are the health benefits?
It is more and more present in American advertising spots and many FitGame players praising its virtues on social networks: alkaline water would bring many benefits to the body. It would slow down aging and prevent many diseases by reducing the body’s acidity.
What is it actually? How can alkaline water benefit you?
What is alkaline water?
Water constitutes on average 70% of our body. It is present in each of our cells and in all tissues. We eliminate water permanently by breathing, urinating, perspiring and digesting: we must therefore drink accordingly, at least 3 liters of water per day, in order to always renew our stocks of water.
There are different types of water : tap, mineral, spring, sparkling or still, with a very specific pH.
The difference between water and alkaline water
Water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen, hence its chemical formula: H2O.
Its pH determines whether it is acidic or alkaline, a pH of 7 being neutral . Water generally has a pH between 6.5 and 8.5 , but tap water would tend to be below: around 4 or 5. It is therefore rather acidic.
The pH of alkaline water is greater than 7.
It can be naturally basic, as is the case for naturally very mineralized water. But most alkaline waters on the market have undergone a chemical transformation to artificially raise their pH. Electrolysis is a process in which ions separate acidic and basic molecules in water in order to remove acidity.
Alkaline water is most often ionized and has a high oxidation reduction potential . Tap water, for example, has a slight oxidizing potential because its oxygen can react and become harmful for our tissues. This is not the case with alkaline water whose molecule is reduced and receives negative electrons which store energy. The more acidic the water, the higher its oxidation potential. And, conversely, the more alkaline it is, the greater its protection potential.
How to get it?
In France, it is found on the shelves of organic supermarkets and on the internet, sometimes in supermarkets.
You can also make your own alkaline water , by adding lemon juice and zest. Although lemon is acidic in nature, it contains minerals that produce alkalizing metabolites when digested.
You can also add baking soda , commonly used to reduce heartburn or treat canker sores, for its basifying properties.
What are the benefits of alkaline water?
Alkaline water could theoretically provide many benefits for health and athletic performance. Some are proven, others are not.
Its concrete benefits on health
Most researchers say it is still too early to support the health claims of alkaline waters, so it is best to drink mineral or even highly mineralized water if you want to derive benefits. concrete benefits.
However, some studies have already shown some efficacy of alkaline water in the treatment of gastric reflux , as well as for certain people with blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol.
In a 2012 study, researchers found that naturally alkaline water (pH 8.8) could deactivate pepsin , the enzyme that causes gastric reflux.
In another more recent study of more than 100 volunteers, researchers found that their blood was less viscous when they consumed alkaline water after a strenuous workout. This means, in practical terms, that blood circulates more easily through the blood vessels and throughout the body.
According to some experts, and although science cannot yet confirm it, alkaline water could also:
In theory, alkaline water promotes detoxification and protection of our cells through ORP (Oxidation-Reduction Potential). Drinking alkaline water could effectively protect the body from infections and diseases, as well as organ fouling.
Its assets for athletes
In a 2019 combat sports study, researchers found that alkaline water reduced metabolic acidosis produced during intense exertion, helping to delay muscle fatigue and increase muscle fatigue. performance.
According to a 2017 study on athletes, it was concluded that consuming alkaline water on a regular basis increases cellular hydration and restores the acid-base balance more effectively , thus increasing physical capacities and performance.
More generally, it was noted that alkaline water, especially if it is natural, could:
- Improve hydration
- Increase energy levels
- Speed up the recovery process
Importantly, alkaline ionized water absorbs faster and can therefore improve the transport and effectiveness of certain dietary supplements, including protein, amino acids and workout boosters.
The last word
Alkaline water is said to promote better health because it protects our cells against acidity and too much oxidative stress. Thus, it would slow down aging, improve physical capacities, strengthen the immune system and even promote weight loss.
Data on the benefits of alkaline water are still incomplete, but you are not taking any particular risk by consuming it. If you overdose, you may experience the effects of alkalosis which are shaking, nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
Thus, do not consume more than one and a half liters of alkaline water per day, especially if it is highly ionized. Store it in a glass container preferably (especially not metallic), and consume it within 3 days.
