Definition of Alkaline Water
Miscellanea / / July 04, 2021
By Javier Navarro, in Jan. 2016
We all know the composition chemistry of Water: two molecules of hydrogen and one of oxygen, the well-known H2O. On the other hand, the role of water in nature is equally well known. In one way or another, all forms of life depend on water. In fact, its properties are essential in the processes related to living beings. Regarding the need for water in our body, it is estimated that it is necessary to drink about 6 or 7 glasses of water daily. However, not all waters have the same characteristics. In this sense, any water can be acidic or alkaline depending on its pH.
The ph o potential hydrogen indicates the acidity or alkalinity of the water. Pure water has a neutral pH, since in the scale from measurement has a value of 7, with 0 being the most acidic value and 14 being the most alkaline value. This means that alkaline water is one that is rich in oxygen and is charged with electrons. In this way, drinking alkaline water is a habit healthy, as it has various benefits for our Health.
Why drinking alkaline water is healthy
The human body has a natural tendency to maintain an alkaline pH throughout the body. If this internal mechanism does not work properly, a metabolic acidosis occurs that can lead to multisystem failure and, consequently, cause death.
From the 50s of the 20th century, water was treated with ionizers in order to artificially obtain alkaline water. Initially, it was used in hospitals as a treatment to improve the health of patients. Today, ionizers can be adapted to household taps to achieve more alkaline water than usual.
Alkaline water is generally beneficial for health. First of all because it is a natural antioxidant. On the other hand, patients with kidney problems who drink alkaline water improve their health. There are studies that maintain that drinking this type of water helps prevent cancer.
According to some research, in the localities where alkaline water is drunk, the inhabitants have a hope longer than normal life. The list of benefits is extensive: it helps to hydrate the skin, improves digestion, removes toxins from the body and is believed to be good for weight loss.
Criticism of alkaline water consumption
Studies have argued that the benefits of alkaline water are based on unscientific or pseudoscientific research. According to these studies the pH of the body (specifically of the blood) cannot be changed. This implies that alkaline water is not involved in acidifying the blood and therefore there is no demonstrable relationship between alkaline water and health benefits.
Photos: iStock - ThamKC / LiudmylaSupynska
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