Alkaline Water: How Can it Balance the Impact of Acidic Foods in Your Diet

Modern diets contain an abundance of acidic foods, from processed meats to carbonated beverages. Though these acidic delights may bring flavour to your meals, they can also disrupt the delicate pH balance within your bodies. Such disruptions can have repercussions on your overall health and well-being.

The pH balance within our bodies refers to the measurement of acidity or alkalinity on a scale known as the pH scale. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 0 being highly acidic, 7 considered neutral, and 14 highly alkaline (or basic).

Alkaline water can help in balancing the pH levels in your body.

Let’s understand the entire process in detail.

Understanding pH Levels in the Body

The human body aims for a slightly alkaline pH between 7.35 to 7.45 instead of a neutral 7.¹ This number is crucial for various biological processes, with one of the big ones being the oxygenation of our blood. Plus, many of the chemical reactions happening inside your body work better in a slightly alkaline environment because it helps keep important molecules in the right form.

Understanding the role of pH in your body drives home the importance of maintaining a balanced diet that includes alkaline foods and water. This balance can help us keep our pH levels where they should be and support our overall well-being.

So, next time you reach for that glass of water, remember that it's not just about quenching your thirst; it's about keeping your body's pH in harmony.

Effects of Acidic Foods on the Human Body

Keeping your body's acid and base levels in balance is crucial. If things get too acidic for too long, it could increase your risk for some diseases. To help your pH levels stay healthy, try cutting back on acidic foods like meats, eggs, beans, oilseeds, salt, high-sodium condiments, certain types of cheese, and some grains, and changing regular drinking water to alkaline water. It's a simple step for a healthier you!

Eating acidic foods can affect various aspects of your body:

1. Urinary pH:

   An acidic diet can alter the pH levels in your urine. Consuming too many animal proteins and carbonated drinks may lead to the formation of uric acid stones in your kidneys.

2. Blood pH:

   The consumption of acidic or alkaline foods can have little impact on blood pH levels. High acid levels in the blood are usually linked to underlying conditions like diabetes, kidney problems, or lung diseases that reduce blood oxygenation.

3. Phosphoric Acid:

   Phosphoric acid in certain carbonated drinks has been associated with lower bone density. It's believed that dark sodas, which are highly acidic, can lead to bone density issues when they replace high-protein drinks in a regular diet.

Remember that while diet plays a role in overall health, maintaining a balanced diet and lifestyle is essential for well-being.

How Can Alkaline Water Help Reduce Acidic Levels in The Body?

Alkaline water is thought to lower acidity in the body through various means:

• Balancing pH Levels:

  Alkaline water typically has a higher pH level, which can help balance the body's overall pH. Consuming acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, processed foods, or carbonated beverages, can lead to increased acidity in the body.

  Alkaline water is thought to neutralize this acidity by raising the pH level, potentially reducing the overall acidic load on the body.

• Neutralizing Acid:

  The minerals present in alkaline water, such as calcium and magnesium, are believed to neutralize the effects of acid-forming foods. Acidic foods like meat, dairy, and some grains can contribute to higher acidity.

  Alkaline water's mineral content may act as a buffer, helping to reduce the impact of these acid-forming foods and promoting a more balanced pH environment.

• Hydration:

  Adequate hydration is essential for maintaining a healthy pH balance in the body. Alkaline water may enhance hydration due to its smoother taste and increased palatability compared to regular tap water.

  Proper hydration supports the body in removing acidic waste products through urine, contributing to a more balanced pH.

• Anti-Inflammatory Properties:

  Alkaline water's potential anti-inflammatory properties can help counteract the inflammatory effects of acidic foods. Chronic inflammation is associated with various health issues, and alkaline water's purported anti-inflammatory properties may assist in mitigating these effects.

• Digestive Support:

  Alkaline water has the potential to alleviate acid reflux symptoms, which can significantly contribute to improved digestive health. It reduces excess acidity in the stomach, helping individuals experience relief from common digestive discomforts associated with acid reflux. And promoting a more comfortable and healthier digestive process.

• Bone Health:

  Alkaline water is believed to enhance bone health by counteracting the acidity generated by certain dietary choices. When the body becomes too acidic due to factors like diet, it may draw calcium from the bones to neutralize the acidity.

  Alkaline water, with its higher pH, is thought to help neutralize excess acidity, potentially reducing the need for the body to leach calcium from bones. This could contribute to better bone health and lower the risk of conditions like osteoporosis.

• Detoxification:

  Alkaline water is thought to assist the body in detoxification by helping flush out acidic toxins. It may do so by neutralizing excess acid, making it easier for the body to eliminate harmful substances. This process could potentially support the liver and kidneys in their natural detoxification functions.

All the above benefits are the reason why choosing alkaline water purifiers has become widely popular.

Alkaline water vs. Regular water: Key Differences

Regular drinking water is neutral, with a pH around seven. On the other hand, alkaline water has a higher, more basic pH, usually between eight and 10.

Alkaline water can also be enriched with minerals like calcium and potassium to boost and sustain its alkalinity.

Here's a comparison between alkaline water and regular water:

Aspect	Alkaline Water	Regular Water
pH Level	Higher pH (typically 8-9 )	Neutral pH (around 7 )
Taste	May have a slightly bitter taste	Neutral or may have a mineral taste
Mineral Content	Contains minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium	Contains varying mineral content depending on the source
Potential Benefits	Claimed to offer antioxidant and hydration benefits	Considered safe for drinking, but fewer claimed health benefits
Cost	Typically more expensive	Economical and readily available
Taste Preference	Subjective, some prefer the taste	Familiar taste for most people

Health Benefits of Drinking Alkaline Water

1. Supports Weight Loss

   In an animal study, rats that consumed alkaline water exhibited lower body weights overall. Interestingly, the rat exposed to the highest pH value, indicating a more alkaline environment, had the lowest body weight among the group.²

   Additional research suggests that having alkaline water may positively influence an individual's body weight over the long term. One proposed mechanism behind this effect is an improved metabolism, as noted by some experts. This suggests that alkaline water contributes to better weight management and overall health.³

2. Reduced Acid Reflux

   Acid reflux, characterized by heartburn and discomfort, can be alleviated by consuming alkaline water. It is believed that the higher pH of alkaline water can help neutralize excess stomach acid, reducing the severity and frequency of acid reflux symptoms.

3. Improved Skin Health

   Enthusiasts of alkaline water suggest that it can contribute to clearer and more radiant skin. The reason behind this claim lies in the potential reduction of acidity levels in the body. Lower acidity levels may be associated with fewer skin issues, such as acne or dryness, resulting in a complexion that appears healthier and more glowing.

It’s Time to Start Consuming Clean and pH-balanced Water

When it comes to ensuring clean, healthy, and pH-balanced water for you and your family, Aquaguard stands as a trusted name in the water purification industry.

One notable model is the Aquaguard Ritz RO+UV+MTDS+Alkaline Water Purifier, equipped with a 7-stage purification process and alkaline boost technology. The Alkaline Cartridge provides an immediate boost to the water's pH level, rendering it alkaline. This innovative cartridge is also equipped with activated carbon, enhancing water safety, healthiness, and taste by effectively eliminating contaminants.

Another excellent choice is the Aquaguard ASTOR RO+UV+UF+MTDS with Alkaline Technology Water Purifier. It employs a nine-stage purification process while optimizing the pH levels of water to counteract acidity within your body.

The Aquaguard Glory RO+UV+MTDS+Alkaline+SS Water Purifier and Aquaguard Marvel NXT RO+UV+MTDS+Alkaline+SS Water Purifier also have an Alkaline cartridge.

Meanwhile, there’s a wide range of state-of-the-art alkaline water purifiers to choose from. They are technology designed to transform basic tap water into revitalizing alkaline water.

With Aquaguard, you not only invest in premium water purifiers but also in your family's well-being and health.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. Does water intake differ between summer and winter for maintaining good health?

Yes, how much water you need can change with the seasons. In summer, when it's hot and we're active, we lose more water from sweating. So, we need to drink more. In winter, we might not feel as thirsty. Either way, it is important to drink enough water all year, adjusting to the weather and how active we are.

2. What are the signs of dehydration in winter, and how can I prevent it?

In winter, signs of dehydration include dry skin, thirst, dark urine, tiredness, and dizziness. To avoid it, drink water often. Speak with your doctor to understand your water requirements.

3. Can clean water relieve winter ailments?

Drinking clean water can help with dry throat and stuffy nose in winter because of its hydrating properties. It keeps your throat moist and thins mucus, making breathing easier. Purified water also helps flush toxins from your body, aiding overall health.

References

1. National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2019). Acute renal failure. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507807/ Accessed on 19/03/2024

2. Hu, Y. Y., Rawal, S., & Schmidt-Ott, K. M. (2001). Anatomy of the glomerulus: The good, the bad, and the ugly. Kidney International, 60(4), 1349–1359. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1523-1755.2001.00943.x/ Accessed on 19/03/2024

3. Magro, M., Corain, L., Ferro, S., Baratella, D., Bonaiuto, E., Terzo, M., Corraducci, V., Salmaso, L., & Vianello, F. (2016). Alkaline Water and Longevity: A Murine Study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : ECAM, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/3084126 /Accessed on 19/03/2024