Ionized Water: Health Benefits And Risks

Alkaline water or Alkaline ionized water is something different from normal drinking water due to its high pH and is obtained from the process of electrolysis. The high pH level makes many of its advocates to believe that it can help in neutralizing acid in the body. Typically, the pH of alkaline ionized water stands at 8 or 9 which is a couple of units higher than that of regular drinking water with neutral pH.

The studies conducted on such ionized water have shown many health benefits but still, there are some risks associated as well. Therefore, you should always strive to find the best-ionized water available. So, let’s look at some of the major health benefits before getting into what are the risks.

Health Benefits Of Ionized Water

There have been some studies that show benefits of ionized alkaline water in different health conditions. One such study conducted back in 2012, suggested that alkaline water having 8.8 pH can be helpful in deactivating pepsin, the main enzyme responsible for causing acid reflux. According to another study, alkaline water proves to be beneficial for people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Another more recent study revealed that a major difference was found in the entire blood viscosity in people who consumed water with high pH level as compared to those who quenched their thirst with regular water after performing strenuous workouts. Viscosity directly measures the way blood flows in the vessels. People consuming high pH best-ionized water saw a 6.3 percent reduction in viscosity as compared to the 3.36 percent reduction observed in those who consumed standard purified water. The result simply is the efficient flow of blood in people drinking alkaline water. It can also help increase the delivery of oxygen right throughout the body.

Some other benefits that alkaline ionized water is believed to offer include:

· Slowing down of the aging process through liquid antioxidants which are absorbed by the human body rather quickly

· Colon-cleansing

· Support for the immune system

· Weight loss

· Hydration and detoxification of skin

· Cancer resistance

Possible Risks Associated With Alkaline Water

Even though the general perception about alkaline ionized water is that it’s pretty much safe, some negative side effects can still be expected. For instance, it may cause natural acidity in the stomach that can be helpful in killing the bacteria as well as expelling different unwanted pathogens from the bloodstream.

Besides, an increased alkalinity of the body can lead to gastrointestinal issues as well as skin irritations. It can also lead to the agitation of normal pH of the body and can result in metabolic alkalosis. As a result, following symptoms can be experienced.

· Nausea

· Hand Tremors

· Vomiting

· Confusion

· Muscle Twitching

Alkalosis may also lead to decreased levels of free calcium that, in turn, can impact the bone health. But hypocalcemia is not commonly caused by consumption of alkaline water rather it happens due to some underactive parathyroid gland.