In the few years people have been talking a lot about alkaline water. Some people say it is a miracle drink that can help you live longer prevent cancer and make you feel better.. Is it really that good for you or is it just a way for companies to make money?
Let us look at what alkaline water is and what it can really do for you.
What Is Alkaline Water?
Alkaline water is different from the water you normally drink. It has a pH level, which is around 8 or 9. Normal drinking water has a level of 7. Some alkaline water is natural. Some of it is made using special machines.
How Does Your Body Keep Its pH Level Stable?
Some people think that drinking alkaline water can change the level of your body.. That is not true. Your body is very good at keeping its pH level stable. It does this with the help of your kidneys, lungs and liver.
Your kidneys help control the level in your blood.
Your lungs control how carbon dioxide you have in your body.
Your liver helps keep your metabolism in balance.
All these things work together to keep your blood level stable no matter what you drink.
What Happens When You Drink Alkaline Water?
When you drink alkaline water it goes into your stomach. Your stomach has acid that quickly neutralizes the alkalinity of the water. So the idea that alkaline water can make your whole body more alkaline is not true.
Can Alkaline Water Prevent Cancer?
There is no scientific proof that alkaline water can prevent or cure cancer. Cancer is a thing that depends on many factors, such as your genes how you live your life and what you are exposed to in your environment. Drinking alkaline water does not change these things.
Does It Slow Down Aging?
There is no medical proof that alkaline water can slow down aging. What really helps you age well is eating a diet exercising regularly sleeping well and not smoking or drinking too much alcohol.
Is Alkaline Water Good For Acid Reflux?
Some small studies say that alkaline water might help reduce acid reflux symptoms.. This is not a cure and you should not just rely on alkaline water to make you feel better.
What Really Matters For Your Health?
Of worrying about special water you should just make sure you drink enough water every day.
Men should drink around 3 to 3.5 liters of water per day.
Women should drink around 2 to 2.5 liters of water per day.
The best water for you is the water you drink regularly.
So Is Alkaline Water A Miracle Or A Myth?
Alkaline water is not bad for you but it is not a miracle cure either. It does not prevent cancer. It is basically just expensive water.
If you like the taste you can drink it.. Do not think it will make you much healthier.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is alkaline water better than water?
For people regular water is just fine. There is no proof that alkaline water is better for you.
2. Can alkaline water cure cancer?
No there is no proof that alkaline water can prevent or cure cancer.
3. Is it safe to drink alkaline water every day?
Yes it is safe to drink in moderation.. Drinking too much of it might not be good for your digestion.
4. Does alkaline water help with reflux?
It might give some people relief but it is not a substitute for real medical treatment.
5. How water should I drink every day?
You should drink around 2 to 3.5 liters of water per day depending on your body how active you are and where you live.
Final Thoughts
Your health is not about quick fixes. It is about making the right daily choices. If you are worried about your digestion or cancer you should talk to a doctor.
You can book a consultation with Dr. Asit Arora, who is a specialist in GI and HPB Surgical Oncology at Apollo Hospitals, Delhi.
Stay informed and stay healthy.