We live in a time when we havemore access to health and nutrition information than ever before.
You probably already know this, but water is good for you.
Like, really good for you.
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Like theres-no-substance-more-important-to-our-bodies good for you.
This supposed miracle liquid is alkaline water.
For starters, lets talk about pH.
A substances pH (potential hydrogen) isthe measure of the hydrogen ion concentration within it.
A pH below 7 is considered acidic and above a 7 pH is referred to as basic.
The more hydrogen ions present, the more acidic the solution will be, and the lower the pH.
Conversely, lower hydrogen concentration means a solution is more basic and therefore it has a higher pH.
Now, the term alkaline gets used interchangeably with basic but theyre notexactlythe same.
Alkaline compounds are thingssalts, metalsthat, when added to water, make it more basic.
Thats what people are talking about when they talk about alkaline water.
Therefore, a more alkaline body will lead to better health.
Dr. Ramin explains that the kidneys are primarily responsible for maintaining proper levels of acidity in the bloodstream.
This fluid is highly acidic so that it can dissolve the toughest foods we eat.
Therefore, when one ingests alkaline water, this water mixes with the highly acidic gastric juice.
Most, if not all of the alkalinity of alkaline water will be neutralized in the stomach.
This is one of the bodys built-in acid buffering systems.
As you might tell, even if we wanted to influence our blood pH, we really cant.
Our body is doing that for us.
Looking at the literature on reflux, youll find a handful of studies.
Two other studies have since followed and both recommend further scientific study.
When it comes to hydration, the evidence is limited.
Hydration was measured using four biomarkers in 100 adults who exercised until they were dehydrated.
Mueller is skeptical about the possibility that alkaline water is exceptionally hydrating.
So far, neither research nor recommendations indicate alkaline water over regular water.
No randomized trials exist and promotion of it is not justified for prevention to the public.
This leaves us with bottled water whose benefits are not backed with enough evidence to justify their cost.
Often good nutrition isnt as complicated as many people may make you feel.
When it comes to hydration and well-being, experts agree thatplain old tap water is just fine.
We also know that eating enough fruits and veggies will have a major impact on overall health.
But eating fruits, veggies, and drinking tap water just often seems too simple.
If this is the case then it could have a major impact on your well-being.
But the same could be true for any form of water you choose.
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