Water can come in various forms — tap, bottled, fizzy and alkaline are just a few options available to us today – the key is finding one that suits you, such as tap or mineral water that contains alkalinity levels higher than traditional acidic bottled or tap waters such as acidity of pH levels 0-14 (like traditional tap and bottled waters). But is one better than another and do these drinks have health benefits for our bodies?
An alkaline diet works on the principle that eating more alkaline-forming foods helps protect against obesity and disease. Proponents assert that acid-forming foods such as meat and grains create imbalances in pH levels in the body which lead to illness; in response, they suggest increasing consumption of alkaline fruits and vegetables to balance out these pH imbalances in your system.
Some researchers argue that claims about an alkaline diet are unsubstantiated and even harmful; one major reason being its insufficient research. An alkaline diet could restrict your consumption of key nutrients like protein and calcium as well as limit how many calories can be eaten each day, leading to overeating and fat storage.
Even without evidence to back it up, many people swear by an alkaline diet. Proponents claim it can prevent cancer, aid weight loss and boost energy, aid digestion and more. Studies support such claims but some show how a higher blood pH level could decrease cancer risks and enhance chemotherapy drug effectiveness.
If you are interested in the benefits of alkaline water, other ways of making your diet less acid-forming include eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, cutting back on processed meats, cutting back on sugary sodas and drinking plenty of water.
The alkaline diet has recently gained traction due to numerous books and websites extolling its virtues; however, until you consult a physician it would be wise to steer clear of all this hype and choose foods which have been scientifically researched as beneficial for health.