Alkaline Water: Benefits, Side Effects And Dangers (2024)

Table of Contents

  • What Is Alkaline Water?
  • Potential Benefits of Alkaline Water
  • Side Effects and Risks of Drinking Alkaline Water
  • Where to Find More Information

{{ tocState.toggleTocShowMore ? 'Show more' : 'Show less' }}

If you’ve ever wandered down the bottled water aisle of a supermarket, you’ve likely seen some products labeled as “alkaline.” Alkaline water may offer several health benefits, including the ability to improve one’s hydration and digestion, according to a 2022 scientific literature review of relevant research in the International Journal of Environmental Health Engineering. However, the authors of the review concluded that although some beneficial effects were seen in small studies, the evidence was not of high enough quality to recommend alkaline water as a health product[1]Anantharamu T, Vishnuprasad R, Sinha S, Santhanalakshmi D, Pradhan S, Salmani F. Does much hyped alkaline electrolyzed water provide health benefits? A systematic review and narrative synthesis. Int J Env Health Eng. 2022;11(12). .

Overall, scientific evidence is sparse when it comes to alkaline water’s purported benefits. Read on to learn more about alkaline water, including what research and experts say about potential benefits and any side effects or risks.

FEATURED PARTNER OFFER Alkaline Water: Benefits, Side Effects And Dangers (1)

Partner Offers feature brands who paid Forbes Health to appear at the top of our list. While this may influence where their products or services appear on our site, it in no way affects our ratings, which are based on thorough research, solid methodologies and expert advice. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services

Alkaline Water: Benefits, Side Effects And Dangers (2) 15% Off The First Subscription Order Using Code SUBSCRIBE15

Transparent Labs Hydrate

Alkaline Water: Benefits, Side Effects And Dangers (3)
  • Hydrate helps rapidly replenish electrolytes and hydrate the body before, during, and after exercise
  • Crafted with a comprehensive profile of bioavailable minerals like taurine and organic coconut water powder
  • Six refreshing flavors that are free of added sugars or artificial additives
  • Naturally sweetened with stevia

On Transparent Labs Website

What Is Alkaline Water?

The alkalinity of water refers to its pH, which is measured on a scale of zero to 14 based on its relative alkaline (basic) or acidic nature. A liquid with a pH of seven is considered neutral. Meanwhile, a liquid with a pH closer to zero is more acidic, and a liquid with a pH closer to 14 is more alkaline.

There are several ways to make water more alkaline. A process called electrolysis uses a device with an electric current to split water into acidic and alkaline components. The alkaline component is then saved for bottling. Adding certain minerals, such as calcium, sodium, magnesium and potassium, to water can also make it more alkaline.

How Is Alkaline Water Different From Plain Water?

Purified drinking water is neutral, with a pH around seven. In contrast, alkaline water has a higher (more basic) pH, typically ranging from eight to 10. Alkaline water may also contain more minerals than non-alkaline drinking water if minerals like calcium and potassium are added to increase and maintain the alkalinity of the water.

Potential Benefits of Alkaline Water

“[Some people] suggest that [alkaline water] can help neutralize acid in the body, improve hydration and boost the immune system,” says Ronald Smith, a registered dietitian nutritionist based in Connecticut. However, the potential benefits related to drinking alkaline water lack robust scientific evidence at this point in time, he adds. Larger and more rigorous clinical studies are needed before alkaline water can be universally recommended as a health promoting beverage.

With that said, a few small studies suggest that drinking alkaline water may have potential health benefits, including increased hydration, bone health support and a reduced risk of kidney stones.

Hydration

A small 2017 study of 36 male soccer players in Biology of Sport investigated the effects of drinking different types of water on hydration and post-exercise lactate use after strenuous exercise. Lactate, also known as lactic acid, is a byproduct produced by the body during exercise. When it builds up, it can cause a “burning” sensation that is often associated with strenuous exercise. Researchers found that alkaline water with no added minerals was associated with better hydration and improved lactate utilization (i.e., less accumulation of lactate)[2]Chycki J, Zając T, Maszczyk A, Kurylas A. The effect of mineral-based alkaline water on hydration status and the metabolic response to short-term anaerobic exercise. Biol Sport. 2017;34(3):255-261. . Larger, more comprehensive clinical trials are still needed to further support these findings.

Bone Health

A small 2009 study in the journal Bone examined the effects of both calcium-rich acidic mineral water and bicarbonate- and calcium-rich alkaline mineral water on bone health among 30 female participants. Those who were randomly placed in the alkaline water consumption group showed fewer markers of bone resorption (the destruction of bone tissues that leads to bone loss) than women assigned to the acidic mineral water group[3]Wynn E, Krieg MA, Aeschlimann JM, Burckhardt P. Alkaline mineral water lowers bone resorption even in calcium sufficiency: alkaline mineral water and bone metabolism. Bone. 2009;44(1):120-4. . A more recent 2021 study demonstrated that of 100 postmenopausal women, participants who drank alkaline water demonstrated enhanced bone density markers, suggesting that further studies are warranted to explore the impact alkaline water may have on treating osteoporosis[4]Fasihi S, Fazelian S, Farahbod F, Moradi F, Dehghan M. Effect of Alkaline Drinking Water on Bone Density of Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis. J Menopausal Med. 2021 Aug;27(2):94-101. .

Kidney Stones

When it comes to kidney stones, alkaline water can be hit or miss, explains Marc Richards, M.D., a board-certified nephrologist in Florida. Drinking calcium-enriched alkaline water could make the urine more alkaline, theoretically preventing certain types of kidney stones, such as those caused by oxalates (which represents about 90% of stones), he says. Calcium binds to oxalates, which are naturally-occurring compounds found in plant-based foods, in the gut, thereby preventing the development of a stone, he says.

Side Effects and Risks of Drinking Alkaline Water

Drinking alkaline water may have several side effects, according to Smith, including:

  • Altered blood pH. Since alkaline water has a higher pH than tap water, drinking large amounts could potentially slightly alter the body’s natural pH balance, says Smith. However, this imbalance is unlikely to occur, as the body is able to maintain proper pH levels on its own thanks to the functions of the kidneys and lungs.
  • Digestive problems. Drinking extensive amounts of alkaline water may result in digestive issues like nausea, vomiting and stomach pain, says Smith, though this effect is unlikely.
  • Interference with medication absorption. When consumed in large quantities, alkaline water may interfere with the absorption of certain medications because of how it could affect the stomach’s pH, explains Smith. If the pH of the stomach becomes too alkaline, it could speed up the absorption of acidic medications, leading to the medication entering the blood too quickly. In contrast, an alkaline stomach pH could lead to alkaline medications not being absorbed fast enough. Similar effects are seen with medications that are used to treat heartburn (which also increase the pH of the stomach).

Is Alkaline Water Dangerous?

There may be some risks associated with drinking alkaline water for people with chronic kidney disease, explains Dr. Richards. “In patients with chronic kidney disease, especially [when the disease is] caused by high blood pressure or heart disease, excess fluid can actually be harmful,” he explains. However, this risk exists with all forms of water—not just alkaline water.

Where to Find More Information

If you’re interested in incorporating alkaline water into your hydration routine, speak with your health care provider and/or a registered dietitian nutritionist, especially if you have a history of chronic health conditions.

If you have a history of kidney disease, it’s best to speak with your nephrologist before incorporating alkaline water into your routine.

Alkaline Water: Benefits, Side Effects And Dangers (2024)

FAQs

Alkaline Water: Benefits, Side Effects And Dangers? ›

Drinking alkaline water can help you increase the amount of important minerals in the body and may help with certain health conditions. That said, there isn't enough evidence to support all the potential benefits, and there may be some health risks if you drink it long-term.

What is the downside of drinking alkaline water? ›

There are possible disadvantages from drinking alkaline water with pH levels above 9. The water will likely have a bitter taste. And for people who regularly take stomach acid production blockers called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to maintain a higher stomach pH, drinking strong alkaline water could be dangerous.

Is alkaline water good for the elderly? ›

Muscle Function: Some studies suggest that alkaline water improves muscle strength and endurance, potentially beneficial for older adults struggling with age-related muscle decline.

What does alkaline water do to your body? ›

Alkaline water has a higher pH level than that of plain tap water. So proponents say that it can neutralize acid in your bloodstream. Some say that alkaline water can help prevent disease, such as cancer and heart disease. However, more research is needed to verify these claims.

Does alkaline water lower blood pressure? ›

Blood pressure and diabetes

Scientists in Shanghai found that 3 to 6 months after drinking alkaline water, people with high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high blood lipids had lower measures in each of these factors.

Is alkaline water hard on the kidneys? ›

"While alkaline water products have a higher pH than regular water, they have a negligible alkali content, which suggests that they can't raise urine pH enough to affect the development of kidney and other urinary stones," says UCI Health urologist Dr. Roshan M. Patel, the paper's senior author.

When should you avoid alkaline water? ›

Who Should Not Drink Alkaline Water? You should think twice about drinking alkaline water if you use medications called proton pump inhibitors (such as esomeprazole and omeprazole) to treat heartburn caused by acid reflux. These drugs work by altering the pH level of your stomach.

What are the symptoms of too much alkaline in the body? ›

Symptoms
  • Confusion (can progress to stupor or coma)
  • Hand tremor.
  • Lightheadedness.
  • Muscle twitching.
  • Nausea, vomiting.
  • Numbness or tingling in the face, hands, or feet.
  • Prolonged muscle spasms (tetany)
Nov 19, 2023

What is the healthiest alkaline water to drink? ›

The Top 10 Best Alkaline Water Brands
  • Evamor Natural Alkaline Artesian Water. ...
  • Talking Rain AQA Alkaline + Ionized Water. ...
  • Icelandic Glacial Natural Spring Water. ...
  • Qure Water. ...
  • TEN Spring Water. ...
  • AQUAhydrate. ...
  • BodyArmor SportWater. ...
  • SmartWater Electrolyte Enhanced Water10.

What is the healthiest water to drink? ›

7 Healthiest Water to Drink
  1. Spring Water. Spring water is considered the healthiest water to drink because it contains essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. ...
  2. Mineral Water. ...
  3. Distilled Water. ...
  4. Purified Water. ...
  5. Alkaline Water. ...
  6. Reverse Osmosis Water. ...
  7. Structured Water.
Aug 11, 2023

Does alkaline water make you pee a lot? ›

As alluring as it sounds, the answer is no, says Stanley Goldfarb, MD, hydration expert and professor at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “If you drink a lot of alkaline water, all you're going to do is pee out a huge amount of alkaline material. There really is no rationale for this,” Goldfarb explains.

Does alkaline water clean out your system? ›

Alkaline water may also help enhance your ability to flush out toxins by reducing the acidic waste load present within your kidneys and digestive system to restore a healthy balance. The right quality and quantity of water is foundational for the prevention of and recovery from disease and illness.

Can you take vitamins with alkaline water? ›

If you take a multi-vitamin or specific vitamins and minerals to support your health, you might be able to get more from your supplements by taking them with ionized alkaline water. It's the same with herbal supplements.

What are the disadvantages of drinking alkaline water? ›

Excessive alkaline water intake can temporarily reduce natural stomach acidity. Widespread problems can result, including disease and gastrointestinal distress. In extreme cases, excessive alkalinity may cause metabolic alkalosis, which can cause symptoms including nausea, vomiting, tremors, numbness and confusion.

Is alkaline water good for high cholesterol? ›

According to a study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, scientists in Shanghai found that three to six months after drinking alkaline water, people with high blood pressure (hypertension), high blood sugar (diabetes), and high blood lipids (cholesterol) had lower measures in each of these ...

Does alkaline water help with blood circulation? ›

In fact, a recent study into nutrition and hydration found participants who drank alkaline mineral water instead of purified water (water without electrolyte minerals) at the conclusion of an intense workout had a reduced blood viscosity, (viscosity is allowing blood to flow more easily through vessels and promotes ...

Is alkaline water bad for the gut? ›

Drinking too much alkaline water may very well disrupt your stomach acid, which could lead to an upset stomach and indigestion.

References

Top Articles
Apartments / Housing For Rent near West Chester, PA - craigslist
10 sites gratuits pour regarder des films et séries en streaming (légalement)
Spasa Parish
Rentals for rent in Maastricht
159R Bus Schedule Pdf
Sallisaw Bin Store
Black Adam Showtimes Near Maya Cinemas Delano
Espn Transfer Portal Basketball
Pollen Levels Richmond
11 Best Sites Like The Chive For Funny Pictures and Memes
Things to do in Wichita Falls on weekends 12-15 September
Craigslist Pets Huntsville Alabama
Paulette Goddard | American Actress, Modern Times, Charlie Chaplin
Red Dead Redemption 2 Legendary Fish Locations Guide (“A Fisher of Fish”)
What's the Difference Between Halal and Haram Meat & Food?
R/Skinwalker
Rugged Gentleman Barber Shop Martinsburg Wv
Jennifer Lenzini Leaving Ktiv
Justified - Streams, Episodenguide und News zur Serie
Epay. Medstarhealth.org
Olde Kegg Bar & Grill Portage Menu
Cubilabras
Half Inning In Which The Home Team Bats Crossword
Amazing Lash Bay Colony
Juego Friv Poki
Dirt Devil Ud70181 Parts Diagram
Truist Bank Open Saturday
Water Leaks in Your Car When It Rains? Common Causes & Fixes
What’s Closing at Disney World? A Complete Guide
New from Simply So Good - Cherry Apricot Slab Pie
Fungal Symbiote Terraria
modelo julia - PLAYBOARD
Poker News Views Gossip
Abby's Caribbean Cafe
Joanna Gaines Reveals Who Bought the 'Fixer Upper' Lake House and Her Favorite Features of the Milestone Project
Tri-State Dog Racing Results
Navy Qrs Supervisor Answers
Trade Chart Dave Richard
Lincoln Financial Field Section 110
Free Stuff Craigslist Roanoke Va
Wi Dept Of Regulation & Licensing
Pick N Pull Near Me [Locator Map + Guide + FAQ]
Crystal Westbrooks Nipple
Ice Hockey Dboard
Über 60 Prozent Rabatt auf E-Bikes: Aldi reduziert sämtliche Pedelecs stark im Preis - nur noch für kurze Zeit
Wie blocke ich einen Bot aus Boardman/USA - sellerforum.de
Infinity Pool Showtimes Near Maya Cinemas Bakersfield
Dermpathdiagnostics Com Pay Invoice
How To Use Price Chopper Points At Quiktrip
Maria Butina Bikini
Busted Newspaper Zapata Tx
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Domingo Moore

Last Updated:

Views: 6193

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (73 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Domingo Moore

Birthday: 1997-05-20

Address: 6485 Kohler Route, Antonioton, VT 77375-0299

Phone: +3213869077934

Job: Sales Analyst

Hobby: Kayaking, Roller skating, Cabaret, Rugby, Homebrewing, Creative writing, amateur radio

Introduction: My name is Domingo Moore, I am a attractive, gorgeous, funny, jolly, spotless, nice, fantastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.