Is Alkaline Water Legit?

Water is, without a doubt good for you, but some say that its alkaline alternative is even better. Celebrities like Beyoncé are among those who hold this belief but is there any truth to the matter? Or, is it just a case of an overpriced hoax that’s catching on based on a misconception? Here are a few alkaline water facts.

The Claim

Regular tap water is more acidic than alkaline water, and that’s a fact. It’s also a fact that the latter is filled with an abundance of bicarbonate and magnesium among other alkalizing compounds. Some people believe alkaline water is the key to battling a chronic condition called acidosis. This complication can arise due to poor diets resulting in too much acid in the bloodstream than the kidneys can adequately handle. Those in favor of this kind of water believe that it can counteract this imbalance in the bloodstream.

Additionally, they also argue that it can improve performance and health by easing the metabolism of nutrients. Alkaline water can have some genuine and exclusive benefits for the human body. However, this is due to the minerals that make the water alkaline in the first place. In addition to that, it shares the typical benefits you’d expect from drinking regular water. So, why all the buzz?

Bogus or Beneficial?

Most manufacturers of bottled alkaline water never go into great detail about how exactly it improves health. They are usually vague, frequently mentioning generic benefits or non-verifiable information. The few studies in existence looking to merit the upsides of alkaline water are often sponsored by the companies selling the same water. That constitutes a significant conflict of interest, and you’ll also notice that the “substantiated benefits” are modest at best.

Alkaline water might have trace advantages for your body because of its mineral composition, but there’s no strong case using alkaline water facts to claim that it’s better than plain, old, regular water.