Alkaline Water

CEBU, Philippines - Nothing beats a glass of really cold water during this hot season. It keeps our bodies hydrated and refreshed as we go about our daily activities under the summer sun. However, some of us might be wondering what kind of water is truly best for our systems. The various water sources and treatment processes have made it possible for H2O to differ in both taste and quality. There’s mineralised, filtered, distilled, and recently, the rising popular one due to its attested health benefits, ionized. So which one really is it?

Ionized water is more popularly known as alkaline water. Unlike regular water that has a neutral pH of seven, which means it has an equal concentration of hydrogen and oxygen, alkaline lands higher on the pH scale. The latter has a pH of more than seven, indicating that it has a bigger concentration of oxygen compared to hydrogen.

Alkaline water is attested to improve the conditions of people with arthritis, allergies, indigestion, gastritis, high blood pressure and obesity. It is said to improve capacity for aerobic activities as well as neutralize and flush toxins and acidic water from the body.

Aside from its health advantages, it is claimed that the properties of alkaline water enable it to be useful in other household tasks. For example, it improves the taste and texture of rice and vegetables when cooking. Also, using alkaline water in juices, coffee, and tea will result in a sweeter taste because the acid of these drinks will be “neutralized.”

The development of alkaline water began in Japan during the 1950’s. A decade later, the use of alkaline/ionised water was given a safety approval from the Japanese Ministry of Health. They were popular in Japan in the 1970’s and 80’s. Today, it has a growing number of consumers in the Philippines. In Cebu, there is the Maxx Purified Alkaline Water, which is operated by Joy Li. She, herself, has experienced the effects of alkaline water such as the alleviation of minor body pains. “So far, I haven’t received health-related complaints from my customers.”

However, some medical professionals are still wary of the effects of alkaline water. “Even ordinary purified water is beneficiary.” stated Dr. Lorel Dee. Furthermore, Lee said that there have been no scientific studies so far that support alkaline water’s health claims.

Biology instructor, Prof. Mary Joyce Flores also heeded out a word of advice to consumers, “We still don’t know the long term effects of alkaline water so we must use it with caution.” For one, we can visit our doctor and inquire if this type of treated water is well suited to the needs of our own bodies. Some body types may not be compatible to drink water with a higher level of alkalinity.

Nevertheless, we all must keep in mind that it is very vital in this scorching heat to keep a jug of water within our reach, alkaline or not alkaline.