Key points
- Alkaline water is water with a pH level higher than 7, while water with a pH under 7 is acidic.
- Alkaline water can be found in springs or manufactured artificially by using ionizing equipment or baking soda.
- Alkaline water is claimed to have various health benefits. However, there is insufficient scientific evidence to conclusively support most of these claims.
- FUL® is a sparkling spirulina drink that offers hydration while also providing essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to the body. It is 100% healthy and available in three delicious flavors.
The fact that you must drink a lot of water to keep your body functioning at its best is not a mystery. Since 70% of our body weight is water, staying hydrated is crucial for all body functions. To kill two birds with one stone, drinking functional water is becoming popular in today's culture since it is claimed to provide extra benefits in addition to hydration. Since alkaline water is the most widely consumed functional beverage, we will discuss it in detail in this article and tell you whether alkaline water is good for you.
What is Alkaline Water?
The first thing you should know is that each type of water has its own pH level. The acronym "pH" stands for potential hydrogen and refers to how acidic a substance is. Nearly all liquids have a ph level that ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A pH that’s higher than 7 is alkaline, while pH levels under 7 are acidic. The pH of tap water is considered to be 6.5-8, which is lower than the pH of alkaline water.
How Is Alkaline Water Made?
Alkaline water naturally occurs in springs and is a great source of minerals (such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium) that have been taken out of rock formations. It is also easy to manufacture alkaline water artificially by separating more acidic molecules with ionizing equipment. Baking soda or an at-home ionizer can be used to make alkaline drinks if you don’t want to purchase pre-bottled alkaline water.
Alkaline Water Benefits
Alkaline water provides lots of health benefits. Here are some of them:
High Mineral Content
First and foremost, alkaline water is healthy because it contains a lot of different minerals. For example, while potassium is an electrolyte that supports good digestion and muscular function, calcium is essential for bone and heart health. Similar to sodium, which controls blood pressure and nerve activity, magnesium supports muscle and nerve function and converts food into energy.
Strengthens Bones
Alkaline water contains bicarbonate, which aids in bone resorption, helping you maintain bone strength. Bone resorption involves the replacement of old bone cells with new ones. The bicarbonate and calcium content of alkaline water has been shown to have a good tendency to strengthen the bones of people who drink a lot of this water. However, as of now, there is insufficient data to demonstrate complete efficacy.
Soothes Acid Reflux
Have you ever experienced heartburn, the primary symptom of acid reflux? Acid reflux is the backflow of stomach acid into the food pipe (the tube that connects your stomach and throat). Since liquids with higher pH tend to kill pepsin, a chemical that is the primary cause of acid reflux, it is hypothesized that alkaline water with a pH greater than 8.5 may help to soothe heartburn.
Lowers Blood Pressure
High-pH electrolyte water decreases blood viscosity, preventing blood from becoming overly thick. People with high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol report relief and a drop in each measurement after consuming alkaline water.
Do You Really Need Alkaline Water?
There are numerous other claims that alkaline water provides benefits for the immune system, weight loss, and even the prevention of cancer. Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence to support the efficacy of alkaline water for these conditions. Furthermore, kidneys, your body’s natural "filters", help your body maintain a healthy and stable pH level regardless of what you eat and drink, making alkaline water largely ineffective.
Additionally, our stomach functions as an "equalizer" by neutralizing everything we eat with the help of hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes. Therefore, before alkaline water can provide any of the promised health claims, its pH level in your body will be re-acidified back to 7.
Is Alkaline Water Safe?
There is no need for fear if you decide to try this beverage since alkaline water is typically regarded to be safe. The only notable side effects are irritation of the skin or an upset stomach brought on by excessive consumption. Drinking alkaline water, however, should be done with caution if you have kidney illness because it might result in an unhealthy buildup of minerals in your body.
FUL® Sparkling Spirulina Drinks
While the health advantages of alkaline water are not that credible, there is a beverage that can help you stay healthy, happy, and hydrated! FUL®, a sparkling spirulina beverage, is a two-in-one drink that will hydrate you while also providing your body with a variety of essential nutrients. The spirulina extract used to create FUL® fizzy drinks is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Here are just a few of the nutrients FUL® drinks contain and the advantages they offer:
- Vitamin C: keeps the immune system functioning well;
- Calcium: supports the digestive system and strengthens bones;
- Vitamin B2: essential for maintaining good energy levels;
- Magnesium: promotes nerve and muscle function;
- Potassium: supports normal blood pressure levels and controls hydration.
FUL® is available in three flavors: Lime & Mint, White Peach, and Lemon & Ginger. Because these beverages come in bottles or cans, they are also compact and easy to carry everywhere! Try FUL® today and enjoy a healthy and nutritious fizzy drink on the go!