The pH scale is a logarithmic measurement that determines how acidic or alkaline a substance is, ranging from 0 to 14. A value of 7.0 is neutral; anything below is acidic, and anything above is alkaline, or basic. Standard tap water is usually near the neutral 7.0 mark, but alkaline water is specifically defined as water with a pH level above 7.0, typically between 8 and 9. This higher pH is achieved by incorporating alkaline minerals or using specialized filtration or electrical processes. The popularity of alkaline water comes from the belief that consuming a less acidic beverage supports the body’s natural pH balance.
Simple At-Home Techniques
One straightforward method involves dissolving baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) into the water. Sodium bicarbonate is highly alkaline and readily raises the water’s pH. A common recommendation is dissolving about 1/8 teaspoon into an 8-ounce glass of water, which can elevate the pH to approximately 8.5. Individuals on a sodium-restricted diet should exercise caution, as baking soda is high in sodium.
Adding citrus fruits, such as lemon or lime, is another technique. Although acidic, the minerals they contain produce an alkalizing effect once metabolized by the body. Digestion breaks down the citric acid, leaving behind alkaline mineral salts that are thought to contribute to a higher systemic pH. Infusing water with a few slices of lemon or a small amount of juice is effective.
Boiling water can result in a temporary increase in pH. Tap water contains dissolved carbon dioxide, which forms carbonic acid and slightly lowers the pH. Boiling drives the carbon dioxide out as a gas, removing the acidic component and allowing the pH to rise. This effect is temporary, however, as the water re-absorbs carbon dioxide from the air as it cools.
Commercial Products and Tools
For those seeking a more precise method, specialized commercial products are available. Alkaline pH drops are highly concentrated mineral solutions, typically containing potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide. Adding a few drops to water can neutralize acidity and elevate the pH level to between 9 and 10. These drops also provide electrolyte minerals, offering a portable and convenient solution for use on the go.
A more advanced and expensive option is the water ionizer, which uses electrolysis. These machines contain platinum-coated titanium electrodes that introduce an electrical charge. This charge separates the water into two streams: one acidic and one alkaline. The alkaline stream, known as cathodic water, contains a higher concentration of positively charged ions, such as calcium and magnesium, which contribute to the higher pH.
Alkaline water filters and pitchers represent a middle ground in cost and complexity. These filtration systems incorporate specialized media designed to modify the water’s mineral content. Common media include alkaline ceramic balls, calcium carbonate (calcite), and magnesium oxide. The interaction with these minerals releases alkaline compounds into the water, raising the pH and adding beneficial minerals.
How the Body Regulates pH
The human body maintains a stable internal environment through homeostasis. The pH of the blood is tightly controlled, consistently staying within a narrow range of 7.35 to 7.45. The body uses powerful buffer systems to prevent dramatic shifts in this balance. The primary mechanism is the carbonic acid–bicarbonate buffer system, which regulates pH in the extracellular fluid.
The lungs and the kidneys are the main organs responsible for pH regulation. The respiratory system adjusts pH rapidly by controlling carbon dioxide exhalation. Since carbon dioxide forms carbonic acid in the blood, exhaling more reduces overall acidity. The kidneys operate over a slower timescale, managing metabolic compensation by excreting hydrogen ions and retaining or generating bicarbonate.
When alkaline water is ingested, it immediately encounters the highly acidic environment of the stomach, which has a pH of about 4 due to hydrochloric acid (HCl). The stomach’s function is to digest food and neutralize pathogens, so the alkaline water is quickly neutralized by the existing acid. Proponents suggest the stomach must produce more hydrochloric acid to restore balance, creating an alkaline byproduct (sodium bicarbonate) that enters the bloodstream. However, scientific literature indicates that ingesting alkaline water has an extremely limited effect on the systemic pH of the blood due to these robust and finely tuned regulatory systems.