Ionized water is a term commonly used to describe water that has undergone a process to adjust its potential of hydrogen (pH) level, making it more alkaline than standard tap water. The goal of this process is typically to achieve a pH between 8.0 and 9.5, moving it away from the neutral pH of 7. This alteration is often achieved at home using specialized equipment or simple additives.
Understanding Ionized Water
The pH scale measures the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution, determining whether it is acidic, neutral, or alkaline. Solutions with a pH below 7.0 are considered acidic, while those above 7.0 are considered alkaline. When water is described as “ionized,” it means the balance of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions (OH-) has been shifted to favor alkalinity. This chemical change is primarily achieved by concentrating alkaline minerals naturally present in the water, such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals carry a positive electrical charge and contribute to the water’s higher pH.
Methods Using Specialized Ionizers
The most direct way to create ionized water at home is by using a dedicated water ionizer machine, which operates through electrolysis. This countertop appliance connects directly to the home’s water supply, filtering the water to remove impurities before it flows into an electrolysis chamber containing multiple platinum-coated titanium plates. An electrical current is passed through these plates, separating the mineral ions. Positively charged ions (calcium and magnesium) are drawn to the negative electrode, creating the alkaline stream for drinking, while negatively charged ions form a separate acidic stream typically used for cleaning. Users can often select a desired pH level, usually ranging from 8.5 to 9.5, but maintenance requires periodically cleaning the plates and replacing internal filter cartridges.
Alternative Methods for Alkalizing Water
Several alternative methods can increase the pH of drinking water through mineral or chemical addition. One common household method involves adding a small amount of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), which is naturally alkaline with a pH of about 9. Dissolving approximately one-eighth of a teaspoon of baking soda into eight ounces of water achieves a noticeable pH elevation, though individuals monitoring their sodium intake should be mindful that baking soda contains sodium. Another option is using commercially available pH drops, which are concentrated liquid supplements containing highly alkaline minerals, often potassium or sodium. Filtration systems, such as pitchers or under-sink units, can also be purchased with alkaline mineral filters designed to slowly introduce mineral compounds like calcium and magnesium into the water as it passes through.
Evaluating the Claims and Safety
Proponents of ionized water suggest that its consumption offers health benefits, including enhanced hydration, antioxidant properties, and the ability to neutralize excess acid in the body. The antioxidant claim is often linked to a negative Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP) and the presence of dissolved hydrogen molecules generated during the electrolysis process. However, the current scientific literature does not offer broad empirical evidence to support the majority of these health claims. The human body possesses robust homeostatic mechanisms, primarily involving the lungs and kidneys, which tightly regulate the pH of the blood and tissues; introducing highly alkaline water does not significantly alter the body’s overall pH balance. Consumption of water with an excessively high pH may interfere with the natural acidity of the stomach, which is important for digestion and pathogen defense, so individuals considering a significant change in their drinking water routine should consult a healthcare provider.