NDTV's Fact-Check: Is Alkaline Water Really Good for Health?

Alkaline water has gained popularity in recent years, with proponents claiming it offers various health benefits, from improved hydration to disease prevention. However, a recent fact-check by NDTV raises questions about these assertions, suggesting that the purported advantages may not be supported by scientific evidence.

What Is Alkaline Water?

Alkaline water is water that has been treated to increase its pH level, making it less acidic than regular tap water. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral; values below 7 are acidic, and those above are alkaline. 

Typical drinking water has a pH close to neutral, while alkaline water usually has a pH between 8 and 10. This increased alkalinity is often achieved by adding minerals like calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate, or through processes like electrolysis.

Claims Surrounding Alkaline Water

Advocates of alkaline water suggest several health benefits, including:

• Improved Hydration: Some believe that alkaline water is more easily absorbed by the body, leading to better hydration.

• Acid Reflux Relief: It's claimed that alkaline water can neutralize stomach acid, providing relief from acid reflux.

• Antioxidant Properties: Proponents assert that alkaline water can act as an antioxidant, combating free radicals and reducing oxidative stress.

• Enhanced Bone Health: Some suggest that alkaline water can help maintain bone density by reducing bone resorption.

• Cancer Prevention: There are claims that an alkaline environment in the body can inhibit cancer cell growth.

Scientific Perspective

Despite these claims, scientific research does not conclusively support the health benefits of alkaline water. The human body maintains a tightly regulated pH balance through mechanisms involving the lungs and kidneys, making it unlikely that consuming alkaline water can significantly alter systemic pH levels.

For instance, while alkaline water may temporarily neutralize stomach acid, the stomach's natural acidity (with a pH around 2) is essential for digestion and killing harmful bacteria. Any increase in pH is quickly countered by the body's regulatory systems.

Regarding hydration, standard drinking water is generally sufficient for maintaining proper hydration in healthy individuals. There is limited evidence to suggest that alkaline water offers superior hydration benefits.

As for claims about antioxidant properties, bone health, and cancer prevention, current scientific literature does not provide robust evidence supporting these assertions. Health experts caution against relying on alkaline water for these purposes, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle choices.

Potential Risks and Considerations

While drinking alkaline water is generally considered safe for most people, excessive consumption may lead to certain health issues:

• Digestive Problems: Overconsumption can reduce stomach acidity, potentially impairing digestion and increasing the risk of gastrointestinal infections.

• Metabolic Alkalosis: In rare cases, excessive intake of alkaline substances can lead to metabolic alkalosis, a condition characterized by elevated blood pH, resulting in symptoms like nausea, vomiting, muscle twitching, and confusion.

Conclusion

The NDTV fact-check highlights that the health benefits attributed to alkaline water lack substantial scientific backing. While it may provide temporary relief for acid reflux in some individuals, its overall impact on health appears minimal.

It's essential to approach health claims critically and consult healthcare professionals before making significant changes to your diet or health regimen. Maintaining health is best achieved through balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and adherence to evidence-based medical advice.