How to make alkaline water is becoming more popular with those following the newest health and nutrition trends and particularly due to the positive benefits purported by those consuming alkaline water.
Of course, there are always going to be those who question the legitimacy of any new health and nutrition trend and alkaline water is no stranger to its own skeptics.
However, many alkaline water users rave about the benefits of taking part in the new health trend.
Well, firstly the main reason I want to make my own is dude the price tag of this in-store!
Buying bottled water (basic water) with heavy metals, can quickly become a pricey adventure, and if you are not sure you buy into the alkaline water fad, then you may want to consider my more budget-friendly method.
Making your current basic water source more alkaline can actually be done at home and for very little added cost to your budget in alkalinity of water.
So stick with me here.
What is Alkaline Water Anyway?
Alkaline water actually refers to the pH of the water (or any other substance considered a liquid).
Water that measures higher in pH is considered to be more alkaline than other liquids. Another way to describe higher pH levels is to say it is more basic rather than more acidic.
So, pH levels that are lower are considered more acidic.
Average drinking water that comes from the tap or is sold in a bottle will measure right around a 7, and is considered neutral.
So, water that is considered alkaline measures at a higher pH and falls between a pH of 8 and 9.
Waters that are bottled with a naturally added alkaline level usually come from springs that have high amounts of dissolved minerals and carbon dioxide in them.
This happens as the water passes over rocks on the bottoms of springs it picks up the minerals along the way.
However, alkaline water can be produced using some simple at-home science experiments.
You will have to be the judge of whether or not your at-home concoctions are on the same level as the alkaline water bottled from more natural methods (like spring water).
The Case for Alkaline Water
There are a lot of claims made by the stakeholders who are pro-alkaline water. Most of this hype derives from the notion that the less acidic water is beneficial to lowering the causes of osteoporosis in many adults.
The craze has participants of varying levels. Some people simply choose to drink water that is more alkaline than regular neutral waters.
Others who are more hardcore about the whole idea eat a diet consisting mostly of foods deemed to be more alkaline than others. The alkaline diet consists of mostly fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
Those who are trying to eat a 100% alkaline diet would not eat meat or fish.
Proponents of the alkaline diet claim that it can drastically improve the condition of the skin, reduce the effects of aging, and even claim that cancer risks are reduced by partaking in the alkaline diet.
Of course, these claims remain unproven by research.
Further, many of these benefits may also be benefits that are granted from simply drinking more of any kind of water.
Still, the idea is an interesting one to consider. But we must ask ourselves, is there a risk associated with drinking too much alkaline water?
Possible Risks and Side-Effects
Just watch any commercial discussing a ground-breaking medicine and you will hear a long list of possible side effects that accompany the miracle-working healing that can happen with a prescription.
Alkaline water carries a very small risk of developing metabolic alkalosis through drinking too much alkaline water.
Metabolic alkalosis is defined by a person having too much bicarbonate in their system.Some of the symptoms of this side-effect involve gross motor skills and include twitching in the muscles, shaky hands.
Another side effect of this condition may be mild nausea.
However, the likelihood that one would develop this condition is actually very small, so it is probably not something that you should worry about.
Drinking too much of anything could cause overhydration, which is a serious condition.
Overhydration occurs when someone drinks more liquid (of any kind) than their body is able to expel and it can cause significant disorientation and in some cases seizures. In a normal, healthy adult, this condition is highly unlikely.
Making Alkaline Water At Home
Now that we have thoroughly explored the ups and downs of alkaline water, you have hopefully made up your mind about your opinion of the substance.
Here are six methods for homemade alkaline water.
1. Baking Soda
Making alkaline water with baking soda is pretty easy as it is a natural source that has a pretty high pH, measuring at 9.
So, adding baking soda to tap water is an excellent method for making your tap water (regular water) more alkaline.
Start by adding 1/8 of a tablespoon of baking soda into 8 ounces of your filtered water.
Make sure to mix extremely well and then it is ready for you to drink!
2. Lemon Juice
The recipe for this one is the same as for baking soda.
Simply mix 1/8 of a tablespoon of pure lemon juice into 8 ounces of your filtered tap water or Clean water bottles.
If nothing else, the drink will certainly add a little bit of vitamin C to your diet, and lemon juice adds a great taste to the boring taste that plain water has.
3. Drops of pH
These drops are packed with both electrolytes and concentrated minerals which is how they change the pH of your water.
Adding just one or two drops of these to your glass of water can greatly increase the pH of the water. One major benefit to these drops over other solutions is that you can slip these into a lunch box or carry them in a purse for use on the go.
Taking baking soda with you is a bit more difficult.
4. Pitcher with Alkaline Filter
These ALKALINE PITCHER filters are more economical than other forms of water filter systems, such as the ones that connect directly to the kitchen sink.
Most alkaline water pitcher filters are actually not designed to make your water more alkaline, that process is simply a byproduct of their main purpose.
I’d recommend you go for this Invigorated Water stainless steel pitcher
The main purpose of the pitchers is to purify the water by removing massive amounts of chlorine or other bacteria or additives that public water services add to them.
However, there are pitchers who add alkaline qualities to the water as they filter them. You can do some research to find out which filters are more likely to add alkaline qualities to the water and which ones leave it more neutral.
5. Purchase a System that Filters Water
So, in addition to purifying the water and removing toxins and chemicals, it can also be told to make the water more alkaline in the process.
Basic simples like the ones which mount to the faucet of your sink will often have a ball of alkaline minerals that are included in the filtration system.
The purpose of the mineral ball is to make your plastic bottle of normal water more alkaline with vital minerals.
More complex systems have a similar, but far more complicated process that changes the pH of the water to make it more alkaline.
These systems are far more expensive, and in some cases filter the water in the entire household.
That includes a shower and toilet water as well.
6. Purchase a Water Ionizer
Basically, the ionizer uses a scientific process to change the pH of water by separating electrolytes in the water and manipulating them.
Many people prefer this method because it includes no additives to their water.
Unfortunately, these systems typically cost an average of $1500 and are simply not feasible for many families.
That said there are some models that provide a lower barrier to entry and these can be found on Amazon. I found this Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 7.0 which may be of interest.
Final Thoughts
Making alkaline water at home is a great way to save money on bottled water in the long run.
All of these methods are considered safe and effective in achieving the benefits of alkaline water in the long run.
I’m the owner and blogger here at SodaPopCraft.Com. I’m a soft drinks enthusiast, bringing you all I know and research from the world of Beverages, Soda Pop, Soft Drinks, and many more.
I hope it inspires you to make Healthier, and Creative Drinks at Home.
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