subject: Alkaline Water: Health Advantages and More [print this page] Alkaline Water: Health Advantages and More
The human body is composed of approximately 50% water, which we must replenish on a daily basis. Alkaline water is often recommended as a healthy source of drinking water, according to the makers of the Tap Master Artesian Full Contact remineralizing reverse osmosis water filtration system.
And while there has been some controversy, the facts are based on research that indicates our bodies have a balance of acid and alkaline, with the natural balance being more alkaline. This balance becomes thrown off when we consume high fat diets, with lots of commercially refined and processed foods.
Restoring our body to the correct pH balance can be accomplished by drinking alkaline water as part of a high fiber, whole grain diet. It is the basis for the newest trend in diets, the acid-alkaline diet. Healthy, good tasting drinking water provides us with the essential minerals our bodies need, is free of chemical additives and contributes in restoring our body's health.
The Benefits of Drinking Alkaline Water
We can't always guarantee the purity of our drinking water; environmental studies find unknown contaminants which can potentially harm us as well as contribute to unpleasant tasting water.
Alkaline water is specially processed to remove impurities which contribute to bad taste in addition to other health concerns. Using filtration, water is run through filters to remove all the chemicals and unhealthy minerals then processed again to replace the essential minerals in a remineralization of the water. What we get is pure tasting drinking water with the proper pH balance for our bodies.
There are a number of good reasons to incorporate alkaline water into the daily diet:
Anti-oxidation qualities of alkaline water help fight aging and diseases.
Alkaline water tastes smoother and will make better tea, lemonade and coffee.
Detoxifying effects of the alkaline water counter acid build-up in the body and help restore proper pH balance.
The acid-alkaline diet attributes the consumption of alkaline water, as part of the diet regime, with contributing to faster and more significant weight loss.
How to Make Alkaline Water
As we learn more and more about the quality of our drinking water, the reasons for converting to alkaline water become more apparent. There are options available for the home or business owner; the choice can be guided by cost, environmental concerns and a commitment to healthier living.
The first option is to drink homemade alkaline water, made by mixing commercially made baking soda into home tap water. This requires bottles and pH test strips, which can be bought at a local pharmacy. This is the cheapest option, but has the least accuracy in terms of producing the correct pH balance.
Some people buy alkaline drops or tablets which are easily added to a glass or bottle of water. Again, pH has to be tested manually, a process which is subject to error. You may achieve the alkalinity needed but the water still contains additives and other non-essential and potentially hazardous materials.
Buying commercially bottled alkaline water is the better solution, though it is also the most expensive. Bottled water can mean many things so check the label to see if the water is tap or spring water. Also look for the addition of salt, either as sodium or potassium. From an ecological viewpoint, commercial bottled water leaves a significant carbon footprint.
The last and best option is to install a water filtration system in the home or business. Installation involves an initial outlay of money, but the easy and convenience outweigh any other disadvantages. With a home water system the water you cook with, bathe in and do laundry has been filtered to eliminate harmful chemicals and will provide the best quality drinking water for you and your family. The average home plumber can install the system with relative ease, following the manufacturer's instructions.
If you're concerned about your health and want the highest quality of drinking water, then alkaline water will be the best solution for you.
