The Importance of High-pH Alkaline Water

Water, the foundation of nutrition and the body's most important chemical component, provides significant health and physical benefits. The characteristics of the water we drink are as important for our health as the quantity we consume. The pH values specified in water obtained externally indicate the amount of hydrogen present in the water, while waters with high pH retain more oxygen and maintain their freshness for longer periods. Waters with a pH value above 7, also known as alkaline water, accelerate the elimination of harmful acids from the body. Nuh Naci Yazgan University Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Prof. Dr. Neriman İnanç states that the pH value of human blood is 7.4 and recommends consuming 2.5-3 liters of alkaline water daily to balance pH in the body and increase body resistance. A large portion of the cells in our body are composed of water, and the body's water requirement varies by age and gender. Approximately 70-75% of human muscle tissue, 80% of the brain, 78% of the heart, 83% of the kidneys, 85% of the blood, 10-15% of adipose tissue, and 70% of the skin are composed of water. Experts recommend regular consumption of beverages and liquid-containing foods to prevent water loss in the body. Prof. Dr. Neriman İnanç, noting that consumption of poor-quality water can cause as many diseases as insufficient water consumption, continues as follows: "Good and quality water is a very important element for maintaining a healthy life. The hardness of drinking water is as important as its cleanliness in playing a significant role in human health. In our daily lives, we can evaluate the water we use under three categories. Natural spring waters, municipal tap waters, and naturally mineral waters. Natural spring waters and naturally mineral waters contain elements such as calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, and iron. Water hardness determines its quality, and hard waters are healthy waters."

Why is the pH value of water important?

One of the most important characteristics of healthy water is that it is pure—free from microbiological, physical, chemical, and radioactive contamination—and has a pH value, mineral content, and is rich in electrons. The pH of water is determined by the amount of hydrogen and hydroxyl ions in it. If hydrogen is abundant, the water is acidic; if hydroxyl is abundant, it is alkaline. Alkaline water stands out as water with high antioxidant properties. Therefore, healthy water must have a pH above 7.4. Today, most drinking waters have low pH, that is, acidic pH. Prof. Dr. Neriman İnanç, stating that another factor determining the value of water for the body is the pH level of water, notes that consuming alkaline water strong in magnesium and calcium will help reduce health risks associated with insufficiency of these minerals. Research shows that alkaline water, which has an acid-buffering capacity against reflux disease—a condition commonly seen among the general population characterized by burning behind the esophagus and the entry of food and acidic water into the mouth—may have benefits. Alkaline waters also help balance blood pH, eliminate harmful and toxic substances from the body, replenish water lost through the skin thereby moisturizing it, thus protecting skin health, strengthen the immune system, control body weight, and prevent constipation which causes many intestinal diseases. Prof. Dr. Neriman İnanç recommends consuming 2.5-3 liters of safe alkaline water daily to stay healthy.

Pay attention to your water choices

Particularly recommended for repressed conditions and geriatric age groups, attention should be paid when choosing from brands available on the market for water consumption referred to as "packaged water" among the general public. Prof. Dr. Neriman İnanç emphasizes that when thirsty, one should not take the first water available and should pay attention to the brand and packaging of water: "Do not forget that water from uncertain sources can harm your health by loading your body with heavy metals or toxins."