Alkaline water: properties and composition, list of names, how to prepare

We are composed of water: 70% H²It makes up the fluid environment of our body. Based on this, it is the quality of the water used that affects the state of health. And if we take into account that normally body fluids have an alkaline reaction, then knowing what the benefits and harms of alkaline water are for the body and how to get it for daily use will be very relevant to improve the quality of life of every ordinary day.

What is Alkaline Water

Recently, the beneficial properties of "living" water for the human body are being discussed more and more. This category also includes alkaline water, which, in accordance with its name, has a pH level corresponding to the biological fluid environment of the body. What does it mean?

The pH value indicates the acid-base balance and displays the ratio of acid to alkali in a liquid. Defined on a scale of 0 to 14, where zero is completely acidic and 14 is fully alkaline. The normal level of such a balance for the human body is 7.35 - 7.45, which corresponds to the pH of the blood: it is beneficial to maintain the alkaline reaction in this range or slightly higher - up to 8. And vice versa, lowering the indicator below the limit of 6.35, corresponding to the pH of saliva , can harm the normal functioning of the body.

Maintaining a beneficial alkaline balance between intercellular and intracellular fluid in tissues is very important:

• research in Japan has collected evidence that drinking alkaline water with a pH above 7 has the benefit of prolonging human life by up to 30%;
• the acidic environment of the body creates conditions for the development of parasites that have disease-causing properties;
• acidity provokes harm to an increase in free radicals, which reduce the functioning of the immune system and contribute to the development of tumors;
• vegetables, fruits are classified as alkaline foods useful to the body, while animal proteins, semi-finished products, cakes, soft drinks and fast food increase acidity;
• a very acidic environment of the body disrupts the normal function of digestion and metabolic processes, changes the hormonal background;
• The beneficial properties of alkaline water help the body get rid of waste products: toxins and toxins.

The acidic background in the body is created by many factors, including the harm of physical and mental overload, the abuse of meat food and products that have undergone deep thermal and technological processing.

The optimal pH value for drinking water, which benefits the human body, is considered to be pH 7.0 - 8.0, and alkaline, or ionized, is called water with a large indicator: from 7 to 9.5 units.

Alkaline mineral water composition

Experts consider the very name "alkaline mineral water" to be rather arbitrary, denoting the predominance of sodium and magnesia bicarbonate ions in the composition. It is they who provide the mineral-rich composition of alkaline water that helps in eliminating health problems. For example, the properties of magnesium salt are indispensable for improving brain function and are indicated for nervous disorders. Sodium ions of mineral water are beneficial in accelerating metabolic processes, helping to remove decay products, eliminating fluid stagnation, normalizing the activity of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract and the body as a whole.

Operating principle

With an increase in acidity, or acidosis, the body balances the change in the internal background with the formation of useful alkalis: normally they come from food, and with strong acidification, they are replaced by minerals from bone tissue and organs.

Stages of acidosis development:

• I - the accumulation of toxins and toxins in the absence of cleansing the body leads to fatigue, weakness and apathy;
• II - characterized by problems of the body's excretory system: dry skin, constipation, diarrhea, which also causes disruption of the stomach;
• III - a decrease in the functions of organ systems, including the brain, hormonal disruptions, anemia;
• IV - the appearance of allergic reactions, diabetes, liver and kidney problems, oncology.

The norm of the pH index of the main fluid medium of the body that supports all organs - blood - averages 7.4 plus or minus 0.5. This value is so fundamentally important that deviations from this pH norm by even 0.05 units can cause serious harm to health. In organs, pH fluctuations have broader values.

There are various opinions regarding the benefits of maintaining an alkaline environment through the properties of water, as well as the value of pH balance for the health of the body in general. Skeptics advise not to make a panacea out of alkaline indicators of water, and supporters of a healthy diet, often going through a serious experience of illness, "sit down" on a constant intake of water with soda or other alkalizing agents.

Why alkaline water is good for you

When thinking about the benefits and dangers of alkaline water for the body, you should familiarize yourself with the official data on its effect on health:

1. Data from a 2001 study of the effect of alkaline water on tumors confirmed its properties in eliminating acidosis in neoplasms.
2. A 1989 study proved the benefits of lowering cholesterol and glucose levels, and normalizing blood pressure when drinking alkaline water for 3 to 6 months.
3. In 2009, the results of 6-year studies of about 4 thousand elderly people from regions of France were published, where a high content of aluminum and silicon in the composition of drinking water was recorded (10 mg / day). It has been concluded that drinking such alkaline mineral water helps reduce the risk of harm from Alzheimer's and other cognitive diseases in this age group.
4. A 2012 study confirmed the effect of pH 8.8 water in neutralizing stomach acid and pepsin. This suggests that drinking alkaline water is beneficial in treating acid reflux.

Due to the property of alkaline water to normalize the pH-level of the human body and thereby influence the activation of energy processes, free from free radicals and decay products, its use has become widespread in work with a number of problems of the body.

For metabolism

The properties of alkaline water promote the exchange of proteins, fats, remove toxins and heavy metal salts, stimulate the synthesis of carbohydrates for energy supply of the body, benefit those who are obese or who want to lose extra pounds. Alkaline drinking can also slow down aging and prevent age-related diseases.

For the liver

The use of "living" water is also beneficial in restoring the filtering functions of the liver, freeing it from toxins and microdamages. Therefore, the use of "living" water is indicated in the treatment of jaundice, hepatitis A, cirrhosis, gall bladder.

In addition, alkaline water has the beneficial property of restoring the acid-base balance at a high concentration of uric acid in the body, which is formed in the liver. However, in case of kidney disorders, it cannot be excreted in the urine, and therefore acidity in the tissues of the body increases, causing harm to arthritis and gout, in extreme cases - affecting the heart, brain, kidneys. For successful treatment, it is prescribed to drink warmed alkaline water on an empty stomach before meals in small sips.

For the cardiovascular system

Alkaline water, due to its prophylactic properties, is recommended against the harm of cardiovascular diseases and heart attacks, with hypertensive crises, arrhythmias, ischemic heart diseases.

The benefits of alkaline water for the body are also manifested in the cleansing of blood channels from cholesterol plaques, strengthening the walls of blood vessels and reducing the risks of atherosclerosis and varicose veins, thrombophlebitis.

For the nervous system

The beneficial property of alkaline water is revealed in improving the work of the psycho-emotional sphere of a person. It has been proven that such water, acting on the nervous system, is able to eliminate the harm of stress, insomnia, chronic fatigue and depression. These statements are based on the fact that the water content in the biological structure of the brain reaches 90%. Moreover, the water is pure and structured and, of course, alkaline in composition. Those familiar drinks that we consume every day - tea, coffee and even more so, "Coca-Cola" - have a sour characteristic. And the body needs to expend a lot of energy to extract water of the required quality from them. Isn't it easier to provide the body with living alkaline water directly? The organization of the correct water and drinking balance is therefore very important to ensure the normal course of electrochemical reactions in the course of nervous processes.

For bones

When the pH indicator moves towards acidity, the body begins to use all the resources of useful vitamins and minerals, in particular, calcium, phosphorus from bones. As a result, the harm associated with the development of osteoporosis - bone resorption increases: it becomes loose, which increases the risk of fractures, arthritis, gout, and rheumatism. Alkaline water, due to its properties to regulate the pH of the environment, normalizes the process of mineral metabolism in favor of strengthening the musculoskeletal system, teeth, hair, nails.

For the urinary system

With proper use, the beneficial properties of alkaline water are manifested in the prevention and treatment of the kidneys and the urinary system in general.

Such water can be prescribed by a doctor for a diuretic effect, relieving inflammation and pain in the kidneys, and controlling the functioning of the organs of the excretory system.

"Living" water works well with problems:

• fine sand and stones in the kidneys and bladder;
• cystitis.

For the gastrointestinal tract

In the gastrointestinal tract, alkaline water normalizes the functioning of the digestive tract. It benefits:

• with stabilization of acidity in the stomach,
• restoring the integrity of the mucous membranes;
• normalization of intestinal microflora.

Alkaline drinking is prescribed in cases of:

• colitis;
• inflammatory processes of the pancreas;
• gastritis with increased acidity and gastric secretion.

Gastroenterologists recommend heated alkaline water for pancreatitis as part of a strict diet with an emphasis on a strict drinking regime.

The effect is manifested:

• in antiseptic action;
• reducing pain;
• inhibition of pancreatic secretion, a significant decrease in the negative effects of enzymes on the organ;
• anti-inflammatory effect.

For immunity

The harm of an increase in acidity is manifested in a decrease in the protective functions of the body. The necessary minerals are compensated for by removing them from the organisms, and subsequently by increasing their susceptibility to viruses.

With the help of the properties of alkaline water, the penetration of bacteria is blocked, and inflammatory processes are cured, which ultimately enhances the effect of medications.

Drinking "living" water is beneficial for OPBI, influenza: it is especially important during the change of seasons, travel or business trips.

With diabetes

The beneficial properties of alkaline water are able to remove excess sugar from the blood, stimulate glucose receptors to cells.

These properties are used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, in which glucose is poorly absorbed and its concentration in the blood increases significantly.

As a result of the intake of alkaline water in the diabetic menu, a health-improving effect is obtained by increasing the sensitivity to insulin.

For the prevention of oncology

Research by the Nobel Prize winner Dr. Otto Warburg in 1931 showed a direct relationship between the development of cancers and a decrease in the pH of the internal environment of organs towards the acid side. The scientist found the reason for the formation of 95% of cancers is precisely in the acidity of the fluid in the tissue. Conversely, raising the pH above 7.36 for various organ systems with alkaline water can create a backdrop in which cancer cells die.

List of popular names for alkaline waters

Alkaline water is:

• Artificial, obtained by passing ordinary water through a special filter and ionizing device;
• Bottled mineral water, which, in turn, is of natural and artificial origin. The first benefit is in natural alkalization with compounds of calcium, silicon, potassium, magnesium and bicarbonates.

Alkaline spring water is preferred because its filtration system serves as a reliable barrier against industrial and bacterial contamination; it also benefits from a high mineral saturation and a pH of 8 to 8.5.

Artesian water, before bottling, undergoes multi-stage cleaning and filtration.

Artificial ionization is produced using titanium or platinum plates, which, unfortunately, can reduce the natural mineralization of water.

Bottled water is represented by a wide assortment in retail outlets in packaging in plastic or glass containers from 0.5 to 20 liters.

Depending on the mineral composition according to the approved standards, alkaline mineral water can be used for table, medical-table and medicinal; carbonated or not.

According to the prevailing chemical element, alkaline mineral water is hydrocarbonate, sodium, chloride-sodium-calcium, chloride-sulfate, sodium-magnesium, etc.

According to the pH of water, according to the WHO classification, it is subdivided:

• to neutral with a pH of 6.5 - 7.5;
• slightly alkaline - 7.5 - 8.5;
• alkaline - 8.5 - 9.5;
• strongly alkaline -> 9.5.

Leading brands of mineral water:

1. «Borjomi»... 90% of the volume consists of sodium bicarbonate salts. It is mined in Georgia. Normalizes digestive processes and increases metabolism and vitality.
2. "Essentuki"... The water is obtained from the popular balneological resort in the North Caucasus. Depending on the mineral accent in the composition, its most famous types: Essentuki No. 4, No. 17, № 20. Analogs of this brand are: "Lastochka", "Smirnovskaya", "Slavyanovskaya".
3. "Narzan" belong to the medical dining room sulphate-hydrocarbonate sodium-magnesium-calcium natural drinking mineral water, which is bottled in Kislovodsk (in the North Caucasus). The water contains natural carbon dioxide.

How to make alkaline water at home

There are various options for making "live" alkaline water at home. The most technologically advanced way is to purchase a special ionizer device. If it is absent, you can use other methods.

Melt water

The most natural option would be to prepare alkaline melt water. It can be done in an apartment using a freezer. Water is poured into a bottle with a wide neck by 85%, allowed to settle for 5 - 6 hours in the sun, and then sent to the freezer. After 12 hours, pierce the upper frozen edge (delirium) and drain the remaining unfrozen liquid: it contains harmful substances. The ice is thawed and drunk: the pH of such water will be about 8 - 8.3 units.

With soda

Here they use the beneficial properties of soda for alkalization. To prepare such alkaline water 1 tsp. soda without a slide, pour 1 tbsp. filtered water brought to a boil. As a result of extinguishing soda with boiling water, there will be a "pop effect", which is also called a white key. Only then can the water be consumed by cooling it down to a pleasant temperature.

Using lemon

There are two options for making lemon-based alkaline water.

1. You can simply squeeze the juice of ¼ lemon into a glass of purified water.
2. You will need to insist lemon, cut into 6 - 8 slices in a liter of water overnight. The benefits of this method are obvious, as the lemon peel will enrich the liquid with its antioxidant properties. The beneficial effect of mineralization can be enhanced by adding 15 g of Himalayan salt.

With added ash

Wood ash will also be helpful in infusing alkaline water. The most useful for this is the raw material of birch. A bag of linen filled with ash is poured over with water and then immersed in purified water for 12 hours.

How to drink alkaline water properly

The determination of the rate of water consumption will depend on its pH-value and the degree of mineralization. To draw up a drinking regimen, a doctor's consultation is highly recommended, since a number of factors must be taken into account, including the characteristics of genetics and lifestyle.

When drinking mineral alkaline water, exceeding the permissible norm can result in harm to the formation of stones.

On average, the calculation of the average daily recommended rate is based on 600 ml per day.

In order to prevent diseases, alkaline water is taken in small sips in the morning on an empty stomach, at least an hour before a meal. In case of peptic ulcer disease, water intake during or after meals will be beneficial.

And for the treatment of gastritis with increased secretion or low acidity, it will be useful to drink alkaline water 1.5 hours before a meal.

At the same time, in cases of stomach problems, it is recommended to warm up alkaline water, and in the rest, room temperature is enough.

A course of alkaline water intake is started with small doses and gradually increased to those recommended by a specialist. For any discomfort, exacerbation of the symptoms of diseases, you should promptly contact your doctor.

Can medicines be taken with alkaline water

Most drugs, especially antibiotics, change the reaction of the body's internal environment to an acidic one. Alkaline water, therefore, forms a neutral reaction, that is, it has the property of neutralizing the effect of drugs.

Drinking with alkaline water will be useful only for drugs with the endings "azine" - prolazine, ethaperazine, etc. For these purposes, it is better to use "Borjomi" or "Essentuki No. 4".

However, to ensure the avoidance of possible harm from chemical reactions of medicinal substances, a universal remedy will bring benefits - simple boiled water with a neutral pH of 7, slightly warm or at room temperature. After that, you should wait at least half an hour before drinking alkaline water.

The harm of alkaline water

The high benefits of alkaline water for the body determines its minimal harm. This is mainly due to excess consumption, especially for mineral water, which can affect mineral overdose.

Continuous drinking of alkaline water can have the effect of antacids - drugs that neutralize the acid that the stomach produces. This can lead to harm, problems with digestion, irritation of the mucous membranes.

In any case, making a radical decision to change the drinking regime to alkaline, you should consult your doctor.

Contraindications to drinking alkaline water

Contraindications to the use of alkaline water in individual cases may be problems associated with:

• with urolithiasis, diseases of the urinary tract, problems with the removal of excess minerals and salts from the body;
• renal failure;
• insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus;
• chronic bilateral pyelonephritis.

With these diseases, you should strictly follow the doctor's prescriptions.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of alkaline water is a controversial topic, primarily associated with distrust of non-traditional, from the point of view of official medicine, methods of preventing and treating health problems. And, despite the latest research data on the beneficial properties of alkaline water in strengthening the body and preventing inflammation and cancer, skeptics insist on taking traditional medicines. However, there are no serious contradictions in this: the competent use of alkaline water can be a valuable aid in the treatment of a whole range of diseases.

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