Our bodies are comprised of about 75% water, so it seems fairly obvious that the amount of water we put into our bodies should be something of a concern. When you keep your body hydrated, you will maintain a high energy level and keep toxins at bay. Adequate hydration can also aid in weight loss. On the other hand, dehydration, when left unchecked, can negatively affect metabolism, produce fatigue, skin disorders, depression and even obesity.

So quantity aside, what about QUALITY? There are many filters, bottles, and systems on the market now that tout 'superior' drinking water. To address all of these would be quite the undertaking, and so in this article I will focus on a reader's inquiry into the possible benefits of alkalized water.

Just like a swimming pool, our bodies need to maintain a safe pH level. And just like a swimming pool, that level is about 7.3 - 7.4, meaning that we need to be in a mild state of alkalinity to be at optimal health. The SAD diet (Standard American Diet.. and how SAD it is!), as well our high stress and low exercise lifestyles, are typically very acid producing. To understand acid forming foods, think of sugar, dairy, meat, and beer. Sound like a typical daily meal plan to you? Unfortunately these foods are the 'standard' for much of the population. Our bodies can't function well too far outside of the optimal pH range, and so the body will constantly make adjustments to maintain a state of alkalinity, even if we are providing it with these acidic foods and circumstances. One way the body buffers acidity is by producing fat cells. Another way is by leaching calcium, an alkaline mineral, from the bones. So you can easily see how an acidic diet can result in weight gain and/or osteoporosis! There are many ways to combat this acidity through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. However, is a quick solution this miracle 'alkalized water' we keep hearing about...?

A water ionizer works by separating the acid water from the alkaline water by disassociating the water molecule (two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom) to form one hydroxyl ion (-OH) and one hydrogen ion (H+). The -OH is alkaline and the H+ is acid. This means that you are left with pH water on tap - you can select your pH and are guaranteed that you can drink pH 9.5 water all day, every day. You can also purchase pH drops, which will infuse your water with alkaline minerals. The drawback to these is that there is no filtration process; the water still may contain traces of bacteria, heavy metals & other toxins.

Another simple and inexpensive way to promote alkalinity is by adding lemon juice to your water. Now I know what you are thinking: Lemons are acidic! Yes, they are acidic, but they actually have an alkalizing effect in the body. Of course, these still don't add the filtration component. But this wonderfully refreshing drink will alkalize your system, ignite your metabolism, boost your liver and kidney, and help your digestive system wake up after a good nights sleep. I always start my day with a cup of warm lemon water (I use the juice of half a lemon). If you want to drink alkaline water, you can also drink the juice of alkaline foods; celery juice is very alkaline, and so is cucumber juice.

You could purchase a ionizer/filtration system, but I caution that if you go this route, do not be reliant on this to maintain the alkalinity of your body. You cannot eat an overly acidic diet and then use the ionized water to compensate. Additionally, you can control your pH through a healthy diet, even without alkaline water.

To sum it up, there are many opinions on what is right and wrong when it comes to something as seemingly simple as water. Though I certainly don't claim to have all the answers, I can speak for my personal habits. After much research, I decided to get a water filtration system to filter my tap water. I use Aquasana. I also drink a warm cup of water and lemon juice every morning, eat an alkaline diet, and exercise regularly. I do not use a water ionizer. Whatever water you choose to drink, the most important thing is that you DRINK, and stay hydrated! And as far as the pH levels go, I personally don't see a need for alkalized water, so long as you are ingesting alkaline foods, and limiting the acid in your diet regularly. I certainly do see the benefit of alkalized water, and if you have the funds and want to try it out, then go for it! But I again caution not to use the alkaline water as a means to counter an acidic diet. Instead, remove these dangerous acids from your diet and eat fresh produce and drink fresh vegetable juice. So drink your water of choice, but PLEASE don't rely on alkalized water to makeup for a SAD diet!


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