Fact Check: Ditching normal water for ‘alkaline water’ won’t do wonders for health
Here's all you need to know
By Sunanda Naik Published on 12 March 2024 12:17 PM GMT
Fact: Simply drinking a high pH doesn't make water alkaline, the presence of naturally occurring minerals does.
Hyderabad: An Instagram post showing the preparation of ‘alkaline water’ using gooseberry and carrot is viral on social media. The person in the video claims that consuming alkaline water keeps all health ailments at bay.
Fact Check
NewsMeter found that the claim is misleading as simply drinking a high pH doesn't make water alkaline, the presence of naturally occurring minerals does.
What is alkaline water?
In simple words, alkaline water refers to the alkalinity of water. It is slightly less acidic (higher pH) than tap water and contains alkaline minerals. Water that’s naturally alkaline is hard to find. It can be made through a chemical process called electrolysis. This technique reduces the pH of regular water.
Despite several claims on the internet about the so-called health benefits of consuming alkaline water, its health properties remain controversial as there isn’t enough research to support the claims.
We reached out to Dr Umesh Wadhavani, an Oxford University qualified nutrition expert, to explain alkaline water and its health claims.
Explaining that consuming alkaline water, however normal, doesn’t have any health benefits, he said, “Normally, our body’s pH should range between 7.35-7.45. Vital organs such as kidneys and lungs work efficiently for the perfect pH balance throughout the body. There is a very efficient mechanism going on inside.”
We also couldn’t find any conclusive studies on the beneficial properties of consuming alkaline water. There is no harm in drinking aamla-carrot-containing water but don’t expect a miracle to happen, the doctor said.
According to a 2018 study done on mice to find out the effects of alkaline electrolyzed and hydrogen-rich water, alkaline water was proven to be beneficial in reducing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease symptoms. In another study from 2021, a positive effect of alkaline drinking water was found in a sample of 100 post-menopausal women.
Can adding gooseberry and carrot make water alkaline?
Gooseberry or aamla provides a range of benefits when consumed in a diet. As aamla is alkaline in nature. But, simply adding alkaline vegetables to water would not make it alkaline.
Moreover, individuals with sensitive stomachs may suffer acidity or discomfort if they consume it regularly over a long time.
Carrot’s pH ranges between 5.8 to 6.40 which means it is an alkaline food too. Adding carrots to water would not make it water alkaline either. It will be more beneficial when consumed in its solid form.
