When you stop by a convenience store to pick up drinking water, you’ll find a wide range of bottled water options. One of them is alkaline water, which is often marketed as offering special health benefits. But is alkaline water actually better for you than plain mineral water?

What Is Alkaline Water?

Most drinking water has a neutral pH (acidity level) of about 7. Alkaline water, by contrast, has a pH above 8, which is why it’s referred to as “alkaline.”

The water acidity level can change depending on its dissolved minerals and gases. Adding minerals such as sodium and calcium can alter the pH. Many commercial alkaline waters are produced through an electrolysis process that changes the balance of mineral ions, resulting in water with a higher pH and more alkaline.

Benefits of Drinking Alkaline Water

Plenty of people believe alkaline water is good for the body. If the body’s pH skews too acidic, it can lead to acidosis, which may cause symptoms like nausea and vomiting, confusion, and headaches. Some people turn to store-bought alkaline water to help counteract this.

According to Verywell Fit, experts note that the overall evidence for alkaline water’s health benefits remains uncertain. Even so, several studies suggest a few possible benefits, including:

1. Supports Digestive Health

Alkaline water may be helpful for individuals with certain gastrointestinal issues. In one study, people with gastrointestinal issues who drank alkaline water reported better outcomes than those who drank tap water. That said, more robust research is still needed to confirm these findings.

2. May Promote Deeper Sleep

Some studies indicate that regularly drinking alkaline water could be linked to more restful sleeps. Participants reported waking up feeling more refreshed compared to their sleep quality before adding drinking alkaline water to their routine.

3. Could Improve Hydration

Alkaline water is also thought to hydrate more effectively than plain mineral water. In a study of 100 adults, drinking alkaline water after exercise was associated with improved hydration markers compared with plain mineral water.

4. Might Ease Acid Reflux

Alkaline water has been proposed to help relieve symptoms of acid reflux. Its higher pH may inactivate pepsin, the enzyme involved in reflux symptoms. However, more human studies are needed to verify this potential benefit.

Beyond these points, alkaline water is sometimes claimed to support bone health and prevent osteoporosis, as well as help in managing blood pressure and diabetes. At present, these claims lack strong scientific backing, and further research is necessary to evaluate those benefits.

Is Alkaline Water Truly Better Than Plain Mineral Water?

The main concern with alkaline water isn’t usually safety, it’s the bold health claims often attached to it. Right now, scientific evidence is not sufficient to recommend alkaline water as a treatment for particular health conditions.

If you enjoy it, there’s no harm in choosing alkaline water as your daily beverages. Just be mindful that, although this is uncommon, excessive intake could tip your body pH toward alkalosis (becoming too alkaline).

If you feel unwell and have symptoms such as nausea or vomiting after drinking alkaline water, stop drinking it. If symptoms continue, consult a doctor promptly.

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