Water is essential for life and hydration is incredibly important for our health and well-being. However, the quality of the water we drink matters greatly as well.
Most municipal tap water sources and even bottled water are quite acidic due to contamination from things like chlorine, pollution, and a lack of beneficial minerals. This excess acidity places strain on our body's pH buffering systems and can lead to issues over time if not addressed.
One solution that is gaining popularity is the use of alkaline water filters. These nifty systems generate pH-balanced water that tests between 8-10 on the scale, more in line with our body's natural pH.
If you are planning to invest in them, then this blog post is for you. In this article, we have discussed every essential detail that you need to know about these filters.
Also, read our blog post about Is Drinking Alkaline Water Helps with Acne?
What is an Alkaline Water Filter?
An alkaline water filter raises the pH of the water, making it more alkaline. The pH scale ranges from 0-14, with 7 is considered neutral, and most tap water and unfiltered water fall in the acidic range below 7 on the pH scale. Alkaline water from these filters generally tests between 8-10 pH.
How Do Alkaline Water Filters Work by Raising the pH of water?
Alkaline water filters performs a special process known as ion exchange to increase the pH of water. Inside the filter are various minerals like zeolites or calcite that have an electronic charge. When plain tap water flows through, these minerals attract and bond with the acidic ions in the water - things like hydronium (H3O+) that make it acidic.
At the same time, the alkaline minerals in the filter are shedding things like potassium, calcium, or magnesium ions that have an opposite charge as the hydronium. These swap places with the acidic ions in the water. So the minerals are capturing the things that make water acidic and replacing them with things that give water an alkaline electrolyte-rich essence.
The end result is water with a higher pH, usually between 8-10, because more hydroxide (OH-) and alkaline mineral ions are present compared to acidic hydronium. It's a nifty process where the filter scrubs out the acidity and infuses the H20 with minerals to make it more beneficial for hydration and health.
Benefits of Alkaline Water Filters
Proponents claim the following health benefits from drinking alkaline ionized water produced by filters:
Hydration - Alkaline water has been shown to hydrate the body more effectively than acidic tap water which needs to be buffered before absorption. This promotes overall health, energy levels, and organ function.
Bone Health - The calcium and magnesium ions infused into alkaline water through filters may promote bone strength and density, reducing osteoporosis risk.
Kidney Health - The minerals in alkaline water help flush out acids and waste from the kidneys without over-taxing them like carbonated drinks tend to. This supports kidney and urinary tract health.
pH Balance - Since most modern diets and environments produce acid buildup in the body, the alkalinity from these water filters may help regulate and balance pH to prevent issues like acid reflux.
Anti-Aging - Some research associates highly alkaline water with a reduced risk of age-related diseases and longer lifespans. Alkaline water is thought to combat oxidative stress linked to accelerated cellular aging.
Detoxification - Drinking alkaline ionized water is thought to help flush toxins, heavy metals, and free radicals out of the body more effectively than regular water, supporting detox and cleansing.
Energy Levels - Proper hydration and improved nutrient absorption from alkaline electrolyte-rich water may enhance physical and mental energy levels and focus throughout the day.
Why Should You Consider Using An Alkaline Water Filter?
There are several compelling reasons why adding an alkaline water filter to your home may provide benefits:
· Most tap and bottled water is overly acidic which can contribute to the body's acid load over time. Alkaline water from a filter helps balance pH.
· Unless you're drinking pure spring water directly from the source, pH levels are rarely over 7 even in bottled water. Alkaline water filters reliably produce higher pH 8-10 water.
· The minerals infused into filtered alkaline water may provide more complete hydration and help address mineral deficiencies in modern diets low in nutrients.
· Drinking alkaline water aligned with an overall healthy alkaline diet and lifestyle is thought to promote a more alkaline pH balance in cells and tissues which supports optimal health.
· Whole home filters are a convenient way to have healthy alkaline water available from any faucet versus separate filter pitchers or bottled water. They're inexpensive to operate over the long run.
· While research is still emerging, there appear to be compelling indications alkaline water supports bone, kidney, heart, and overall health more so than regular acidic drinking water.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does the alkaline filter need maintenance?
Although, the answer to this question depends on the manufacturer and usage type. However, generally, it should be inspected every 4 to 6 months.
What factors should be considered before purchasing alkaline water?
There are a bunch of things that should be taken into consideration before buying an alkaline filtration system, some of them are:
· Source water quality
· Go for a system with multiple filtration stages
· Pay attention to how much pH value filter can achieve
· Check how often the filter needs replacement
Is alkaline water safe to drink?
Yes, alkaline water is usually considered safe to drink for most people. However, it is still recommended to first consult with a doctor before starting to drink it.
Conclusion
Alkaline water filters offer a convenient, affordable way to make small but impactful changes to diet and lifestyle by optimizing the pH level of the water we drink on a daily basis. By riding tap water of excessive acidity and infusing beneficial alkaline minerals, they appear to support complete hydration, detoxification, and a balanced pH environment in the body that promotes overall health and disease prevention.