Guide to Finding the Ideal Alkaline Water Based on Your Needs

Over the past few years, alkaline water has surged in popularity among health-conscious consumers. With its higher pH level and added minerals, many believe alkaline water can neutralize acidity from food and drinks while providing superior hydration. As the alkaline water market continues to grow, there are now numerous brands and products to choose from. But with so many options, how do you know which alkaline water is right for your needs?

You'll learn how properties like pH level, mineral content, and sourcing impact the quality and potential benefits of alkaline water. We'll also provide tips for incorporating alkaline water into your routine, outline the top brands on the market, and help you determine if alkaline water is right for your lifestyle.

What Makes Water Alkaline?

Alkaline water has a higher pH level than regular tap water. The pH scale ranges from 0-14, with 7 being neutral. Tap water usually has a slightly acidic pH of 6.5-7. Alkaline water has a pH of 8 or higher, often between 8 and 9.

This alkalinity is achieved through a process called electrolysis which uses an electric current to pull mineral ions like calcium and magnesium out of the source water. The resulting mineralized water has a higher pH and lower acidity. Some systems also add pH buffers to further raise alkalinity.

Benefits of Drinking Alkaline Water

While research is still ongoing, there are some potential benefits associated with the consumption of alkaline water:

• May neutralize acids from the food and drinks you ingest
• Enhanced hydration due to smaller water molecule size
• Additional minerals may support bone, muscle, and metabolic health
• Antioxidant properties from mineral ions

However, there is debate around whether alkaline water provides significant advantages over regular water when it comes to actual hydration. The key takeaway is that staying hydrated is important regardless of the pH of your water.

Choosing the Best Alkaline Water for You

Now that you understand the basics behind alkaline water, let's explore the key factors to consider when choosing a brand and product:

1. Check the pH Level

The pH level can vary widely between alkaline water brands. While a pH of 8-9 is common, some specialized products may reach pH levels as high as 10 or 11. However, there is some debate over what the ideal pH is for health purposes. Most experts recommend looking for water with a pH around 8-8.5. This provides an alkaline boost without going to extremes. When in doubt, examine the claims of extremely high pH waters carefully.

2. Pay Attention to Added Minerals

Many alkaline waters contain added minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. The amounts can differ drastically between brands. These minerals may provide health perks related to bone strength, hydration, metabolism, and more. However, some people may want to avoid added minerals based on dietary restrictions or taste preferences. Check labels closely to see which minerals are included and at what concentrations.

3. Consider the Filtration Method

Companies use different methods to filter and ionize the source water during electrolysis. Some of the most common are distillation, reverse osmosis, ionization/electrolysis, and a combination of these approaches. The right method balances water purity with beneficial mineral content. Filtration also impacts the final taste.

For example, distillation removes impurities through boiling but can also strip away essential minerals and result in flat-tasting water. With reverse osmosis, water is forced through a semipermeable membrane but this can also filter out desirable mineral ions.

4. Examine Sourcing and Sustainability

The source and collection process for the water can affect its mineral composition. Some brands use protected artesian springs or other unique sources. For instance, Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Water sources from Mauna Loa volcano. Others strive for sustainability through recycling, ethical extraction, and reduced plastic use.

5. Compare Costs

Prices vary substantially when comparing alkaline bottled waters vs home alkaline water ionizer systems. Ionizers have higher upfront costs but lower long-term expenses compared to continually buying bottles. Also look at potential subscription savings on cases of alkaline water delivered to your home. Consider convenience and environmental impact as well.

Reviews of the Top Alkaline Water Brands

Now let's explore some top alkaline water brands on the market and key features:

Essentia

With a pH of 9.5 or higher, Essentia focuses on extreme alkalinity. They also add electrolytes for hydration. Many athletes prefer Essentia for rehydration.

Waiakea

Sourced from Mauna Loa volcano, Waiakea has a moderate pH of 8.2 but focuses on sustainability. They use recyclable RPET bottles and donate clean water.

Smartwater

Crisp taste from vapor distillation but lower pH around 7. Added electrolytes provide hydration. Owned by major brand Glaceau.

Alkaline88

Alkaline88 keeps their water straightforward with a pH of 8.8 and no additions besides purified water and Pink Himalayan salt.

Evian

Although not marketed specifically as alkaline, Evian's natural spring water has a pH around 7.2. Mineral-rich taste.

Who is Alkaline Water Best For?

While anyone can drink alkaline water, it offers the most potential benefits for:

• Athletes and active lifestyles
• Those following high protein diets like keto or paleo
• People seeking enhanced hydration
• Those looking to neutralize acidic diets

However, alkaline water is not a requirement for good health. Plain drinking water still provides the basis for proper hydration. The key is drinking enough water overall based on your individual needs.

Tips for Drinking Alkaline Water

Here are some tips for incorporating alkaline water into your routine:

• Drink first thing in the morning to hydrate and balance your body
• Consume during or after meals high in acidic foods like meat and dairy
• Have a bottle after a workout to replenish minerals
• Use alkaline water when preparing certain foods or beverages
• Aim for a max of 1-2 liters of alkaline water per day

You can swap some of your regular bottled water for alkaline, but don't feel the need to exclusively drink alkaline water. Variety and moderation is key.

Alkaline water can be a safe, beneficial addition to a healthy diet and hydration routine for most people. The higher pH level and mineral content provide potential upsides for neutralizing acidity, enhancing hydration, and providing essential electrolytes. While the research is still emerging, there are few drawbacks to moderately consuming water with a pH of 8-8.5 as part of a balanced approach.

Choose trusted brands that appeal to your taste preferences and health goals. The ideal alkaline water for you depends on your individual needs and lifestyle.