What is alkaline ionized water? 11 proven health benefits

Created from water electrolysis technology, possessing alkaline properties similar to green vegetables and with molecules smaller than regular water by 5 times, alkaline ion water is becoming a trend that health-conscious consumers are seeking. So, what is alkaline ion water? What are the specific benefits of this type of water? Let’s follow Ocany in this article to find out.

What is alkaline ion water?

Alkaline ion water, also known as alkaline water, hydrogen water, mineral-rich water, or alkaline-rich water, is water with a pH greater than 7 (ranging from 8.5 to 9.5), rich in minerals and hydrogen, created from water electrolysis technology, and has the ability to reduce oxidation potential (negative ORP).

In which pH concentration is a measure of the amount of acid or base in a solution, measured on a scale from 0 to 14. If the pH is less than 7, the solution is acidic, and if it is greater than 7, it is alkaline. If the pH is equal to 7, it is neutral. This is also one of the characteristics that distinguish alkaline ion water from other types of water.

ORP (Oxygen Reduction Potential) is the ability of a substance to reduce oxidation. The ORP index is measured in millivolts (mV). A positive ORP value indicates that the substance is oxidizing, whereas a negative ORP value means that the substance is reducing oxidation.

Alkaline ionized water is water with a pH greater than 7 .

History of alkaline ionized water research

Throughout history, scientists have discovered many areas around the world with underground water sources containing natural minerals that support the body’s recovery process and enhance human health. Some of these areas include the Himalayas (China), Lourdes (France), Tlacote (Mexico), Nordenau (Germany), Delhi (India)…

Realizing the special benefits of mineral water sources, in 1931, Japanese researchers, led by medical researcher Machisue Suwa, conducted in-depth analysis of their composition and properties. After many groundbreaking experiments, scientists discovered a substance existing in the form of ions, with alkaline properties, rich in hydrogen, and with super small molecular structures.

History of alkaline ionized water

In 1940, based on previous research, Japan reproduced this water for the first time by selecting the best properties and creating what is now known as alkaline ionized water.

In 1965, the Japanese Ministry of Health and the Food Safety Administration issued a notification called Pharmaceutical Announcement Vol. 763 on October 8, 1965, recognizing the benefits of alkaline ionized water for human health.

After this announcement, there was an explosion of awareness among the Japanese people about alkaline ionized water. In 1992, a reputable news program in Japan reported on the benefits of alkaline ionized water, and this was a major turning point that made it a consumer trend in Japan to this day.

The 25th medical conference in Japan in 1999 once again affirmed that alkaline ionized water is a daily and extremely good drinking water for health. From then on, schools and hospitals in Japan began using alkaline ionized water instead of regular filtered water.

How alkaline ionized water is produced

As mentioned above, in nature, when water flows through areas with rocks and sediment containing minerals, they carry these minerals, increase the pH, and create alkaline water. However, this source of water is likely to be contaminated with natural impurities, and the mineral levels may not be safe for the human body.

Therefore, to have safe alkaline water, scientists produce it by electrolysis and ionization in modern filtration systems. During this process, water molecules are split into ions (H+) and (OH-). The ion exchange increases the alkalinity of the water. After ensuring safe parameters, the alkaline ionized water is delivered to consumers.

Alkaline ionized water is created by electrolysis technology

The process of creating alkaline ionized water can be described as follows:

• First, the manufacturer will use reverse osmosis filtration to remove cancer-causing chemicals and other harmful pollutants from the water.
• Next, the system will ionize the water. This is achieved through a filter that increases the pH of the water through ionization.

By doing this, you can be sure that you are not drinking water contaminated with cancer-causing chemicals.

With similar packaging, many people may be skeptical of a bottled water company labeling regular water as alkaline ionized water for their own benefit. However, this is something that consumers do not need to worry about.

Alkaline ionized water brought to the market in bottled form will need to comply with strict regulations from the Ministry of Health. Regulatory agencies will monitor all products according to food safety regulations and ensure that the product is delivered to consumers as high-quality water at the most reasonable price.

How to distinguish natural alkaline water from mineral alkaline ionized water?

The main difference between natural alkaline water and mineral-enriched ionized alkaline water is the source and level of mineral content.

Natural alkaline water

Alkaline water with a natural pH is created by the water passing through layers of sediment and rock over a long period of time, picking up minerals from the soil, which increases its alkalinity.

Mineral-enriched ionized alkaline water

Ionized alkaline water is created through electrolysis, which separates water into ions. The H+ and OH- ions are separated, and the OH- ions, which are larger, increase the pH level of the water. The mineral content in this type of water is typically added through a function called an artificial mineralization filter.

The characteristics of alkaline ionized drinking water

Here are some characteristics of ionized alkaline water that can help you understand more about this type of water.

Taste of ionized alkaline water

After removing impurities, dirt, bacteria, and some harmful substances from water and retaining necessary minerals, ionized alkaline water no longer has a taste like tap water or water treated with chemicals. At this point, we have a colorless, odorless, and tasteless ionized alkaline water. However, due to the balanced mineral content, when you drink it, you will feel a slightly sweet, cool, and refreshing taste that is easy to drink.

What does alkaline ionized water taste like? Is it difficult to drink?

Rich in alkaline properties like green vegetables

Alkaline ionized water with a pH level of up to 9.5 is rich in alkaline similar to the alkaline content found in green vegetables, which helps neutralize acidity in the body, balance the internal environment, and maintain the best physical state, particularly preventing some acid-related diseases such as gout, cancer, and diabetes.

Rich in hydrogen and antioxidants

The oxidation process is actually a series of chemical reactions that occur in the body. The consequence of this process is the release of free radicals – the “culprits” that destroy cells, leading to oxidative stress and increasing the risk of dangerous chronic diseases. Scientists have found a solution to this problem by supplementing a powerful antioxidant. This substance has the effect of neutralizing, eliminating harmful free radicals, enhancing immunity, and contributing to the prevention of invasive pathogens.

Alkaline ionized water contains a lot of hydrogen or hydrogen molecules (H2). They belong to the group of strong antioxidants in nature, safe, and have the ability to prevent oxidative stress, eliminate harmful free radicals, enhance immunity, and contribute to the prevention of invasive pathogens.

Rich in natural trace minerals

Another characteristic that makes alkaline ionized water widely used by many customers is the natural trace mineral content in the water. The human body needs to ingest just enough minerals each day, and if they are deficient, the body will produce certain diseases.

Natural trace minerals such as calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium,… are all present in alkaline ionized water. These substances help convert nutrients better for the body.

For every liter of alkaline ionized water, there is an equivalent of 160-180 mg/liter of minerals such as Na, K, Mg, Ca,… in the form of ions for the body to absorb most easily.

Ultra-small water molecule cluster size

With an ultra-small molecule cluster size of 5 nanometers, alkaline water has the ability to permeate quickly into each cell and tissue. When consumed, it will quickly make you feel refreshed and hydrated.

Microscopic water molecule cluster size

Additionally, with this characteristic, alkaline ionized water has the ability to purify and eliminate toxins from the body very effectively.

What are the benefits of alkaline ionized water?

The benefits of drinking alkaline ionized water are highly sought after by many people. With its unique properties, alkaline ionized water provides numerous benefits for its users. It is even recommended as a replacement for regular filtered water. So, what are the specific benefits of this type of water? Let’s take a look.

Eliminates harmful free radicals, strong antioxidant

Free radicals can form due to many factors, the most common being the accumulation of toxins from the environment, pollution, unhealthy eating and drinking habits, and prolonged stress. Free radicals can pose a threat to health by weakening the immune system and causing various diseases.

To combat the negative effects of free radicals, the body needs antioxidants. Alkaline ionized water can help in this case. With its high hydrogen content and negative ORP, alkaline ionized water can neutralize antioxidants, eliminate harmful free radicals, prevent aging, and maintain a youthful appearance.

Detoxifies the body

As mentioned, the cluster size of alkaline ionized water molecules is smaller than that of regular water molecules by five times. This helps water molecules transport oxygen and nutrients to cells more quickly. At the same time, it assists in cleaning cells, eliminating toxins, reducing dehydration, and detoxifying alcohol and beer.

Alkaline ionized water helps to remove toxins from the body

Add necessary minerals:

The natural amount of minerals is kept at the most suitable level for the human body. Especially for athletes, this is a drink that is extremely necessary. They have the ability to quickly replenish water and minerals, helping the body recover quickly.

Neutralize excess acid in the body:

One of the most important benefits of drinking alkaline water is that it neutralizes the amount of acid in the body by reducing excessive acid in the stomach and digestive tract. In addition, thanks to its ability to neutralize acid in the stomach, alkaline water is an excellent choice for treating digestive problems such as acid reflux and diarrhea.

Small molecules help to quickly replenish water and minerals:

This is a sports drink for people who exercise, and it is especially useful for those who do intense workouts at the gym. Alkaline water has better water retention properties than normal water due to its smaller water molecules, making it easier for cells to absorb, and therefore helps to replenish water quickly.

In addition, during intense exercise, the body not only loses water but also loses minerals. Alkaline ionized water is the most suitable choice at this time. It helps the body to immediately replenish lost minerals and as a result, we can quickly recover our physical strength.

Benefits of alkaline ionized water?

Boost Immune System

The abundance of hydrogen in alkaline water helps eliminate harmful free radicals, slow down the aging process, strengthen the immune system, and reduce the risk of infection and diseases.

Prevent Osteoporosis

Alkaline water contains various minerals such as magnesium and calcium, both of which are important in maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis.

Assist in Treating Diabetes and High Blood Pressure

Studies have shown that alkaline water can help lower blood pressure and regulate blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. By drinking alkaline water, you can improve blood circulation in your body and fight against diseases.

Reduce Fat Accumulation

Eating fatty foods and being inactive can lead to many health problems, including obesity and excess fat accumulation. Alkaline water can help break down fat into smaller clusters, making it easier for the body to excrete and reducing fat accumulation.

Increased longevity

Japan is one of the countries with the highest average life expectancy in the world, recorded over the past 50 years. They have many secrets to living longer, one of which is drinking alkaline ionized water daily. This is a type of water invented by Japanese scientists and has been verified for quality by the Ministry of Health, encouraging citizens to use it regularly to maintain health and prevent diseases.

Alkaline ionized water helps to increase the life of users

Cooking better

Vitamins and nutrients in food are sensitive to heat. Cooking at high temperatures can cause nutrient loss and reduce the flavor of the food. To overcome this problem, you should use ionized alkaline water instead of regular tap water.

This type of water has ultra-small water molecule clusters that easily penetrate into food, helping the dish cook quickly and become more flavorful.

In addition, ionized alkaline water is also recognized for its ability to clean food. With a high alkaline level, it can neutralize harmful chemicals on food such as pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, dirt, etc. that tap water cannot wash away.

Why is alkaline ionized water the secret to the longevity of Japanese people?

Alkaline water, developed in Japan, has been recognized for its benefits by the Japanese Ministry of Health and is supported by state media, making it easy for all citizens of the Land of the Rising Sun to trust and widely use alkaline ionized water.

You may be surprised to learn that one of the secrets to the long life and mental agility of the Japanese people is their daily consumption of alkaline ionized water. In 2009, Japan decided to designate July 11 as “Alkaline Ionized Water Day” in the country.

Not only has alkaline water become a favorite drink of the Japanese people, but it is also becoming a health trend for people all over the world.

Scientific evidence of the effects of alkaline ionized water

Many studies have shown that alkaline water can be beneficial for certain conditions. Here are some typical scientific studies:

A study published in the Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology journal showed that drinking alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 can help deactivate pepsin, the main enzyme that causes acid reflux.

A 2016 study at the University of Padua in Italy found that mice that drank alkaline water lived longer than mice that did not drink it, although researchers admitted that more research is needed.

A 2016 study of 100 people found a significant difference in the viscosity of blood when using high-pH water compared to normal water after strenuous exercise.

Viscosity is a concept used to describe the efficiency of blood flow through vessels. According to the study, those who consumed high-pH water had a 6.3% reduction in viscosity compared to 3.36% for those who drank standard purified water.

This means that blood circulation is more efficient thanks to alkaline ionized water, increasing oxygen delivery throughout the body.

In addition, Japanese researchers conducted a small study in 2018 that showed drinking alkaline ionized water improved bowel movements in 60 participants.

There is a lot of other scientific evidence conducted worldwide to confirm the very positive effects of alkaline ionized water on both animals and the human body.

Can alkaline water really cure diseases?

According to information from the Nutrition Institute, the pH level in the blood needs to be maintained at around 7.3-7.4 to help the body stay healthy. When oxidized, cells in the body become old or die and produce many acidic free radicals, which are the cause of diseases. Alkaline compounds in ionized alkaline water help balance the environment in the body, which helps the body stay healthy and have a happier spirit.

According to experts, alkaline water is very good for health, helping the body excrete toxins, prevent diseases, and support the treatment of common diseases, but they do not have the ability to cure diseases.

Is alkaline water the best type of water today?

The trend of choosing beverages for consumers is constantly changing. Not only for refreshment but drinks must also have good “energy” for health. In this trend, alkaline water was born as a natural health care solution, with outstanding characteristics that no other type of water can match.

So is alkaline water the best type of water? To answer this question, we need to analyze and evaluate the types of water currently available on the market.

Is alkaline water the best water today?

Clean water

Clean water is water that has been treated and can be consumed directly without boiling. To be classified as clean water, the quality of the water must meet 21 chemical and 5 microbiological criteria (according to the QCVN standard issued on 06/01/2020 by the Ministry of Health).

With serious water pollution, people need to use chemicals (such as ClO) to remove harmful microorganisms and impurities to produce clean water. However, this can cause the water to become oxidized, and if consumed in the long term, it can release harmful free radicals and threaten health.

In addition, the condition of pipelines in many areas is still not safe and affects water quality. Specifically, the condition of corroded water pipes and deteriorating infrastructure causes harmful substances to enter the water source. There are two common water filtration methods for households before drinking: boiling or using RO machines. However, this water source, besides providing water, is not enough for what the body needs.

Purified water

The process of supplementing minerals through effective drinking is higher than eating food – that is the opinion of experts. Humans drink 2-3 liters of water per day to ensure adequate mineral supply for the body. However, with RO technology, purified water after treatment will lose the original minerals. When only drinking purified water in the long term, the body will lack minerals, affecting immunity and increasing the risk of disease.

In reality, many people still believe that purified water is the cleanest and best for the body. But according to Dr. Andy Syn of the National University Hospital in Taiwan, “Pure water, apart from being clean, is certainly not what humans need. The filtration process helps to remove harmful substances but also removes the minerals in the water.”

Mineral water

Compared to purified water, mineral water has many outstanding features. Mineral water originates from natural groundwater. After many years of permeating through geological layers and accumulating minerals, the water source is rich in natural minerals.

Mineral water still retains the original minerals in the water after treatment. The composition of mineral water includes many salt compounds such as magnesium, bicarbonate, calcium, sodium, sulfate, chloride, and fluoride.

Drinking mineral water is an effective way to supplement the necessary vitamins and minerals for the body every day. Experts highly evaluate the benefits of mineral water for health.

Alkaline ionized water

Alkaline ionized water is a type of water created using the most advanced electrolysis technology in Japanese science, taking the trend of drinking water to a new level.

Alkaline ionized water has been proven and recognized for its excellent health benefits. It is not only clean but also possesses many valuable properties that no other water on the market can match. For example, it is rich in alkalinity, contains antioxidant properties (hydrogen in alkaline ionized water has the ability to fight oxidation), is rich in minerals, and has ultra-small water molecule clusters (5 times smaller than normal water molecules).

These properties allow alkaline ionized water to:

Balance the pH level in the body, neutralize stomach acid, prevent agents that cause diseases of the stomach, intestines, and colon. Eliminate harmful free radicals due to the presence of antioxidants. Supplement natural minerals to enhance immunity and prevent bone loss diseases. Quickly penetrate into cells, help replenish water, minerals, and restore the body quickly.

We can see that choosing drinking water is very important because it can directly affect our health. Clean water is the most basic criterion, however, using mineral-depleted water in the long term is not good for health either. Depending on your needs, you can choose the best type of water for yourself. Expert advice is to drink water that contains minerals and other good properties for the body, such as alkaline ionized water.

Is there any difference between alkaline ion water and electrolyte water?

Today, there are many electrolyte water products on the market that are highly sought after by customers. However, the concept of electrolyte water is still inaccurate and can be confusing for consumers.

Given this information, many people are still wondering if there is any difference between alkaline ion water and electrolyte water?

In theory, electrolyte water consists of two types: one type of electrolyte water is created from ion electrolytes. The synthesis of mineral salt base interacts with H20 to produce ions. The second type is electrolyte water created from water electrolysis technology. When a direct current flows through, negative mineral ions will be attracted to the + and vice versa. At this point, water will separate into H+ and OH- ions.

Alkaline ion water falls into the second group – water created from electrolysis technology. It provides all the necessary minerals for the body, in addition to many health benefits, and is encouraged for long-term use instead of regular filtered water.

Using bottled alkaline ion water – is it good or bad?

The demand for alkaline water is increasing. To meet that demand, bottled alkaline ion water was introduced as a convenient and cost-saving health care solution. However, before using this type of water, you should be aware of its pros and cons.

Advantages:

Bottled alkaline ion water has a good natural alkaline level for the body, especially the digestive system. It contains minerals that help boost the immune system. Using bottles and containers helps preserve water better and avoids recontamination by bacteria. Easy to distribute and available everywhere.

Disadvantages:

The alkaline level is unstable if left for a long time. The material used to contain alkaline ion water is crucial, and if the quality is not guaranteed, it can affect the alkaline water inside.

How to use alkaline ionized water properly?

Alkaline ionized water is good for drinking, but you need to gradually increase the alkaline levels according to the pH scale and allow for some time to adjust and achieve the best results. Here is a guide to using alkaline water correctly:

Level 1: pH from 7.0-8.0

Filtered or purified water with a neutral pH (pH = 7) is usually the perfect choice for you to use in the first 1-2 weeks before you start drinking water with higher pH levels.

Level 2: pH from 8.5-9.0

After a few weeks, your body will have adapted and you can increase the alkaline level to a higher level to help prevent oxidation, detoxify your body, and achieve a more ideal pH balance in your body.

Using water with a pH level of around 8.5-9.0 during the next 2-3 weeks is the foundation for your body to feel more comfortable with higher pH levels than filtered water.

Level 3: pH from 9.0-9.5

This is the best alkaline level of ionized water, with the highest antioxidant hydro. After your body has adapted to the first two levels, now is the time to experience the positive effects of drinking alkaline water.

Always maintain this level to achieve long-term results and protect your body in the best way possible.

How to use standard alkaline ionized water?

Can drinking alkaline water be harmful to health?

Although alkaline water is very safe to drink, it can have negative effects if you consume it too frequently and in large doses. Firstly, drinking too much alkaline water can reduce the natural acid concentration in your stomach.

This is dangerous because stomach acid helps digest food, kills harmful bacteria, and prevents bacteria from entering your bloodstream. If the acid cannot perform its function because it has been alkalized, it can negatively affect your health.

Moreover, too much alkaline in the body can lead to digestive issues and even skin irritation.

Your body requires a stable pH level, usually around 7.35-7.45, and even small changes can lead to health issues such as nausea, vomiting, muscle twitching, and confusion.

An excessively high pH level can also affect the amount of calcium your body absorbs, which can reduce bone density.

Frequently asked questions about alkaline water

To help you use alkaline water for your health in the best way, below are frequently asked questions when using alkaline water.

What is the ideal pH of alkaline water to use?

Health organizations recommend using alkaline water with a pH of 8 to 9.5 on a scale from 0 to 14.

Water with a pH outside of this recommendation may indicate the presence of heavy metals, toxins, or chemicals due to higher pH levels.

When the pH value of water is less than 7 or greater than 10, it means that there are some pollutants in the water that need to be removed and are not suitable for direct consumption.

How much alkaline water should you drink every day?

If you are in the habit of drinking water regularly, you will know that health experts recommend drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day to help your body feel hydrated, improve health, and remove toxins from the food you eat.

For alkaline water, health experts recommend drinking 8-12 glasses (or 2-3 liters) of alkaline water per day to get the most benefits.

However, do not switch from normal filtered water to alkaline water immediately, but gradually transition by allowing your body to gradually get used to the pH concentration in the water as suggested in the above section.

If you are considering a change to your water intake, consult a health professional first to ensure it is appropriate for your individual needs.

How much alkaline ionized water should you drink per day?

Should we not drink alkaline ionized water?

Although alkaline ionized water has many health benefits, there are some cases where doctors recommend not using alkaline water, including:

• People with kidney problems or issues with kidney function
• Elderly people over 80 years old
• Children under 4 years old should not drink alkaline water with a pH> 7. Instead, they should drink water with a pH of 7.
• People with low stomach acid.

Can using too much alkaline water cause problems?

Drinking 1-2 bottles of alkaline ionized water per day will not cause any problems for your body. However, if you drink too much, such as drinking more than 4 liters of alkaline ionized water per day, it can disrupt the natural pH balance of your body.

This can affect the pH level in your blood and lead to a condition called alkalosis, which occurs when your blood loses too much acid. Symptoms of alkalosis include:

• Confusion
• Hand tremors
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Lower leg swelling
• Diarrhea

Severe cases of alkalosis can lead to agitation, seizures, and unconsciousness.

Should medication be taken with alkaline ion water?

You should not take medication with alkaline ion water unless directed by a doctor. Alkaline ion water can cause medication to be absorbed too quickly, leading to different reactions that can be dangerous and cause toxicity or shock.

With so many types of medication available, it is difficult to determine which ones are safe to take with alkaline ion water and which ones are not. It is best to ask your doctor whether it is safe to take any medication with alkaline ion water, and if in doubt, take medication with pure water or filtered water with a pH level of 7 as it is the safest option.

Can alkaline ion water be consumed directly without boiling?

Alkaline ion water has been processed to remove all impurities, bacteria, and has a pH level that is good for health, so you can consume it directly without boiling.

Boiling alkaline ion water will not have any effect and will waste energy and time. Moreover, boiling alkaline ion water can cause the loss of some beneficial properties such as the evaporation of hydrogen or the precipitation of minerals.

This can significantly affect the antioxidant benefits and mineral supplementation for the body from alkaline ion water.

Should I drink alkaline ionized water directly without boiling it?

Does alkaline ion water cause kidney stones?

Drinking the right amount of alkaline water each day is completely good for your body. However, when you drink more alkaline water than your body needs, your body has to work harder to maintain its pH balance.

Over time, your body will produce more digestive fluids and enzymes. For those with kidney disease or taking medications that affect kidney function, the minerals in alkaline ion water may not be fully excreted from the body.

When these minerals are retained for longer periods of time, they can gradually form kidney stones in the body. Therefore, if you have kidney issues, it is recommended that you consult with a doctor before using alkaline water.

When is the best time to drink alkaline water?

Your body will be ready for all activities throughout the day if you start the morning with a glass of alkaline water. You can keep a bottle of alkaline ion water by your bed to drink in the morning.

Additionally, Ocany recommends replenishing water with alkaline water to slow down the process of water loss after heavy exercise. Before, during, and after exercise is the best time to drink alkaline ion water.

To prevent any adverse effects, it is better to consume alkaline water about 30-60 minutes before eating to support digestion and only drink a small amount while eating.

Moreover, due to its properties, alkaline water can help with relaxation, reduce fatigue, and improve sleep. Therefore, drinking a glass before bed one hour can help you have a deeper sleep.

When is the best time to drink alkaline water?

You can refer to the following water consumption schedule:

• 7 am – Drink 1 glass of alkaline water on an empty stomach.
• 9 am – Drink 1 glass after breakfast, about 1 hour after eating.
• 11:30 am – Drink 1 glass before lunch, about 1 hour before eating.
• 1:30 pm – Drink 1 glass after lunch (rest) about 1 hour after eating.
• 3 pm – Drink 1 glass in the afternoon, replenish water, increase concentration in studying and working.
• 5 pm – Drink 1 glass before dinner to reduce calorie intake in the evening meal.
• 8 pm – Drink alkaline water after dinner or before bathing to stabilize blood pressure.
• 10 pm – Drink water before bed to support cell regeneration process.

So, the article has explained to readers what alkaline ionized water is, its characteristics, and the health benefits of this type of water. Nowadays, the trend of using alkaline ionized water is not only in Vietnam but also worldwide and is becoming increasingly popular due to the benefits that this type of water brings to the body. You can replace filtered water with ionized water for daily use, and after a period, you will feel the difference. Wishing you good health!