Difference Between Normal & Alkaline Water

Alternative treatment options have been around since long before the start of traditional scientific medicine, and many of these methods still persist today. One alternative health trend has emerged that encourages consumers to drink alkaline water instead of normal water. While the success of such a treatment is a matter of debate, there are certain differences between regular water and alkaline water upon which proponents base alkaline water health claims.

"Normal" Water

• The only difference between "normal" water and alkaline water is the pH, a measurement of whether something is basic, acidic or neutral. Absolutely pure water is neither basic nor acidic; it has a pH level of 7, in the middle of the pH scale. Anything higher is acidic, while anything lower is basic. It is very difficult to manufacture and deliver pure water on a large-scale. Most water people drink is close to neutral, but may be slightly basic or acidic, depending on the water's origins and substances in the water. Most "normal" waters have a pH level between 6.5 and 8.5.

Alkaline Water

• The most significant difference between alkaline water and normal water is that alkaline water is much more basic than most normal water, with a pH of 9.5 to 11. While you can't typically buy alkaline water at the store, there are a number of companies that create products meant to increase water alkalinity, including filters and water additives.

Health Claims

• A healthy human being has very slightly alkaline blood pH of between 7.35 and 7.45. Some alternative health advocates claim that drinking alkaline water is actually good for you because it helps counter any acidic foods you may have eaten and keeps your blood pH at healthy levels. Other specific health claims touted by alkaline water proponents are that alkaline water can increase energy, improve healing, increase exercise ability, prevent cancer and increase bone density.

Support

• Many consumers and members of the scientific community remain skeptical about alkaline water claims. The human body is capable of retaining blood alkalinity without this kind of water, and many people lament the vague and often misleading claims made by companies trying to sell products meant to create alkaline water. Still, some accredited scientists do note that drinking alkaline water can't hurt you, and there may be some validity to health claims such as increased bone strength and better pH blood levels due in those that drink alkaline water.