Research on Why Drinking Alkaline or Purified Water Is Important

Purified water can reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, while alkaline water can contribute to a desirable PH balance. Although both types of water demonstrate some health benefits, each has its own potential dangers.

Function

• Purified water, or water that has been subjected to reverse osmosis or distillation, is consumed in order to reduce exposure to chemicals in the water supply. Alkaline water functions to neutralize acidic properties, restoring the body's PH balance.

Benefits

• Alkaline water has been shown to promote calcium absorption, spur the growth of useful bacteria, speed up metabolism, reduce joint pain, increase energy and help control diabetes, according to Dr. Denice Cook. In "Healing with Whole Foods," Paul Pitchford claims that purified water "dissolves toxins and foreign deposits in the body," and is especially beneficial to people with gout, arthritis and rheumatism.

Considerations

• Alkaline and purified water also present possible dangers. As Cook points out, some studies have discovered health hazards associated with alkaline water, such as damage to the heart and muscle enzymes. Additionally, the purification process can remove important minerals from water.