Content
Alkaline water is a type of water that has a pH above 7.5 and that could have several benefits for the body, such as improved blood flow and muscle performance, in addition to preventing the development of cancer.
This type of water has been increasingly used as an option to replace energy drinks in high-intensity workouts, with the aim of improving muscle performance and reducing fatigue during muscle training, since during physical activity there is acid production lactic acid, which ultimately lowers the body's pH.
However, the muscle can only function properly in a pH range that should not be less than 6.5 and, therefore, as lactic acid accumulates, there is a progressive increase in tiredness and an increased risk of injury.
Thus, alkaline water could have benefits for the practice of physical activity, however this and other benefits of alkaline water are not yet fully scientifically proven, and it is important that further studies are carried out to confirm the benefits of the consumption of alkaline water.
Possible benefits
The benefits of alkaline water are still quite discussed, this is because until then there are few studies that bring its effects on the body, besides that the studies that exist were carried out with a small sample of the population, which may not reflect the effects on a larger group.
Despite this, it is believed that the consumption of alkaline water could bring health benefits due to the fact that this water has a pH similar to that of blood, which is between 7.35 and 7.45, so it is believed that maintaining the pH in this range favors normal body processes. Thus, the possible benefits of alkaline water are:
- Improved muscle performance, since it can better eliminate excess lactic acid accumulated during physical activity, preventing the appearance of muscle cramps and injuries and reducing the feeling of fatigue and the recovery time after training;
- Prevents premature aging, as it could act as an antioxidant;
- It can help to treat reflux, as, according to one study, water pH above 8.8 can deactivate pepsin, which is the enzyme present in the stomach and is related to reflux. On the other hand, the deactivation of pepsin can directly interfere with the digestive process and, therefore, this benefit still needs to be better evaluated;
- It could prevent cancer, since the more acidic environment can favor the differentiation and proliferation of malignant cells. Thus, when the pH of the blood is always alkaline, there is less chance of developing cancer, however this effect still needs further studies to prove it;
- It could improve blood circulation, as a study of 100 people showed that the consumption of alkaline water is able to decrease blood viscosity, which allows blood to circulate in the body more efficiently, also improving the supply of blood. oxygen to the organs. Despite this, further studies need to be carried out to confirm this benefit.
In addition, other possible benefits of alkaline water are improving the immune system, improving the appearance and hydration of the skin, aiding in the weight loss process, in addition to having benefits for people who have diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. However, these benefits are not yet scientifically proven.
When to take
Alkaline water can be consumed during training in order to maintain hydration and combat the effect of lactic acid that increases during exercise, so it would be possible to avoid the effect of this substance on the body and reducing the recovery time after exercise. .
When alkaline water is consumed in order to improve performance in physical activity, the indication is that water is consumed during the day to keep the body in an alkaline pH range, so that when you start to training the body takes longer to become acidic and allows the muscles to function properly for longer.
However, it is also important that water with a pH equal to or below 7, as the excessive alkalinity of the organism can interfere in some processes, mainly digestive, since the stomach works at acid pH. Thus, there may be the development of some symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, hand tremors, muscle changes and mental confusion. Thus, it is important to alternate the consumption of water types.
How to make alkaline water
It is possible to make alkaline water at home, however it is important to pay attention to the proportions to avoid that the water is excessively alkaline, having negative effects on the body.
To prepare the alkaline water, just mix one coffee spoon of baking soda in each liter of water. Although the pH value cannot be easily calculated, as it varies and according to the region where you live, the more basic the water is, the better the performance will be, with no risk of using sodium bicarbonate.