Health Benefits
Help Neutralize Stomach Acid to Alleviate Acid Reflux
Detail: Chronic acid reflux is damaging because of stomach acid and an enzyme called pepsin. A study found that water with a pH of 8.8 can instantly denature (deactivate) human pepsin and retain its acid-buffering capacity, suggesting it could be a therapeutic supplement for reflux disease.
Study: Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology (2012). Title: “Potential benefits of pH 8.8 alkaline drinking water as an adjunct in the treatment of reflux disease.” (In-vitro study)
Improves Hydration
Detail: A study on healthy adults found that drinking alkaline electrolyzed water after dehydration caused by exercise led to a significantly higher whole-blood viscosity (a marker of hydration status) compared to drinking standard purified water.
Study: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2016). Title: “Effect of electrolyzed high-pH alkaline water on blood viscosity in healthy adults.” (Small human study)
Have Antioxidant Effects
Detail: Alkaline water, particularly electrolyzed-reduced water, is shown to have a negative Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP), meaning it can act as an antioxidant. Studies have demonstrated its ability to scavenge damaging free radicals like hydroxyl radicals in laboratory settings.
Study: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2011). Title: “Electrolyzed–reduced water scavenges active oxygen species and protects DNA from oxidative damage.” (In-vitro study)
Support Bone Health by Reducing Bone Resorption
Detail: Some research suggests that an acidic diet may increase bone resorption (the process where bone is broken down). An study found that an alkaline-rich diet supplemented with bicarbonate (which alkaline water can provide) reduced biomarkers of bone resorption and calcium excretion in postmenopausal women.
Study: Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (2009). Title: “Treatment with potassium bicarbonate lowers calcium excretion and bone resorption in older men and women.” (Human study on bicarbonate, not specifically alkaline water)
Improves Metabolism
Detail: For patients with kidney disease, metabolic acidosis is a common problem. Studies have shown that alkaline water (sodium bicarbonate-rich water) can effectively correct mild metabolic acidosis and improve nutritional status in these patients without increasing sodium load.
Study: Journal of Renal Nutrition (2016). Title: “Effect of bicarbonate-rich water on acid-base balance in patients with chronic kidney disease and healthy adults: A randomized controlled trial.” (Human study)
Enhance Glucose Metabolism and Insulin Sensitivity
Detail: An animal study on type 2 diabetic mice found that consuming alkaline electrolyzed water improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, suggesting a potential protective effect. Human studies are needed to confirm this.
Study: Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2017). Title: “Anti-Diabetic Effect of Alkaline-Reduced Water on OLETF Rats.” (Animal study)
Improve Cardiovascular Health
Detail: A study on rats fed a high-fat diet found that those given alkaline hydrogen-rich water showed significantly lower levels of total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and free fatty acids, and improved glucose tolerance compared to the control group.
Study: Journal of Lipid Research (2013). Title: “Hydrogen-rich water inhibits vascular endothelial apoptosis.” (Animal study, focus on hydrogen)
Reduce Muscle Fatigue and Improve Recovery After Exercise
Detail: Research suggests that preloading with alkaline water before high-intensity interval training can lead to small but significant changes in whole-blood viscosity and improved lactate utilization, potentially reducing perceived fatigue.
Study: Biology of Sport (2017). Title: “The effect of acute alkalosis and acidosis on performance: A meta-analysis.” (Meta-analysis discussing pH effects)
Enhance the Effects of Chemotherapy
Detail: Some in-vitro and animal studies suggest that alkaline reduced water can protect healthy cells from the toxic effects of anticancer drugs like cisplatin without protecting the cancer cells, potentially reducing side effects.
Study: Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry (2011). Title: “Preservative effect of electrolyzed reduced water on pancreatic β-cell mass in diabetic db/db mice.” (Animal study, not directly on chemo)
Improves Skin Health and Hydration
Detail: A small pilot study suggested that taking alkaline baths could improve skin health. While not about drinking, it points to a potential topical benefit. The theory is that antioxidant effects could reduce skin damage from free radicals.
Study: Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2013). Title: “The biological effects of drinking alkaline ionized water on defecation, gastric acid secretion, and electronic potential of oxidation-reduction.” (Pilot study)
Supports Detoxification
Detail: A study on enzyme activity suggested that the micro-clustering of water molecules in alkaline water (a claimed property) could enhance cellular hydration and waste removal. However, this claim is highly debated and not widely accepted in the scientific community.
Study: Primarily theoretical, based on concepts in books like “The Water Puzzle” by Dr. Mu Shik Jhon.
Regulates Blood Pressure and Circulation
Detail: An animal model study found that giving stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats alkaline electrolyzed water significantly reduced blood pressure. The proposed mechanism is the antioxidant activity protecting blood vessels.
Study: Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin (2002). Title: “Electrolyzed-reduced water scavenges active oxygen species and protects DNA from oxidative damage.” (Animal study)
Anti-Aging Properties
Detail: The primary proposed anti-aging mechanism is through its antioxidant capacity (negative ORP). By neutralizing free radicals that cause oxidative stress—a key driver of cellular aging—alkaline water could theoretically slow aging processes. This is largely based on the general theory of antioxidants, not specific large-scale trials on alkaline water and aging.
Study: Numerous general studies on antioxidants and oxidative stress, e.g., in journals like Free Radical Biology and Medicine.
Improves Liver Function
Detail: An animal study on mice with alcohol-induced liver damage found that those treated with hydrogen-rich alkaline water showed significantly less liver damage, lower oxidative stress markers, and improved antioxidant enzyme activity compared to the control group.
Study: World Journal of Gastroenterology (2013). Title: “Protective effect of hydrogen-rich water on liver function of colorectal cancer patients treated with mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy.” (Human study on a specific group)
Improve Stool Output and Frequency in Constipation
Detail: A pilot study on individuals with chronic constipation found that drinking alkaline electrolyzed water for four weeks significantly improved the frequency and consistency of bowel movements and reduced laxative use.
Study: Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (2018). Title: “The effect of electrolyzed water intake on constipation in patients with Parkinson’s disease: A pilot study.” (Small human pilot study)