Discover Whether Alkaline Water Drops Make A Smart Health Decision

By Greg Hansen


Seen from orbit, the Earth is a liquid planet. The salty oceans host most life forms, but humans must drink from fresh sources to survive. As the population increases, traditional supplies in many areas are declining, and in areas with abundant resources the overall quality may be degraded. Consumers concerned with potential health issues are making attempts to improve their own supplies, sometimes by adding alkaline water drops.

Unlike fluoride or chlorine, this type of additive does not remove impurities or prevent tooth decay. Drops cannot eliminate parasites or harmful microorganisms, and they usually fail at making local supplies taste like a mountain spring. They are meant to turn sources that predominantly test high in acids into supplies that demonstrate greater alkalinity. This process takes place continuously in nature, and in those homes with installed ionizers.

Health fads appear and disappear rapidly in an age of electronic news. Many doubtful consumers question whether this treatment is even necessary, especially those who live in regions enjoying ample, filtered supplies. People in favor of adding drops base their conclusions on the process of ionization, how it positively influences health, and how it makes this liquid more alkaline.

All water sources possesses both alkaline and acidic characteristics, which can easily be measured using the common pH level test familiar to high school science students. Speaking generally, a level greater than seven indicates predominately alkaline levels, and when lower, primarily acidic. Both states are considered normal in the natural world, a fact that leads many to assume that health claims based on these readings are without merit.

Proponents say they matter because of the way the human body responds. Higher acid levels are capable of blocking the absorption of necessary minerals, impede digestion, and encourage cellular degradation through oxidation. Greater alkaline levels encourage antioxidant activity, make complete hydration simpler to accomplish, and bolster levels of free radicals, agents considered important in fighting modern scourges such as diabetes.

In order to boost effectiveness, the number of electrons associated with individual molecules must be increased. That happens during ionization, which is the process that makes electroplating or electrolysis possible. Each molecule with the H2O label has one atom of hydrogen and two of oxygen, and when an electrical current is passed through in a specific manner an additional electron is added temporarily.

This happens during electrical storms, as well as in home ionization devices. Proponents of this process believe that it can help strengthen the immune system, reduce chronic sources of inflammation, and counteract a significant part of the natural aging cycle. Although there have been few recognized scientific studies aimed at proving these claims, user testimonies are enthusiastic.

It can be prohibitively costly to purchase and install an ionizer, and mineral additives in the form of drops are increasing in popularity. Advertising campaigns tout them as an affordable alternative to hooking another appliance into the main pipes, and say they should be used primarily with bottled or tap water already stored in other containers. Detractors say that the additional minerals do little to affect pH balance.

Despite these disagreements, there are valid economic reasons to seriously consider whether adding drops is actually the best way to achieve this goal. In an active household, a single bottle will probably not last long, and buying a fresh supply every two weeks can significantly add to expenses. In addition, drops do virtually nothing to filter microorganisms or chemical residue, and there is little scientific product testing for consumers to consult.

Distilled drinking water is not a recommended alternative. It naturally has a nonexistent mineral content, and contains no helpful antioxidants. Distillation produces an excellent solvent for cleaning, and it may be helpful when embarking on a short period of body detoxification, but longer periods of use encourage a decline in measurable trace elements and a loss of electrolytes. Air contact increases acidity, not a desired characteristic.

For people who are serious about maintaining healthy acid and alkaline balance, the most sensible economic choice remains an electrical home ionizer. While there are still questions regarding the health benefits of ionization in general, the output of a machine can be measured accurately, and can change the electrolytic balance in a way that simply adding additional mineral content cannot.




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