The alkaline bottled water trend is so hot right now – celebrities and health gurus alike are endorsing its benefits over filtered and tap water. But it’s more than just a health craze – it can help detoxify your body over time and help with health problems like high blood pressure and acid reflux.
To see the full benefits, you’ll need to ingest alkaline drinking water regularly. In fact, one of the most frequent questions we get asked is, “How much alkaline water should I be drinking a day?” Here’s our answer – and a few more besides:
For regular water drinkers. It's widely known that health professionals suggest drinking at least eight glasses of water a day helps us feel hydrated, improves our well-being and flushes out everyday toxins we ingest.
If you've successfully achieved this daily limit, congratulations! You can just swap alkaline water for your tap or filtered water. We recommend drinking eight to twelve glasses (or two to three litres) of alkaline water per day to experience optimal benefits. Don't make a fast switch, though - transition slowly by mixing up your alkaline water intake with regular water while you get used to the changes your body's pH levels.
For those upping their daily water intake. However, if you’re not already used to drinking two or more litres of water per day, it’s best to start slow. Try drinking three to four glasses at first and gradually build up your intake. This will minimise any initial effects of switching to alkaline over normal water you may feel, which can include headaches and muscle aches, gas flu-like symptoms and tiredness.
Not everyone experiences these side effects, but if you do, don’t panic! It’s actually a great sign that the alkaline water is doing its job of getting rid of the toxins and acid waste embedded deep in your muscle tissues. Once your body has become used to the lower levels of acid, any symptoms will subside – expect it to last two to three days or a couple of weeks, depending on your levels of toxification.
When should I drink alkaline water?
- First thing. Starting your day with a glass of alkaline water gets your body ready for the rest of the day. Keep a bottle beside your bed so you can down it first thing.
- During exercise. A strenuous workout tends to use up fluids fast, so rehydrate with alkaline water to slow down the process. You can take sips before, during and after your workout.
Hot tip: Never pair your alkaline water with food – your stomach needs acid, and the alkaline water will slow down the process. For this reason, it's recommended you drink at least thirty minutes before a meal and one and a half to two hours after meals.
Did you know you can now get your daily dose of alkaline water at Woolworths and 7Eleven stores? Find out where else you can source it now; click here.
FAQs
Recommended Daily Intake
How much 9.5 alkaline water should I drink a day? ›
We recommend drinking eight to twelve glasses (or two to three litres) of alkaline water per day to experience optimal benefits. Don't make a fast switch, though - transition slowly by mixing up your alkaline water intake with regular water while you get used to the changes your body's pH levels.
How long does it take to feel the benefits of alkaline water? ›
Just a few sips of alkaline water at level 2 per day can do wonders for your health. It takes around 3-4 weeks for your body to adapt to water with a higher pH. You will advance to level 3 (the highest possible level) after 4 weeks at level 2. There are more antioxidants in it than in any other food.
What is the number one alkaline water to drink? ›
Icelandic Glacial Water is perhaps the most prestigious offering, being 100% naturally alkaline glacial spring water from Iceland. The pH level is 8.4, making it naturally much more basic than typical spring water, and it's rich in minerals and has a wonderful, crisp flavor.
How much alkaline water is good for health? ›
It's critical to understand that the pH levels in your blood cannot be changed drastically through diet, including by drinking alkaline water. Your kidneys and lungs ensure that the levels stay within a very strict range of 7.35-7.45 for its pH level, which you need for healthy functioning.
What are the symptoms of alkaline water detox? ›
These are akin to a withdrawal process, and detox symptoms may include headaches, nausea, fatigue, poor sleep, low concentration and irritability. This is caused by the fact that the water is actually doing what it is supposed to by being absorbed into your cells!
How to tell if your body is alkaline or acidic? ›
Urine tests measure the level of acid in the body. Optimal pH levels are between 6.5 and 7.5. When the pH level is lower than 6.5, the body is considered acidic and when the pH level is higher than 7.5, the body is considered alkaline.
Who should not drink alkaline water? ›
Unless you have a kidney disease, alkaline water doesn't pose any serious health risks. The high pH could make your skin dry and itchy or cause an upset stomach, but that's about all. Just because it's safe, though, doesn't mean it does anything for you.
Is alkaline water good for the kidneys? ›
Researchers find that levels are too low to offer benefit
"While alkaline water products have a higher pH than regular water, they have a negligible alkali content, which suggests that they can't raise urine pH enough to affect the development of kidney and other urinary stones," says UCI Health urologist Dr. Roshan M.
What is the best source of alkaline water? ›
The easiest and least expensive way to make alkaline water is to add a pinch of baking soda to a glass of tap water. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) has a pH of about 9.0.
Symptoms of alkalosis can include any of the following:
- Confusion (can progress to stupor or coma)
- Hand tremor.
- Lightheadedness.
- Muscle twitching.
- Nausea, vomiting.
- Numbness or tingling in the face, hands, or feet.
- Prolonged muscle spasms (tetany)
The common value for urine pH is 6.0–7.5 for most people, but any value within the 4.5–8.0 range is generally not a cause for concern. The pH scale runs from 1 to 14, with 1 being the most acidic and 14 the most basic. However, different laboratories may have different ranges for “normal” pH levels.
Is alkaline water good for the elderly? ›
Muscle Function: Some studies suggest that alkaline water improves muscle strength and endurance, potentially beneficial for older adults struggling with age-related muscle decline.
How much water should I drink a day at Mayo Clinic? ›
About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men. About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women.
Can I drink alkaline water at night? ›
The decreased acidity in this type of water may help with acid reflux and improve your overall digestive health. Alkaline water could help you sleep better, which has many positive effects on your health.
Is it safe to drink 11.5 alkaline water? ›
While drinking alkaline water in moderation is generally considered safe, consuming excessive amounts can have potential consequences. Here are some possible effects of consuming 11.5 alkaline water: Electrolyte imbalance: Drinking large quantities of alkaline water can disrupt the balance of electrolytes in your body.
