When it comes to drinking water, many people are drawn to the idea of alkaline water, believing it offers superior health benefits. However, I personally choose not to buy it, and here’s why.
The Issue with Store-Bought Alkaline Water
Many brands that market their water as “alkaline” achieve this status by adding artificially ionized minerals. These minerals are primarily for taste improvement rather than for enhancing health benefits. While some brands do use spring water naturally enriched with minerals, others simply modify the pH artificially, making it more of a marketing tactic than a natural product.
Essentia water is an example of artificially alkaline water, achieving its pH through ionized minerals. You can see this by looking at the added ingredients.
Naturally Enhancing Water Alkalinity
Instead of purchasing bottled alkaline water, I prefer to enhance the alkalinity of my spring water naturally. One of the simplest and most effective ways to do this is by adding key lime, cucumber, or both. This not only makes the water more refreshing but also ensures that the alkalinity comes from natural sources rather than artificial additives.
Another option is using distilled water with herbs or specific produce to achieve alkaline water. This method allows you to control the mineral content, ensuring a natural alkaline boost. However, be mindful that most, if not all, distilled water comes in plastic bottles, which may not be ideal for long-term use.
If you're looking to increase the mineral content in your water, consider determining which minerals you need and then infusing your water with produce that contains those minerals. This is essentially the same principle behind herbal teas. When herbs are steeped in water, they release their minerals, transforming the liquid into a natural source of alkaline hydration.
The Importance of Understanding Alkalinity
For clarity, I do drink alkaline water, but I don’t specifically seek out brands labeled as such. The term “alkaline” simply means the water has a pH greater than 7. Two different waters can both be alkaline, yet one may contain naturally occurring minerals while the other contains artificial ones. This is why I focus on the substance behind the label rather than the label itself.
What truly matters to me is whether the water is naturally alkaline. Some brands do not advertise themselves as alkaline, yet their pH level is above 7 due to their natural mineral content. I always check the ingredients list, ensuring that the only ingredient is spring water. The source of the water is just as crucial as its pH level.
Finding Natural Spring Water
If you’re interested in sourcing natural spring water, you can visit findaspring.com, a worldwide directory of natural springs. However, always conduct your own research to verify that a particular source is safe for consumption before collecting water from it.
Final Thoughts
While marketed alkaline water may seem to be convenient, it's not always the best option. When buying water, don't fall for the labels, but check to ensure water is the only ingredient listed. Verify and check the source! Remember, you can add mineral-rich ingredients like key lime and cucumber, or herbs. By doing so, you ensure that you're drinking mineral rich water that is both beneficial and free from unnecessary alterations.
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