What’s the deal with alkaline water? Or vortex water?
Alkalinity is a hot topic in health circles. But what about water—does it need to be alkaline? And what’s this new Vortex water stuff?
Most natural health experts and the more traditional Mayo Clinic are “meh” on alkalinity.
Dr. Mercola wrote in 2010: “What you want is pure water – water that is clean, balanced, and healthful, neither too alkaline nor too acidic. Ideally, the pH of your water should be close to 7, which is neutral.
Somewhere between 6 and 8 is likely fine.
And some of the most healthful waters in the world – that which emerge from mountain springs – are actually acidic in the range of 6.5 and would absolutely be my preference if it were readily available.”
The MayoClinic’s Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. wrote: “For most people, plain water is best.
Because alkaline water has a higher pH level than does plain tap water, proponents say that it can neutralize acid in your bloodstream, boost your metabolism and help your body absorb nutrients more effectively. Some even say that alkaline water can help prevent disease and slow the aging process. However, researchers haven’t verified these claims.”
But Dr. Weil is absolutely NOT in favor of alkaline water. He writes:
“None of these claims are true. Furthermore, your body needs absolutely no help in adjusting its pH. Normally, the pH of blood and most body fluids is near seven, which is close to neutral. This is under very tight biological control because all of the chemical reactions that maintain life depend on it. Unless you have serious respiratory or kidney problems, body pH will remain in balance no matter what you eat or drink. As for water, you should consider the fact that alkaline water is common throughout the western states but to my knowledge it has not protected anyone from the diseases and disorders that occur elsewhere in the U.S.
The health claims for water ionizers and for alkaline water are bogus. Save your money.
– Andrew Weil, M.D.”
If you’re interested in trying alkaline water, it can be as easy as adding lemon to your daily water.
If not alkaline water, what’s the newfangled vortex water?
It’s negatively charged water, from deep within the earth. Dr. Mercola writes in 2013: “I personally drink vortexed water nearly exclusively.”
“As for a natural source of EZ water for drinking, an ideal source is glacial melt. Unfortunately, this is extremely inaccessible for most people. Another good source is water from deep sources, such as deep spring water. The deeper the better, as EZ water is created under pressure. Natural spring water is another excellent way to obtain this type of water and you can use FindaSpring.com to help you find one close to you.”
Others have suggested heating water in the sun for the same charged benefits.
Is all this fancy water talk overhwelming? It’s okay—we think it’s probably more important to drink ENOUGH of ANY water than to drink less of some specific water.
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