Alkaline water is a type of water that has a pH greater than 7.5 and could have several benefits for the body, such as improving blood circulation and muscle performance, as well as preventing the development of cancer.
This type of water is increasingly used as an option to replace energy drinks in high intensity workouts, with the aim of improving muscle performance and reducing fatigue during muscle training, since during physical activity there is acid production. lactic acid, which eventually reduces the body’s pH.
- However.
- The muscle can only function properly in a pH range that should not be less than 6.
- 5 and therefore.
- As lactic acid accumulates.
- There is a gradual increase in fatigue and an increased risk of injury.
Thus, alkaline water may have benefits for the practice of physical activity, but this and other benefits of alkaline water are not yet fully scientifically proven, and it is important that further studies are conducted to confirm the benefits of alkaline water consumption.
The benefits of alkaline water are still much discussed, this is because so far few studies bring its effects on the body, besides that the studies that exist were conducted with a small sample of the population, which may not reflect the effects on a large group.
Despite this, it is thought that alkaline water consumption could bring health benefits because this water has a blood-like pH, which is between 7.35 and 7.45, so it is thought that maintaining pH in this range promotes body normality. Processes. Thus, the possible benefits of alkaline water are:
In addition, other possible benefits of alkaline water are to improve the immune system, improve the appearance and hydration of the skin, help with the weight loss process and have benefits for people with diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. However, these benefits are not yet scientifically proven.
Alkaline water can be consumed during training to maintain hydration and combat the effect of lactic acid that increases during exercise, so it is possible to avoid the effect of this substance on the body and reduce recovery time after exercise. .
When alkaline water is consumed in order to improve performance in physical activity, the indication is that water is consumed during the day to keep the body in an alkaline pH range, so that when it starts training the body takes longer to become acidic and allows muscles to function properly for longer.
However, it is also important that water with a pH equal to or less than 7, since the excessive alkalinity of the body can interfere with certain processes, mainly digestive, since the stomach runs at acid pH. Therefore, there may be the development of certain symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, hand tremors, muscle changes and mental confusion. Therefore, it is important to alternate water consumption.
It is possible to make alkaline water at home, however it is important to pay attention to the proportions to avoid excessively alkaline water, which has negative effects on the body.
To make alkaline water, simply mix one teaspoon of baking soda in each liter of water. Although the pH value is not easy to calculate, as it varies and depending on the region where you live, the more basic the water, the better the yield, without the risk of using baking soda.