Is Spring Water Alkaline and Better For Your Health? Uncover the Truth!


is spring water alkaline

Last Updated: January 31, 2024

If you are wondering is spring water alkaline? Don’t worry! I am Boch Richard, a chemical engineer specializing in water chemistry I will help you decode this query. Stay with me till the end and disclose the real pH of spring water, what factors it depends on, and the top 5 benefits of alkaline water that will surprise you. Let’s head on!

Is Spring Water Alkaline: What is the pH of Spring Water?

It’s a common misconception that “spring water” equates to “alkaline water,” although that is untrue. It can be acidic or basic based on its source. To verify whether the spring water is alkaline in nature, you need to look at the pH scale:

  • A 0 pH water is acidic;
  • 7 is neutral;
  • 14 is alkaline.

Its pH level which determines alkalinity can vary depending on the source and mineral content. Here’s what you need to know about it: 

  • Different springs have different alkalinity levels;
  • The rocks and soil present affect the water’s pH;
  • Mostly, they have a pH above 7 but they can also be slightly acidic.
Is Spring Water Alkaline

Interesting facts, aren’t they? However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Keep reading to learn the pH of popular spring water brands and is a truly alkaline one among them. How beneficial alkaline water is to the gastrointestinal tract, bones, and how it even helps prevent cancer cells grows. Moreover, discover the key differences between spring water and alkaline water to make an informed decision about your healthy hydration. Let’s keep exploring!

The lower the pH of water, the more acidic it is. The higher the pH of water, the more basic, or alkaline, it is.UMass, Water Resources Research Center

Reaping the Benefits: Why Alkaline Water Is a Healthful Choice

Perhaps you’ve encountered numerous health advocates raving about alkaline water and its benefits. But, is it enough to give alkaline water a try? To answer this pressing question, I present to you a list of 5 perks regarding alkaline water.

Reaping the Benefits: Why Alkaline Water Is a Healthful Choice

Let’s learn more below:

1. Enhanced Hydration

People who drink alkaline water have better hydration levels than those who drink regular water. Why is that so? Let’s find it out below!

  • Research states that consuming high-pH water affects aquaporins (cell membrane water channel proteins) to boost your hydration.
  • Alkaline water also balances out the electrolytes in your body. It contains a group of molecules (clusters) that take a while to dissolve, providing hydration for an extended period. 

2. Neutralization of Acidity

The pH of alkaline water helps balance the body’s acid-base. It neutralizes excessive acid, reducing the risk of many issues including heartburn and gastrointestinal tract irritation. Allow me to shed light on further details: 

  • The Journal of the International Society of Sports supports the notion that alkaline water buffers acidity induced by exercise.
  • The alkalinity counteracts the acid-forming foods in the diet, contributing to a more balanced internal environment. Hence, drinking alkaline water helps reduce acid reflux and inflammation by an average of 6.30%

I would like to present my two top picks to neutralize your acidity which are Icelandic and Evian spring water, having 7.2 pH. 

Neutralization of Acidity

3. Boost in Antioxidants

Alkaline water has a negative oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) acting as an antioxidant and doing all the hard work. Let me share the important details with you:

  • Antioxidants play a crucial role in combating oxidative stress, and alkaline water just boosts the whole process. It has a higher antioxidant potential, contributing to the body’s defense against free radicals
  • The antioxidant propеrtiеs of alkalinе watеr work through chеmical rеactions prеvеnting harmful molеculеs callеd rеactivе oxygеn spеciеs which can damagе your cеlls.

4. Support for Bone Health

Bone health is something we all aim for, whether you’re young or older. Therefore, alkaline water is your best bet in this scenario. The minerals in it like calcium and magnesium support bone mineral density and overall skeletal health. 

5. Potential Aid in Weight Loss

Multiple studies support that the intake of alkaline water helps boost the metabolism process and remove acidic waste. Let me share a couple of important key takeaways:

  • Drinking alkaline water regularly can help rebalance your pH levels. This results in reducing acidity and supporting the body’s natural fat-burning processes through neutralization reactions.
  • The alkaline water paces up the digestion process with the help of thermogenesis(calorie burning and heat generation process). This results in the weight loss with the time.

Here’s what my colleague, Amy Grant says about it:

Amy Grant
In my weight loss journey, naturally alkaline spring water is a reliable friend that supports my well-being.Amy Grant, Water Journalist and Professional Writer at PureWaterBlog

pH of Bottled Water Brands: What Kind of Water is High in Alkaline?

Let me present you the table that highlights the pH of popular brands of bottled water brands.

Brand of Bottled WaterpH Level
Alkalized Ionized water9.5 to 11.5
Tap Watervaries 6.0 to 8.2
Penta Water4.0
Distilled Water4.0
Purified Water4.0
Aquafina (made by Pepsi)4.0
Dasani (made by Coke)4.0
Glaceau Fruit Water4.0
Le Blue Water4.0
Metro Mint Water4.0
Pellegrino4.0
Perrier4.0
Smart Water4.0
Vitamin Water4.0
Reverse Osmosis Water and Purified water4.5 – 6.0
Ice Age Glacial Water4.5
Apalachian Springs Water5.0
Poland Springs Water5.0
Pure American Water5.5
Dannon Spring Water5.5
Arrowhead Water7.0
Crystal Geyser Water7.0
Deer Park Water7.0
Eldorado Springs Water7.0
Supermarket Springs Water7.0
Biota Water7.5
Fiji Water7.5
Whole Foods 3657.5
Zephyrhills Water7.5
Eden Springs Water7.9
Deep Rock Water8.0
Evamore Water8.0
Alkalized Ionized Water9.5 to 11.2
Note: For other brands to understand the alkalinity or acidity of a specific spring water brand or source, check the product label or the company’s website. They often provide information about the pH level and mineral composition of their water.

An Insight Into Role Of Alkaline Water in Combating Cancer

Cancerous cells grow in acidic environments along with other factors like Mutation (change in genes) and Chronic inflammation (long-term tissue damage). Therefore, drinking alkaline water can help to prevent their growth Buono et al., (2020) state that:

  • Alkaline water counteracts oxidative stress linked to cancer development.
  • Alkaline water also boosts the immune system to fight cancerous cells.
An Insight Into Role Of Alkaline Water in Combating Cancer

However, I would suggest you not rely on drinking too much alkaline water alone as it can be dangerous and can lead to nausea and vomiting. Instead, you should consider other factors for the prevention of cancer. For instance, a hеalthy diеt, rеgular еxеrcisе, and avoiding tobacco can hеlp in this rеgard. To cеmеnt my statеmеnt, lеt’s sее what thе American Cancеr Sociеty says about it:

At least 18% of all cancers diagnosed in the US are related to excess body weight, physical inactivity, excess alcohol consumption, and/or poor nutrition, and thus could be prevented.American Cancer Society

Nature’s Elixir: Unveiling the Pure Journey of Spring Water – Is Spring Water Good For Your pH Balance?

In a world where bottled beverages are the norm, spring water emerges as a refreshing alternative. But what truly sets spring water apart from the many choices like municipal water supply available to us? Allow me to answer this question:

  • Spring water comes directly from a natural underground source, preserving its minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium that most municipal tap water doesn’t have.
  • It maintains an overall balance in your body. While its natural minerals contribute to its mild alkalinity (pH= 7-8.5), its purity ensures it’s free from harmful contaminants.
 spring water naturally alkaline

Therefore, I would suggest to drink spring water for bеttеr hеalth, as it contains calcium and magnеsium that contribute to improved bonе and musclе function.

Note: The mineral content of spring water varies depending on its sourcе. For instance, watеr from a mountain spring may havе a diffеrеnt minеral contеnt than watеr from a vallеy spring.

The Hydration Dilemma: Choosing Between Spring Water and Alkaline Water

Making a decision about the type of water to drink might seem trivial, but with the emerging health trends, this decision has become more significant. Two notable contenders are spring water and alkaline water, each with its unique benefits. But which one should you choose for your hydration needs?

Spring Water: Nature’s Pure Gift

Spring water is cherished for its purity and natural mineral content. It emerges from natural springs, collects essential minerals along its journey, and offers a taste that’s often superior to ordinary tap water.

Key advantages of spring water include:

  • Natural mineral content that contributes to overall health;
  • High purity due to its natural source;
  • A potentially higher pH level, depending on the source.

Alkaline Water: A Healthful Trend

Alkaline water, on the other hand, is recognized for its higher pH level, usually above 7. This characteristic can help balance the body’s acidity levels. Additionally, it’s often enriched with minerals and offers potential benefits like enhanced hydration.

Key benefits of alkaline water:

  • Higher pH level may help neutralize body acidity;
  • Potential for improved hydration due to its molecular structure;
  • May contain added minerals for enhanced health benefits even reducing/maintaining blood pressure.

So, how do you choose? The choice between spring water and alkaline water ultimately depends on your individual health needs and preferences.

  • Are you seeking a more natural and pure form of hydration? If so, spring water could be your best bet.
  • Are you trying to balance your body’s pH or enhance your hydration? In this case, alkaline water might be the way to go.

Remember, both types of water can offer hydration and potential health benefits. The most important thing is to stay well-hydrated, listen to your body’s needs, and make a choice that aligns with your health goals and lifestyle preferences.

FAQs

Can drinking alkaline water harm your body?

In general, consuming alkaline water is considered safe. However, an excessively high intake can lead to an imbalance in the body’s natural pH, potentially causing side effects like gastrointestinal issues or skin irritation. Always drink in moderation and consult with a healthcare professional if you have specific health concerns.

How can I tell if my spring water is genuinely natural?

You can tell by checking for a reputable source and proper certification. Genuine natural spring water should be sourced from a natural spring and undergo minimal processing, preserving its natural mineral content. Reading the label carefully can also provide insights into its source and processing methods.

Is spring water always alkaline?

No, spring water is not always alkaline. The pH of spring water can vary depending on the source and the type of minerals present. It can be neutral, slightly acidic, or alkaline.

Can I make my regular tap water alkaline?

Yes, regular tap water can be made alkaline by using specific filters, alkaline drops, or by adding alkalizing ingredients like lemon or baking soda. However, remember that these methods may not provide the same potential benefits as naturally alkaline water.

Is Spring Water the Same as Alkaline Water?

No, spring water and alkaline water are distinct types. You can easily source spring water from natural springs, whereas alkaline water undergoes a process to increase its pH levels, inclining it to a more basic side.

Do alkaline water and spring water have higher pH levels?

No, spring water doesn’t have high pH levels every time. Alkaline water is intentionally raised in pH to be more basic, often with a pH level above 7. Spring water can have a neutral pH unless it’s specifically marketed as alkaline spring water.

Is spring water as good as alkaline water?

The choice between spring water and alkaline water depends on individual preferences and health needs. Spring water is naturally sourced and has helpful minerals whereas alkaline water is treated for a higher pH.

Is spring water good for your pH balance?

Yes, spring water, with its natural mineral content, can contribute to maintaining a healthy pH balance in the body. However, individual dietary can significantly affect overall pH balance.

Conclusion

Let’s revise is spring water alkaline? It is not naturally alkalinе with a pH ranging from 6.5-7.5. Thе pH valuе dеtеrminеs its alkalinity which variеs duе to thе sourcе and minеral contеnt. If you opt for spring watеr, it will provide you with important minеrals like calcium and magnеsium and also aid in improving digеstivе hеalth. Whеrеas, if you prеfеr alkalinе watеr, it will play a part in boosting antioxidants and improving your hydration along with bonе hеalth.

Rеgardlеss of your dеcision, staying adеquatеly hydratеd is еssеntial. Choosе thе option that bеst complеmеnts your lifеstylе and hеalth goals, and makе еvеry sip count towards bеttеr hydration and wеllnеss.

Boch Richard

Richard Boch is a chemical engineer responsible for designing water filtration systems for industrial and residential customers. He has more than 20 years of experience with ion exchange, activated carbon, and reverse osmosis. Richard's expertise has made him a go-to source for municipalities and businesses looking to improve their water quality. When he's not working, Richard enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.

Recent Posts