In the quest for optimal health and well-being, the choices we make in our daily lives often play a pivotal role. One such choice that has gained significant attention in recent years is the pH level of the water we consume. In this article we will delve into the science behind water pH and explore the ways it can impact our biology. So let's embark on a journey to understand why changing the pH level of our water can be a transformative step toward a healthier lifestyle.
pH and Your Water
For starters, pH is measured on a scale of 0 to 14 and indicates the acidity or alkalinity of a liquid or solution. Substances with a pH of 7 are considered neutral while those with a pH less than 7 are considered acidic and those with a pH greater than 7 are considered basic (or alkaline).
The natural pH of pure water is 7, or neutral, but when water interacts with external substances, such as minerals or pollutants, its pH can undergo significant changes. And what about our bodies? The typical, healthy pH range for the human body is 7.35-7.45, or slightly basic. That pH range is ideal for many bodily functions including the oxygenation of blood.
Is there an Optimal pH for Drinking Water?
In the US, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines suggest the pH of tap water should fall within a range of 6.5 to 8.5. This range is considered optimal for human consumption, ensuring the absence of harmful contaminants. Unfortunately, drinking water in the US often falls into a range of 4.3 to 5.3, well below the ideal range for our consumption. But before you email your local elected officials about the acid coming from your kitchen sink, keep in mind that we consume many liquids outside the ideal pH range for water. Just take a look at this list of beverages we commonly consume:
- Lemon Juice: pH 2.0 – 3.0
- Vinegar: pH 2.5 - 3.5
- Wine: pH 3.0 – 3.6
- Orange Juice: pH 3.0 – 4.0
- Beer: pH 4.0
- Cola or Soda: pH 2.5 – 4.75
- Tomato Juice: pH 4.0 - 4.5
- Coffee: pH 4.85 - 5.10
- Milk: pH 6.5 - 6.7
- Pure Water: pH 7.0
The significance of pH extends beyond its role as a mere measurement. It profoundly influences the chemical properties of water and its interactions with various substances. For instance, water with a high pH can foster mineral deposits, while low pH water can dissolve metals. This dynamic interplay holds immense importance in biological processes, where even minor pH changes can impact our health. Plus, the pH level of water can alter its taste and odor, making it less appealing for human consumption.
Outside of its direct impacts on people and their surrounding environment, there are other reasons why the pH of our water is an important consideration. For instance, the corrosiveness of low-pH water can lead to the leaching of lead and other heavy metals, posing health risks when consumed. On the other hand, high pH water may taste bitter and impede the body's absorption of essential minerals. pH fluctuations can also impact the efficacy of water treatment methods, potentially introducing health risks.
What influences the pH of our water?
Natural Influences
- Geology: The types of rocks and minerals in the surrounding soil can impact water pH. For instance, limestone increases water pH due to its high alkalinity.
- Photosynthesis: Plants play a role by absorbing carbon dioxide from water during photosynthesis, thereby raising its pH.
- Rain: Rainwater, naturally acidic due to its contact with carbon dioxide and other environmental factors, can lower the pH of our drinking water.
Man-made Influences
- Industrial Discharge: Many industrial processes release acidic or alkaline chemicals into our fresh water sources.
- Agricultural Runoff: Fertilizers and chemicals from agriculture can leach into water thereby altering its pH.
- Mining: Activities related to mining can release heavy metals and chemicals into water that typically lower its pH.
How Does the pH of Water Affect Our Health?
Now that we’ve read about the basics of pH and its potential impact on every part of our daily lives, it's important to understand how it influences the delicate balance within our bodies. When we consume water with an alkaline pH, there are many potential benefits:
- Improved Digestive Health: The pH of water can influence the digestive system. Alkaline water, in particular, may help neutralize stomach acid, potentially benefiting individuals who suffer from acid reflux or heartburn.
- Better Hydration: Alkaline water may be more easily absorbed by the body due to its smaller molecular clusters, which can enhance overall hydration. Proper hydration is essential for many bodily functions, including maintaining healthy skin, regulating body temperature, and supporting the cardiovascular system.
- Increased Detoxification: Advocates of alkaline water argue that it can assist the body in detoxifying by flushing out harmful toxins and free radicals. Although more research is needed to confirm these claims, hydration is undeniably crucial for the natural detoxification processes of the body.
- Improved Bone Health: Some studies suggest that excessive consumption of acidic water may leach minerals like calcium from the bones, potentially affecting bone health. On the contrary, alkaline water may have a more neutralizing effect on the body's pH, reducing the risk of mineral loss.
- Antioxidant Support: Alkaline water has been associated with antioxidant properties that may help reduce oxidative stress, potentially slowing down the aging process and lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
- Increased Energy Levels: Many individuals who consume alkaline water report increased energy levels and reduced fatigue. While this effect varies from person to person, it's worth exploring for those seeking improved energy levels.
- Acid-Alkaline Balance: A heavily acidic diet can strain the body's natural buffering systems. Alkaline water can help counteract excessive acidity, potentially reducing the risk of acid-related health issues.
Bottled Alkaline Water vs. Freshly-Made Alkaline Water:
The comparison between bottled and freshly-made alkaline water extends beyond convenience and environmental impact to the stability of high alkalinity. Although widely available, bottled alkaline water can pose a challenge in maintaining consistent alkalinity levels over time. Studies suggest that the pH and alkalinity of water in plastic bottles can change within hours of being bottled, influenced by factors such as exposure to sunlight and fluctuations in temperature during storage and transportation. These variations raise questions about the reliability of bottled alkaline water in delivering advertised pH levels. In contrast, the Lilli system provides an alternative by allowing the production of fresh alkaline water on-demand, ensuring a more stable and reliable pH level without the concerns associated with bottled options.
Importantly, there are multiple systems that enable us to alter the pH of our water. The most common are water ionizers which infuse ions (essentially charged particles) that can raise or lower the pH of our water. The downside of these systems is that they don’t typically filter water or provide any of the advantages that other systems offer. With Lilli, we not only have the ability to adjust the pH of our water but we also get state-of-the-art filtration, nutrient infusion, carbonation and other features.
Final Thoughts
As we’ve read in this article, the pH of our drinking water is a critical factor to consider as we try to achieve a healthy and active lifestyle. Water's pH can influence our bodies, impacting digestion, hydration, detoxification and many more functions. While there is ongoing research to understand the long-term impact of consuming alkaline water, many individuals have reported experiencing various health benefits.
By integrating the Lilli system into your household, you not only improve the purity of your drinking water but also gain the ability to alter its pH at your fingertips. Lilli’s alkaline filter enables you to set the pH of your drinking water between 7 and 9.5, ensuring you can hydrate at the alkalinity level you desire. Plus, as we learned from this article, alkaline pH water should be consumed soon after it is made (within hours rather than months). So join the Lilli revolution today!
