Ionized Alkaline Water: Myth or Truth?

A study published in May 2016 involving 150 mice showed a longer survival rate over a three-year segment in the group that received alkaline water instead of tap water. Researchers also state that alkaline water acts as an "aging deceleration factor." While the study is highly interesting, it cannot yet be definitively stated that the consumption of alkaline water by humans can increase or prolong life.

A recent study by "Azzarito et al (PLOS One, 2016)" evaluated the effects of oral administration of alkaline water on melanoma (skin cancer) growth. Alkaline water was administered daily orally, starting one week after tumor implantation in mice.

Tumor acidity was measured by a guided method. Additionally, urine pH was monitored during the study for potential metabolic alkalosis (a presumed side effect of alkaline water). The administration of alkaline water significantly reduced melanoma growth in mice. The results were supported by in vitro experiments, where human and mouse melanoma cell cultures treated with alkaline water exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of tumor cell growth.

There is a strong correlation between acidic pH and osteoporosis. Our bone metabolism is extremely sensitive to changes in blood pH. Thus, the more acidic the pH, the greater the bone resorption, as shown by studies from "Burckhartd et al. (2009)" where alkaline water consumption appears to decrease PTH levels (the hormone responsible for increasing bone resorption). Furthermore, the study by "Buclin et al. (2001)" revealed that a diet rich in acidic foods increases calcium excretion in urine resulting from bone resorption.

The enzyme pepsin is fundamental to the pathophysiological mechanism of reflux disease and responds to stomach pH. Pepsin is stable at a pH of 7.4 and can be activated by an increase in hydrogen ions. A very interesting study published in 2012 shows that alkaline water at pH 8.8 instantly denatures pepsin, rendering it permanently inactive.

Researchers conclude that alkaline water has a good capacity to deactivate pepsin. Thus, alkaline water consumption may bring therapeutic benefits for patients with reflux disease in conjunction with appropriate medical treatment.

The study "Barbagallo et al. (2010)" showed improved endothelial function and greater arterial vasodilation in elderly individuals with diabetes who consumed alkaline water, preventing the onset of atherosclerosis.

Another study by "Rylander et al. (2004)" published in the BMC Public Health Journal showed that patients with magnesium and calcium deficiencies experienced improved systemic blood pressure after treatment with alkaline water.

Furthermore, a recent meta-analysis by "Larsson et al. (2012)" published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that regular magnesium consumption was inversely proportional to the incidence of stroke (CVA). In this study of over 200,000 individuals, it was shown that magnesium consumption (more abundant in alkaline water) is associated with an 8% reduction in the total risk of stroke.

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