The short answer is no, distilled alkaline water is not the same as distilled water. While both start with the same process—distillation—they differ significantly in their final pH levels and, consequently, their purported health benefits. Let's delve into the specifics.
What is Distilled Water?
Distilled water undergoes a purification process that removes almost all minerals, impurities, and contaminants. This is achieved by boiling water and collecting the steam, which is then condensed back into liquid form. The result is water that's exceptionally pure, often with a pH close to neutral (around 7). Because of its purity, distilled water is often used in scientific experiments, car batteries, and irons to prevent mineral buildup.
What is Alkaline Water?
Alkaline water, on the other hand, has a pH level above 7, making it more alkaline (or less acidic) than neutral water. There are several ways to achieve this higher pH, including adding minerals like magnesium or calcium, or using ionization processes that separate water molecules into alkaline and acidic components. Important to note, simply adding baking soda to water will also increase the pH but this is generally not recommended as a safe method to create alkaline water.
What is Distilled Alkaline Water?
Distilled alkaline water combines these two processes. First, the water is distilled to remove impurities. Then, a process (often involving the addition of minerals or electrolysis) is used to increase the pH to an alkaline level. This creates water that is both relatively pure and more alkaline than standard distilled water.
How Do They Differ in pH?
The key difference lies in the pH. Standard distilled water has a near-neutral pH, while distilled alkaline water has a higher pH, typically ranging from 8 to 9 or even higher, depending on the method used to alkalinize it.
Is distilled alkaline water healthier?
This is a question often debated. Proponents of alkaline water suggest it may offer health benefits like improved hydration, better digestion, and reduced inflammation. However, scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited and often inconclusive. More robust research is needed to definitively determine the health effects of alkaline water. The benefits are often attributed to the increased mineral content rather than the pH itself.
Does distillation remove alkalinity?
Yes, the distillation process effectively removes most minerals, which are responsible for alkalinity in water. That's why distilled water typically has a near-neutral pH. To create alkaline distilled water, minerals must be added back in after the distillation.
What are the benefits of distilled alkaline water?
Potential benefits often cited (but require further scientific validation) include enhanced hydration, improved digestion, and a potential reduction in inflammation. However, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes, including switching to alkaline water.
What are the downsides of distilled alkaline water?
While generally considered safe, some potential downsides may include mineral deficiency if consumed exclusively, and a potential impact on the body's natural acid-base balance. The long-term effects of consuming distilled alkaline water are still not fully understood.
Conclusion
While both distilled water and distilled alkaline water start with the distillation process, the addition of minerals or other alkalinizing processes creates a distinct difference in pH and potentially in claimed health benefits. Always consult with your doctor before making significant changes to your diet, including drinking alkaline water. The purported health benefits of alkaline water are still under investigation, and the best approach is a balanced diet and lifestyle combined with adequate hydration from a variety of safe water sources.
