What’s alkaline water and does it have real benefits?

(SWEEPS FEED) Alkaline water is quickly becoming the trending drink of choice among health conscious consumers. Proponents claim it rids of toxins, boosts metabolism and even fights disease.

But what exactly is alkaline water and are the health claims really true?

Rayne Reitnauer runs a doggie daycare and makes an effort to stay healthy. Included in her health regimen? Drinking alkaline water.

“I’m using it more to help balance against the more acidic drinks and foods I’m eating and drinking,” she said.

Alkaline water has added minerals, which makes its pH levels higher than that of typical tap water.

Alissa Rumsey, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, explained that alkaline water is more chemically basic than regular water.

“Most waters tend to fall in the neutral pH category, anywhere from 6 to 7. An alkaline water is water that has a pH of 7 or higher,” Rumsey said.

Many people believe that water with a higher pH level is better for your body. But Rumsey said there is no scientific evidence that proves alkaline water can fight cancer or disease or do a number of other things proponents claim.

“While there’s anecdotal evidence, there’s really no scientific evidence that alkaline water is going to do everything that it says it does,” Rumsey said. “I do think that for certain people in certain circumstances, it might be OK.”

Most people’s bodies are typically within the right pH range without needed adjustments, so Rumsey suggests saving money by skipping out on alkaline water.

“It’s certainly not going to hurt most people. But, you know, until we really have more research, I think you should just save your money and just stick to tap water,” she said. “Our bodies do a really good job of keeping our blood pH in a very tight range, no matter what you’re eating or drinking.”

Without any real research into its effects, how did alkaline water become so popular? Rumsey said celebrities started the craze while bottled water companies capitalized on the attention.

“I think that people are always kind of looking for something that’s going to … do all these kind of magical things and the proponents of alkaline water really sell it,” she said.

Reitnauer said she likes the taste of alkaline water more than regular tape water and even though she has no proof, she finds it beneficial.

“I’m not a scientist so I can’t say for sure what it’s doing but I know that I feel better,” she said.

Anything that encourages people to drink more water is a good thing, Rumsey said. People who have kidney diseases or issues should avoid alkaline water because their organs will be unable to rid minerals from the body.