Alkaline Water For Weight Loss

Alkaline water has a higher pH level than tap water, which means that it is less acidic and more basic. Although drinking any kind of water, along with diet and exercise, can help you lose weight, drinking alkaline water specifically is not likely to make a difference compared to regular water.

Claims

According to Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D., advocates of alkaline water claim that it neutralizes acid in your bloodstream, helps your body absorb nutrients and boosts energy levels and metabolism to help with weight loss. However, these claims are not verified by research.

Calories

Drinking alkaline water is a healthy alternative to other drinks that are high in calories and sugar. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 12 ounces of apple juice has 192 calories, 12 ounces of cola has 136 calories, and 12 ounces of fitness water has 18 calories. Alkaline water has zero calories and no added sugar, unlike some fruit juices and colas.

Water and Weight Loss

MayoClinic.com states that many doctors recommend that patients drink eight or nine cups of water a day. You may need more if you are exercising or live in a hot or humid climate. According to Brenda Davy, nutrition professor at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, water is not a quick fix for weight loss but can help people who are trying to lose weight. You can drink alkaline water as part of a healthy diet plan. Try adding lemon, lime or watermelon slices to the water for flavor.

Warning

Drinking a healthy amount of water may help you experience weight loss, but drinking too much water can be dangerous. When you drink excess amounts of water, your kidneys cannot excrete it all. This causes the electrolyte content of your blood to be diluted, resulting in low sodium levels and a condition called hyponatremia. When drinking alkaline water for weight loss, be sure to stick to the daily amount recommended by your doctor.

Recommendations

There is no one product or beverage, including alkaline water, that will help you lose weight permanently. In order to lose weight successfully, you need to focus on making a lifestyle change that includes a healthy, varied diet and regular physical activity.