Why You Should Drink Alkaline Water

I joined a running group to prepare for my first half marathon. Due to my husband's class schedule, I was only able to attend one session. But the information John Lineberger provides before each run and via email was well worth the $49 sign up fee alone.

He gave a demonstration showing how not all water is the same. He tested 10 different brands to determine their alkaline level, and revealed to us that the brands with the bigger claims are no better than the spring water you find at gas stations. The alkaline bottled water you should drink everyday is the Harris Teeter brand and Deer Park.

Here's why:

"When healthy, the blood pH is 7.365, the pH of spinal fluid is 7.4, and the saliva pH is 7.4 - these are all slightly alkaline. So the ideal blood pH measurement means it is more alkaline than acid. It has been determined (by doctors) that an alkaline body is more conducive to health and well-being than an acidic one. But, a body which is more acidic heightens the risk for infections from bacteria, yeast, parasites, and viruses (all of these seek out and thrive in an acidic environment).

Not only are you more susceptible to infections such as colds and the flu but also degenerative diseases like cancer, arthritis, heart disease and osteoporosis are promoted if your pH is consistently acid. Furthermore, populations of bacteria, fungi, yeast, viruses, etc. may be thriving throughout your body without causing acute disease, yet producing copious acid waste products. These stealth infections may underlie a variety of degenerative conditions. Bacteria are found in arthritic joints, arterial plaque, and many other places. If disease is to be prevented or successfully managed, an acid pH must be overcome.

It is the minerals in water that give us energy ---- distilled, steam distilled, RO (Reverse Osmosis) Water, and water that claims a 16 stage filtering process, and Purified water, have NO minerals in them and thus cannot supply energy. They also can dilute the electrolytes in your body, costing you energy!

If you drink a bottle of water that has a PH of 4.0, as Dasani or Aquavina ----then you are only diluting the minerals in your body and the energy levels can fall. Note that the 2 best selling waters, Dasani and Aquavina, are definitely pure --- but they have been filtered to the extent there are no minerals in them and they are acidic and only add to the lactic acid build-up in your muscles, since they are a 4.0 PH."

If you are a runner or do any type of endurace training, you should especially drink alkaline water. It will neutralize lactic acid buildup in muscles and reduce muscle soreness even on runs as long as 20-23 miles.

Alkaline isn't just in the water. You can also adopt an alkaline-rich diet which is essentially eating "clean" -- raw fruits and vegetables, no processed foods and no sugar. Here's a food chart for a list of the best/worse alkaline foods.

According to his website, pH Mircale Living, Dr. Young explains the benefits of eating alkaline-rich foods. And he argues that fat is a sign of an overly acidic body:

"Obesity is an acid problem, not a fat problem. The body protects itself against acidic lifestyles and diets by making and using fat. Think of fat as your parking places for environmental, dietary, and metabolic acids that are not properly eliminated via urination, perspiration, defecation and/or respiration. You can now say that fat is saving your life. Thank you fat! Be glad that fat was not accumulating inside your veins and arteries. At least collecting on your hips and belly you could see the fat and decide if you want to do something about it."

Since learning this, my family has been drinking alkaline water and increasing our intake of alkaline rich foods. Even my 9 year old son says he feels different, better. We get our water from Charlotte Wholesale Supplements for $0.25/gallon.

Annette Larkins

And as I'm writing this, I'm reminded of the 70 year old Florida woman, Annette Larkins, who looks like she's in her 30s. Basically, she's been eating clean or subscribing to an alkaline rich diet for over 27 years! So if you're looking for proof, watch the video below.