Alkaline water has become popular for its potential health benefits, including balancing the body’s pH levels, improving hydration, and acting as an antioxidant. Alkaline water has a pH level greater than 7, making it less acidic than regular tap water. Some people believe it helps neutralize acid in the body and may offer health benefits like improved digestion and enhanced hydration. While there is ongoing debate about these claims, making alkaline water at home is simple and inexpensive. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make alkaline water.
1. Use Baking Soda
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is an easy and widely available ingredient for making alkaline water. It has a naturally high pH and can increase the alkalinity of your water when added in small amounts.
What You’ll Need:
• 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda
• 8-ounce glass of filtered water
Instructions:
• Add 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda to the glass of water.
• Stir thoroughly until the baking soda dissolves completely.
• Drink the water immediately for best results.
Note: Baking soda is high in sodium, so if you’re on a low-sodium diet or have high blood pressure, you may want to consult with a doctor before consuming alkaline water made with baking soda.
2. Lemon Juice and Baking Soda Combination
Lemons are acidic, but when metabolized by the body, they have an alkalizing effect. When mixed with baking soda, they can create a more balanced alkaline water.
What You’ll Need:
• Juice from half a lemon
• 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 glass of water (8 ounces)
Instructions:
• Squeeze the juice from half a lemon into the glass of water.
• Add 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda.
• Stir well to dissolve the baking soda.
• Let it sit for a few minutes before drinking.
This combination balances the acidity of the lemon with the alkalinity of the baking soda, providing an easy way to make alkaline water at home.
3. Alkaline Water Drops
Another quick method for creating alkaline water is by using alkaline water drops. These are specially formulated drops available in health food stores that are designed to raise the pH level of your water.
What You’ll Need:
• Alkaline water drops (available in health stores or online)
• 1 glass of water (8 ounces)
Instructions:
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to add the appropriate number of drops to your water.
• Stir well and drink.
Alkaline water drops are an easy, portable way to make alkaline water, and they often contain additional minerals like magnesium and calcium, which can be beneficial for health.
4. Using pH Water Filter Pitchers
Many water filter pitchers are designed to increase the alkalinity of your water. These pitchers use a filtration system that adds minerals back into the water, raising its pH level.
What You’ll Need:
• Alkaline water filter pitcher
• Tap water
Instructions:
• Fill the filter pitcher with tap water and allow it to filter through.
• The water will pass through the filter, and minerals will be added back to raise the pH.
• Once filtered, the water is ready to drink.
These pitchers are convenient for making alkaline water on a daily basis and also help remove contaminants like chlorine, heavy metals, and bacteria from your tap water.
5. Add Mineral-Rich Salt
Himalayan pink salt or Celtic sea salt are rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which can help raise the pH of your water and make it more alkaline.
What You’ll Need:
• 1/8 teaspoon of Himalayan pink salt or Celtic sea salt
• 1 glass of water (8 ounces)
Instructions:
• Add 1/8 teaspoon of the salt to your water.
• Stir until it dissolves completely.
• Drink the water immediately or store it in a glass bottle for later use.
Salt-water solutions can increase the mineral content of your water and potentially raise its alkalinity.
6. Use an Alkaline Water Machine
If you are serious about making alkaline water regularly, investing in an alkaline water ionizer machine is a more permanent solution. These machines attach to your faucet and use electrolysis to separate water into alkaline and acidic components.
What You’ll Need:
• Alkaline water ionizer machine
• Tap water
Instructions:
• Install the ionizer machine to your faucet.
• Turn on the machine and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• The machine will filter and ionize the water, producing alkaline water for drinking.
These machines can be expensive, but they provide a continuous supply of alkaline water and allow you to control the pH level more precisely.
How to Test Your Alkaline Water
After making alkaline water, you may want to test its pH level to ensure it has reached the desired alkalinity. You can use pH test strips or a digital pH meter for accuracy.
What You’ll Need:
• pH test strips or a digital pH meter
• A sample of your homemade alkaline water
Instructions:
• Dip the pH strip or meter into the water.
• Check the reading. A pH level of 7 is neutral, and anything above 7 is alkaline.
Aim for a pH level of 8 or 9 when making alkaline water, as this is considered optimal for drinking.
Conclusion
Making alkaline water at home is simple and can be done using common ingredients like baking soda, lemon, or Himalayan salt. While the health benefits of alkaline water are still debated, it’s a low-cost and easy way to experiment with improving hydration and balancing your body’s pH. Whether you use a quick DIY method or invest in a water ionizer machine, you can enjoy alkaline water at your convenience. Always remember to consult a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
