Water Ionization: Just A Fad?

Gone are the times when people simply drank water without worrying much. Then came waterborne diseases, prompting water treatment procedures that later gave us pure water or the more popular distilled water. Then everyone wanted distilled bottled water until things changed. A few health experts argue that distilled water poses some health risk because of the absence of minerals. Then they came up with a water ionizer, an apparatus that adds healthful ions to ordinary water. The result is ionized water, which is said to be good to the health.

The Controversy

Proponents of ionized water seem to have exaggerated claims about the health benefits offered by water that contains ions. What is it with water that has ions in it? Actually, water that comes out of your taps contains ions. Yes, it does contain trace amounts of calcium, magnesium, chloride, and carbonate ions. You cannot determine the presence of these ions because tap water looks and tastes much like distilled water.

Water ionization works by removing unwanted ions and keeping the needed ions. The result is called alkaline water, which contains traces of calcium, magnesium, and potassium ions. These minerals are said to be good to the body. However, some health experts sneer at this claim because ions present in the so-called ionized water would be in extremely low amounts to be any beneficial to the body.

Ionized Water Vs Deionized Water

There is this confusion about ionized water and deionized water. The two types of water (commercial water) are a result of different processes. Ionization changes the ionic make-up of the water. It involves removal of some ions but addition of some ions. Deionization, on the other hand, involves removal of all the ions from the water. Distilled water may be ionized to replenish needed ions.

Alkaline Water

Generally, commercially available water ionization apparatuses are designed to create alkaline water, which is said to be the healthy ionized water. There are claims that it aids in restoring the electrolytic balance in the human body. At the same time, this healthy water is said to have therapeutic benefits. For example, it is said to have antioxidant agents and weight reducing properties.

Scientists are skeptic about these claims, considering there are laboratory tests made to back up the claims. However, there are anecdotal evidences of people whose diseases seemed to have alleviated after drinking alkaline water regularly. On the other hand, many medical researchers do not believe that ionization of water would alter the body’s electrolyte balance in any way.

The purpose of ionized water seems to be unclear. Current understanding leans towards the fact that humans mainly get their dose of ions and minerals from their food—not from the water. Water plays a key role in various human processes though, and it does not matter whether it is pure water, deionized water, or alkaline water.

More research is needed to study the exact chemical nature of ionized or alkaline water. Anecdotal evidence should be supported by comprehensive laboratory analysis and medical research that digs deep into the purported health benefits. Then again, skepticism aside, many people who drink alkaline water have reported some benefits.

By: Cedric Loiselle

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