Alkaline water seems to be the latest health craze sweeping the nation, and rightfully so.  With all the marketing behind it, it’s hard to avoid.  Proponents of alkaline water tout its many health benefits, from weight loss and clearer skin to decreased bone loss and increased immunity, as a reason for making the switch.

In a nutshell, alkaline water is tap water that has been put through a process called          electrodialysis, raising the pH of the water.  The theory behind it is that it can neutralize acid in your stomach and blood stream, which in turn boosts your metabolism and staves off many “Western” diseases.

As a Registered Dietitian, I am hesitant to back these claims without scientific research. In fact, little to no research (good or bad) exists on alkaline water, so although there are people who believe in the healthy benefits of consuming alkaline water, there is no documented proof of its impact on one’s health.  Your body is capable of maintaining its own pH balance by nature; obviously, the healthier you eat, the better your body is in balance. Alkaline water has not been proven to counteract the effects of poor eating habits; those who are in support of it encourage its consumption in conjunction with a nutritious dietary lifestyle for overall health.

It’s a judgment call on your part, but bottom line: plain (filtered) tap water is just fine.  It’s more convenient, readily available, keeps us hydrated and is easier on the wallet. (And for you pH-wonderers: it’s about 7.0; perfectly neutral).