Depending on where you live and who you know, you might have seen promotional material for ionized water and been invited to a demonstration of what a water ionizer does. Although water ionizers have existed for decades, the device has been surging in popularity in the United States as some companies selling the machine have turned to home-based business models. Is drinking ionized water really beneficial for your health?
History
According to Enagic independent distributor Gary Ashe, water ionizers were created after scientists began trying to mimic the properties of natural healing water found in certain locations on Earth. In 1965, the Japanese Ministry of Health recognized ionized water as medically acceptable, but the devices have only recently began to gain in popularity in the United States.
Function
Tap water running through a water ionizer flows across titanium plates and the hydrogen atoms are drawn to one side with a magnet, splitting the water into alkaline and acidic mixtures. The electrochemical process also causes the alkaline water to have high ORP (oxygen reduction potential) or antioxidant values right after it emerges from the machine.
Types
There are water ionizers designed for personal and industrial use. Smaller home machines might sit on kitchen counters or be installed below sinks or onto shower heads. Industrial units make much stronger acid and alkaline water designed for use as cleaners and disinfectants in hotels, hospitals, and restaurants.
Effects
The effects of drinking alkaline water are still under debate. Many owners of water ionizers report amazing health benefits, but it is difficult to determine how much of the positive effect might be from drinking any type of water (many Americans are chronically dehydrated). You could be expected to drink much more water after buying a machine that as of 2009 costs between $500 and $5,000.
Expert Insight
Scientists have vigorously debated the benefits of drinking ionized water. According to chemist Stephen Lower, the alkalinity of drinking water has no effect on the body after it comes in contact with stomach acid, and the antioxidant value of the water would also be neutralized quickly. Deepak Chopra and Tony Robbins are reputed to drink ionized water. Leading scientists such as Hirokazu Tashiro have published studies showing that patients with stomach ailments responded better to alkaline water than to a placebo.
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