Learn about how to make alkaline water at home with DIY tips and tricks, benefits, and easy recipes for everyday life to follow. I ntroduct...
Learn about how to make alkaline water at home with DIY tips and tricks, benefits, and easy recipes for everyday life to follow.
Introduction: Alkaline Water—Why Should You Care?
While grocery shopping, you may have noticed rows of "alkaline water" bottles, each priced ridiculously high; have you ever considered how to make alkaline water at home instead? (as compared to normal tap water). But what is it, exactly—and is it worth the fuss?
In essence, alkaline water is…water with a higher pH, that is, less acidic. The theory goes that by drinking less acidic (alkaline) water, you help your body better hydrate and reduce acid levels, leading to better overall wellness. Indeed, alkaline water has long been a must-have among some diet and fitness fanatics.
Now for the good news: you don’t have to purchase any pricey bottled brands or special machines. Using some common kitchen tools and a few simple tricks, you can easily make alkaline water at home for free.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- quick science on alkaline water
- how to make it easily
- pros and cons of alkaline water
- plus, drinking style and alkaline water recipes from Asia (yes, there are such)
- Basic science on alkaline water
pH scale and approximate water types infographic
Type of Water | Typical pH Level | Example |
Acidic water | 5.0 – 6.5 | Soda, black coffee, rainwater |
Neutral water | 7.0 | Pure distilled water |
Alkaline water | 8.0 – 9.5 | Mineral water, DIY recipes |
- Normal tap water: ~pH 6.5–7.5
- Alkaline bottled water: pH 8–9
- Highly alkaline: pH 10+ (not for daily drinking)
As shown in the infographic, typical tap water has a pH that ranges from slightly acidic to neutral, which is considered normal.
Benefits of alkaline water
There are many online communities that support alkaline water and promote a variety of health benefits. They are as follows:
Better hydration. Studies have shown that the body absorbs alkaline water more effectively, especially after exercise.
Neutralizes acid. If you have an extremely acid-forming diet, which includes coffee, processed foods, red meat, and soda, alkaline water can serve as a balancing agent.
Extra minerals. Any DIY alkaline water recipe uses additives such as baking soda, Himalayan salt, and other sources of calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Alkaline water is considered beneficial for digestion. In traditional Asian medicine, lightly alkaline water is used for soothing the gut and reducing heartburn and acid reflux.
Antioxidant effects. Ionized alkaline water may also help reduce the levels of free radicals in your body.
Note: Some studies support these claims, but the data is not yet conclusive. We need large-scale, longer-term trials.
Downsides of alkaline water
While mildly alkaline water is generally considered safe, there are some caveats and important factors to consider:
Don’t overdo it. Extremely alkaline water can lead to a condition called alkalosis, with the symptoms of nausea, hand tremors, or muscle twitching.
Very alkaline water (pH 10+): Although rare, it can upset your stomach or even leach the natural stomach acid necessary for food digestion.
Bottled alkaline water: Not all brands are effective, and some may use chemistry tricks to create the illusion of alkalinity. Do a bit of research and choose reputable brands.
Medical conditions: If you have kidney or electrolyte disorders, consult your doctor before altering your water intake.
Moderation is key: aim to achieve a pH level of 8 to 9 when using your home recipes.
DIY: How to make alkaline water at home easily (recipes)
Here are some simple, safe, and cheap methods of making alkaline water at home using basic kitchen ingredients.
- Lemon juice and baking soda method
What you need: 1 glass of water, ½ lemon, and a pinch of baking soda.
How to do it: Squeeze the juice from half a lemon into the glass of water, then add a tiny pinch of baking soda and mix well.
Why it works: Even though lemons are acidic, the body metabolizes them into alkaline byproducts. Baking soda immediately increases the alkalinity of the water.
- Himalayan Salt for Alkaline Water
Add a tiny pinch of pink Himalayan salt to one liter of filtered water.
Let it sit overnight in a glass jar.
This method infuses the water with natural minerals such as magnesium and calcium.
- Cucumber and mint water
Slice the cucumbers and add them to a jug of water along with a few mint leaves.
Chill for 2–4 hours.
This drink will provide hydration with mild alkalinity and a refreshing taste.
- Use pH drops or mineral drops
You can buy them in health food stores or online.
Adding a few drops to a glass of water raises the pH level almost instantly.
This product is perfect if you travel often.
- Boiling water for alkaline (Asian wisdom tip)
In some Asian homes, people believed that boiling tap water in a kettle and storing it overnight in a clay pot made it “softer” on the body and slightly alkaline.
- Claying naturally leaches trace minerals.
Asian alkaline water recipes and drinking styles
In Asia, alkaline or "mineral-rich" water is traditionally included in the morning routine of several countries, especially Japan, Korea, and India. Here are some methods that Asians use to make alkaline water at home:
Japan: Ionized water, commonly referred to as Kangen water, can be made at home using widely available machines.
Korea: It is common for people to drink barley tea or roasted grain teas (all are mildly alkaline) instead of water.
India: Ayurveda prescribes drinking water in copper vessels (tamra jal), as it’s believed to make it more alkaline and easier on digestion.
In Sri Lanka and South India, people boil herbal waters with coriander or cumin seeds and then sip it warm, as the herbs also make the water more alkaline.
Personal tip: I enjoy boiling water with cumin or fennel seeds—it’s a breeze and a traditional way of making alkaline water that also aids digestion.
Tips for daily alkaline water use
Drink 2–3 glasses of alkaline water each day, but do not replace all your regular water intake with it.
The best times to drink alkaline water are in the morning, as it helps kickstart your metabolism, and after exercise, as it aids in rehydration.
- Store alkaline water in glass or stainless steel bottles, and avoid using plastic containers.
- Test your water with pH strips, which are available online, to ensure it falls within the safe range.
FAQ: How to make alkaline water at home
- Is alkaline water safe to drink?
Yes, it is safe to drink alkaline water as long as its pH is mildly alkaline (between 8 and 9). It is not advisable to drink highly alkaline water with a pH of 10 or higher on a daily basis.
- Can I use just lemon to make alkaline water?
Yes. Although lemon juice is acidic, your body metabolizes it into alkaline byproducts.
- Do I need a machine to make alkaline water?
No machines are required. Baking soda, lemons, and mineral drops are inexpensive do-it-yourself methods for creating alkaline water.
- Does alkaline water really help your health?
Anecdotally, many people say it does. They report benefits such as improved digestion and hydration, among others. However, more research is needed to definitively confirm the benefits of alkaline water. Use alkaline water as a supplement instead of considering it a magic pill.
Conclusion: simple lifestyle hack
Learning how to make alkaline water at home is a simple, free, or inexpensive way to create a healthier drink for yourself. With some lemons, baking soda, Himalayan salt, or herbs, you can make alkaline water that is refreshing and that may support your body’s pH balance.
As with most things in life, relying on one drink alone is not a miracle. Alkaline water can be a healthy, tasty, and convenient addition to your daily routine when included in a well-balanced diet. Start today by making yourself one of these recipes.
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