Scientists say that there is no evidence that alkaline water can prevent cancer.Scientists say that there is no evidence that alkaline water can prevent cancer.

These days, be it in supermarkets or on social media, alkaline water is touted as a magical drink. The claims are big, saying that it increases energy, reduces age and prevents diseases like cancer. It sounds great because everyone wants a quick and easy cure. But the question is whether alkaline water is really that effective or is it just a marketing trick. Let us tell you about it. 

What does alkaline water actually do?

Whenever a new health trend comes up, there is some truth in it and the rest is exaggerated. Alkaline water is also one such. Its biggest advantage is that it can reduce stomach acid for a short time. Due to this, some people get relief from acidity or reflux, but this effect does not last long.

This water hydrates the body. But ordinary water also does the same thing. Till now there is no evidence that alkaline water is more beneficial than ordinary water.

Some research has shown that drinking alkaline water can change the pH of urine. But the pH of the body's blood never changes. The body's blood pH always remains between 7.35 and 7.45, no matter what we eat or drink.

How is the claim of cancer prevention linked?

In the 1930s, scientist Otto Warburg discovered that cancer cells thrive in an acidic environment and lack of oxygen. After this, the misconception spread that if the body is made alkaline, cancer will stop. But the real truth is that cancer cells themselves create an acidic environment. The entire pH of the body is not acidic. This is where the misunderstanding started. People believed that if we drink alkaline water, the pH of the body will change and cancer will stop. But the truth is that blood pH does not change that much with food and drink.

It is important to understand the pH scale

The pH scale is from 0 to 14.

0 to 6 = Acidic

7 = Neutral (like normal water)

8 to 14 = Alkaline

The connection between cancer and alkaline water spread because of the easy way to explain this scale. Whereas the body controls its own pH balance.

Being too alkaline is also harmful

Scientists say that there is no evidence that alkaline water can prevent cancer. On the contrary, if there is too much alkaline in the body, a problem called "alkalosis" occurs. In this, the natural balance of the body gets disturbed. Due to excessive alkaline, enzymes do not work properly, oxygen does not reach the tissues and essential minerals like potassium-calcium get disturbed. Due to this, muscle strain, tingling, vomiting, dizziness and in serious cases, problems in heartbeat or even seizures can occur.

In simple words, alkaline water is not a magical drink. It can neither prevent cancer nor is there any evidence of it increasing longevity. Yes, if someone has acidity, it can provide some relief. But it is not right to expect more from it.