You’ve probably heard a lot about alkaline water and its purported health benefits. But what does the science say? Can alkaline water really help you perform better as an athlete? Let’s take a look.
What is Alkaline Water?
First, let’s start with a quick refresher on what alkaline water is. Alkaline water has a higher pH level than regular drinking water. This means it is less acidic and has a higher concentration of alkalizing compounds, like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Some people believe that alkaline water can help neutralize acid in the body, which may lead to health benefits like improved hydration, increased energy levels, and even better digestion. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
Does Alkaline Water Improve Athletic Performance?
So, what does the science say about alkaline water and athletic performance? Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of research on the subject. However, one small study made by Montana State University shows that consuming alkaline water before exercise may help decrease fatigue, hydrates better and improve performance in cyclists.
The study looked at 38 male cyclists that were an average of 40 years old. Each of the men in the study participated in two trials each a week a part. One trial was conducted with mineral alkaline water with a 10 pH. The other trial used bottled water that had a pH of 7.
The cyclists who consumed alkaline water were better hydrated by retaining 79.2% of the alkaline water they drank, versus. 62.5% of the plain water. Which means cyclists were about 17% better hydrated by drinking the alkaline water than they were with plain water. Additionally, in another studies has also been seen athletes with lower levels of lactate in their muscles after exercise, which suggests that they experienced less fatigue.
At Alkanatur, we are also continuously researching how alkaline water impacts athletes’ performance. Below is a video of a study conducted by Alkanatur and Reebok Sport Club
t’s important to note that even though this was a small study with a limited number of participants, the results are promising and warrant further investigation.
If you’re an athlete who is looking for ways to improve your performance, you may want to consider adding alkaline water to your diet. While more research is needed to confirm its benefits, preliminary evidence suggests it may help you stay hydrated and perform at your best.
