Why are Celebs Going Ga-Ga over ‘Black Water’?

Of late, many Bollywood celebrities have been spotted carrying black water in their bottles. While several fitness enthusiasts have been riding this latest health fad, many are curious to know whether it actually poses any health benefits. Let us understand more about this trendy water.

What is Black Water?

The acidity or alkalinity (basicity) of a liquid is measured by its pH. If the pH of the solution is below 7, it is considered acidic and a pH above 7 is considered alkaline (basic), while 7 denotes a neutral solution. The trendy black water is a black-colored alkaline water that claims to have numerous health benefits including weight loss, improved immune system, anti-aging, detoxification of the body, and improved gut health.

Is Black Water Beneficial?

People who consume alkaline water claim that since this water contains more hydrogen, it provides more hydration than regular water, but this has not been proven scientifically yet. However, some small-scale studies have found the health benefits of consuming alkaline water.

• A study including 100 people was divided into two groups: those who consumed alkaline water after a session of strenuous workout and those who consumed regular water. The viscosity of blood of those who consumed alkaline water was found to be reduced by 6.3%, while for those who drank regular water, the viscosity was reduced by 3.36%. The lower the viscosity of the blood, the more efficiently the oxygen-rich blood flows through the vessels.
• Another study found that consumption of naturally carbonated alkaline water, with a pH of 8.8 can help reduce the activity of pepsin (one of the stomach acids) and neutralize the acidic quantity of the stomach, thereby providing relief to people suffering from acid reflux.
• Research has also shown that due to the antioxidant property of alkaline water, it can protect against oxidative diseases such as inflammation and organ damage.

Despite all these studies, doctors believe more large-scale research is needed to confirm the health benefits of consuming alkaline water.

To Drink or Not Drink Black Water?

Normally, the pH of the human blood ranges from 7.35 to 7.45, which is slightly basic. Therefore, consuming alkaline water can increase the pH of the body, resulting in metabolic alkalosis, which can cause nausea, vomiting, muscle twitching, tremors, tingling sensation in the body, and confusion.

According to medical experts, the human body has inbuilt mechanisms to manage an unhealthy pH unless the person is suffering from a kidney or respiratory disease. For instance, when the blood gets too acidic, the body releases more carbon dioxide to maintain the pH.

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It is advised to consult a doctor before consuming black alkaline water, especially if one is suffering from a pre-existing medical condition.

Conclusion

While alkaline black water has gained attention recently because of its claimed health benefits, a change in body pH (too acidic or too alkaline) can create serious health problems. Meanwhile, doctors believe the consumption of regular water is enough to provide optimal hydration and minerals to the body. Therefore, unless advised by a health expert, people must not consume alkaline water.

Consult a General Physician NOW