A water ionizer (or alkaline ionizer) is a home appliance that claims to raise the pH of drinking water by using electrolysis to separate the incoming water stream into acidic and alkaline components. They are marketed for commercial and home use. The alkaline stream of the treated water is called alkaline water. Water ionizers produce alkaline water containing dissolved molecular hydrogen at the cathode (the negative electrode) and acidic water at the anode (the positive electrode). The process of producing alkaline and acidic water is relatively simple. The H+ ions (acid) are attracted to the negatively charged cathode where they are converted to molecular hydrogen (H2) according to the equation: 2e- + 2H+ –> H2. Water that passes through stainless steel pipelines for drinking or industrial purposes must be maintained at specific pH levels
One of the most important benefits of the Water Ionizer system is that it neutralizes the acidity in our body by lowering excessive acidic content in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. Ionized water is water with mineral ions in it. Minerals in water become ionized when they either gain or lose electrons. It contains basic minerals such as calcium, magnesium, or bicarbonate. These compounds bind to hydrogen ions in solution, making the water more basic. All water found in nature has minerals in it.
Proponents claim that the consumption of alkaline water results in a variety of health benefits, making it similar to the alternative health practice of alkaline diets. Alkaline water is water that has been ionized, which means the pH level of water has been increased. Drinking Alkaline water, it is said, offers more health benefits than one. It helps slow down the aging process, regulate pH levels of the body, and prevent various chronic diseases. Such claims violate the basic principles of chemistry and physiology. Normal drinking water generally has a neutral pH of 7. Alkaline water typically has a pH of 8 or 9. However, pH alone isn’t enough to impart substantial alkalinity to water. There is no medical evidence for any health benefits of alkaline water.
The machines originally became popular in Japan and other East Asian countries before becoming available in the U.S. and Europe. There are ways to increase the alkaline properties of water by using special filters, faucet attachments, and additives that raise the pH levels, making normal tap water go from neutral pH to Alkaline. Drinking natural alkaline water is generally considered safe since it contains natural minerals. A water ionizer gives you better, healthier water than regular tap water or bottled water. The filtration alone makes ionized water cleaner than tap or bottled water.
