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• Part 4: pH of the Body, Water & the Food We Eat

  Thursday, October 27th, 2016

  The ‘Myth’ of Alkaline Water

  [This article is Part 4, the final segment of 4 articles, in this series entitled  ‘pH of the Body, Water & the Food We Eat’. See Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.]

  The pH of Water Varies Naturally

  Water is the basis of all life processes. It is always moving, influencing and being influenced as it penetrates the tiniest organelle or spans the hydrological cycles of inner and outer earth, and even the galaxy.

  As hydrogen ions in water interact with substances unique to each locale, water partners with and relinquishes these substances causing changes in the concentration of H+. Consequently, the naturally occurring pH of water at different points of supply varies from acidic to alkaline.

  pH is a parameter of water quality but pH, on its own, does not determine whether a particular water is beneficial to drink. Waters that are coveted for their health benefits may have an acidic pH. Other beneficial waters may have an alkaline pH.

  The ‘Myth’ of Alkaline Water

  The acid-alkaline balance of the body does not benefit in any lasting way from drinking ‘alkaline’ water. In fact, the chemicals used to artificially make water more alkaline may have questionable health consequences.

  Very alkaline water can burden the body. Excess alkaline minerals, which are typically not bio-available, fall out of solution leaving deposits inside the body similar to the troublesome lime scale that forms in geographical locations with hard (alkaline) water.

  ‘Alkaline’ Does Not Mean ‘Alkalizing’.

  ‘Alkaline’ refers to a pH above 7.
  ‘Alkalizing’ refers to the ability to neutralize acids.

  An alkaline substance may have no ability to neutralize acids.
  A substance does not have to be alkaline to neutralize acids. Some acids are alkalizing.

  Bicarbonates in Water

  Some naturally sourced waters are alkalizing due to the presence of bicarbonates. Drinking bicarbonate water can be beneficial, especially before a meal. Despite being slightly alkaline, bicarbonates assist the production of hydrochloric acid for digestion which the stomach must produce, on demand, whenever we eat something. [More about bicarbonates in water in a future article.]

  The pH of Water from Various Natural SourcesSurface water (from rivers, streams and lakes) is typically somewhat acidic. Ground water (from aquifers) is typically alkaline. Well water is typically alkaline due to the ground water source. However, the presence of carbonic acid may cause some well water to become acidic. Rainwater is naturally acidic. Natural springs may yield alkaline or acidic water. Seawater is naturally alkaline.

  pH of Bottled WatersStill bottled waters may be naturally acidic or alkaline. Some are made alkaline artificially to meet public expectations. Sparkling waters are acidic due to the presence of CO2 in the water.

  Proper Hydration Assists pH Balance

  The body, in its wisdom, deftly maintains its intricate and multi-layered requirements for acid/alkaline balance despite the acidity or alkalinity of the substances we ingest. This interplay between acids and bases takes place in the presence of water. Keeping yourself well hydrated with vibrant and contaminant free water is one of the best things you can do to help this pH balancing process.

  The Urge to Breathe is Directly Related to pH Balance

  Interestingly, the urge to breathe is primarily stimulated by the body’s need to control CO2 and pH levels of the blood, not by the need for oxygen.^{25, 26} Rapid breathing after running is the body’s way of rebalancing itself by expelling excess acid (CO2) created during vigorous exercise. On the other hand, deep and slow breathing conserves CO2 by keeping it longer in your lungs. When you are relaxed your system becomes more alkaline which requires the balancing presence of CO2.

  Drink Good Water and Breathe to Assist pH Balance

  The body is a complex organism orchestrated by an unfathomable Wisdom that manages your various internal pH levels. You can assist simply by drinking contaminant-free water and by cultivating good breathing habits.
  Next time you feel stressed, drink some good water and remember to breathe more deeply.
  Get out more in nature, exercise your lungs and inhale that good air.

  End of Part Four

  This article is Part 4, the final segment of 4 articles, in this series entitled  ‘pH of the Body, Water & the Food We Eat’. See Part 1, Part 2, & Part 3 of this series entitled ‘pH of the Body, Water & the Food We Eat’.

  References for Part Four:

  1. https://www.boundless.com/physiology/textbooks/boundless-anatomy-and-physiology-textbook/respiratory-system-22/respiration-control-212/chemoreceptor-regulation-of-breathing-1039-6384/
  2. http://www.scq.ubc.ca/waiting-to-inhale-why-it-hurts-to-hold-your-breath/

   

  Disclaimer:

  The information in this article is for information purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It should not be construed as personal medical advice or instruction. No action should be taken based solely on the contents of this article. Readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being. The information and opinions provided here are believed to be accurate and sound, based on the best judgment available to the authors, but readers who fail to consult appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries. The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.

  Posted in Water and Health

• Water-rich no more. Boiling climate change down to personal water use habits.

  Friday, August 7th, 2015

  Metro Vancouver’s water comes from three protected mountain reservoirs: Capilano, Seymour and Coquitlam. I took the tour of the Coquitlam watershed on August 6, 2015 and got a firsthand view of Metro Vancouver’s shrinking water supply. Ironically my tour date took place on one of the few overcast days this summer.

  Reservoir capacity is already down by approximately 40% (early August) with months of dry, hot weather still to come. In the past water levels in these reservoirs have not dropped this low until just before the rainy season begins in late September or October.

  Climate change adds a serious twist to this picture. Last winter (2014-15) there was no snow pack in the mountains above Vancouver to help replenish these reservoirs. If no snow is the new winter weather trend, Vancouver’s water-rich days are over.

  Begonias no more

  Like most water-guzzling Vancouverites, I have certainly indulged freely in this taken-for-granted resource. However the current stage three water restriction is a wakeup call. My personal water use habits are under new self-scrutiny. Things are going to change, including the annual floral display outside my store.

  The begonias have been struggling this year in the heat and are clearly no longer an appropriate choice for adorning the outside of WaterMatters storefront. I’m contemplating what drought-resistant native plants might be a better choice for next year.

  Getting perspective with a watershed tour

  I was impressed by the Coquitlam watershed tour which took me into otherwise inaccessible old growth forest just a short drive from urban life. There were about 10 of us on the tour who were transported on a small school bus to various locations of interest. The insightful tour guide, Erica, has an obvious passion for the natural world. She walked us through a forested area of salmon spawning creeks while explaining the intimate relationship between salmon, trees, wildlife and water. She outlined how Metro Vancouver applies this growing awareness to the stewardship of our watersheds.

  We went on to see the reservoir itself and to walk around the quaint 1908 intake tower where water begins its journey from the reservoir to your tap. Then back on the bus to a higher viewpoint of the watershed and reservoir. On the way we stopped for a short walk into old growth forest. My hands tingled from contact with magnificent 800 year old giants.

  This tour was free. It simply involved booking in advance with Metro Vancouver. I highly recommend the experience for anyone living in the Greater Vancouver area. One comes away with a deeper appreciation for the local natural source of our water and the care that goes into delivering it to our taps. The unprecedented drop in the water line around the reservoir shoreline makes it clear why it is now time to rethink how each of us can use water more responsibly. The tours are offered from July through September. Tour details here.

  Posted in News & Initiatives, The Future of Water, Vancouver Water

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