Why Smart Water Isn’t Always the Smartest Option and What You Should Be Drinking

Introduction

So, you’re drinking water to stay healthy, but what if the type of water you're choosing is doing more harm than good? I will give a quick history of alkaline ionized water so we can have a better understanding of why I am writing this blog. 

In June 1992, a television news program promoted alkaline ionized water as “Wonder Water” in a strategic marketing campaign. The segment highlighted its use in hospitals and claimed it provided health benefits for conditions such as diabetes and cancer.

In 1996, Smartwater was introduced to the market…..Brought to you by none other than the ever-trusted [cue sarcasm] Coca-Cola Company. Backed by celebrity endorsements from the likes of Jennifer Aniston and Gal Gadot, the brand quickly positioned itself as a “premium water” option. By 2019, its calculated marketing had paid off, with Smartwater reaching an estimated value of $830 million.. 

My goal of this blog is to help readers understand what alkaline water does to the body, break down why neutral-pH water is ideal for your health, and how to make better hydration choices. I hope that after reading this article, one will understand why sometimes, simple is just simply better. 

What Is pH and Why Does It Matter?

For starters, we might want to talk about pH and what it actually means. The letters pH stands for potential of hydrogen meaning that it measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in a substance. When speaking in terms of water, it can be either Acidic or Basic and it ranges on a scale 0-14. 

If the pH is less than 7 it is considered to be Acidic. If the pH is higher than 7 it is considered to be Basic or Alkalescent. Finally, if the solution has a pH of 7 it is considered to be neutral meaning that it is neither acidic or basic. 

When the human body takes in water, the cells in the body absorb it. However, when we drink water with the ideal pH range, or a pH of 7, the body is able to absorb water, vitamins and nutrients from food more easily. This also helps the body with overall energy levels.

Drinking water with a neutral pH helps the body to maintain a healthy gut environment. It helps to support healthy digestive enzymes and can help reduce the risk of issues like acid reflux and indigestion. 

While the skin's pH is slightly acidic, drinking neutral pH water helps to support the body’s internal pH balance which plays a big factor in systemic inflammation and healthy skin. 

The ideal pH levels for drinking water should range between 6.5 and 8.5. This is considered optimal for human consumption and ensures that water is free of harmful contaminates. 

So What's the Problem With High-pH Water?

There seems to be a big hype about Alkaline water mostly due to the claims it seems to promote. 

As we’ve discovered, alkaline water has a higher pH than the recommended drinking water pH. That being said, proponents claim that alkaline water can neutralize acid in the body, while others claim that it can help prevent disease such as cancer and strokes.  It is also said to “improve hydration” or menopause in women. 

But as we all know, marketing is one of big corporations favorite tactics for misleading consumers into buying stuff that is not necessarily proven to be as beneficial as the claims made for their product. As we also know, most stuff on the market is pushed on the consumer mostly for financial gain to the company. 

Drinking too much alkaline water can actually disrupt your stomach’s natural acid levels, potentially leading to irritation or indigestion. The stomach is meant to be highly acidic to properly break down food and support healthy digestion. Regularly consuming water that neutralizes this acidity can interfere with these essential processes and negatively affect gut health.

While many American brands highly promote drinking alkaline water, the World Health Organization strongly warns against alkaline water since it is said to lead to gastrointestinal problems. 

One of the safety concerns include getting high levels of potassium in the blood, which is called hyperkalemia. Mild Hyperkalemia is typically asymptomatic, however, high potassium levels may actually cause life threatening problems such as cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness and even paralysis. 

Also, if the body becomes too alkaline, you increase the risk of being diagnosed with Alkalosis, which is a result of reducing the hydrogen concentration in the arterial blood plasma. A person's blood has to be tested by medical professionals in order to determine if one has the diagnosis or not. People who suffer with Alkalosis may struggle with irritability, muscle twitching, muscle cramps and even muscle spasm.  

What About Smartwater or Alkaline Water?

Smartwater and related brands are often not natural sources of alkaline water. They are vapour-distilled with added electrolytes. The main issue with distilled water is that it removes contaminates but also eliminates the beneficial minerals. 

When the body loses water through perspiration and urination, your body is also removing sodium and other necessary minerals. These are typically replenished through food and water intake and if your water lacks these needed minerals it can often cause other issues such as Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, Hypothyderism, Hypertension and Coronary Artery Disease especially in senior patients. 

According to Millard-Stafford, the past president of the American College of Sports Medicine, in many cases electrolyte water only contains traces of the mineral. She also highly recommends that women who are pregnant and people with kidney disease avoid drinks with added electrolytes because it can highly disrupt the electrolyte balance in the body and to consult with a professional. 

Another issue presented with electrolyte drinks is that people often think more is better when in actuality, an excess of electrolytes can lead to heart rhythm issues, fatigue, nausea or other consciousness issues, however, the body can experience these same symptoms if it is not getting enough electrolytes. It is important to get a natural source of electrolytes which can be found in fruits, vegetables and even some meats like salmon, tuna and sardines. 

Drinking alkaline may also not hydrate as much as it claims. As discussed when the body takes in nutrients and minerals it also sweats it out. And all of the alkaline solution used in these waters will perspire through the skin which can affect the acid levels in skin. 

The skin is slightly acidic by nature ranging between 4.7 and 5.75 pH. This is to help with the skin’s acid mantle which is a protective barrier that keeps moisture in and bacteria out. So by drinking Alkaline waters, you are raising your pH balance, causing the skin to become too alkaline which can in turn make the skin look flaky and red.

The skin can also become dry and sensitive to the point that one can get eczema. They may also experience inflammation and the skin will not be able to inhibit matrix metalloproteinases which are the enzymes that destroy collagen and cause external aging like wrinkles and sagging.   

Why Is Neutral or Natural Water Better?

Neutral or natural water is often considered better for overall health because it closely matches what the body naturally expects. Our bodies are designed to maintain a delicate internal balance, and water that aligns with this balance supports optimal functioning without adding unnecessary stress.

One of the key benefits of neutral or natural water is its ability to maintain electrolyte balance. Electrolytes are essential minerals that help regulate nerve and muscle function, hydration, blood pH, and other critical processes. Drinking water that is properly balanced supports these functions more effectively than high alkaline water.

Additionally, this type of water is easier on the kidneys and digestive system. When the water we consume is too far from a neutral pH, the body must work harder to adjust it, placing added strain on these organs. Neutral water, by contrast, supports the body’s natural filtering and digestion processes with minimal disruption.

Finally, neutral or natural water is typically better absorbed and utilized by our cells. This makes hydration more efficient and effective. Natural sources like spring water or well-balanced tap water often provide this ideal composition, making them excellent choices for daily hydration.

How to Know What Water to Drink

When choosing the best water to drink, it's important to start by checking the label. Bottled water often provides details about its pH level and mineral content. Ideally, you want to select water with a pH close to 7, which is considered neutral. Also, look for water that contains naturally occurring minerals rather than those labeled as having “electrolytes added for taste,” which may be synthetically added and less beneficial.

If you're drinking water from your home tap or a filtration system, it’s a good idea to test it yourself. You can use pH test strips or a digital pH meter to determine the water’s acidity or alkalinity. This simple step can help you better understand what you’re putting into your body and allow you to make adjustments if necessary.

In general, it’s best to avoid water that has been heavily processed or has an extreme pH for regular consumption. Highly alkaline or acidic waters can disrupt your body’s natural balance over time. While they may be marketed with health claims, these types of water are not always ideal for everyday use.

For daily hydration, stick with options that support your body’s natural processes. Spring water is one of the best choices because it often contains a balanced blend of naturally occurring minerals. Filtered tap water is also a great option, especially if you're using a reverse osmosis (RO) system, just be sure to remineralize it afterward, since RO systems remove both contaminants and essential minerals.

Well water can be another excellent source, provided it’s tested regularly for safety and contamination. Because it comes directly from underground sources, it can be rich in minerals, but quality varies based on local geology and environmental conditions. No matter which source you choose, aim for water that is clean, mineral-rich, and close to neutral in pH to support optimal health.

Tips for Healthier Hydration

To stay properly hydrated, it's best to drink water steadily throughout the day rather than consuming large amounts all at once. This helps your body absorb and use the water more efficiently while preventing the discomfort or potential harm of overloading your system at once.

If you’re drinking purified or distilled water, consider adding natural minerals back into it. A simple way to do this is by adding a slice of lemon or a small pinch of sea salt. These additions can help restore electrolytes and improve both the taste and functionality of your water.

The type of container you use for storing water also matters. Whenever possible, opt for glass or stainless steel instead of plastic. Plastic containers can leach chemicals into the water, especially when exposed to heat or sunlight, which may negatively affect your health over time.

Lastly, remember to listen to your body’s signals. While staying hydrated is important, overhydration, drinking more water than your body needs, can also be harmful. Pay attention to thirst, urine color, and how you feel overall to guide your water intake in a balanced and healthy way.

Conclusion

Choosing neutral-pH, mineral-rich water plays a vital role in supporting your overall health. Water that closely matches the body’s natural balance is easier to absorb, gentler on your organs, and more effective at maintaining essential functions like digestion, circulation, and temperature regulation. By prioritizing clean, well-balanced water, you're giving your body what it truly needs.

In today’s market, there’s no shortage of trendy water options claiming to offer special benefits from alkaline and hydrogen-infused waters to exotic bottled varieties. While some may have short-term appeal, they’re not always backed by science or necessary for long-term wellness. Staying informed and focusing on quality over hype is key to making healthier hydration choices.

Mindful hydration isn’t just about drinking enough, it’s about knowing what kind of water you’re consuming. Paying attention to pH levels, mineral content, and how the water is stored can make a real difference in how your body responds. It’s a simple yet powerful way to elevate your daily self-care routine.

So the next time you reach for a glass, remember this final tip: don’t just drink more water, drink better water. Choosing water that truly supports your body can have lasting benefits for your energy, skin, focus, and overall well-being. And as always, make sure to consult with a licensed physician if you have any questions or concerns.