Alkaline Water Protects against Mercury Poisoning

Study shows Alkaline Water Drinkers have less Mercury in Hair Samples

Numerous studies have shown that drinking alkaline water is likely to be the best way to get your minerals. Now a study called Hair Element Concentrations in Females in One Acid and One Alkaline Area in Southern Sweden from suggests that there is an additional benefit from drinking alkaline water; protection from mercury poisoning.

Researchers from Lund University in Sweden compared mineral content in hair samples taken from 90 women, 47 from a region with acidic well water, 43 from a different region with alkaline well water. The mineral content of the water being consumed by each person in the study was analyzed, and compared to the mineral content in that person’s hair sample. The study showed that women who drank alkaline well water had consistently lower levels of mercury in their hair than the women who drank acidic well water.

Hair testing best test for Long Term Exposure

Most testing for mercury poisoning is done using blood or urinary samples, however, both of these methods mainly reveal current or recent exposure. The slow growth rate of hair makes it a much better candidate for evaluating long-term exposure. For example, the hair of smokers has been shown to contain higher than normal levels of arsenic, cadmium, and lead among other toxic metals than the hair of nonsmokers.

Water pH affects Mineral Absorption

The pH level of drinking water has a profound impact on what minerals you will get from it. Water with an acidic pH (less than 7) will cause you to absorb toxic minerals like mercury. On the other hand, drinking water with an alkaline pH will provide useful minerals like calcium and magnesium. The difference between drinking alkaline water and acidic water is considerable, which is why many studies are now suggesting that mineral-rich alkaline water is a great way to get enough minerals in your diet.

The hair sample testing done in the study showed that women who drank water from wells with an alkaline pH level had higher concentrations of beneficial minerals in their hair and significantly lower concentrations of mercury in their hair than women who drank water from acidic wells. Other dangerous chemicals shown to be absorbed from drinking the acidic water in study included boron and barium.

Based on the hair sample analysis, researchers concluded that alkaline water “may have better protection against the toxic effects of mercury.” The study did not make clear the reason why alkaline water provides this protection however. ^[1]

Why Water Ionizers are the Safest Way to get Healthy Water

While alkaline water helps you absorb beneficial minerals, it does not completely prevent you from absorbing bad ones. The best way to get safe alkaline water is from a water ionizer because an ionizer filters water before ionizing it. After filtering, the ionization process then concentrates beneficial minerals in the alkaline water. The reason beneficial minerals become concentrated in the alkaline water output of an ionizer is that they are magnetically attracted to the alkaline water “side” of an ionizers output. Acidic minerals are rejected on the acid side output of the machine.

Has the FDA evaluated the ability of alkaline water to protect against mercury?

No. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  The preceding information and/or products are for educational purposes only and are not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or treat illness. Please consult your doctor before making any changes or before starting ANY exercise or nutritional supplement program or before using this information or any product during pregnancy or if you have a serious medical condition.

Reference

[1]  Rosborg, I, B Nihlgård, and L Gerhardsson. “Hair element concentrations in females in one acid and one alkaline area in southern Sweden.” Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Sweden, Ambio. 32.7 (2003): 440-6. Web. 8 Jul. 2013. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14703901>.