Experts Say Hydrating With Alkaline Water Speeds Metabolism and Makes Healthy Eating Easier

A new twist on detox water is making waves on the internet, with devotees saying it speeds away even hard-to-lose flab. Can a drink really do that? Yes! In fact, drinking alkaline water regularly also sets you up for “better digestion, healthier bones and joints, stronger immunity, more energy, deeper sleep and countless other benefits,” says award-winning scientist Russell Jaffe, MD, PhD, a fan of special water infused with acid-fighting minerals, citrus, even backyard herbs and berries. Turns out, the alkalizing effect of this water helps neutralize acid buildup in cells—and once that happens, “you can often lose a few sizes quickly and add 20 or more quality years to your life,” reveals the author of Joy in Living: The Alkaline Way, backed by studies from the National Institutes of Health and Harvard University. “You effortlessly go toward a lean weight and optimal health.”

Is alkaline water good for you?

Wondering the health benefits of drinking the water and how acid gets in our cells? It’s a normal by-product of breaking down certain foods. But Dr. Jaffe says we now eat more acid-forming sugar, gluten, processed foods, meat and cheese than ever before. And while our lungs and kidneys do a good job of keeping acid levels down, as we near the top of a safe range, “the body begins retaining fluid and holding on to fat to help protect organs from rising acidity,” explains health coach and bestselling Alkaline Reset Cleanse author Ross Bridgeford.

Acid is also a toxic irritant that causes fatigue and disease-triggering inflammation. “So even if you want to lose weight, fighting excess acid can leave you too run-down to handle a big diet change,” notes Bridgeford. Luckily, he and Dr. Jaffe agree that you can simply start with a pitcher of alkaline water…

How alkaline water speeds weight loss

For starters, “being properly hydrated helps every aspect of the body, especially metabolism,” says Dr. Jaffe. And frequent glasses of water with lemon deliver enough vitamin C to boost fat burn by 300%, per Arizona State findings.

Also crucial: Alkaline water not only helps neutralize existing acid, but it also quenches thirst — so we reach for fewer highly acid-forming beverages like sugary and aspartame-sweetened soda, sweet tea and coffee. This means your acid load drops dramatically even if you don’t make any changes to what you eat. “Getting more of the good and less of the bad is the key,” says Dr. Jaffe, who personally shed 65 pounds using that basic principle.

What’s more, if you want to change your diet, water can help: UNC researchers in the journal Obesity Research have evidence that when you drink plenty of water, it leads us to crave healthier food. “Once water is a habit, it’s much easier to build meals around alkaline foods like greens, fresh fruit, beans, seeds, oats and quinoa. Water is a small step that can trigger massive change,” says Bridgeford, whose millions of followers use alkaline water to shed up to 15 pounds a week!

How to make your own alkaline water

Most tap water has a neutral pH level, which means it neither creates nor reduces acid. But spring water is a different story, says Dr. Jaffe. It’s filled with important minerals and acid-quelling compounds like magnesium, potassium and calcium. “These are traditional ‘medicinal’ waters for a reason,” he says. “They’re the most alkalizing of all beverages.”

Now for the really fun part: To give spring water extra superpowers, have a blast adding all the alkalizing extras you like. Dr. Jaffe loves a classic squeeze of lemon or lime. Meanwhile, Bridgeford created what he calls Lemon Water 2.0, adding citrus, ginger, turmeric and sliced chili pepper (keep reading for the full recipe). Other options include berries, kiwi, melon, mint, cucumber and basil. “It’s enjoyable, easy and delicious,” he says. It’s also highly effective.

DIY alkaline water

This take on Bridgeford’s wildly popular drink is made with bottled water, Dr. Jaffe’s secret ingredient. (It’s better than regular water or plain water, since it’s filled with minerals.) Makes 8 servings.

Ingredients:

• 2 liters naturally mineral-rich water, such as any spring water
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 1 sliced lemon or lime
• 1 knob ginger or turmeric root, peeled and thinly sliced
• Chili pepper, mint or any herb

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients; allow at least 2 hours for alkalizing compounds to infuse in water.
2. Customize with other alkalizing ingredients like cucumber, watermelon or berries.
3. Serve chilled or at room temp.

Alkaline water detox success story: Marge Lyse, 61

At 403 pounds with high blood pressure and severe asthma, fast-food lover Marge Lyse, 61, found weight-loss shakes recommended by her doctor worked but just weren’t sustainable. “I heard an alkaline diet might help, so I tried it,” she recalls. She started drinking DIY detox water first thing in the morning and noticed an instant energy lift. “It really seemed to boost my metabolism.” Marge was soon drinking it all day, pairing it with green smoothies and huge salads. She sped off 175 pounds in 18 months and got off six meds. Marge still sips alkaline water often: “It tastes great and makes you healthier. If it helped me lose weight, it can help you too!

Alkaline water before and after: Adrienne Shubin, 53

Already struggling with sleep apnea, acid reflux and intense back pain, Adrienne Shubin went on vacation and came down with a tropical illness. “I was knocked out,” recalls the California writer, 53. She stumbled on a Cleveland Clinic article that said lemon water boosts well-being, and started sipping. “It set the tone for healthier eating,” she recalls. Soon, Adrienne was incorporating more alkalizing habits: extra veggies, no alcohol, no snacking. In a year, she lost 90 pounds, her health issues gone and energy soaring. “I drink 80 oz. of water a day and always have lemon water first thing. I tell everyone about it. It’s easy, and you’ll love the results!”

Alkaline water detox recipes to maximize the benefit of alkaline

To get the best of the benefits from homemade alkaline water, sip a cup upon waking up and several more through the day. Build meals like our yummy examples using primarily alkalizing ingredients—-veggies, herbs, fresh fruit, almonds, seeds, oats, brown rice, quinoa, eggs and fish. For more information and recipes, go to LiveEnergized.com. As always, get a doctor’s okay to try a new plan.

Breakfast

Mix 1⁄2 cup oats, 1⁄2 cup plain nut milk, dash vanilla and optional drizzle rice syrup. Chill overnight. Top with fruit and almonds.

Lunch

Toss together veggies, cooked brown rice and grilled fish or chicken; dress with a little olive oil and apple cider vinegar and herbs to taste.

Snack

In blender, blitz chunks of frozen watermelon and any other fruit you like with a little optional lime juice, lime zest and mint until smooth.

Dinner

Enjoy salmon fillet prepared with olive oil, lemon and herbs over lots of steamed or roasted vegetables.

For more on how staying hydrating helps with weight loss, check out these stories:

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

This article originally appeared in our print magazine.