Can Alkaline Reducing Water Improve Your Hydration? A Scientific Look at a Promising Pilot Study
We all know hydration is essential for health, but what if the type of water you drink could enhance how well your body absorbs and retains it? A new pilot study presented at the International Congress on Integrative Medicine and Health explores this exact question — and the findings suggest that not all water is created equal.
This research dives into the effects of alkaline reducing water (ARW) versus standard reverse osmosis (RO) water on hydration levels, using cutting-edge tools like bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and plasma osmolarity testing.
What Is Alkaline Reducing Water?
Alkaline reducing water goes beyond high pH. In this study, the ARW was engineered to reach a pH of 9.65 by adding 0.4 mL/L of a proprietary sodium silicate solution. But its true uniqueness comes from its negative oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of -300 mV — achieved by infusing the water with hydrogen-rich molecules using proprietary Hydrogas technology.
This combination creates a type of water that is:
- Alkaline (to help neutralize body acidity),
- Reducing (rich in electrons and antioxidant properties),
- Potentially more bioavailable at the cellular level.
Study Design: How Was It Conducted?
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial was conducted at the Salgado Institute of Integrative Health in Londrina, Brazil, with full ethical approval and informed consent from participants.
Participants:
- 20 healthy adults (8 men, 12 women)
- Aged 20–30
- Randomly split into two groups:
- ARW Group (n=10)
- RO Water Group (n=10)
Protocol:
- Baseline testing: Total Body Water (TBW), Intracellular Water (ICW), Extracellular Water (ECW), and Plasma Osmolarity were recorded.
- Each participant drank 1 liter per day of either ARW or RO water for 5 consecutive days.
- Follow-up testing was conducted on day 6.
Results: What Did They Find?
🔹 Total Body Water (TBW):
- Significantly increased in the ARW group (p < 0.038)
🔹 Intracellular Water (ICW):
- Significantly increased (p < 0.046)
- Suggests improved hydration inside the cells
🔹 Extracellular Water (ECW):
- Showed a non-significant increase
- Still indicated a trend toward better overall hydration
🔹 Plasma Osmolarity:
- Significantly decreased (p < 0.0219)
- Lower osmolarity = better fluid balance and less concentrated blood plasma
These improvements were not observed in the group drinking RO water, underscoring the unique effects of ARW.
Interpretation: Why This Matters
This study offers preliminary yet compelling evidence that alkaline reducing water may be more effective than standard purified water in promoting hydration — especially intracellular hydration, which is critical for metabolic function, nutrient transport, and detoxification.
A drop in plasma osmolarity further suggests that the body is not just absorbing water but also achieving better fluid distribution and retention, which could enhance physical performance, cognitive function, and overall health.
Study Strengths and Limitations
Strengths:
- Rigorously designed (randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled)
- Used objective hydration markers (BIA and plasma osmolarity)
Limitations:
- Small sample size (n=20)
- Short duration (5 days)
- Limited demographic (young healthy adults only)
Larger and longer-term studies are needed to generalize these findings to broader populations, including older adults, athletes, and individuals with chronic health conditions.
Final Thoughts
This study contributes to a growing body of evidence suggesting that functional waters — like alkaline reducing water — might offer more than just hydration. By optimizing the biochemical properties of water, we may be able to enhance hydration efficiency, support antioxidant defenses, and improve cellular function.
So the next time you reach for a glass of water, you might ask: Is there a better way to hydrate?
