From “Miracle Cure” to “Myth”: Understanding Alkaline and RO Water to Choose a Safe Source for Your Health

In recent years, various types of functional drinking water such as hydrogen-rich alkaline water and reverse osmosis (RO) purified water, have been widely marketed as “healthy choices.” Alkaline water is often claimed to neutralize acidity, balance body pH, prevent diseases, and even support cancer treatment, while RO water is praised for its ability to eliminate nearly all bacteria, impurities, and heavy metals.

However, according to health experts, current scientific evidence remains insufficient to confirm any superior health benefits of alkaline water. Moreover, the long-term consumption of high-pH alkaline water or demineralized RO water that lacks proper remineralization may disrupt the body’s natural electrolyte balance, potentially leading to adverse health effects.

It is time to take a closer look. Instead of following trends, we should understand the scientific basis behind each type of water to make informed, evidence-based choices for the long-term health of ourselves and our families.

The Origins of the “Acid–Alkaline Therapy” Theory

The concept of “acid–alkaline therapy” originated from Robert O. Young, a self-proclaimed health practitioner in the United States who referred to himself as the “father” of this method. He gained worldwide attention through his book series The pH Miracle, in which he claimed that maintaining an alkaline pH in the body through diet and drinking water could cure a wide range of diseases.

However, in 2014, Robert O. Young was prosecuted in the San Diego Superior Court for practicing medicine without a license and was ordered to pay USD 105 million in damages to cancer patients harmed by his unproven methods. Since then, the global medical community has classified the acid–alkaline theory as pseudoscience — a belief not supported by clinical or experimental evidence.

Despite being debunked in the U.S., this theory continues to spread in many countries, including Vietnam, often through unverified promotional claims.

Alkaline Water: Neither Medicine Nor a “Miracle Therapy”

According to Dr. Tran Duc Canh, Department of Endoscopy and Functional Diagnostics, K Hospital (Vietnam):

“There is currently no research confirming the therapeutic effects of alkaline water. Bottled ionized water contains electrolytes beneficial to the body, but it is not a medicine and cannot replace prescribed treatment.”

Some small-scale studies suggest that alkaline water may help reduce oxidative stress or support metabolic conditions, but these findings remain limited and inconclusive. Most were conducted on a small number of subjects, short study periods, or animal models, making them insufficient for clinical validation.

Conversely, consuming high-pH alkaline water over a long period may lead to metabolic alkalosis — a condition in which blood pH rises above the normal range (7.35–7.45). This can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, muscle spasms, hand tremors, or tingling sensations in the face and extremities.

Individuals with renal impairment, the elderly, or children under four years old are advised not to consume high-pH alkaline water, as their bodies have a reduced ability to regulate pH and electrolytes.

Additionally, the quality of water produced by household ionizers depends heavily on the source water input. When municipal water containing contaminants, heavy metals, or pesticide residues is used, the electrolysis process may not effectively remove all pollutants such as lead, mercury, or chemical residues.

RO Water: Pure, But Requires Proper Remineralization

Most alkaline ionizers today combine Reverse Osmosis (RO) or other fine filtration membranes before the electrolysis process. As a result, the output water becomes highly purified, with nearly all bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and dissolved solids removed. However, because the filtration is so thorough, it also eliminates almost all beneficial natural minerals such as calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K), which are essential for maintaining electrolyte balance, supporting muscle and nerve function, and preserving the natural freshness of water.

When these minerals are stripped away, the water becomes demineralized, which can alter osmotic pressure in the body and reduce the efficiency of water and mineral absorption.

If remineralization is not properly applied to restore minerals at an optimal level, alkaline ionized water is essentially just electrolyzed purified water, almost indistinguishable from RO water in terms of nutritional value and may even lead to mineral imbalance if consumed over a long period.

Furthermore, if the source water contains impurities, heavy metals, or residual chemicals that are not thoroughly treated before electrolysis, these substances may accumulate on the electrodes, reducing filtration efficiency and potentially posing health risks.

To overcome these limitations, RO water should be remineralized at appropriate levels to help maintain stable pH and support the healthy functioning of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems.

BWT’s remineralization technology is developed based on this principle, enriching RO-filtered water with natural minerals such as magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and zinc (Zn) to deliver water that is not only pure and safe, but also mineral-balanced, supporting long-term health and well-being.

BWT – Science-Based Water for Health and Sustainability

The human body possesses an intrinsic biological buffer system that keeps blood pH stable within a narrow range of 7.35 to 7.45, regardless of dietary intake or drinking water type. Therefore, consuming alkaline water does not alter blood pH and, in some cases, may even disrupt the body’s natural regulatory mechanisms.

Health should be guided by scientific understanding, not marketing myths. Choosing the right drinking water means ensuring microbiological safety, absence of heavy metals, and an appropriate balance of essential minerals — all of which are vital for the cardiovascular, skeletal, and nervous systems.

At BWT (Best Water Technology), we are committed to providing scientifically engineered water solutions that ensure both human health and environmental sustainability. Through advanced filtration and natural remineralization technology, BWT delivers water that is pure, balanced, and health-promoting — empowering a smarter, more responsible lifestyle for people today and for the planet tomorrow.

Source: Tuoi Tre News