Yes. There is a distinct difference between alkaline water and electrolyte-enhanced water, particularly between their suggested benefits. Water is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, and with so many options available, it can be confusing to know which type is best for you.
This blog will explore the difference between alkaline water and electrolyte-enhanced water and help you clarify which one may be right for you. In today's health-conscious world, there has been a growing interest in alternative types of water beyond tap water and conventional bottled water. Alkaline water and electrolyte-enhanced water are among the popular alternatives. While both types of water offer unique benefits, they do have different characteristics.
What Is Alkaline Water?
Alkaline water is defined as having a pH level above 7, typically ranging between 7.5 and 9.5 on the pH scale. Individuals who enjoy living a healthy lifestyle believe that drinking alkaline water may provide certain wellness benefits, helping to enhance their overall wellness journey. Drinking alkaline water is also thought to help maintain hydration due to the additional minerals and electrolytes it contains. Many individuals also choose alkaline water for its enjoyable taste.
For a better understanding of pH and its relationship to alkaline water, check out our guide to understanding the pH of alkaline water.
What Is Electrolyte Water?
Electrolyte water is water that has a lot of electrolytes added to it and often times has sweetener and flavor added — for example, sports drinks and recovery drinks. Electrolyte-enhanced water is also acidic, generally having a pH level of 6 or lower. It does, however, have an abundance of added electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. These minerals can play an important role in hydration, helping to regulate fluid balance in the body by replacing electrolytes lost through extreme exercise or illness. Electrolyte-enhanced water is often consumed by fitness enthusiasts and athletes to replenish lost electrolytes from intense activity. However, it is not a replacement for water and therefore not recommended to drink unless you have a need for it. Too many electrolytes can have adverse effects on the body like swelling and excess water retention. Electrolyte-enhanced water can be beneficial if used properly for the right conditions.
The Similarities:
Both contain minerals and electrolytes like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Both can also be effective at hydrating your body.
The Difference:
The main difference between alkaline water and electrolyte water lies in their pH level and the amount of minerals and other ingredients they contain. Alkaline water has a pH level above 7 and a moderate amount of electrolytes and will never contain sweetener or flavoring. Electrolyte-enhanced water is acidic, having a pH level of 6 or lower, and contains a large number of electrolytes and often times also added sweetener and flavoring.
The Benefits:
Both types of water offer different benefits, and people may prefer to drink a combination of the two for a more comprehensive approach to hydration. Brands like Eternal Water offer the perfect combination of both alkaline water and electrolyte water, providing a naturally occurring balance of minerals and electrolytes with a high pH.
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Conclusion:
In conclusion, the choice between alkaline water and electrolyte water is a personal one that depends on your individual hydration needs. However, we believe that for most people's needs there is a clear winner between the two. Alkaline water possesses all of the benefits of electrolyte water without being acidic. If you're looking for hydration with a high pH level, alkaline water is the right choice for you.
If your specific needs require you to replenish a large amount of electrolytes in a short period of time, then electrolyte-enhanced water may be the right choice for your needs. However, choosing one over the other really depends on what you’re trying to accomplish along your wellness journey. So, if you’re looking for bottled spring water that provides you with naturally occurring alkaline minerals and naturally occurring electrolytes, consider Eternal Water. It’s the best of both hydration worlds.
Karim Mashouf, founder and CEO of Eternal Water, says, "We didn't make our water, we discovered it." Eternal Water comes from protected underground springs that flow year-round. Isolated from industrial pollution, the natural springs from which Eternal Water is sourced produce some of the purest, most pristine water you can find in America.
Karim went on to say, “We don't add anything to our water in any way, shape, or form. When you drink Eternal Water, we think you’ll find it tastes like some of the best water in the world."
You might also enjoy our bottled water vs. tap water guide.
Where to Find Alkaline Water Near You?
Eternal Water is always easily available for you to discover and purchase at over 65,000 stores nationwide. Find a store near you today.
