Are you looking to optimise your hydration to improve your health and support your fasting periods? Alkaline water represents far more than a simple wellness trend. With a pH above 7, this water enriched with essential minerals offers real benefits, particularly during practices such as intermittent fasting or more generally for all people who have an overly rich diet or one based on ultra-processed products. Discover why this water is the subject of growing scientific interest.
What Exactly Is Alkaline Water?
Alkaline water has a pH generally between 8 and 9.5, whilst tap water oscillates between 6.5 and 7 (sometimes lower). It naturally contains beneficial alkaline minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and bicarbonates.
The pH scale being logarithmic, a small difference in pH represents a significant variation in alkalinity: for example, a pH of 9 is 10 times more alkaline than a pH of 8.
Why Is Alkaline Water So Rare?
Naturally alkaline water remains exceptional because it requires very specific geological conditions.
Limited Natural Sources
Water becomes naturally alkaline when it flows for decades, even centuries, through rocks rich in alkaline minerals. These rare waters come from:
Deep groundwater aquifers where water progressively enriches itself with minerals
Volcanic regions where basaltic rocks naturally release alkalising minerals
Ancient artesian springs having travelled through specific geological formations
This natural rarity explains why the majority of alkaline waters available commercially are produced artificially by electrolysis, an industrial process that chemically modifies the pH of tap water.
The Scientifically Proven Benefits of Alkaline Water
Our modern lifestyle promotes the acidification of the body: a diet rich in animal proteins, processed products, chronic stress and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to producing acidic waste in the body. Alkaline water helps neutralise this excess acidity and restore acid-base balance. As a complement to a balanced diet, it supports the body's natural pH regulation mechanisms and promotes proper bodily function.
Far from exaggerated marketing promises, several scientific studies have documented real benefits of high-pH water in specific contexts.
1. Relief from Gastric Reflux and Heartburn
A study published in 2012 in Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology demonstrated that alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 can inactivate pepsin, the enzyme responsible for gastro-oesophageal reflux. This result offers natural relief for people suffering from chronic GORD or heartburn.
2. Improved Cellular Hydration
Research conducted in 2017 on athletes revealed that regular consumption of alkaline water increases cellular hydration more effectively than ordinary water. Alkaline water molecules would be better absorbed by cells, promoting deep hydration.
3. Sports Performance and Optimised Recovery
A 2019 study on combat sports showed that alkaline water reduces metabolic acidosis during intense efforts, delaying muscle fatigue and improving anaerobic performance. Moreover, a decrease in blood viscosity was observed in 100 athletes after post-exercise ingestion of alkaline water, facilitating recovery.
4. Cardiovascular and Metabolic Effects
Research from 2001 conducted in Shanghai found that after 6 months of alkaline water consumption, significant improvements appear in people suffering from arterial hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and hyperglycaemia. A pilot study also observed a moderate decrease in blood pressure in hypertensive subjects after 12 weeks.
5. Bone Health and Mineralisation
Alkaline water could limit bone resorption linked to dietary acidity by reducing the excessive solicitation of the body's calcium reserves to neutralise metabolic acids.
Can Alkaline Water Be Consumed by Everyone?
Alkaline water can be consumed by the vast majority of healthy adults and integrates easily into a daily hydration routine. Its natural contribution of electrolytes (magnesium, potassium, calcium) makes it an interesting water for active people, those who practise fasting or those whose diet is more acidifying.
However, as with any water presenting a specific mineral composition, certain precautions are necessary. People suffering from kidney pathologies, pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as individuals on treatments sensitive to electrolyte balance should seek medical advice before modifying their water consumption. Infants and very young children, meanwhile, must consume lightly mineralised waters adapted to their age, with the most neutral pH possible. Alkaline water remains an interesting support for balance and hydration, but does not replace either medical follow-up or treatment.
Alkaline Water and Intermittent Fasting: A Powerful Synergy
Intermittent fasting is experiencing a meteoric rise for its numerous benefits: improvement in insulin sensitivity, activation of autophagy (cellular recycling), sustainable weight loss and reduction of chronic inflammation. In this context, alkaline water becomes a strategic ally.
Why Is High-pH Water Essential During Fasting?
1. Optimal Support for the Detoxification Process
During fasting, your body intensely activates its cellular cleansing and hepatic detoxification mechanisms. Alkaline water facilitates this natural process in several scientifically documented ways.
A study published in PubMed in 2020 demonstrated that alkalinisation of urine between pH 7.1 and 8.3 improves the performance of hepatic enzymes responsible for detoxification, accelerating the elimination of metabolic toxins. During fasting, when the body mobilises its fat reserves, fat-soluble toxins are released into the bloodstream. Alkaline water helps the liver and kidneys eliminate them more effectively.
2. Neutralisation of Metabolic Acidosis from Fasting
Fasting can initially increase the production of acids in the body, notably ketone bodies and uric acid resulting from fat combustion. This slight metabolic acidosis, although normal and temporary, can provoke unpleasant side effects such as headaches, intense fatigue or nausea.
Alkaline water, rich in alkalising minerals, helps buffer this acidity naturally. Double-blind research conducted in 2020 on 80 people practising intermittent fasting revealed that alkaline supplementation (alkaline minerals) combined with fasting significantly increased loss of fat mass whilst neutralising acidosis induced by fasting and physical exercise.
3. Maintaining Acid-Base Balance Without Soliciting Your Mineral Reserves
Our body naturally maintains a slightly alkaline blood pH around 7.4 thanks to sophisticated buffer systems (respiration, kidney function, bone mineral reserves). During fasting, several factors disturb this delicate balance:
The mobilisation of fat reserves releases fatty acids
The absence of food intake reduces sources of alkalising minerals (fruits, vegetables)
The metabolism of endogenous proteins produces acidic waste
Without an intake of alkaline minerals, your body must draw from its bone calcium reserves to neutralise this acidity. Alkaline water prevents this excessive solicitation by directly providing the necessary buffer minerals.
4. Optimal Hydration Without Breaking the Fast
During fasting windows, only acaloric drinks are authorised so as not to trigger an insulin response. Alkaline water perfectly meets this criterion with additional advantages:
Zero calories: it triggers no insulin secretion
Reduction in the sensation of hunger: optimal hydration decreases false hunger signals that the brain sometimes confuses with thirst
Mineral intake without calories: it compensates for losses in electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) without energy intake
5. Prevention of Side Effects from Prolonged Fasting
During fasts of more than 24 hours, the body naturally develops more pronounced ketosis. Whilst this process is beneficial for fat burning, alkaline water allows one to moderate ketoacidosis for optimal comfort, maintain essential electrolyte balance and facilitate the transition between fed and fasting states.
Recent studies on alkaline ionised water during water fasting have shown that it can raise blood pH by 40 to 70% in acidosis conditions, offering significant protection against the side effects of fasting.
Practical Tips to Optimise Your Intermittent Fasting with Alkaline Water
To maximise the benefits of alkaline hydration during your intermittent fasting periods:
Drink regularly throughout the day: Consume between 2 and 3 litres of alkaline water distributed over your fasting window (approximately 250-300 ml every hour)
Favour the morning on an empty stomach: Start your day with 1 to 2 large glasses of alkaline water to rehydrate your body and activate your digestive system
Adapt the pH according to your needs: For a 16-hour fast, a pH of 8.5-9 is ideal. For prolonged fasts (24-48h), favour a higher pH (9-9.5)
Limit very alkaline water during meals: During your eating window, space out the consumption of very high-pH water from digestion moments so as not to excessively dilute your gastric juices
Listen to your body's signals: Adapt your consumption according to your sensations, your level of physical activity and your digestive comfort
Sküma Water: The Personalised Solution for Your Daily Alkaline Water
Faced with the rarity of natural alkaline water and the limitations of standardised commercial bottled solutions (high cost, environmental impact, lack of freshness), Sküma Water proposes a revolutionary and sustainable approach: create your own personalised alkaline water, directly at home, according to your specific needs.
The MY™ Station Technology: Advanced Purification and Bespoke Mineralisation
The innovative Sküma system transforms your tap water into pure and remineralised water thanks to a two-stage approach:
STAGE 1: Unequalled Purification Certified by a French Laboratory
The MY™ Station uses triple filtration including reverse osmosis which eliminates 99.99% of water contaminants, including 165 pesticides and their metabolites, 20 different PFAS, heavy metals, medicinal residues, VOCs, CMVs... as well as 98% of microplastics and a 96% reduction in total dissolved solids (TDS). Certified by an independent French laboratory accredited by COFRAC.
This ultra-performing purification guarantees a base of pure water, rid of all invisible contaminants present in tap water, even in regions where water is reputed to be "of good quality".
Whatever the quality of your tap water, MY™ Station will always offer you Sküma Water.
Major advantage: No complex plumbing installation required, no permanent connection necessary. The MY™ Station is a compact autonomous system that simply sits on your worktop. You replace the filter only once a year.
STAGE 2: Personalised Mineralisation with MY™ Bases
This is where the magic operates. After purification, you simply insert a MY™ Mineral-Alkaline Base to transform the purified water into mineralised water adapted to your health objectives.
To benefit from optimal alkaline water, Sküma offers the MY™ Mineral Alkaline Base, specially formulated to:
Create a balanced alkaline profile by increasing the pH of your tap water by 1 point
Support your digestion
Promote the acid-base balance of your body
Ideally accompany your intermittent fasting periods
Optimise your daily hydration with bioavailable minerals
Improve sports recovery
Each MY™ Mineral Alkaline Base produces 40 litres of personalised alkaline water, ready to drink immediately, with no waiting time. The water is fresh, has a soft and pleasant taste that will naturally make you want to drink more.
Another advantage: its price. With Mineral Alkaline, the litre of this precious water comes to £0.28 per litre or £0.23 per litre with the subscription formula.
Conclusion: Intelligent Hydration for Sustainable Health
Alkaline water is not a universal panacea, but a scientifically validated tool in a global and conscious approach to health. Research confirms real and measurable benefits.
Its natural rarity and the ecological and economic limits of bottled alkaline waters make innovative systems like Sküma Water a relevant, sustainable and customisable solution for all those who wish to take control of their daily hydration.
The water you drink represents 70% of your body. Each sip is an opportunity to nourish your cells, support your vital functions and optimise your overall wellbeing. With quality alkaline water, you do not merely hydrate yourself: you consciously invest in your long-term health.
Ready to transform your hydration? Discover how Sküma Water can become your daily health ally →
Scientific Sources
Koufman JA, Johnston N. "Potential benefits of pH 8.8 alkaline drinking water as an adjunct in the treatment of reflux disease." Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology (2012). PubMed
Weidman J, et al. "Effect of electrolysed high-pH alkaline water on blood viscosity in healthy adults." Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2016). JISSN
Maszczyk A, et al. "Anaerobic Performance and Acid-Base Balance in Basketball Players after the Consumption of Highly alkaline Water." Biology of Sport (2018).
Wang Yu-lian. "Preliminary observation on changes of blood pressure, blood sugar and blood lipids after using alkaline ionised drinking water." Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine (2001). CNKI
Ammon KS, et al. "Exercise Training, Intermittent Fasting and alkaline Supplementation as an Effective Strategy for Body Weight Loss." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2020). PMC
Kalman DS, et al. "Effect of bottled water consumption versus tap water on hydration status." Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2017).
Burckhardt P. "The effect of the alkali load of mineral water on bone metabolism." The Journal of Nutrition (2008).
Frequently Asked Questions About Alkaline Water
Is Alkaline Water Suitable for Everyone?
Alkaline water at moderate pH (8-9) is suitable for the vast majority of people in good health. However, people suffering from kidney failure or taking certain medications affecting acid-base balance should consult their doctor before significantly modifying the pH of their drinking water.
Can One Drink Exclusively Alkaline Water?
Yes, it is possible to drink only naturally alkaline water at pH 8-9 throughout one's life without risk. However, it is recommended to avoid waters at very high pH (>10) in the long term and to limit very alkaline water during meals so as not to hinder protein digestion.
Does Alkaline Water Replace a Balanced Diet?
No. Alkaline water is a complement to a global approach to health, not a miracle solution. It supports and optimises hydration and acid-base balance, but in no way replaces a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular physical activity and good stress management.
How Long Does It Take to Feel the Effects?
Effects vary according to individuals and objectives. Some people report an improvement in digestion and gastric reflux from the first days. For more profound benefits (cellular hydration, acid-base balance, sports performance), generally allow 2 to 4 weeks of regular consumption.
Does Alkaline Water Expire?
Freshly produced alkaline water is ideal. Ionised alkaline water progressively loses its antioxidant properties after a few days. Store it in a hermetically sealed glass container away from light and consume it within 2-3 days for optimal efficacy.
