Denver's Alkaline Water Fad: Wrong for High Altitude?
By Franklin Everett ShawAre you feeling sluggish, Denver? Maybe you’ve heard the whispers: alkaline water is the answer. But before you rush to Whole Foods for a case, let’s pump the brakes and consider something crucial: we live a mile high.
The alkaline water trend promises a host of benefits, from improved hydration to neutralizing acidity in the body. Sounds great, right? But Denver’s unique environment throws a wrench into the equation.
Alkaline water, at its core, boasts a higher pH than regular tap water. Proponents claim this helps balance the body’s pH, which can supposedly combat everything from fatigue to chronic disease. The science, however, is far from settled.
Denver’s altitude presents a significant challenge to hydration. The air is thinner, meaning less oxygen and increased respiration. This leads to faster dehydration, regardless of the water’s pH.
Think of it like this: you’re trying to fill a leaky bucket. Alkaline water might be slightly better water, but the leak (altitude-induced dehydration) is the bigger problem.
The lower air pressure also affects how our bodies process fluids. At higher altitudes, fluids evaporate more quickly, both internally and externally. This means you’re losing water faster, making hydration even more critical.
So, does alkaline water help or hurt in Denver? The answer is complicated, and frankly, leans towards “probably doesn’t matter much.”
The potential benefits of alkaline water are largely theoretical and often overstated. The human body is remarkably good at regulating its own pH. Your kidneys and lungs are constantly working to maintain a delicate balance.
Drinking alkaline water might slightly shift your pH, but it’s unlikely to have a significant or lasting impact, especially when battling altitude-related dehydration.
Here’s the real kicker: Denver’s tap water is already slightly alkaline. The Denver Water Department maintains a pH range of 7.2 to 8.0. You’re likely already drinking water that’s on the alkaline side.
Buying expensive bottled alkaline water is, in many cases, a waste of money. You’re paying a premium for something you’re already getting from the tap.
Instead of focusing on pH, Denver residents should prioritize overall hydration. This means drinking plenty of water throughout the day, regardless of its alkalinity.
How much water is enough? A good rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces. So, if you weigh 150 pounds, aim for 75 ounces of water daily.
But altitude changes everything. Increase that amount by at least 25% in Denver. That 75 ounces now becomes closer to 94 ounces.
Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Thirst is a sign that you’re already dehydrated. Carry a water bottle with you and sip throughout the day.
Consider adding electrolytes to your water, especially after exercise. Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium are lost through sweat and are crucial for hydration.
You can find electrolyte tablets or powders at most sporting goods stores. Or, make your own by adding a pinch of sea salt and a squeeze of lemon to your water.
Avoid sugary drinks like soda and juice. These can actually dehydrate you further. They pull water into your digestive system to process the sugar, leaving less water available for your cells.
Be mindful of alcohol consumption. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and can lead to dehydration. If you’re drinking alcohol, alternate each alcoholic beverage with a glass of water.
Pay attention to the color of your urine. Pale yellow urine is a sign of good hydration. Dark yellow or amber urine indicates dehydration.
Don’t fall for the marketing hype surrounding alkaline water. Focus on the fundamentals of hydration: drink plenty of water, replenish electrolytes, and avoid dehydrating beverages.
Here’s a practical example: Imagine a Denver resident, Sarah, who experiences frequent headaches. She reads about alkaline water and decides to try it, hoping it will alleviate her headaches.
Sarah switches to alkaline water but continues her usual habits: drinking coffee in the morning, having a soda with lunch, and not drinking much water throughout the day. Her headaches persist.
Sarah’s mistake wasn’t the type of water she was drinking, but her overall hydration habits. She wasn’t drinking enough water to begin with, and she was consuming dehydrating beverages.
Instead, Sarah should focus on drinking more water throughout the day, especially between meals. She should also limit her coffee and soda intake.
She could also try adding electrolytes to her water, especially after her daily hike in Red Rocks. By focusing on these fundamental hydration strategies, Sarah is much more likely to alleviate her headaches than by simply switching to alkaline water.
Another common pitfall is relying solely on bottled water. While convenient, bottled water can be expensive and contribute to plastic waste.
Consider investing in a good quality water filter for your tap. This will remove any impurities and improve the taste of your water, making it more appealing to drink.
Brita filters are a popular and affordable option. You can also find more advanced filtration systems that attach directly to your faucet.
Don’t underestimate the power of fruits and vegetables. Many fruits and vegetables have a high water content and can contribute to your overall hydration.
Watermelon, cucumbers, and celery are all excellent choices. They’re also packed with vitamins and minerals, providing additional health benefits.
In conclusion, while alkaline water might have some theoretical benefits, it’s unlikely to make a significant difference in Denver’s high-altitude environment. Focus on the fundamentals of hydration: drink plenty of water, replenish electrolytes, and avoid dehydrating beverages. Your body will thank you. So ditch the expensive bottled water and embrace the power of good old H2O. Your wallet and your body will be happier for it.