How Much Alkaline Water Should You Drink Daily? The Truth About Safe Intake

Most people aren’t drinking water… they’re consuming a trend.

Now, that trend is alkaline water.

Fancy bottles. Higher price tags. Bold claims. A halo of “health.”

Yet in the midst of the hype, there’s one very basic question that rarely gets answered honestly:

How much alkaline water should you actually drink in a day?

Not what brands want you to drink.

Not what influencers casually preach.

BUT What your body needs.

Read ahead for the truth, it’s a scientific fact, not a marketing slogan.

Why This Question is More Important Than “Is Alkaline Water Good?”

Two people can drink the same water…

One benefit. The other has symptoms of bloating, heartburn, or mineral imbalance.

Why? Because the issue isn’t whether alkaline water is healthy.

The real question is:

How much is your body capable of processing, according to its metabolizing capacity, diet, and health?

Like salt, sunlight, or sleep, it is only healthy in the right dose.

First: What Makes Water Alkaline?

No jargon, no chemistry class.

Here’s the simplest explanation:

 

• A higher pH (above 7) = alkaline

• A lower pH (below 7) = acidic

• pH 7 = neutral, most natural drinking water

Alkaline water usually has a pH of 8-10.

It becomes alkaline when it contains natural minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium, or when treated by devices, filters, or an alkaline booster stick.

So yes, you can drink alkalinity both naturally and artificially created.

Why Do People Prefer Higher pH Water?

The stomach is highly acidic, but the pH of the blood needs to remain relatively constant at 7.35 to 7.45.

Small fluctuations lead to big errors, and the body struggles hard to maintain that framework.

Alkaline water doesn't "change your blood pH.” However, it has the effect of

• Lifting the acid load. 

• Neutralizing excess dietary acid (due to poor quality food, over tea/ coffee/cola, processed foods)

• Support gut comfort in acid-prone people

That means alkaline water isn’t a magic potion.

It’s more like a bouncer for dietary acidity.

How Much Alkaline Water Should You Drink Per Day?

Here is a safe, scientific recommendation:

Start by drinking 1-2 glasses every day, and then gradually increase your intake to between 1 and 1.5 litres of water daily based on the details of your diet and individual responses. Avoid drinking more than 1.5 litres of alkaline water daily. 

Why a limit? Because:

• Excessive alkalinity in alkaline water could affect the balance of stomach acid. 

• Digestion can slow down.

• Excessive alkalinity may cause bloating, nausea, or even mineral imbalance, or low acidity symptoms.

Who Should Avoid High Alkaline Water Intake?

Limit intake if you:

• Have low stomach acid (gas, burping, indigestion)

• Take antacids after each meal

• You experience kidney disorders

• You eat an alkaline diet (fruits, vegetables, low-processed food) 

For such individuals, drinking too much alkaline water becomes redundant; your stomach needs acidity to properly digest nutrients.

Who Benefits from Alkaline Water the Most? 

You may need 1 litre of alkaline water if you:

• Drink too much tea or coffee

• Consume junk foods, snacks, and many spicy processed flavors

• Drink alcohol frequently

• Consume aerated drinks (colas are highly acidic)

• Experience frequent acidity or heartburn due to diet

Does Normal Water Hydrate Better Than Alkaline Water?

Yes, normal water hydrates your body just as well as alkaline water. 

So where does alkaline water help?

The Real Difference:

Hydration:

Any clean water (RO, mineral, tap if safe) hydrates effectively.

Alkalinity & Mineral Balance:

Alkaline water can help neutralize acidity, support better mineral intake (like magnesium, calcium, potassium), and may help people who experience acidity or want a gentler-to-digest water.

In simple words:

Normal water = great for hydration.
Alkaline water = hydration + added mineral & pH support.

That’s it. No drama.

Lifestyle Truth Few People Admit

The simplest one, of course, is that if your food is acidic, your water had better be alkaline. If you already eat alkaline food, don’t chase alkalinity everywhere. Extreme is not the place where health is built. It’s created by balance. Don’t become alkaline-obsessed. Become alkaline-aware.

How to Introduce Alkaline Water Without Messing Up Digestion

Step-by-step:

• Begin with one glass a day for 3-4 days

• Move to 2 glasses daily

• If you’ve had no problems, after one week, increase to 800 ml – 1 litre/day.

• So only go past the 1.5 litres if you consume a lot of acidic food

• Don’t have heavy meals while consuming the alkaline water.

• Your stomach needs to be acidic in order to process.

Best time to drink:

• Morning empty stomach

• Post-tea/coffee

• After junk meals

Real-Life Example: The “Tea + Snacks” Effect

3 to 6 cups of tea are consumed by most Indians every day with biscuits, namkeen/snacks.

Tea + snacks = Quite the acidic duo

No, you really don’t need lemon water every hour.

Simply supplement some of your regular water with alkaline water.

Balances acidity quietly.

No fuss.

Conclusion: Too Much?

Alkaline water is effective, but in moderation.

Not a cure. Not a trend. Not a status symbol. Sip it like a tool, not a trophy. Balance your food, balance your water. If your lifestyle is acidic, add some more. If your stomach lacks acidity, slow down. Your body doesn’t want extremes. It wants harmony.

FAQs: How Much Alkaline Water is Good For You?

1) Can you drink alkaline water every day?

Yes, but that is between 1–1.5 litres/day, unless you consume very acidic foods.

2) Can I drink alkaline water on an empty stomach?

Yes. This is the best time to neutralize overnight acid build-up.

3) Is alkaline water good for kids to drink?

Yes, and children are not typically suffering from major acidity unless fed a diet that’s really processed.

4) Is there a treatment or cure for acidity with alkaline water?

It can reduce symptoms associated with dietary acid, but it is not a remedy for underlying medical conditions.

5) Are there risks associated with alkaline water?

Yes, if overconsumed. Excessive use can impair digestion or cause nausea, bloating, and/or mineral imbalance.