In international scientific research, particularly within the PubMed database, several studies have been published on ionized alkaline water. Most of these come from Japan, where different cell types have been analyzed under various conditions, consistently showing positive results.
More recently, important first steps have also been taken in Italy. At the Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University of Chieti, Italy, studies have confirmed that ionized alkaline water can have beneficial effects on human cells. Science, therefore, is beginning to provide concrete evidence of this potential.
The human body is composed of millions of cells that must constantly cooperate to maintain vital balance. With aging or the onset of disease, this balance can break down. The common denominator identified in most modern diseases is oxidative stress.
In vitro studies on U937 cells (which represent human lymphocytes) have shown that, when exposed to oxidative and inflammatory stress, these cells maintain better vitality when placed in contact with ionized alkaline water—particularly at levels 2 and 3. Under these conditions, the so-called detoxifying enzymes are reactivated, playing a crucial role in neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS).
When this enzymatic defense system is impaired, it can open the door to damage that contributes to cardiovascular diseases, tumor development, inflammatory and neurodegenerative conditions, and even psychiatric disorders such as depression and schizophrenia.
Research has also highlighted that ionized alkaline water can modify the genetic expression of thousands of genes, especially those involved in cell division, aging mechanisms, and the cell cycle. This is a highly significant result, as the loss of control over the cell cycle is one of the main processes through which a cell can become cancerous.
Another important finding concerns the protein inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Under oxidative and inflammatory stress, this protein is produced in excess, generating strong nitrosative stress harmful to the body and closely linked to cardiovascular disease. It has been observed that exposure to ionized alkaline water reduces the expression and activity of this protein, thereby helping to restore cellular balance.
In conclusion, the studies conducted so far indicate that ionized alkaline water has a positive impact on cells: helping them defend more effectively against oxidative stress, supporting detoxification processes, and promoting the maintenance of health and longevity.
References
- Ventura, C. et al. New Approach in Translational Medicine: Effects of Electrolyzed Reduced Water (ERW) on NF-κB/iNOS Pathway in U937 Cell Line under Altered Redox State. ResearchGate, 2016.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/307621639_New_Approach_in_Translational_Medicine_Effects_of_Electrolyzed_Reduced_Water_ERW_on_NF-kBiNOS_Pathway_in_U937_Cell_Line_under_Altered_Redox_State - Qiu, X., et al. Hydrogen-Rich Alkaline Water Supplementation Restores Redox Homeostasis and Improves Clinical Symptoms in Oxidative Stress-Related Conditions. Frontiers in Physiology, 2024.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11203767/ - LeBaron, T. W. et al. Alkaline Water and Longevity: A Murine Study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (eCAM), 2016.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4906185/ - Hanaoka, K. et al. Daily Ingestion of Alkaline Electrolyzed Water Containing Hydrogen Improves Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Reduces Oxidative Stress: A Randomized Double-Blind Study. Medical Gas Research, 2018.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6352572/ - Tashiro, H. et al. Ionized Alkaline Water: A New Strategy for the Management of Metabolic Acidosis in Experimental Animals. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 2009.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19527469/