Ionized Akaline Water Vs. Fluoride Water
Many health-conscious people are concerned about the artificial addition of fluoride to the public water supply by governments. This is done because fluoride is linked to dental health. However, some people have long questioned the value of adding fluoride to tap water, and claimed that it causes adverse health effects for those who drink it. For this and other reasons, some people choose to instead drink ionized alkaline water, created through a special filtration process.
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Definition
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Water ionization is related to the relative PH balance (the alkalinity versus the acidity) of the water and how much oxygen it contains. Water that is highly oxygenated with negative ions is considered to be more alkaline, whereas water with more positive ions is more acidic. It is alleged by supporters of water ionization that tap water tends to be too acidic. They say that ionized water is healthier to drink and bathe in.
Methods
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Most water ionizers work by electrolysis, passing electricity through the water. There are also systems utilizing ceramic filters made from an ion exchange resin with an activated carbon block to absorb the ions. Another process involves passing the water through magnets to create "microwater." Alternatively, there are mineral mixtures that can be added to water that can affect its alkalinity and ionization. It is not uncommon for ionizers to include both electrolysis and filtration systems.
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Alleged Benefits
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Ionized water is believed by its proponents to have an antioxidant effect on the body that slows the aging process, promotes fast healing and boosts the immune system. In addition, the ionization process causes minerals in the water, whether naturally occurring or added as supplements, to bond with the OH- ions and thus become "colloidal." This makes electrolytes---electricity-conducting minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and silver---much easier for the body to absorb.
Fluoride Drawbacks
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Some studies have linked fluoridated water to increases in brain disorders like Down syndrome, Alzheimer's, and dementia, as well as to behavioral problems like attention deficit disorder (ADD), and to lower IQ in general. It has also been linked to increased incidence of bone cancer. Other linkages include immune system suppression, bone disorders, increased risk of hip fracture, various birth defects and increased infant mortality. Reported acute reactions include stomach and joint pains, headaches and extreme fatigue.
Ionization on Fluoride
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The website detoxifynow.com says that according to laboratory tests, water ionization through either electrolysis or ceramic filters removes anywhere from 50 percent to 100 percent of the fluoride added to tap water. The type of fluoride that is generally added is fluorosilicic acid, which is said to increase the number of positive ions in the water and thus de-oxygenate it. In other cases, it is claimed that ionization nullifies the perceived negative effects of fluoride.
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