Before discussing Structured water, let’s go back to the basics.
When it comes to human survival, water is still the highest on the list. This is ordinary, clean mineral drinking water.
As you know, water is a substance that gives life and that we should all be putting into our Body every day for the best health outcomes. Without water, chronic dehydration sets in (especially in hot weather) and we would be dead in a week. Some living organisms are up to 90% total body weight in water, while it’s about 60% of the human body.
The fact that we need a healthy amount of water each day is not debatable. The question is are some types of water better than others?
Enter “structured water”. This type of water is gaining more and more interest and popularity. But what exactly is structured water? Is it good for you and are all the amazing health claims true?
What Is Structured Water?
According to the emerging definitions of “structured water,” structured, magnetized or hexagonal water is water that has been filtered, mechanically cleaned and processed in a way for it to contain more “energy.” This configuration of water is supposed to be better for your body.
The structured water definition is sometimes called “Hexagonal Water” and is essentially sold as water that contains more energy and configured to better health.
How To Make Structured Water?
There are lots of different pseudo science explanations for this but the best I can work out is the following:
The theory is that the structured water molecules in our cells can have a higher electrical charge in a specific order in which our cells function. The functioning of our muscles and tissues is much better when the water molecules in our cells are optimally charged. This process is enhanced with water like structured water, which is set up to do this.
But Wait… Our Body Already Contains Structured Water?
Yes, this is true.
But the argument is that structured water is like a battery that needs to be charged constantly. This means that consuming lots of structured water is like charging the energy liquid “battery” of the body. When the body has enough of this “charge”, it will allow and enhance cells and metabolic function not to mention promote hydration and detoxification.
Structured Water Research?
Most of the academic research in this area is by Dr. Gerald Pollack of the University of Washington. For many, he is the leading authority in structured water studies and has a decade track record of studying these types of water technologies.
His work indicates that water is strongly influenced by the naturally occurring sources of light and heat. His argument is that this can alter the molecular composition of the water and therefore has a different effect on our body.
While it is important to note that the whole academic field around structured water is still very inconclusive and limited.
A quick check of the available literature argues that this type of water can have an optimal pH that is vital to your health. Aside from hydration structured water can provide a lot of health benefits because of its composition. This includes:
- Enzymes that help in the absorption of nutrients.
- Better energy levels.
- Weight control.
- Better digestion.
- Cholesterol level blood pressure benefits.
- Joint health.
The infographic below comes from Dr Axe and highlights some of the benefits that people associate with hexagonal, structured or magnetized water.
Given that the science is still inconclusive (at best) most devices are simply not to be trusted.
While they can generate structured water, not all specialist structured water devices are the same. This is not helped by the fact that there is no government legislation or industry standards in this area.
There are also lots of manufacturers taking advantage of the confusion and misunderstanding of the science.
The other issue is that regular everyday drinking water adequately supplies the body with energy. So if your main objective is to get more energy through hydration then just drink water. The science on that is conclusive at least.
Is Structured Water a SCAM?
It is difficult to say because the data is both limited and generic. In general, we need a lot more research and academic studies to identify the actual benefits of structured water.
Until we know more, spend more time in the sun.
Why?
Well, the concept of structured water is similar to the theory of “grounding”. This is because it is fundamentally trying to explain how the exposure of our body to nature (e.g light and heat sources) can affect health in many positive ways.
All of the benefits that you hope to get from this type of water can come from being exposed to direct sunlight. Do this with no sunscreen (be careful with this and ideally only do this with refreshing early morning sun).
Doing this creates many energy and health benefits linked to vitamin D. Getting more natural vitamin D helps restore circadian rhythms meaning that it helps you get a regular sleep pattern. Another benefit of gentle and limited solar radiation is that it may help you to relieve stress, increases your immune function and gives you more energy.
Structured Water vs Alkaline Water?
Alkaline water is water that has undergone a process of ionization that turns its pH Alkaline. The theory behind alkaline water is that alkaline (ionized) water is a powerful antioxidant with excess electrons that can “kill” dangerous free radicals.
Structured water is a type of water that is thought to contain a greater amount of energy and is referred to as “optimally charged.”. The benefit of this is that it makes our cells work more efficiently.
Why is Alkaline Water Better?
In simple terms, alkaline water is more academically established and has findings that are more conclusive.
An acidic environment in the body is a thriving ground for all sorts of illnesses.
Alkaline water and alkaline foods are good for those that want to optimize their health outcomes by enhancing an alkaline body. There are also new models of alkaline water machines that include an extra hydrogen boost.
The best alkaline water machines are not cheap. However, they are a lot more established then the newer types of water machines. This means that they have lots of positive customer reviews that you can read before buying.
Coupon code: WaterGeek
Scientific Research
Rand, R. P., and V. A. Parsegian. 1989. Hydration forces. Biochim. Biophys. Acta. 988:351–376.
H. Bennett K. Turner. Precious water: Clean water science in context with classroom activities. Education in Chemistry. January 2018.
Seong G.H., Lee H.S., Lee B.C. and Bahng G.W. (2017) International Journal of Cell Biology, 75-79.
Antognozzi, M., A. D. Humphris, and M. J. Miles. 2001. Observation of molecular layering in a confined water film and study of the layers viscoelastic properties. App. Phys. Lett. 78:300–302.
Pandit, S. A., D. Bostick, and M. L. Berkowitz. 2003. An algorithm to describe molecular scale rugged surfaces and its application to the study of a water/lipid bilayer interface. J. Chem. Phys. 119:2199–2205.
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