Is Alkaline Water Best Way to Hydrate & Detox? Myths, Facts & Easy Recipes!

You may have noticed how heat has increasing year by year? And, here we will not be getting into a debate over whether global warming is real or a hoax. Instead we will be discussing some mouth watering ways of staying hydrated, detoxing and arguably also fighting Cancer. All with one magic thing, Water! So let’s jump into it.

We all know that water is the most important drink to stay hydrated but, some of us miss having it because of its bland taste.

So here I’m with yummy yet nutritious recipes to increase water intake. These are called “Infused Water”. Some even call it “Detox Water” or the magic, “Alkaline Water”!

What is Alkaline Water? Does It Really Work?

There is a huge debate that has been going on around alkaline water and alkaline foods. Gist of it, how an acidic body attracts sickness, disease and aging, whereas alkaline body helps shift the body’s pH and oxygenate the system!

And how after the ingestion and metabolism of the food we eat, our body creates acidic or alkaline residue. This popular belief is known as “Acid-Ash” theory. Proponents of this theory would fight till their last breath to defend it. But the truth of the matter remains unchanged that pH of our blood is slightly alkaline anyways (7.35-7.45) and our body works extremely hard to keep it that way.

My two cents as a Clinical Dietitian, just because something sounds scientific, does not mean it is! Instead of glorifying an important nutrient like water and attributing it with some unfounded miraculous benefits, look at it’s REAL benefits. It hydrates us, regulates growth, flushes out toxins and keeps us alive, quite literally!

Infused/Detox Water

It is made by any combination of fruits, vegetables, and herbs immersed in water, which makes it alkaline in nature in comparison to normal water which is neutral. Since it involves different fruits and herbs.

Things You will need

Raw ingredients:

Choose fresh or organic ingredients; wash them well to remove chemicals & pesticides.

Citrus fruits will start tasting bitter 4-5 hours after peeling, so if you have to make infused water in a bigger quantity you can peel them off right before soaking.

• Water – Filtered water which is either cold or at room temperature. Avoid using hot water it can compromise the nutrients you’re trying to coax out of the ingredients.
• Vessels – Can use plain glass vessels or buy some infusing pitchers and bottles.

Preparation Tips

• Soft Fruits – Oranges / sweet lime / strawberries / Berries etc. can be sliced thick, halved, or quartered.
• Hard Fruits – Apples should be sliced very thinly because they take longer time to release flavors.
• Herbs – Ginger root, lemongrass , mint , basil should be tear or crush to release their oil.

Just fill your bottle/pitcher with water and your choice of fruit/vegetable/herb/spice, close the lid and store it in the refirdgerator overnight. It’s really that simple!

Soak Time and Temperature

Infused water cannot be stored at room temperatures for more hours as there may be microbial growth therefore refrigeration is the best option.

And when the water is finished, don’t discard the ingredients, instead refill the bottle with plain water. It will surely be weaker than the first drink but benefits will still persist.

Now you may be wondering which are the best combinations that you can use, isn’t it ?

Well its really simple. Combine your favorite fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices to make delicious combinations! The ratio of fruit to water can be adjusted according to taste and liking over trial and error.

Benefits of Infused Detox Water

For people who find plain water too boring, infused water (or Detox Water) is a delicious alternative. By soaking fruits, herbs, and spices in water, you not only enhance its flavor but also get a natural nutrient boost.

Burst of nutrients along with water

When we prepare infused water, the fruit nutrients leak in the water and therefore it becomes rich in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants depending on the combinations of raw ingredients.

Helps in lowering the risk of multiple diseases

The nutrients present in the raw ingredients will help to lower the risk of diabetes, obesity, cold, cough, heart diseases etc.

Slows down aging process

The antioxidants present in the fruits will help in fighting free radical damage and increase the collagen production thereby helping in improving skin quality.

Helps in Boosting metabolism

Ingredients like lemons, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, apples, ginger etc. helps in boosting metabolism. This in turn can helps in losing weight.

Makes water Delicious

Good news for all who don’t like the plain taste of water, add some of your favourite fruits to the water and enjoy this nutrient loaded water. It is the healthiest option that you can prefer over the calorie loaded diet drinks.

Lose weight

It is more filling and nutritious than plain water. It has almost no to few calories in comparison to the sugar loaded drinks. They also help in reducing cravings and hunger pangs.

Best post workout Drink

It is loaded with nutrients, antioxidants, minerals which are required post workout. So get going and replace your energy drinks with this lovely fruit burst.

Aids digestion

Fennel seeds, black grapes have a cooling effect on your stomach, whereas ginger, citrus fruits, papaya will aid digestion and keep you away from bloating.

Detoxification

Start your day with infused water and fight the free radical damage and detox your body with its antioxidant power.

Strengthens Immune system

Citrus fruits will give a burst of vitamin C and cinnamon, aloe vera, basil will help fight infections thereby helping you maintain a good health.

Satisfy sweet tooth

Saves calories and gives the water a natural sweet flavor satisfying your sugar cravings.

Best Infused Water Combinations You Must Try

Cucumber + Lemon + Mint Leaves

• Lemons – High in vitamin C which helps in detoxification, aids digestion, keeps skin glowing, stimulates WBC production and boosts immune system.
• Mint – It has the highest antioxidant capacity and is perfect for detox, aids digestion, and is antimicrobial.
• Cucumber – Helps in fighting free radical damage, inflammation, aging caused by oxidative stress.

Stimulate urination which helps to cleanse the liver, flush out bodily toxins and avoids water retention.

Apple and Cinnamon

• Apples – Fair amount of vitamin c, good amount of vitamin b! These are powerful antioxidants are capable of blocking free radical damage, boosts body resistance against infections.
• Cinnamon – Loaded with antioxidants, anti inflammatory, helps reduce cholesterol, increases insulin sensitivity, metabolism booster, fights cancer.

Lime and Aloe Vera

• Lime – Detoxifies the body, boosts immune system, stimulates digestive system.
• Aloe vera – It has Laxative and anti-inflammatory properties that will help in digestion, maintain pH balance, control yeast formation and increase digestive bacteria.

Lime + ginger root + basil

• Ginger root – Anti blood clotting ability, aids digestion, remedy for nausea, immunity booster, anti bacterial, anti fungal, fights cancer.
• Basil – Antioxidant, Fights cancer, reduces pain, Fever-reducer (antipyretic), helps in maintaining good liver health, boosts immunity, anti-inflammatory.

Possible Combinations

• Orange + lime
• mango + mint
• Cucumber + lime + strawberry + mint
• Orange + cardamom + cloves + cinnamon
• Pear + fennel

Why Infused Water is Better Than Sugary Energy Drinks?

• Zero to Minimal Calories
• Rich in natural vitamins & antioxidants
• Helps in controlling cravings & overeating
• Refreshing post-workout alternative to sugary drinks
• Supports natural detoxification & metabolism

Wrapping Up

If you’re looking for a real, effective, and enjoyable way to stay hydrated and detox naturally, infused water is the smarter choice. It’s affordable, tasty, nutrient-rich, and free from marketing hype.

FAQs About Alkaline & Infused Water

Q. Can infused water help in weight loss?

Yes, indirectly. It keeps you hydrated and curbs unhealthy cravings, which supports weight management.

Q. How long can I store detox water?

Best consumed within 24 hours when refrigerated.

Q. Is alkaline water harmful?

No, but its “miracle health benefits” are overstated.