Alkaline Ionised Water Booklet files...- 5 - 2. Brief History of Alkaline Ionised Water Alkaline...

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www.water-for-health.co.uk

An Overview of the History,

Science & Health Benefits of

Alkaline Ionised Water

Compiled by

Water for Health Ltd.

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Index

1. Introduction 4

2. Brief History of Alkaline Ionised Water 5

3. Science of Alkaline Ionised Water 6

3.1 Water, The chemistry of life. 6

3.2 Water, the universal solvent 6

3.3 Polarity of water molecules 6

3.4 Oxidation-reduction reactions 7

3.5 Acids and Bases 8

3.6 What is pH? 8

3.7 Importance of balancing pH 8

3.8 Oxygen: Too much of a good thing? 8

3.9 Antioxidants block dangerous oxidation 9

3.10 Water, the natural solution 9

4. How to make alkaline ionised water? 10

4.1 Electrolytic Process 10

4.2 Mineral Processes 11

5. The application of ionised water in the treatment of disease. 13

5.1 Cardiovascular Disease 14

5.2 Diabetes 15

5.3 Cancer 16

5.4 Gastro - Intestinal System 16

5.6 Kidney Problems 17

5.7 Osteoporosis 18

5.8 Obesity 18

5.9 Skin Complaints 19

6. Summary 20

APPENDIX 1 – Different types of Water Ioniser

APPENDIX 2 – Frequently Asked Questions

APPENDIX 3 – Recommended Reading

References

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Important Note

This booklet has been compiled to give interested parties information on alkaline ionized water. It is

produced purely for education purposes and no medical claims are stated or implied By Water for Health

Ltd. We are keen that the many health benefits of good hydration and its contribution to proper body pH

balance are appreciated by as many people as possible. Please feel free to pass this booklet on to anyone

you think might benefit, the only condition being that you pass it on unchanged in its entirety. The

compilation copyright is retained by Water for Health Ltd.

Roddy MacDonald

Managing Director - Water for Health Ltd


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1. Introduction

Good hydration is fundamental to health. Our bodies are composed of approx 70% water so it is

essential to keep ourselves hydrated. The dilemma for many people is, “What is the best water to

drink?” There are concerns about drinking tap water due to it potentially containing low levels of

toxins such as heavy metals, pesticide residues, hormonal residues and pharmaceutical drug

residues. There is also the potential problem arising where source water could have low levels of

humic acid compounds that are difficult to remove in water treatment and when chlorinated can

produce trichloromethanes (THM’s). These THM’s are regarded as being potentially

carcinogenic.

Consequently many people have elected to drink bottled water or to install undersink filtration

equipment such as reverse osmosis systems or using water distillers. Although these options

overcome many of the potential problems of drinking tap water they are not without their

downsides. There is increasing concern about drinking bottled water, primarily due to the

environmental impact of production and disposal of plastic bottles and transporting water long

distances. There is also the concern about possible leaching of the plastic into the water. Reverse

Osmosis systems and water distillation system; although very effective at removing pollutants

have also got their downside. With the reverse osmosis system a significant amount of water

goes to drain, which is becoming increasingly expensive and is not particularly environmentally

desirable. However the main concern viewed by several health practitioners is that this sterile

water is not good to be ingested long term. It has been said that drinking this type of water can

remove beneficial minerals from the body. Also when it is purified and allowed to stand it can

absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere which is the reason why this water becomes acidic,

which is not what our bodies need.

So the dilemma is how we can be assured that the water we drink is the best type of water to

drink to properly hydrate our bodies and help to eliminate wastes and toxins. Good water should

be free of pollutants and contain beneficial minerals. However good water should also have the

ability to purify the blood, strengthen the immune system and help to counteract harmful free

radicals. Water has been proven to have many beneficial health promoting properties.

The information in this booklet gives an

overview of ionised water, its history of use,

the science behind it, the type of health issues

that people have found it to be beneficial for

and a resume of some of the ways that this

water can be produced. At one time ionised

water could only be produced by electrolysis

but now natural mineral blends are being used

to have a similar effect on water with the

resultant effect of bringing alkaline ionised

water with antioxidant properties within the

reach of everyone.

If the science of ionised water is of no interest

to you then proceed to sections 4 and 5 of this

booklet to learn more about making alkaline

ionized water and some of the health benefits

that have been attributed to it.

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2. Brief History of Alkaline Ionised Water

Alkaline ionised water is made by electrically splitting filtered tap water into alkaline ionic water

and acid water. Water ionisers were first developed in Japan in the early 50's and experiments

were first conducted on plants and animals. Full scale development started in 1954 by several

Japanese agricultural universities on the effects of alkaline ionic water, especially acid water, on

plants. Today, nursery farmers that supply cut flowers use acid water to keep flowers longer

before delivery to the flower shops. Experiments on the human body were subsequently carried

out. Through lengthy experimentation by medical doctors in Japan, much valuable data was

collected and it was concluded that alkaline ionised water made with water ionisers was non-

toxic and alleviated many symptoms of adult diseases.

The first commercial alkaline ionised water ionisers were available in Japan in l958. In l960, a

group of medical doctors and agricultural doctors in Japan formed a special medical and

agricultural research institute, and they had annual meetings to report their findings. Finally, in

January 15th, 1966, this type of alkaline ionic water ioniser was approved as a health

improvement medical device by the Health and Rehabilitation Ministry of the Japanese

Government.

Japanese-made alkaline ionised water ionisers were first

introduced to Korea in the 70's, and today they are also approved as

medical devices by the government of South Korea. Korean-made

household units were first introduced into the United States in l985

and a toxicity test was conducted by an independent testing

laboratory in LA on April 14, 1986. The test found no toxicity in the

alkaline ionised water generated by the water ioniser. This testing

was done according to FDA specified methods. As a result of this

research water ionisers have been increasingly accepted in both the

Far East and in Western societies. Manufacturing of water ionisers

is now principally carried out in Korea where there are currently 20

manufacturers producing in excess of 1million water ionisers per

year.

In recent years there has been extensive research carried out, again primarily in Japan and Korea

into using the natural properties of certain minerals to give water similar properties as

electrolytic water ionisers do. This has resulted in a new range of products to give consumers the

health benefits of alkaline ionised water without the need for electricity. Much of this work has

been popularised in the East through the research work of Professor Won H Kim, an ex Oxford

graduate, who is regarded in Korea as being the foremost authority on the therapeutic use of

mineral alkaline ionised water.

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3. Science of Alkaline Ionised Water

3.1 Water, The chemistry of life.

Life on earth is totally dependent on water. A high percentage of living things, both plant and

animal are found in water. The bodies of all living organisms are composed largely of water.

Between 70 and 90 percent of all organic matter is water.

The chemical reactions in all plants and animals that support life take place in a

water medium. Water not only provides the medium to make these life

sustaining reactions possible, but water itself is often an important reactant or

product of these reactions. In short, the chemistry of life is water chemistry.

3.2 Water, the universal solvent

Water is a universal, superb solvent due to the marked polarity of the water molecule and its

tendency to form hydrogen bonds with other molecules. One water molecule, expressed with the

chemical symbol H2O, consists of 2 hydrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom.

Standing alone, the hydrogen atom contains one positive proton at its core with

one negative electron revolving around it in a three-dimensional shell. Oxygen,

on the other hand, contains 8 protons in its nucleus with 8 electrons revolving

around it. This is often shown in chemical notation as the letter O surrounded by

eight dots representing 4 sets of paired electrons.

The single hydrogen electron and the 8 electrons of oxygen are the key to the chemistry of life

because this is where hydrogen and oxygen atoms combine to form a water molecule, or split to

form ions.

Hydrogen tends to ionise by losing its single electron and form single H+ ions, which are isolated

protons since the hydrogen atom contains no neutrons. A hydrogen bond occurs when the

electron of a single hydrogen atom is shared with another electronegative atom such as oxygen

that lacks an electron.

3.3 Polarity of water molecules

In a water molecule, two hydrogen atoms are covalently bonded to the

oxygen atom. But because the oxygen atom is larger than the hydrogen's, its

attraction for the hydrogen's electrons is correspondingly greater so the

electrons are drawn closer into the shell of the larger oxygen atom and away

from the hydrogen shells. This means that although the water molecule as a

whole is stable, the greater mass of the oxygen nucleus tends to draw in all

the electrons in the molecule including the shared hydrogen electrons giving

the oxygen portion of the molecule a slight electronegative charge.

The shells of the hydrogen atoms, because their electrons are closer to the oxygen, take on a

small electropositive charge. This means water molecules have a tendency to form weak bonds

with water molecules because the oxygen end of the molecule is negative and the hydrogen ends

are positive.

A hydrogen atom, while remaining covalently bonded to the oxygen of its own molecule, can

form a weak bond with the oxygen of another molecule. Similarly, the oxygen end of a molecule

can form a weak attachment with the hydrogen ends of other molecules. Because water

molecules have this polarity, water is a continuous chemical entity.

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These weak bonds play a crucial role in stabilising the shape of many of the large molecules

found in living matter. Because these bonds are weak, they are readily broken and re-formed

during normal physiological reactions. The disassembly and re-arrangement of such weak bonds

is in essence the chemistry of life.

To illustrate water's ability to break down other substances, consider the simple

example of putting a small amount of table salt in a glass of tap water. With dry

salt (NaCl) the attraction between the electropositive sodium (Na+) and

electronegative chlorine (Cl-) atoms of salt is very strong until it is placed in

water. After salt is placed in water, the attraction of the electronegative oxygen

of the water molecule for the positively charged sodium ions, and the similar

attraction of the electropositive hydrogen ends of the water molecule for the

negatively charged chloride ions, is greater than the mutual attraction between the outnumbered

Na+ and Cl- ions. In water the ionic bonds of the sodium chloride molecule are broken easily

because of the competitive action of the numerous water molecules.

As we can see from this simple example, even the delicate configuration of individual water

molecules enables them to break relatively stronger bonds by converging on them. This is why

we call water the universal solvent. It is a natural solution that breaks the bonds of larger, more

complex molecules. This is the chemistry of life on earth, in water and on land.

3.4 Oxidation-reduction reactions

Basically, reduction means the addition of an electron (e-), and its converse, oxidation means the

removal of an electron. The addition of an electron by reduction stores energy in the reduced

compound. The removal of an electron, oxidation, liberates energy from the oxidised compound.

Whenever one substance is reduced, another is oxidised.

To clarify these terms, consider any two molecules, A and B, for example.

When molecules A and B come into contact, here is what happens:

B grabs an electron from molecule A.

Molecule A has been oxidised because it has lost an electron.

The net charge of B has been reduced because it has gained a negative electron (e-).

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In biological systems, removal or addition of an electron constitutes the most frequent

mechanism of oxidation-reduction reactions. These oxidation-reduction reactions are frequently

called redox reactions.

3.5 Acids and Bases

An acid is a substance that increases the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in water. A base

(alkali) is a substance that decreases the concentration of hydrogen ions, in other words,

increasing the concentration of hydroxide ions OH-.

The degree of acidity or alkalinity of a solution is measured in terms of a value known as pH,

which is the negative logarithm of the concentration of hydrogen ions:

pH = 1/log [H+] = -log [H+]

3.6 What is pH?

On the pH scale, which ranges from 0 on the acidic end to 14 on the alkaline end, a solution is

neutral if its pH is 7. At pH 7, water contains equal concentrations of H+ and OH- ions.

Substances with a pH less than 7 are acidic because they contain a higher concentration of H+

ions. Substances which have pH greater than 7 are alkaline because they contain a higher

concentration of OH- than H+. The pH scale is a log scale so a change of one pH unit means a

tenfold change in the concentration of hydrogen ions.

3.7 Importance of balancing pH

Living things are extremely sensitive to pH and function best (with certain exceptions, such as

certain portions of the digestive tract) when solutions are nearly neutral. Most interior living

matter (excluding the cell nucleus) has a pH of about 6.8.

Blood plasma and other fluids that surround the cells in the body have a pH of around 7.3.

Numerous special mechanisms aid in stabilising these fluids so that cells will not be subject to

appreciable fluctuations in pH. Substances which serve as mechanisms to stabilise pH are called

buffers. Buffers have the capacity to bond ions and remove them from solution whenever their

concentration begins to rise. Conversely, buffers can release ions whenever their concentration

begins to fall. Buffers thus help to minimise the fluctuations in pH. This is an important function

because many biochemical reactions normally occurring in living organisms either release or use

up ions.

3.8 Oxygen: Too much of a good thing?

Oxygen is essential to survival. It is relatively stable in the air, but when

too much is absorbed into the body it can become active and unstable and

has a tendency to attach itself to any biological molecule, including

molecules of healthy cells. The chemical activity of these free radicals is

due to one or more pairs of unpaired electrons.

It is estimated that 2% of the oxygen we normally breathe becomes active oxygen, and this

amount increases to approximately 20% with aerobic exercise. Such free radicals with unpaired

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electrons are unstable and have a high oxidation potential, which means they are capable of

stealing electrons from other cells. This chemical mechanism is very useful in disinfectants such

as hydrogen peroxide and ozone which can be used to sterilize wounds or medical instruments.

Inside the body these free radicals are of great benefit due to their ability to attack and eliminate

bacteria, viruses and other waste products.

Problems arise, however, when too many of these active oxygen molecules, or free radicals, are

produced in the body. They are extremely reactive and can also attach themselves to normal,

healthy cells and damage them genetically. These active oxygen radicals steal electrons from

normal, healthy biological molecules. This electron theft by active oxygen oxidizes tissue and is

believed to be a major cause of degenerative disease.

Because active oxygen can damage normal tissue, it is essential to scavenge this active oxygen

from the body before it can cause disintegration of healthy tissue. If we can find an effective

method to block the oxidation of healthy tissue by active oxygen, then we can attempt to prevent

disease.

3.9 Antioxidants block dangerous oxidation

One way to protect healthy tissue from the ravages of oxidation caused by active oxygen is to

provide free electrons to active oxygen radicals, thus neutralising their high oxidation potential

and preventing them from reacting with healthy tissue.

Research on the link between diet and cancer is far from complete, but there is evidence that

what we eat may affect our susceptibility to cancer. Some foods seem to help defend against

cancer, others appear to promote it.

Much of the damage caused by carcinogenic substances in food may come about because of an

oxidation reaction in the cell. In this process, an odd ball oxygen molecule may damage the

genetic code of the cell. This leads naturally to the theory that the intake of natural antioxidants

could be an important aspect of the body's defence against cancer. Substances that are believed

to inhibit cancer include vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, selenium, and glutathione (an amino

acid). These substances are reducing agents. They supply electrons to free radicals and block the

interaction of the free radical with normal tissue.

3.10 Water, the natural solution

There is no substitute for a healthy balanced diet, especially rich in antioxidant materials such as

vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and other foods that are good for us. However, these

substances are not the best source of free electrons that can block the oxidation of healthy tissue

by active oxygen.

Alkaline ionised water is a better solution to the problem of providing a safe source of free

electrons to block the oxidation of normal tissue by free oxygen radicals. This reduced water,

water with an excess of free electrons to donate to active oxygen, has a better reduction

capability over most other antioxidants in food or vitamin supplements. Also the molecular

weight of reduced water is low, making it fast acting and able to reach all tissues of the body in a

very short time.

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4. How to make Alkaline Ionised Water?

4.1 Electrolytic Process

Normal tap water, for example, with a pH of 7 is approximately

neutral on the pH scale of 0 to 14. When measured with an

ORP (oxidation potential) meter, its redox potential is

approximately +200 to +300 mV. Typical bottled waters have

ORP values in the range of +100 to +200mV. Because they

have a positive redox potential they can acquire electrons and

oxidize other molecules. Reduced Ionised Water, on the other

hand, has a negative redox potential of approximately -100 to -

250 mV. This means it has a large mass of electrons ready to

donate to electron-thieving active oxygen.

A typical Ionised Water unit is slightly taller and thicker than a large dictionary on end. It is an

electrical appliance connected to your kitchen water supply to perform electrolysis on tap water

before you drink it or use it in the kitchen for cooking or cleaning.

The water inlet to the ioniser is either through a special attachment that connects to the tap and

diverts water through the ioniser or alternatively many of the models can be connected directly

to the mains water inlet leading to the sink tap. Inside the Ionised Water unit, the water is first

filtered through activated charcoal. Next, the filtered water passes into an electrolysis chamber

equipped with platinum-coated titanium electrodes where electrolysis takes place.

Cations, positive ions, gather at the negative electrodes to create cathodic water (reduced water).

Anions, negatively charged ions, gather at the positive electrode to make anodic water (oxidized

water).

Through electrolysis, reduced water not only gains an excess amount of electrons (e-), but the

cluster of H2O is reduced in size from about 10 to 13 molecules per cluster to 5 to 6 molecules per

cluster.

The reduced water comes out of the ioniser tap, and the oxidized water comes out of a separate

hose leading into the sink. You can use the reduced water for drinking or cooking. The oxidation

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potential of the oxidized water makes it a good sterilising agent, ideal for washing hands,

cleaning food or kitchen utensils, and treating minor wounds.

After electrolysis of the water inside the Ionised Water unit, reduced water comes out of the

cathodic side and oxidized water comes out of the anodic side. Compare these measurements of

four types of water: tap water before electrolysis, bottled water, reduced water and oxidized

water.

Reduction – Oxidation (Redox) Potential

Water Type Redox Potential pH What it Means

Tap Water +200 to +300mV 7 Slight Oxidation potential

Bottled Water +100 to +200mV 7 Slight oxidation potential

Reduced Water -100 to -300mV 9 Strong reduction potential contains a

mass of electrons that can be donated

to free radicals.

Oxidised Water +400 to +600mV 4 Strong oxidation potential, a shortage

of electrons giving it the ability to

oxidize and sterilise

Traditionally most people judge the properties of water from the standpoint of pH, in other

words water is acidic or alkaline. However oxidation reduction potential is probably more

important than pH due to the ability of reduced water to help to neutralise harmful free radicals.

The pH of tap water is about pH 7, or neutral. When tap water is electrolyzed into Ionised Water,

its reduced water has a pH of about 9 and the oxidized water a pH of about 4. Even if you make

alkaline water of pH 9 by adding sodium hydroxide or make acidic water of pH 3 by adding

hydrogen chloride, you will find very little change in the ORP values of the two waters. On the

other hand, when you divide tap water with electrolysis you can see the ORP fluctuate by as

much as +/- 500 mV. By electrolysis you can obtain reduced water with negative potential that is

good for the body.

4.2 Mineral Processes

Up till recently most of the systems on the market used to produce alkaline ionised water were

electrolytic systems. In recent years there has been an increasing number of mineral based

water ionising systems available. They have the advantage of being less expensive, portable and

give the water good energy.

These mineral based systems use natural minerals which when in contact with water make it

alkaline and also produce hydrogen. They include minerals with more ionising effect than

hydrogen such as magnesium (Mg) calcium (Ca) and lithium (Li). Calcium and Lithium are very

good at making water with a good structure but unfortunately react too violently with water. On

the other hand Magnesium releases electrons as it dissolves in water as shown:

Mg + 2 H20 -> Mg2+ + 2OH- + H2 (H- + H- ->H2)

The water turns alkaline by forming OH-, and hydrogen (with active hydrogen being formed at

the same time) lowering the water’s ORP to give it a power to eliminate active oxygen.

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Magnesium unfortunately has several shortcomings. It is relatively poor at making water

structure condensed compared to that of calcium and its effect on water makes it bitter unlike

calcium. Its efficiency to react with water for producing alkaline ionised water and hydrogen

gradually reduces. In order to make up for these weak points, magnesium’s physical properties

have been improved by making special alloys which sustain for a long time its ability to diffuse in

water and produce hydrogen with alkaline water.

Other ways can be combined as well: ceramics based on calcium, special minerals which stabilise

active hydrogen, natural rocks which make water structure compact as well as increasing water’s

solvency, and minerals which can bring about catalytic action. Doing this makes water abundant

with hexagonal water (smaller clusters of molecules), supplements the taste, maintains the

eliminating power against reactive oxygen species for a long time, and puts in good energy.

Mineral alkaline reduced water has the weakness of needing an occasional acid-cleansing

because its hydrogen-producing power decreases after a while, but its simplicity and portability

makes it an alternative to systems producing electrolyzed water. It also has the advantage of

containing very good energy in comparison to electrolyzed alkaline water. Many of the mineral

based systems combine various minerals including natural minerals such as tourmaline and jade

which are reputed to give far infrared energy which has known therapeutic benefits.

Interestingly Professor Won H Kim has stated that natural

mineral alkaline ionised water showed anti-cancer effects as

well as suppressive power against metastasis during animal

experiments using mice. Furthermore, it revealed an ability

to eliminate active oxygen within cells along with increasing

immune functions. More importantly, levels of blood sugar,

triglycerides, and cholesterol were lowered in mice with

diabetes and obesity; possibilities were seen for treatments of

these diseases or ensuing complications.

Mineral based systems are now used in a wide number of

applications. Because of no requirement to use electricity

they are used in portable personal ionisers, so that people can

enjoy the benefits of ionised water wherever they are. They

are also used in undersink filters, in jug filter cartridges and in

cartridges which can be used after filtration systems and

particularly reverse osmosis systems where they can help to

overcome the principal limitation of reverse osmosis water, in

that they put back into the water beneficial minerals.

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5. The application of ionised water in the treatment of disease.

Leading scientists and health practitioners have stated that the majority of the western

population are suffering the effects of acidosis in body tissues which is believed by many to be

the prime cause of degenerative disease. Modern lifestyles, diets, stress and environmental

pollution all contribute to an excess acid load.

Dr Theodore Baroody in his book ‘Alkalize or Die’ states ‘the countless names attributed to illness

do not really matter. What does matter is that they all come from the same root cause…too much

tissue acid waste in the body.’

Excess tissue acid waste manifests itself in fatigue, inflammation, reduced immunity and

premature aging. In the informative book ‘The Acid Alkaline Food Guide’ by Dr Susan E Brown

and Larry Triveri Jnr they list the following conditions amongst several others which are

attributed to chronic low grade metabolic acidosis in the body.

• Loss of calcium in the urine, the dissolution of bone and the development of osteoporosis.

• The loss of potassium and magnesium stores from the body, with a resulting tendency

towards hypertension and inflammation, as well as the pain associated with inflammation.

• Suppression of growth hormone, insulin like growth factor, and other pituitary hormones

causing suboptimal tissue renewal and hormone dysfunction.

• Accelerated aging from accumulated acid waste products.

• Increased production of free radicals- unstable molecules that cause cellular damage-

resulting in the worsening of pain and inflammation, and the lowering of immune

capacity.

• Increased risk of kidney stone formation

• Decreased efficiency of cellular ATP energy production, causing impaired cellular function

and, eventually, impaired organ function.

• Encouragement of the growth and spread of naturally occurring yeast and fungi, which

thrive in an acid terrain.

• Creation of a mild form of hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) and a chronic

overproduction of the stress hormone cortisol, resulting in various negative effects on the

body.

• Sub optimal liver detoxification, potentially causing a build up of toxic residues in the

body.

The list of specific diseases that have been connected with excess tissue acid waste and the

damage done by harmful free radicals is extensive and includes the following:

• Cardiovascular disease including the build up of cholesterol deposits

• High Blood Pressure

• Diabetes

• Cancers

• Hypothyroidism

• Osteoporosis

• Arthritis

• Kidney Problems

• Gastro Intestinal Inflammation

• Skin problems including eczema

• Gout

• Candida infections

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Drinking alkaline ionised water is beneficial for any health complaint where there is excess tissue

acidity and damage being caused by free radicals. It helps to neutralise the harmful acidic wastes

and flush them out of the body. It also neutralises unstable free radical molecules by supplying

electrons. It also supplies additional oxygen to the cells where oxygen levels are low due to the

excess acidity. There are a number of specific diseases where researchers and health

practitioners have proven that drinking alkaline ionised water is beneficial. Some of these

include:

5.1 Cardiovascular Disease

Our bodies are naturally wonderfully engineered; when our blood

pressure is elevated or if we have high levels of cholesterol deposited

in our vascular system it is our body’s natural compensating

mechanism for a deficiency. Increasingly many natural practitioners

are pointing at acidosis as being the root problem. Our blood has a

buffer of sodium bicarbonate to neutralise acid wastes from our cells

as waste products of our metabolism. When this alkaline buffer level

is depleted then we suffer from the problems of acidosis.

According to Sang Whang in his book Reverse Aging ‘Dr Kancho

Kunimaka, one of the pioneers of alkaline water treatment in Japan,

states that virtually without exception, patients with high blood

pressure have an acidosis condition. He has many successful clinical

trials where acid free high pH alkaline water lowered blood pressure.

There are several plausible explanations for this phenomenon. Since the higher pH blood

contains excess oxygen, the heart doesn’t have to work so hard. Another factor may be that the

viscosity of the higher pH blood is low so that the heart does not need to pump as hard. A further

reason may be that the calcium ions in alkaline water may be dissolving plaque and cholesterol

build up in the artery walls, thus opening up the passage’

He further states ‘If your blood pressure is always high, chances are that your arteries are getting

narrow and it will take a long time, possibly a year or more, for that blood pressure to come

down by means of alkaline water. It takes time to dissolve plaque and cholesterol build up but

eventually it will work. This slow process has no side effects. It lowers blood pressure by

eliminating the very causes of the high blood pressure.’

Acid waste in the blood is believed to make scratches in the inside of the blood vessels. The

body’s defence mechanism is to patch these injuries to the blood vessel walls with fatty plaques

to prevent life threatening leaks. Hence it is extremely important to reduce this acidic condition

by neutralising excess acid wastes.

Professor Won H Kim in his book Water of Life; a cure for your body says ‘Irregular blood

circulation can be called the beginning of all adult-onset ailments. The major cause for this comes

from acidic waste materials which get piled up on vascular walls or clog capillary vessels. Crucial

organs need a smooth supply of blood, but piled up waste on walls makes vessels get narrower.

This coupled with clogged capillaries, results in raised blood pressure to supply blood. This is the

general principle behind occurrence of hypertension. Alkaline reduced water resolves

hypertension originating from residues of waste on vascular walls.

Alkaline reduced water does more than just decrease the acidic wastes by alkalising the blood: it

is effective for hypertension because its superior power to conduct surface activity can dissolve

waste matter stuck to vascular walls’

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The conventional medical approach of using medication to control blood pressure and lower

cholesterol levels does not address the underlying problem. Unfortunately these medications

also tend to increase the acidic load on the blood.

5.2 Diabetes

Dr Robert Young in his book pH Miracle for Diabetes says

‘looking through the lens of New Biology, it becomes clear that

diabetes is not a disease of the pancreas or the beta cells

therein. Rather, it is the result of a pH imbalance in the fluids

of the body- systemic acidosis- that interferes with the

optimum functioning of the cells they surround. Beta cells

surrounded by acids do not or cannot produce sufficient

insulin. Acids destroy insulin receptor sites on the cellular

membrane so body cells cannot properly use the hormone.

Diabetic symptoms – which can include frequent urination, extreme thirst, ravenous hunger,

weight loss, extreme fatigue, muscle wasting and life threatening ketoacidosis- are all a result of

the body attempting to regain or maintain the delicate pH balance of the blood tissues.

Other scientists have come to a similar conclusion that the underlying cause for adult onset

diabetes is due to an underlying acidosis condition. Sang Whang says in his reverse Aging book

‘A shortage of calcium ions in the body impairs the production and the release of the insulin

hormone. This eventually leads to an acidic blood condition. Clogged blood vessels caused by

excess protein build up also impair pancreatic function. Alkaline water by supplying calcium in

an ionised form and by helping prevent excess protein build up can help prevent and heal this

condition.’

Professor Won H Kim relates an interesting experiment that was carried out by Korean TV who

undertook an investigation into the merits or otherwise of alkaline ionised water. One of the

areas of investigation was to look at its use for the treatment of diabetes. He says ‘I did a clinical

experiment with diabetes patients at a hospital in Southern Choongchung province. This study

was done by dividing up patients in critical condition (to the point they had to receive insulin

injections) up into two groups. The first group continued receiving insulin shots as usual, and the

other group was told to stop the treatment and only drink alkaline reduced water. Because we

had a tight shooting schedule, the second group was actually hospitalised to immediately observe

the effects of drinking 5 litres of water every day.

Before even one month passed, the water-drinking group’s blood sugar level amazingly

decreased in contrast to that of the insulin-injection group. The patients who were half

heartedly participating at first elatedly drank the water more faithfully, after personally

experiencing improved complexion and health.

Daily changes in blood sugar level were inconsistent in the case of the patient group getting

insulin shots, but the alkaline reduced water-drinking patients had stability. This extraordinary

result signifies alkaline reduced water does not only show short-term effectiveness like insulin,

but also can ultimately cure diabetes.’

Although it is probably premature to say that drinking alkaline reduced water is a cure for adult

onset diabetes there is a growing body of opinion that believes that addressing the underlying

acidosis problem by diet, controlling stress etc you will make a huge impact on the problem.

Drinking alkaline ionised water with its ability to neutralise acidity and counteract harmful free

radicals is a very important part of this protocol.

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5.3 Cancer

When the blood becomes acidified it becomes thicker and is

able to transport less oxygen and nutrients to the cells. When

the cell becomes deprived of oxygen it either dies or adapts to

this oxygen deprived environment by becoming malignant.

Cancer cells can live in this oxygen deprived environment

because they obtain their energy from fermentation, a process

that is carried on without oxygen. It continually grabs

available nutrients, depriving healthy cells of available

nutrients leading to their death.

The extracellular fluids of cancer cells tend towards acidity.

The focus of many doctors has been to create conditions that

will not favour the proliferation of cancer cells: conditions

that will allow more oxygen to get to the cells. Professor

Felicia Kliment in her book ‘The Acid Alkaline Balance Diet’

says ‘Clearly, the prevention of cancer should begin with

removing from the body acidic wastes that turn normal cells

into cancerous ones. If an individual is being treated for

cancer, the removal of acidic wastes generated by toxic

chemotherapy could prevent a recurrence.’

In his book Hidden Truth of Cancer Keiichi Morishita says ‘if the blood develops a more acidic

condition, then our body inevitably deposits these excess acidic substances in some areas of the

body such that the blood will maintain an alkaline condition. As this tendency continues, such

areas increase in acidity and some cells will die. Then these cells themselves turn into acids.

However, some other cells may adapt to this environment. In other words, instead of dying- as

normal cells do in an acidic environment- some cells survive by becoming abnormal cells.

Malignant cells do not correspond with brain function or with our own DNA memory code.

Therefore, malignant cells grow indefinitely and without order. This is cancer.’

In Japan and Korea they have found very encouraging results by treating cancer patients with

alkaline ionised water. They have shown that it results in the reduction of cancer cell

proliferation. There have been various theories why this is the case. It is said that cancer cells

cannot proliferate in hexagonally structured water. It is also said that that it could be having an

inhibitory effect on the effect of telomerase an enzyme that can restore telomere, DNA at the end

of cancer cells chromosomes. Similarly the effect of cancer suppression could be due to the

neutralisation of damaging free radicals and alkaline waters contribution towards changing the

pH in the cell environment.

Sang Whang points out ‘When you drink alkaline water you are drinking water with excess

oxygen, not in the form of O2 but in the form of OH- which is very stable because it is mated with

positively ionised alkaline minerals. Two of these hydroxyl ions can form a water molecule H2O

and give out one oxygen atom. The alkaline mineral is used to detoxify poisonous acid

compounds and when that happens the hydroxyl ion is freed to supply excess oxygen to the cells

to prevent the development of cancer.’

5.4 Gastro - Intestinal system

The effects of excess acidity can be evident from one end of our gastro intestinal system to the

other. It can manifest as acid reflux at the very beginning of our digestive tract through to

constipation or colitis at the other extremity. In between problems such as ulcers, gallstones and

inflammatory intestinal problems are all linked directly or indirectly with increased tissue

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acidity. The digestive tract is critically important to all our bodily functions so it is vitally

important to our health and longevity to keep it working optimally and that means correcting

acid alkali imbalances. If the digestive tract presents an over acidic environment it will provide

an ideal host to opportunist harmful bacteria and fungi which are believed to be the root cause of

many health problems. This is primarily due to their ingestion of your nutrients and leaving their

toxic acidic wastes in your body. Consequently an improvement in the correct pH balance of the

digestive tract will not just alleviate gastro intestinal problems but will have impacts, often

significant, in other areas.

Professor Won H Kim points to the fact that the oxidation

reduction potential of the digestive tract reduces along the

length of it from +150mV in the stomach to -250mV in the

colon. If this becomes disrupted it will result in imbalance of

the microflora and one of the prime indicators will be

stenchy stools. He concluded that drinking alkaline reduced

water helps to maintain the ORP balance in the gastro

intestinal tract. He further points out that one of the first

effects of drinking alkaline ionised water, and particularly

water that was ionised by minerals resulted in the reduction

of constipation, which of course has a beneficial effect in

removing toxic acidic wastes more quickly from the body.

Sang Whang points out when referring to hyperacidity,

indigestion, gas and nausea that these symptoms are caused

by too much acid. He says ‘Suppression of acid by means of

alkaline water will help to alleviate and prevent these acid-

related intestinal and stomach disorders including ulcers.’

5.6 Kidney Problems

As the level of acidity rise in the body, this puts particular stress on the kidneys increasing the

potential for kidney disease. Consequently drinking alkaline water helps to neutralise this acidity

and reduce the strain on the kidneys.

Sang Whang in his book Reverse Aging points out his understanding of the cause of kidney stone

formation and the role alkaline ionised water can play. He says ‘Kidney stones are formed in the

kidneys, originally starting as tiny specks of solid substance. As more material clings to the first

speck, it gradually builds into a solid object. The substances are made out of phosphates, urates

etc. They are salts of phosphoric acid and uric acid generally combined with calcium and/or

magnesium. They are formed in the kidneys because the environment is too acidic. These salts

are acidic salts.

Although calcium and magnesium are in the salts, they are there to soften the poisonous effects of

uric acid and phosphoric acid. Some people mistakenly believe that kidney stones are formed

because there is too much calcium. That is not true. The best proof is that the calcium compound

will dissolve in acidic urine while the kidney stones will not.

If you add calcium into the bladder and lower the acidity of the urine, kidney stones will dissolve.

Drinking alkaline water will prevent the kidney stones from forming to begin with, and even after

formation, it can dissolve them. Because urine is acidic and so are most of the other waste

products, any extra calcium that your body doesn’t need will be dissolved and discarded by the

urine. In the process, it will help dissolve kidney stones, if any. There is no need to worry about

too much calcium consumption’.

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5.7 Osteoporosis

Our skeletal system is a bank of alkalising minerals, particularly calcium. If

the blood is acidified calcium is taken from the bones to maintain blood pH.

There is now increasing evidence that there is a direct connection between

low grade acidosis and osteoporosis. Dr Susan Brown, an osteoporosis

expert and co author of the book The Acid Alkaline Guide says ‘Around the

world, the incidence of osteoporotic fractures varies by at least thirty fold,

with low trauma fractures- the hallmark of osteoporosis –being rare in

cultures that follow diets and lifestyle patterns conducive to proper acid-

alkaline balance. A variety of population-based studies now document the

association between a high intake of base- forming food stuffs and bone

health. The beneficial effect of fruit and vegetables is evident not only in

premenopausal, perimenopausal, postmenopausal and elderly women-

those at the greatest risk of osteoporosis- but also in growing girls and men.

Furthermore, a large cross-cultural survey indicated that those countries

with the lowest incidence of hip fracture also have the lowest consumption

of acid-producing animal protein, and, usually a consumption of vegetable

protein that exceeds their intake of animal products. Of course, the diets

enjoyed by these cultures are very different from the typical Western diet,

which is high in acid-forming animal proteins, and low in base-forming pH

balancing foods.’

Prolonged drinking of alkaline water can help to reduce acidity and maintain blood pH without

the need for the body to deplete bones of calcium.

5.8 Obesity

There are two specific characteristics that appear to be common to most people suffering from

obesity. Firstly their body hydration levels are much lower than they should be and secondly

they are suffering the effects of excess acidity. Dr Robert Young, biochemist and author of the pH

Miracle range of books has said ‘ you are not overweight; you are overacid’

When someone is ingesting a very high residual acid load

diet the body stores these excess metabolic acids in fats

away from our vital organs as a life preserving mechanism.

Otherwise these acids would damage our organs and put a

huge stress on the kidneys. Consequently drinking alkaline

water has got several positive effects on the bodies of obese

people. Firstly its superior hydrating powers help to hydrate

the body and bring hydration levels into proper balance.

Secondly it helps to neutralise stored acids and gently flush

them out of the body without causing damage to the kidneys.

As a consequence of body pH coming more in balance the

body will gradually shed the excess fat. This approach to

weight loss, combined of course with a suitable alkalising

diet and exercise programme will work naturally to reduce

weight with all the consequent benefits of increased energy

and better functioning of bodily systems.

5.9 Skin Complaints

In the Far East alkaline electrolysed water has been used fairly extensively in the treatment of

atopic dermatitis. Sufferers drinking alkaline water and applying the acid water from the water

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ioniser externally have experienced very good results. Professor Won H Kim states ‘Upon

analysis of blood in patients suffering from atopic dermatitis, there was a higher level of

unsaturated fatty acid than in people with healthy skin. Unsaturated fatty acid gets transformed

into lipid peroxide by active oxygen, and this resulting substance in turn gets multiplied within

the body. What follows is a variety of impediments such as atopic dermatitis.

In cases of people whose constitution has much unsaturated fatty acid in their blood, even more

lipid peroxides are formed when active oxygen increases. This leads to the conclusion if we can

reduce the amount of active oxygen being produced by the human body, symptoms of atopic

dermatitis will be alleviated.

If alkaline reduced water (containing an ability to eliminate active oxygen) is continually used,

any excessive active oxygen can be removed. It will show treatment effects for various diseases

caused by active oxygen, in addition to atopic dermatitis.’

In addition to the specific health complaints listed above drinking alkaline water is useful to

alleviate many other problems including arthritis, gout, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, asthma,

allergies and of course to generally boost the body’s immunity. It is a natural approach to better

health that can provide huge dividends.

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6. Summary

Although drinking alkaline ionised water is not the

panacea to every health complaint its extended use would

make a significant difference to reduce the incidence of

our current epidemics of diseases; cancer, cardiovascular

problems, diabetes and osteo-problems. It would also

immensely improve the quality of life for many people

who suffer pain and inflammation. The heightened

immunity that drinking alkaline ionised water can bring

will help the body better deal with disease. It will help to

promote higher levels of energy as the body’s systems

come better into balance.

Not so many years ago the only choice people had to be able to have alkaline ionised water was

investing in an electrolytic system. These were deemed to be expensive by many people.

However new advances in this field, using mineral based systems has brought alkaline ionised

water within everyone’s budget. Also some new systems are much more portable allowing

people to drink this health promoting water wherever they are. In the appendix you will find a

selection of the different types of devices that you can now buy in Europe to give you the benefits

of alkaline ionised water.

We trust you have found this information useful to give you more of an insight into what

something as simple as drinking water can do for your health. Please do pass the information to

anyone you feel might find it helpful. There are an increasing number of books written on the

subject of acid alkaline balance and we have included a selection in the appendix. If this brief

booklet has stimulated your interest you might like to look further into these.

Probably Dr Robert Young has popularised the whole theory of the need for alkalising more than

any other researcher through his various books and newsletters. The following is a comment of

his which is probable a fitting conclusion to this booklet.

‘If someone asked me what was the one thing I could do to enjoy better health, then the

answer is simple Drink Alkaline Ionised Water.’

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Appendix 1

Different types of Water Ionisers

Electrolytic Water Ionisers

An electrolytic water ioniser is connected to your electricity supply

and either connected to your tap by means of a diverter fitting or

connected to the mains supply coming to your kitchen cold water

tap. The water passing into the ioniser is first filtered to remove

impurities and then passes into the ionising chamber. In the

ionising chamber the water is split into alkaline and acidic water

streams. Under normal operation the acidic water flows to drain,

but is very good to use as a disinfectant or for external body use.

The alkaline water is used for drinking and cooking. A typical

ioniser will give a flow of approx 1.5 litres per minute of alkaline

ionised water.

Under-sink Ionising Water Filters

These filters are similar to normal filters systems except they have special

ionising minerals included in one or more of the cartridges. Typically

these are 4 stage filtration systems, with the first filter removing

sediment, the second filter using carbon to remove chlorine and dissolved

organic compounds, the third filter using special natural minerals to

alkalise the water, giving it antioxidant properties and reducing the

cluster size and the final filter to improve water taste.

Inline Filters

The convenient way for people who have got an existing built in filtration system,

whether that is a carbon filtration system or a reverse osmosis system to then

transform this water into mineralised alkaline ionised water is to add an alkalising

cartridge. These types of cartridge typically treat between 5,000 and 10,000 litres of

water before needing exchanged. An ideal way for those with existing filters to have

the further benefit of alkaline ionised water.

Portable Water Ionisers

There are a few devices available that allow you to drink alkaline ionised water wherever

you go. So you can take them to work, take them while exercising or take them on

holiday with you. You never need to be without the water that is beneficial for your

health. The minerals in these portable water ionisers need to be cleaned on a weekly

basis with special cleaner to keep the minerals active. The Alkalark pictured opposite is

an example of a portable water ioniser.

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Jug Filters

Jug filters commonly in use typically use activated carbon to remove chlorine and

dissolved organics such as pesticide residues together with ion exchange resins to

remove hardness. However these filters do leave the filtered water fairly acidic.

The pH range after filtration is typically in the order of 5 to 5.5. Now it is possible to

get jug filter cartridges which remove chlorine and dissolved organics and also

change the water into ionised alkaline water typically raising the pH to between 8.5

and 9.5. These filter jugs are a very effective and cost effective way to get all the

benefits of alkaline antioxidant water. Filter cartridges typically last 2 to 3 months

because the minerals have antibacterial properties. Please note these filters do not

remove lime scale.

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Appendix 2

Frequently Asked Questions

How much water should I drink every day?

As a general guideline the average person should drink 2 litres per day of water. Dr Batmanghelidj in his

book Water & Salt suggested that it is advisable to drink 35ml of water for every kg of body weight to

compensate for loss through urination, respiration and perspiration. (e.g. if you are 90 kilos (200lbs) you

should drink 3 litres. It is important that if you are drinking larger amounts of water that you take advice

from your health practitioner to ensure you have proper electrolyte balance.

Should I introduce alkaline ionized water gradually into my daily regime?

Some people may experience slight detoxifying symptoms, such as nausea or slight headaches when they

first begin drinking ionized water. It is best to start slowly and gradually increase the amount of ionized

water you drink on a daily basis.

Are there any cautions about drinking alkaline ionized water?

The majority of people when they begin drinking alkaline ionized water feel increased levels of energy

and mental clarity. However since ionized water is absorbed quicker into the body tissues it is important

that when you take medication you take it with ordinary filtered water and not with alkaline ionized

water which could speed up absorption.

What type of water can I use to produce alkaline ionized water?

You may connect built in ionizers, both electrolytic and mineral built in systems to your cold water feed

pipe to your sink tap. This will filter and ionize the water. With portable ionisers you can use either mains

supply water or bottled water. Some of the portable ionizers filter the water some don’t so if they do not

filter the water it is best to use filtered or bottled water.

Can I store water after it has been ionized?

Ideally you should drink ionised water within 12 hours. The pH of the ionized water will gradually reduce

with storage and the oxidation/reduction potential will increase. Ionized water should be stored in a

sealed vessel in the refrigerator.

Can I cook with ionized water?

Yes, you can cook with ionized water: some people say that the taste of food is improved with cooking in

alkaline ionized water.

Is it OK to give children alkaline ionized water?

Yes it is excellent water for children to drink. Professor Won H Kim in his book states that drinking

alkaline ionized water is very beneficial for expectant mothers providing much needed alkaline minerals.

Is it OK to give alkaline ionized water to livestock and pets?

Yes, alkaline ionized water is ideal for pets and other livestock.

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Appendix 3

Recommended Further Reading

1) pH miracle pH Miracle by Dr ROBERT YOUNG. This book is Dr Young's foundational

guide to the importance of optimum pH balance. It gives an overview of the causes of

excess acidity and suggestions on diet to improve balance.

2) pH miracle for weight loss pH miracle for weight loss by Dr Robert Young. In this

book Dr Young looks at the impact of acidity on excess weight and illustrates how an

alkaline diet can result in dramatic reductions in weight and general health improvement.

3) pH miracle for diabetes pH miracle for diabetes by Dr Robert Young. This book gives a

detailed plan for people suffering from TYPE1 and TYPE 2 diabetes by alkalizing the blood.

The book includes case studies of people who overcame diabetes by implementing Dr

Young's alkaline dietary recommendations.

4) Reverse Aging Reverse Aging by Sang Whang, Scientist and Inventor. This book is an

interesting perspective of the aging process and its direct relationship to excess acidity in the

body. Sang Whang attributes his own health improvement to be due to drinking alkaline

water.

5) The Acid Alkaline Diet Guide The Acid Alkaline diet guide by Christopher Vasey N.D., An

excellent introduction to acid- alkaline balance, its importance and steps you can take to

attain optimal balance.

6) The Acid Alkaline Balance Diet An Innovative Program for Ridding Your Body of Acidic

Wastes - by Felicia Drury Kliment. The Acid-Alkaline Balance Diet explores this exciting new

treatment in alternative medicine.

7) Water & Salt Water and Salt: Your Healers from within - by Dr F Batmanghelidj. This is a

follow up book to his best seller Your body’s many cries for water. This book gives lots of

examples of the problems that are caused by dehydration and how you can use water to give

immense therapeutic benefit.

8) The Acid and Alkaline Food Guide The Acid-Alkaline Food Guide is an excellent resource

for people who want to widen their food choices. Written By Dr Susan Brown and Larry Triveri

Jnr it gives an excellent overview of the effects of metabolic acidosis and steps you can take to

neutralise the harmful effects of increased acidity.

9) Alkalise or Die . Written by naturopathic doctor Theodore A. Baroody this book gives a

good overview of the effects of excess acidity and dietary recommendations to bring pH back

into balance.

10) Acid & Alkaline. This book by Herman Aihara looks at the whole concept of acid/alkaline

balance and how this integrates the concepts of both Western & Eastern health science.

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References

Aihara H. (1986) Acid and Alkaline. Chico: George Ohsawa Macrobiotic Foundation.

Haysahi, Dr H, Director, Water Institute Japan- Ionized Water Article (2000)

Baroody T. A, (1991). Alkalise or Die. Waynesville: Holographic Health Press

Batmanghelifj F. (2003). Water & Salt: Your Healers From Within. Norwich: Tagman Worldwide Ltd

Brown E. & Trivieri L. (2006) The Acid Alkaline Food Guide. New York: Square one Publishing.

Kliment F. D. (2002) The Acid Alkaline Balance Diet. New York: Mc Graw Hill.

Kim W.H. (2005). Water of Life: A Cure For Our Body (English ed.). Korea: Onmire,Inc.

Vasey C. (2006). Acid Alkaline Diet For Optimum Health. Vermont: Healing Arts Press

Wang S. (2006). Reverse Aging. Miami: JSP Publishing

Young R. (2002). pH Miracle: Balance Your Diet Reclaim Your Health. New York: Warner Books Inc.

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