Alkaline Water Purifiers: What the Evidence Actually Says

• 'Alkalises your body' — not how physiology works. Blood pH is held in a very narrow range by your lungs and kidneys regardless of what you drink.
• 'Neutralises stomach acid' — your stomach is strongly acidic by design and needs to be, for digestion and as a barrier to pathogens. Alkaline water you drink is rapidly neutralised there.
• 'Cures acidity and reflux' — there is limited research on high-pH water and pepsin activity, but it is not an established treatment and does not address the cause. Persistent reflux warrants a doctor.
• 'Better hydration' — no credible evidence that pH affects hydration.
• 'Antioxidant' or 'anti-ageing' — no credible clinical support.
• 'Prevents disease' — no. Claims at this level would be regulated therapeutic claims.
• What IS true: some people find higher-pH water smoother and less sharp, and drink more water as a result. That is a real, if modest, benefit.

So the honest recommendation: if you have tasted alkaline water and prefer it, and the extra ₹5,000–₹8,000 plus an annual cartridge is comfortable, buy one — and buy one whose underlying RO engineering is strong, because that is the part protecting you. If you are considering it because of health claims you read online, buy a better standard RO instead and keep the difference.

• Anyone with chronic kidney disease — mineral and electrolyte load matters, and this is a question for your nephrologist.
• Anyone on medication whose absorption depends on gastric pH. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• People with achlorhydria or on long-term acid-suppressing medication, where gastric acidity is already reduced.
• Infants — for formula preparation, follow paediatric guidance rather than a purifier's marketing.

• Prefer adjustable pH over a fixed boost, so you can find a level you actually like drinking.
• Verify the underlying RO membrane rating suits your TDS — the alkaline stage is irrelevant if the purification is under-specified.
• Budget for the extra cartridge, typically ₹500–₹1,500 a year on top of normal consumables.
• Check that the alkaline stage can be bypassed, in case you want plain purified water.
• Measure output pH occasionally with test strips rather than trusting the label.