Everyone knows that giving their children healthy food is crucial to their growth. But are you paying the same attention to their water? Children's bodies are up to 75% water content. So, making sure that your kids are hydrating the right way is crucial for ensuring that they stay fit and healthy.

Unfortunately, not all water is created equal. If you live in a developed city like Toronto, you might think that the water coming from your tap is safe to drink – and you’d be right! Although drinking tap water won’t make your kids sick, it’s important to understand the difference between safe water and healthy water. 

Safe Water vs Healthy Water

Safe water – also known as potable water – is simply H20 that won’t make your children sick, but it won’t make them stronger either. Healthy water, on the other hand, is water that improves your child’s ability to stay fit and thrive in the long run. Not all water is created equal and making sure that your child’s water contains the right amount of vital minerals is one of the most impactful things you can do for their healthy development. 

In the past, it was nearly impossible to know the precise contents of your drinking water. You drank whatever came out of the well, fountain, or faucet; no questions asked. Fortunately, the Canadian government has recognized the need for thorough and transparent water analysis. Click here for the 2021 Toronto Drinking Water Report.

If reading datasheets isn’t your thing, you may have some trouble determining just how safe your children’s drinking water is. Here are just a few of the harmful chemicals and substances that can be found in Toronto’s tap water: aluminum, chlorine, fluoride, antimony, arsenic, lead, and even uranium. While the low concentrations of these substances are unlikely to cause any major complications for your kids, they certainly aren't making your children any healthier.

What’s the solution, you ask? Alkaline water.

What is Alkaline Water?

Alkaline water is water that’s made to have the ideal balance of vital minerals that your kids need to develop. The bodies of growing children are hypersensitive to mineral imbalances and deficiencies, so ensuring that they’re getting the right minerals is crucial to their long-term growth. 

Alkaline water contains healthy minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium that are often overlooked in children’s diets. Alkaline water is also much more versatile than an over-the-counter mineral supplement. It can be used in everything from smoothies to juices and beyond, making it a quick and simple way of giving your child the minerals they need.

How is Alkaline Water Created?

You might be wondering, how is alkaline water created? The process of creating alkaline water starts with a different process called reverse osmosis. During reverse osmosis, regular tap water passes through a surface that eliminates any contaminants and gives you pure H2O.

After that, the pure water is taken and passed through a mineral tank. There, the water absorbs the ideal mineral concentrations that promote healthy hydration. The result is healthy, mineral-optimized water that has all of the stuff you want and none of the harmful substances that you don’t. Win-win.

Why Children Need Alkaline Water

Reason 1: Improved Hydration

Everyone knows that keeping their kids hydrated is important. But few people know exactly what hydration actually does. Water helps your child’s body perform its functions. It not only helps their body digest food and remove toxins, but it’s also required for every single cell in their body to function. Without hydration, vital organs can’t function properly and eventually start failing – bad news. 

But did you know that not all types of water hydrate your body equally? The minerals found in alkaline water (like magnesium and potassium) are called electrolytes. They help your child’s body replenish mineral losses after sweating from exercise or recess on a hot day. In essence, the minerals in alkaline water help your child get the most out of their hydration and keep their body healthy.

Reason 2: Stronger Immune System

Canadians have a love-hate relationship with winter. On one hand, there’s nothing like skating on a frozen pond or making snow angels with your kids. On the other hand, the winter season also brings the nasty cold and flu season.

With your kids going back to school and learning in crowded classrooms, it’s easy for them to get exposed to lots of viruses and bacteria. Fortunately, alkaline water has been shown to improve immune system function by balancing the body’s pH levels and helping it respond to threats more effectively.

Reason 3: Excellent Source of Antioxidants

Without getting too technical with the chemistry, antioxidants are harmful molecules and atoms produced by the body during its natural processes. These molecules can easily form bonds with other molecules and cause unwanted chemical reactions within your child’s body. Over time, free radicals have been found to cause immune disorders, arthritis, and even cancer.

Thankfully, alkaline water is here to help. Alkaline water contains antioxidants which help to eliminate these free radicals before they can create chemical reactions and cause damage. Regularly drinking alkaline water is an excellent way to minimize the free radicals in your child’s body and ensure that they stay healthy for years to come. 

Reason 4: Rich in Vital Minerals

The nervous system operates on electrical signals that are sent to and from the brain. Everything from your child’s muscular function to thinking processes relies on their body’s ability to conduct these signals efficiently. 

One of the most crucial substances for nervous system function is potassium. It’s an excellent electrical conductor, and it allows nerves to fire properly. Despite its importance, potassium deficiency is also one of the most common dietary problems faced by children.

Alkaline water is rich in potassium. It will give your child’s nervous system the fuel it needs to function properly and avoid problems like muscle cramping, stiffness, and numbness. If your child is in sports or lives a particularly active lifestyle, alkaline water is even more essential for their healthy development.

Reason 5: Helps Regulate Body Weight

Child obesity is one of the leading causes of disease among Canadian children. As kids’ school lunches contain an increasing amount of simple carbohydrates and unhealthy fats, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep your children at a healthy weight. 

Alkaline water is one of the best ways to help your child’s body naturally regulate its weight. By balancing the body’s pH levels, alkaline water prevents your child’s body from creating unnecessary fats. Moreover, alkaline water is a much healthier (and more affordable) weight-management alternative to treatments like weight loss pills or harsh diets. If you’re getting worried about your child’s body weight, alkaline water might be the solution you’re looking for. 

Conclusion

Alkaline water is an affordable and versatile way to help your child stay strong and healthy while they grow. From improving hydration to strengthening immunity and more, we’re only beginning to discover the benefits of alkaline water for children.