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A Guide to Ionizers

Discovering the brilliance of water ionisers 

If you’re looking for the ultimate accessory to boost your wellbeing and health, then look no further than the water ioniser. Using the revolutionary technology from the Boston Filter, they take tap water and first filter it and then divide the water into alkaline and acid streams using electrolysis.

This allows you to then enjoy the alkaline water which is full of anti-oxidants to really boost your health. The acid water doesn’t go to waste though; this can be used either on your skin or around the house as either an anti-bacterial agent or as a cleaner. 

Humans are made up of around 70% water, so it’s therefore no surprise to discover just why this could really make a different to your health. If you want to hear more about the benefits of alkaline water which is brimming with anti-oxidants, we’ve got more information for you below.

Understanding alkaline water

The modern human body has a tendency towards being too acidic and this is a problem because an acidic environment offers the ideal conditions for oxidisation, which in turn lead to disease.  It’s therefore generally accepted that it’s desirable to try to create a more alkaline environment within the body. Alkaline is the opposite of acid and can help to neutralise it. There are lots of things which can contribute towards a body which is more acidic, including eating meat and processed foods, not enough exercise, pollution and stress. Conversely fresh air, exercise, consuming beans and vegetables all contribute towards creating a more alkaline body. 

You might be wondering whether there is any other routes to try and create the more desirable alkaline body - the good news is that yes, there is!

Ionised alkaline water is used by millions of people in countries all over the world as a means of helping their body achieve a much healthier pH balance.

Read on to find out more about alkaline water and the terms used to describe it. It’s useful to understand this information as it will help you to make a more informed choice when you buy your water ioniser.

Understanding the pH scale

The pH scale stretches from 0-14 with alkaline at one end of the spectrum and acid at the other. The strongest acids measure 0 on the pH scale while 14 indicates the strongest alkali. The pH scale is logarithmic which means that each whole value on the scale is 10 times higher or lower than the one either side of it. For example, 7 on the pH scale is ten times more acidic than number 8 on the pH scale, but also 10 times more alkali than number 6 on the scale. Using the same logic, this means that those two apart are separated by a degree of 100. Number 7 may be 10 times more acid than number 8, but it is 100 times more acid than number 9 (10 x 10).

The reason why it’s important to understand these calculations is that many people misinterpret the pH scale as being very “narrow” and tight which is simply not the case. Although only a relatively small spectrum of numbers is being used, 0-14, the variations within this scale are huge. Just a small move of a fraction of a point or two can still represent a very significant swing. 

The human body is the perfect example of this; the ideal blood pH level is between 7.3-7.4. The body can actually only tolerate a pH level of between 7-7.8; if it fluctuates any higher or lower than this, death will occur. But when you understand that a movement of just 0.3 on the scale means that the blood becomes twice as acidic, it’s much easier to put the numbers into context. 

ORP, acid or alkaline?

If you start to research the benefits of alkaline water you will soon discover ORP - Oxidation Reduction Potential. Oxidation is an unwanted affect and occurs when an atom loses electrons and decays as a result of being more positively charged. When there’s hydrogen present, this means the water becomes acidic. Alkaline water is quite the opposite, brimming full of negative charge and thus able to transfer electrons to hydrogen atoms which are acidic, and in doing so, neutralises them. Therefore the ability of a liquid to decay is known as its Oxidising Potential, and the Reduction Potential is the ability of a liquid to de-oxidise or slow down the rate of decay.

The electrical charge contained within any liquid can be measured with an ORP meter. If the voltage shows as being above zero, then the liquid is oxidising, or acidic and thus decaying, while a negative voltage reading indicates the presence of an alkaline quilt, capable of neutralising decay by transferring energy.

The reduction of oxidation

In life we are surrounded by oxidation, whether it’s the slow process of iron rusting or fruit going brown or a rapid process such as something burning.  The chemical construct of the atoms are changed by oxidisers which can lead to a fundamental change in the state of the material itself.

To illustrate this point, chlorine - a toxic chemical - is an oxidising agent because they strip electrons from surrounding atoms. When the surrounding atoms are within a living being, this can result in death. These qualities illustrate perfectly why chlorine is used as a sanitiser within water because the process of oxidisation for bacteria and other unwanted organisms kills them off, making them harmless for humans. But if taken in a sufficient quantity chlorine would have the same effect on a human being.

The reduction of oxidants is the ability of an agent to give out electrons slowing down oxidisation and ultimately decay, rather than taking them away like substance such as chlorine do. 

Understanding ORP and “potential”

ORP is used to describe the “potential” ability of any given substance to either reduce or oxidise. The potential action of the electrodes contained within a substance show the ease with which they can either oxidise or reduce decay. This doesn’t mean that the substance is constantly oxidising but rather the potential action it could take when mixed with the relevant reactive agent.

Negative ORP delivers the biggest benefits

Although it might not sound obvious, it’s much more desirable to have a high negative ORP because this is what is needed to de-oxidise or slow down decay. The western diet has a tendency to be strongly oxidising, not containing sufficient electrons and thus needing to take electrons from our body, which of course causes harm and decay.  Meat, fizzy drinks and alcohol all have a high positive ORP, which is far from ideal. Processed food is another big culprit. Using orange juice as an example, fresh squeezed it has an ORP of approximately -100-200mV, making it a reducer and therefore very healthy. However, processed orange juice typically has an ORP pf +200mV, meaning that it actually has an oxidising effect.

Drinking water from a water ioniser - what is the average ORP?

The source of the water will determine the actual ORP but typically you can expect to achieve -200-500mV. Any substance below -550mV is generally believed to be too strong for the body to be able to cope with internally and therefore it’s not recommended for consumption. Therefore, by drinking ionised water all day, you would reap more health benefits than if you were drinking freshly squeezed orange juice. 

Understanding alkaline water

Everyone understands the importance of eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and drinking lots of water but did you know that not all water is the same?

Every glass of water you drink will have a pH level which measures how acid or alkali the water is. Water which is alkaline has been shown to be far more beneficial for your health, providing protection from harmful elements. 

Here’s a closer look at alkaline water and what the benefits are.

Why alkaline water?

The modern body has a tendency towards becoming acidic, but unfortunately this creates the perfect environment for disease. By changing the make-up of the blood and the body to a more alkaline system you can help to protect against decay and oxidation, the process that makes every cell susceptible to damage.

One of the simplest ways to introduce more alkaline substances into the body where they can have a real effect is to consume alkaline water.

Water which is alkaline has an excess of electrons which can be transferred to atoms to help neutralise the acid. This process helps to reverse the oxidising effects of acidic water which without intervention can lead to cellular decay.

What exactly is so bad about acid?

Most people have bodies which are too acidic, caused by a variety of factors including a more sedentary lifestyle as well as poor diet choices. But not all the causes arise from personal choice, stress and pollution can also contribute heavily to increasing acid levels. 

Acidic conditions allow the level of free radicals in the body to rise, and this in turn creates oxidation and ultimately decays. If you consider an apple which is cut open and left on the side to go brown, or a piece of metal left to rust, this is oxidation in action.

The same effect takes places within the body, except it is the cells which decay and “go brown” like the apple or the metal. This leads to serious cellular damage which in turn has been directly linked to the presence of serious diseases such as cancer.

Free radicals cause such damage because they don’t have any stability and as such seek out electrons to attach themselves to. When these are taken from cells, the “victim” cell then transforms into a new free radical and thus the chain reaction continues all over the body. 

By introducing alkaline conditions, and thus the anti-oxidants they contain, the free radicals can find a surplus of electrons to cling to, saving them from “stealing” electrons from cells that need them. This is one of the most effective ways that alkaline water can help to slow down the ageing process and protect against the development of disease. 

Acidic water isn’t completely useless of course; it’s suitable for a range of other purposes, just not for consumption. Possible uses include skin and hair care, garden, antiseptic actions, anti-bacterial and sterilisation (when the pH level is 3.0 or lower).

Measuring alkaline water

The pH scale can help to determine the type of water, and whether it is more acidic or alkaline. Water which has been specially ionised will rank much more highly towards the alkaline end of the spectrum than normal, untreated water.

The pH scale stretches from 0 to 14, with acidic water measuring 0 and very alkali water measuring 14. Each increment is 10 times higher or lower than its adjacent number so although the scale is small, it encompasses a wide range of measures.

But alkaline water is more than simply measuring the pH levels; it also relies on the presence of certain minerals such as potassium, magnesium and calcium. These are present in the water as mineral hydrates; this is where the minerals are combined with an antioxidant hydroxylion. These can also be referred to as micro-clusters.

Alkaline minerals are present in tap water too but they aren’t so beneficial because they are found in the form of mineral carbonates.

The role of ionisers

Ionisers have a part to play in the creation of alkaline water by changing tap water, more specifically, the composition of the minerals they contain.

The process of ionisation removes the acidic content in tap water via a process known as electromagnetism. During this, the alkaline minerals are separated from the acidic carbonate before combining with hydroxyl ions. This creates the anti-oxidant mineral hydroxides which are so desirable. 

How ionised alkaline water is different

It is possible to buy alkaline water which is bottled but this won’t have the same protective values as ionised alkaline water.

Water can rank as alkaline on the pH scale without containing the all-important mineral hydroxides. It’s only the ionisation which provides the anti-oxidants which help to combat the acidity, and ultimately, cellular decay.

Ionisers provide the minerals with a negative charge via electromagnetic charges. Damaging free radicals contain a positive charge so once they meet alkaline water, their capacity to cause harm is neutralised.

Bottled alkaline water is unable to offer any of these benefits.

Why is alkaline water so important?

There is a growing body of research which is establishing the science behind the benefits of alkaline water, which includes international centres such as the Mayo Clinic.

As mentioned above, acidity within the body provides the perfect conditions for diseases and illness to flourish, and that’s why alkaline water should be considered a health essential. By reducing the acidic conditions, alkaline water has the potential to bring a whole host of benefits. Some of those which have been suggested include improved cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, better hydration and the ability to detoxify the body effectively. Digestion problems, inflammatory conditions, allergies, gout, diabetes, cancer, immune deficiencies, chronic pain and fatigue have all been improved with the consumption of ionised alkaline water too.

Although the exact results will vary depending on a number of different factors including the source of the water, and the pH balance within the individual, there is potential for significant health benefits from making just one small change.

Understanding the health benefits

The far reaching benefits that alkaline water claims to provide may seem outlandish but there’s a strong scientific background behind each of the claims.

The alkalising effect alters the pH levels within the body, reducing acidity and therefore removing the perfect conditions for diseases to develop. The impact of anti-oxidants shouldn’t be underestimated either, especially when it comes to neutralising the free radicals which ultimately lead to cellular damage.

The smaller sizes of the clusters allows cells to be penetrated more easily, helping to hydrate the body more efficiently while the greater concentration of minerals is far more accessible and delivers whole body benefits. 

By adjusting the more to more alkaline conditions, waste products, including acidic toxins will be flushed out more rapidly, while the detoxifying effect allows better absorption of nutrients from the colon. For those concerned about weight control, the body will harbour less fatty deposits because the lower levels of acid within the body means there’s less of a need to provide the organs with protection from damage.  

Ionised water and beauty

Although it’s important to take care of your skin and what’s on the outside, real beauty comes from inside and that means paying attention to what you drink.

And although everyone knows that drinking lots of water is good for you, what most people don’t know is that it’s alkaline water that really gives you the benefits. 

An ioniser separates the alkaline and acidic water, allowing you to consume the parts of the water that deliver the real benefits. But what exactly are those benefits to your beauty regime and why is ionised water just so special?

Here’s a closer look.

Anti-ageing

All water is not created equal and in fact, water which is acidic could fail to deliver the beauty benefits that you expect.

It’s only the alkaline water which is full to the brim with those vital anti-oxidants, and it’s these little beauties which hold the key to keeping you looking young.

Anti-oxidants help to eliminate free radicals within the body, and these have been strongly linked to the ageing process. By drinking alkaline water, you will be giving your body a powerful shot of anti-oxidants from the inside, which will help to protect your cells against damage and slowing down the ageing and degeneration process.

This will help to keep your skin looking plump and youthful, and also give you a radiant complexion.

Hydration

Many people are constantly dehydrated without even realising it, but getting enough water, particularly alkaline water, could not just help you to feel better, it could help you to look better as well.

Alkaline water contains smaller clusters of particles and this means it’s much more able to penetrate your cells. This allows your body to become hydrated much more effectively and good hydration shows in the skin, with fine, dry lines eliminated and a fresh glow to your face too.

Toxins

A body which is too acidic can become a breeding ground for waste products with toxins which accumulate within the system, making you feel sluggish and look grey and tired. 

Drinking alkaline water can help to flush through your system, allowing your body to get rid of those lingering acidic toxins, and restoring a much healthier balance.

And when your body is balanced on the inside, it will show on the outside too, with skin which looks healthier and much brighter.

Acid water

But all those benefits to alkaline water doesn’t mean that acidic water should just be flushed away; it actually has a range of other very important uses.

Water which is acidic is a natural cleanser and astringent so it’s excellent at cleaning the skin and it’s also good for washing the hair too. Get rid of those nasty chemical cleaners and replace them with natural acidic water for results which leave a glow on the outside.

If you have problem skin you might find that switching to using acid water helps to ease your problem. Psoriasis, eczema and fungal infections can all respond very well to the qualities of acidic water in particular.

Enjoying vibrancy and health from water

The power to change your own health has never been more evidence, and it’s never been more important to do so too, with the constant pollutants and stressors that our skins, minds and bodies are bombarded with every day. 

From unhealthy foods to not enough exercise, as well as stress and pollution, it’s easy for our health and looks to suffer. 

The good news is that just by making one small change you could see some very noticeable effects. Here’s why drinking ionised alkaline water can make your feel and look far more vibrant.

The difference with ionised water

Although you might be able to buy alkaline water, ionised alkaline water is very different and superior to all other types of filtered water. 

Some of the benefits include:

It’s alkaline

Ionised water is alkaline which means that the potentially damaging acidic water has been removed, leaving just the superior alkaline water for consumption.

There are lots of anti-oxidants

Alkaline water is bursting full of antioxidants and it’s these which offer such protection against ageing, disease and illness. By offering electrons for free radicals to attach to, they prevent degeneration and provide cells with protection from potential damage.

Micro clustered water

The composition of each of the clusters of water particles is much smaller and this in turn can make it much easier for it to penetrate into your cells. By drinking alkaline water, it’s much simpler to stay properly hydrated

Better body balance

Acid waste has been identified as one of the causes of disease; it can linger within the body very easily and become toxic, creating the perfect conditions for unwanted diseases to thrive.

Health benefits

Although most people’s bodies are acidic, an alkali body is far more conducive to good health and can help to resist some of the ill effects which are more easily present in an acidic environment.

An acidic environment is far more likely to suffer problems and complications with parasites, yeast, viruses and bacteria. This means not only everyday complaints such as the common cold are more likely but also more serious conditions which are degenerative such as arthritis, heart disease, osteoporosis and even cancer.

Even if your body is not suffering from any obvious disease an acidic environment can still make you feel unwell, or below par because of the waste products which are constantly circulating.

Some of the conditions which are more commonly found in an acidic environment include:

  • circulatory disorders
  • general pains and bodily aches
  • arthritis
  • asthma
  • digestive complaints
  • autism
  • candida
  • cancer
  • fatigue
  • lack of energy
  • diabetes
  • high blood pressure
  • gout
  • kidneys stones
  • poor memory
  • migraine
  • weight problems
  • multiple sclerosis
  • psoriasis and other skin complaints
  • problems with the menopause
  • reflux
  • many others

An acidic body creates the potential for so many more problems to develop more easily and that’s why it’s important to try and counterbalance this by neutralising the acid. An alkaline body may get ill, there are no absolute guarantees, but it’s much less likely and the individual will also feel much better on a day to day basis.

Protecting children with water 

Here at Juicers.ie we understand that protecting the health and wellbeing of your children is the single most important factor for parents, and we believe passionately that we can help you with that.

One of the simplest but most powerful ways to help your children achieve optimal health is to ensure they receive which is not just clean but also packed full of goodness.  We believe that by offering water for children which have the added benefits which can enhance their health and wellbeing, that we can help you to provide them with the very best chance of growing and developing.

A child has almost limitless potential, but with so much growing and developing to do it’s essential that they receive the purest and best substances to protect them while they strengthen. Our water will not just help to provide them with a much-needed source of energy; it will also give their brain power a boost and help to become everything they have the potential to be.

The importance of hydration

Although many factors are essential for good growth, underpinning them all is the need for hydration.

Distilled, tap and bottled water have all been associated with health problems and risks. Ionised water on the other hand offers micro clusters which are far more easily absorbed by the body, improving hydration levels, as well as being safe.

Here at Juicers.ie we believe that good health starts with prevention rather than cure, and we think that in order to protect the future wellbeing of your child, ionised alkaline water is essential.

Optimum water around the home

Although the alkaline water from your ioniser is the most important part for consumption, it doesn’t mean that the acidic water need go to waste. In fact, acidic water has some very desirable properties which can be used as an antibacterial or for cleaning.

Plain acidic water can be an excellent cleanser for both the bathroom and the kitchen. Simply fill a spray bottle and use plain, with no need for toxic chemicals. The same applies to using on the hands; acidic water removes the need to add any extra soap or antibacterials; the acidic pH level achieves the same result.

Using acidic water on the body

Although it’s important to drink alkaline water, the external part of the body can cope very well with acidic water without any ill effects. In some cases acidic water can actually be of benefit.

A variety of skin complaints and conditions can be treated very effectively with acidic water without the addition of any chemicals or toxins. These include cuts, bites, burns, bruises and other skin trauma along with allergic conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and fungal problems.

The acidic water can also be used as an excellent means of keeping clean, for both the hair and the body due to its inherent astringent qualities.

Finally, acidic water can be used either to brush teeth or as a mouth wash, without the use of any extra cleansing agents or chemicals.

Understanding micro clustered water 

Everyone knows the importance of drinking plenty of water but what is less well known are the differences within the different types of water, and the relative benefits. 

Bottled water and water which has been held still in a reservoir are often provided as the means of drinking water but although they are perfectly safe, they don’t provide the optimum conditions for health.

Here’s a closer look at how to get more out of drinking water and how it can be used as a more active form of promoting good health and wellbeing.

Water as nature intended

Ionised water provides a very different substance to water which has been static and kept in either dams or produced in bottles, even though it may look and taste almost identical. 

Our bodies are naturally inclined towards drinking water which has been moving, the way in which you might see river water flowing over rocks, and which is also free not just of toxins but of chemicals too. You can still enjoy this in the wild in a few places around the world, where naturally water is ionised as well as being safe to drink.

This type of water is what we are genetically inclined to drink and also the kind of water which has the potential to deliver more health benefits.

Micro clustered water

Ionised water is safe to drink but more than this, it can bring some of the benefits that have otherwise been lost. Rather than drinking water which is static and stored, ionised water can bring the qualities of water which has been flowing as nature intended, delivering all of the characteristic features that this type of water typically brings. 

These changes in the water can be seen at a molecular level as ionised water looks very different to tap and bottled water. 

Rather than clumping together in large bunches in the way that stored water does, the molecules within ionised water change shape to become hexagonal as well sticking together in much smaller groups. While stored water typically forms clumps of 12 molecules or more, ionised water usually clusters in groups which are half the size of this.

The benefits of micro clusters

These micro clusters which can be seen in ionised water aren’t just different in structure; they also bring a range of health benefits.

According to one of the experts from the Japanese Water Institute, Dr. Hidemitsu Hayashi, this shift in molecular structure makes it much easier to be absorbed by the body. Smaller clusters of molecules have the ability to penetrate cell walls and tissues far more efficiently.

This change in the way the body processes ionised water can produce some very obvious effects. Some individuals report feeling as if they have undergone a detox in the first few weeks of switching to ionised water. This is because ionised water can reach areas which are inaccessible to normal tap water. Others may describe ionised water as “silken” because it’s so easy to drink. 

Ionised water also contains minerals and the process of ionisation allows the body to process these far more effectively too. By contrast, distilled water could actually leads to deficiency of minerals and the ability of the body to absorb these minerals could even be impaired, if the environment is too acidic.

For those taking medication, it’s essential to use the purified water option because alkaline water increases the absorption rate.

The process of water ionisation

The process of water ionisation transforms the qualities of the water, bringing with it lots of health benefits.

Everyone knows about the healing properties of water but it’s actually ionised alkaline water which is the most beneficial, helping to protect and proactively prevent illness and disease within the body.

An ioniser mimics the natural motion of water, restoring it to the form which human being would have originally drunk it in, as it flowed over rocks in the wild. 

Here’s a closer look at how water is ionised, and how it delivers those all-important minerals and health benefits.

The process in detail

Before the process of ionisation begins, the water is first filtered to ensure any impurities are removed. It then enters the ionisation cell where it is exposed to a specific magnetic field which is carefully controlled.

This ionisation cell causes an attraction of the soluble minerals within the water to o either a negative or a positive pole. Which one the soluble minerals are attracted to depends on their one electrical energy signature, or valency.

As the attraction occurs, the water naturally splits into two streams: alkaline and acid.  The alkaline water can then be used to drink because this is the part that contains the anti-oxidants and electrons, and can help to neutralise free radicals. But the acidic water isn’t wasted because although it’s not to be drunk internally, it can be used for washing and disinfecting.

This process of ionisation separates the minerals in the alkaline water which add health benefits and are desirable to drink and the minerals in the acidic portion which generally should not be drunk to obtain the optimal health benefits.

The alkaline water which is produced will typically have a pH level of between 8-11 while the acidic water will have a pH of 3-6 (out of a total scale of 0-14). The actual results of the pH level will vary somewhat depending on the original quality of the tap water used and the hardness or softness of the water in the area.

Drinking ionised water

As the process above explains, the act of ionisation therefore identifies the part of the water which adds health benefits while simultaneously extracting the part of the water which could neutralise the positive effects. 

Although you may not directly become ill from drinking acidic water it will play a part in helping to create an acidic environment within the body which allows “bad” bacteria and organisms to flourish and may also contribute to the more rapid development of serious diseases too.

Using an ioniser means that you will be drinking purified water which is also mineralised and super hydrating too. Sulphur and fluoride, minerals often found in drinking water but which are undesirable, are removed along with the acidic water.

But ionisation does more than simply divide the water; the process also changes the essence of the alkaline water. It transforms from H20 to OH- and it’s this which delivers such profound anti-oxidant benefits right to the very atoms of your body.

Understanding pH levels and ionised water

Everyone’s body has a natural pH level and even a small change in this in either direction can have very profound effects on how you are feeling.

As a general rule, most bodies tend to be too acidic, the result of the modern lifestyle which contains too much processed food, not enough exercise, an abundance of stress and pollution from the environment too.

Acidic conditions are more inclined to not just lead to disease but also to make the individual feel tired, sluggish and lethargic, as well as put them at risk of minor infections and viruses.

Drinking ionised water is a way in which you can balance your internal pH levels, helping you to become more alkaline. This one simple action could deliver overwhelming health results.  Here’s a look in more depth at pH levels and ionised water.

What is pH?

Potential Hydrogen - or pH as it is more commonly known - is a scale of measurement which can provide information about the amount of hydrogen in any substance. 

The full pH scale ranges from 0-14 but each point on the scale represents multiples of movement compared to its adjacent numbers. Each full point of movement means it is ten times more than its neighbours. As an example, a pH of 4 is ten times more acidic than a pH of 5, but at the same time is ten times more alkaline than a pH of 3.

A typical pH level of a cola brand is around 2.5, which means that it’s 50,000 more acidic than a glass of regular water. A staggering 32 glasses of neutral water would be required to counteract just one glass of cola. 

This is the reason why the body only supports a very narrow band of sustainable pH levels. Movement of more than a few fractions of a point in either direction would lead to blood poisoning and ultimately death.

The pH levels within the blood can be influenced though by the things you consume, by exercise, meditation and even strong emotions such as feeling happy. 

The effects of poor pH

Having a body which is too acidic can lead to an abundance of warning signs such as feeling stiff, sore, restless, lethargic, weak, over-tired, unfocused, confused or overwhelmed.

This is because your body is exhibiting the signs of toxic overload and can no longer cope with the acidic conditions in which it is being forced to operate.

Without the introduction of alkaline water, our bodies attempt to take action themselves, by stripping the bones of calcium, as well as magnesium. Water from acidic products are turned into solids and then stored within the fatty tissues. This is an undesirable process as it leads to extra weight and more worryingly, hardening of the arteries. It can also be seen in the joints in a crystalline form, and this in turn can ultimately cause gout, arthritis and inflammation.

In more extreme cases, the communication channels within the body can begin to degrade and diseases such as cancer can take a hold. Organs can also start to degenerate and shrink.

Understanding ORP and ionised water

Although it may sound like a complex scientific term, oxidation is something everyone is familiar with and has seen before. A metal which has rusted or an apple which has turned brown are both examples of oxidation in practice.

The rust weakens the metal while it’s clear to see that a brown apple has degraded beyond its original state. This process of oxidation steals vital electrons away from the substance which is undergoing oxidisation. You could view this as a type of “burning” albeit occurring at a much slower rate.

Oxidation is a key component of degradation within the body and water ionisers have the ability to help to prevent this from occurring.

Here’s a closer look at ionised water and how ORP is relevant.

Measuring oxidation

The process of oxidation may seem inevitable but a “reducing” agent can slow the whole process down. This is completed with the assistance of electrons which are transferred from the reducing agent. 

When a substance is measured for its potential to reduce oxidation, it’s described by using -ORP. This scale measures the amount of OH- ions; these are also known as reducing agents.

In the most fundamental form, these OH- ions are an anti-oxidant because they reduce or inhibit the oxidation which is taking place.

In the same way, when the potential for oxidation within a substance is being measured, it’s described as +ORP, and calculates the amount of H+ ions, also known as oxidising agents. 

Identifying agents

In the UK, most tap water has an ORP of around 200-600 +mv which means that it is actually an oxidising agent. Conversely ionised water has a high pH and contains -ORP but is the opposite, an antioxidant, or reducing agent.

The majority of bottled waters are acidic with a measurable low pH level, and they also have a higher ORP (usually above +400mv). When you consider that anything which has an oxidising effect will essentially cause the body to age or “burn up” it’s clear to see that consuming anything with a high ORP is a bad idea! Conversely, anything which has a net effect of reducing the degradation is a good idea, which is why a negative ORP is so desirable.  Put in simple terms, a negative ORP could help you to keep your youthful good looks!

Understanding ORP

When ORP is measured, it doesn’t mean that it’s already working rather it’s the potential which is present. The ORP looks at the energy which is there and measures the possibility which is could provide. 

This potential could be compared to pressure. When a balloon is blown up, there’s a large pocket of air which is contained inside for as long as the balloon is sealed. This transfers to kinetic energy as soon as that seal is broken. Prior to the seal being broke, the pressure inside the balloon could be measured and this is how ORP works.

ORP is expressed as millivolts, a type of electrical potential. In water, the electrical potential can be measured with an ORP meter. What is actually being measured is the small amount of voltage that the water contains. It’s the electrical charge which is measured and it’s this which identifies either reducing or oxidising agents, in turn calculating the ORP. Water which is high in pH will contain more reducing agents, and have a negative ORP while water which has a low pH level will have a high/positive ORP. 

The human body can actually be compared to an alkaline battery, offering the potential for storage of electrical energy. And this is exactly why too much acidic content can make us feel “flat” or because essentially it means that we are no longer able to hold the required charge! 

Just like the piece of metal or the apple, the body is degraded via oxidation which is why antioxidants are so important. They contain an extra molecule of electron which they freely donate to free radicals within the body, thus preventing it from seeking out and stealing electrons from elsewhere. This is why antioxidants are so vital to good health and preservation. The antioxidant effect which is so desirable is known as the ORP.

So, remember, water, food and air all can be expressed as having an ORP and this value can be calculated with an ORP meter. This resulting millivolt measurement is either a positive or negative electrical charge which can either cause more damage or help to neutralise nasty free radicals.

Why is ORP in water so important?

Ionised water has the ability to assist with the production of oxygen; this is achieved through the negative ORP and the associated production of hydroxyl ions.  In addition, ionised water can also neutralise unwanted free radicals which could otherwise cause cellular damage, boost energy levels, correct the overall balance between alkaline and acid within the body and hydrate the cells more efficiently. The general effect is also that of reducing the symptoms of ageing.

Vitamins, A, C and E, the antioxidants, are worth billions of pounds in the market and are in high demand, as is bottled water. Yet the latter actually contains more than 100 times the level of acid than normal water, and it has the added disadvantage of being unable to go through the ionisation process because the required minerals have already been extracted.

Ionised water and vitamins A, C and E have much in common, specifically that they are able to carry oxygen which has an addition electron. Hydroxylions within ionised water actively look for free radicals and then neutralise them with the transfer of their spare electron. This action is absolutely key as its free radicals which can damage the cells, cause ageing and act as the trigger for disease. When the free radicals are neutralised, the body will be far richer in both energy and oxygen, which helps us to stay feeling good and in optimum health. The reason why there is so much oxygen suddenly present is that the neutralisation of free radicals releases it into the body, yet another benefit of ionised water.

Oxygen levels within the body are often reduced to below the optimum level because of the effects of pollution, a poor diet, sedentary lifestyle and stress. Oxygen is important because it gets rid of toxins, delivers nutrients and eradicates cancerous cells.  Oxygen can also help to get rid of virus and bacteria which invade.

Bottled water and tap water, with their high ORP, have the opposite effect.

It’s rather ironic that so much money is spent on potions, pills and other “miracle cures” for ageing when something which really works, is backed up by science and is readily available is right here in the market!

Fresh orange juice is recognised for being healthy and it has a -ORP of -250.  But ionised water from a Jupiter ioniser contains an even greater -ORP. The added bonus is that you can drink as much as you like without any unwanted effects. 

If you reduce the water flow into your glass you will be able to see the vast number of tiny bubbles; these are the all-important hydroxyl ions which have the -ORP.  The longer water is stored, the more of these qualities are lost as the water “relaxes” so it’s a good idea to drink it straight from the ioniser rather than storing it for later consumption.

Studies have suggested that the perfect alkaline drinking water will have a pH of 8.5-9.5 and an ORP with a minimum of -250mv. Don’t look for really high pH levels as anything over 10 will start to taste unpleasant because of the heavy mineral concentration.  The Jupiter models can create the really large -ORP values with high levels of pH, but when all that’s needed is a mildly alkaline level with a reasonable -ORP, why change a formula that works?

Saving money with a water ioniser

Many people drink bottled water in order to be healthy but if this sounds like you, switching to alkaline ionised water could not just bring you more health benefits, it could actually save you money too. 

As a general rule, bottled mineral waters are either acidic or PH neutral and don’t deliver the health benefits that you imagine, particularly as they’ve often been encased in the plastic bottles for many weeks before you drink them.

When you factor in the cost of buying bottled water, it’s clear to see how an ioniser makes not just health sense but economic sense too.

The numbers

Here are a couple of examples which demonstrates just how much you could save by switching to an ioniser instead of buying bottled water. 

A family of four using six litres per day

In this example, we are going to compare the relative costs of consuming six litres of mineral water a day, compared with the cost of ionising the same amount.

This estimate may be a little conservative as it’s actually suggested that adults drink at least 2 litres of water every day. In practice, most people drink less than this. 

Therefore, this family of four drinks 6 litres of bottled water every day, at the assumed cost of 79p per 2 litres bottles (a relatively cheap price for branded mineral water). The cost of this over a five year period adds up to £4270, breaking down to between 39p and 43p per litre with no savings being made over a ten year period.

In contrast, four popular ioniser models vary in price from £775 to £1795 (the most expensive), with the total cost over five years of use totalling between £1055 and £2075. The relative cost per litre stretches from just 3p to 19p but the longer cost savings are even more startling. Over five years, the savings made range between £2250 and £3270, and over ten years between £6433 and £7573.

A family of four using six litres per day

Of course, the same family of four may be actually using far more than just six litres a day, particularly if they are using bottled water for other areas such as the preparation of fruit and vegetables too.

Based on the same purchase price of bottled mineral water, and also the ionisers, the savings are even more striking. Over a 5 year period, the savings range between £5133 and £6153 and over 10 years, between £12, 630 and £13, 650.

Both of these examples take into account the cost of purchasing replacement filters and also spreading the cost of an ioniser over a five year period. 2% inflation has been accounted for on the price of a bottle of mineral water. 

The results

As can be seen from the figures above, the difference in cost between purchasing bottled mineral water and ionising water is dramatic. And of course, the more water you use, the more the savings increase.

When you also consider the fact that ionised water delivers greater health benefits too, there’s really no contest between the two. So invest in a water ioniser today, why delay your savings?

How to compare alkaline water ionisers 

Purchasing a water ioniser is a big decision and it’s one that you will want to get right as you’re not likely to replace your ioniser for a considerable length of time.

You therefore may well be keen to do some research online to discover which brands are the best. 

A quick search will reveal a whole host of websites comparing the relative virtues of water ionisers with both scorings and rankings, alongside a test video, which of course can be manipulated or faked.

These comparison websites may claim to not be promoting any particular brand but on closer inspection you’ll typically find that they aren’t as unbiased as they claim. Many so-called independent comparison sites either get a pay-off from promoting one particular brand or are simply using the comparison “test” to sell their own water ioniser.

What’s particularly difficult is consumers aren't made aware of these facts upfront.

Comparison websites may focus on ORP, pH and electrode size but in reality there are a lot of factors which need to be taken into account when you make a purchase.

Here’s what we think you should know. 

The facts

Jupiter Science is not just one of the top brands of water ioniser. Instead it has a long history of creating quality ionisers having been the leading brand in the US since 1994 and the leading brand in the rest of the world for two decades.

We believe that experience counts; here at Juicers.ie we know about ionisation. Even if you combine all of the experience from all of our competitors, we will still come out of it with more. We have more years in the industry than all of the others combined.

We will never try to sell you shoddy goods or hide behind a product that simply doesn’t work. We provide verification of all the facts that we quote so you know that you can truly trust what we say. 

And although we recognise that ORP, pH and electrode size may be important, we believe there’s much more to choosing a quality ioniser than just those three factors.

A quick comparison

We’ll leave you to do some research for yourself and you’ll soon see that what we’re saying is the truth.

But here’s a quick comparison to show you what we mean.

Taking the Jupiter Melody and Jupiter Athena models and comparing them to the KYK Harmony, Enagic, life ioniser 7500 and Tyent 7070, the Jupiter ionisers come out top in every area.

With almost 30 years in making Jupiter ionisers, the other models only have 16 years’ experience - between them all. Jupiter has been present in the US with the Melody for 14 years; the nearest competitor is the Enagic which has been present for 6 years. 

Both Jupiter models hold the ISO9001, 14001 and CE quality assurance certification. The Enagic also holds these but the KYK Harmony doesn’t hold any, and the other two models are unknown. 

Reverting to the all-important pH levels and ORP at the highest settings, the Jupiter models once again outperform every other model on the market by a considerate margin. 

These are just a few of the reasons why we believe that Juicers.ie are the best when it comes to water ionisers, and just as we promised, we can back this up with objective facts which verify our claims.