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Part 3: Choose Better Water: Spring, Alkaline, and Hydrogen Water

Part 3: Choose Better Water: Spring, Alkaline, and Hydrogen Water

Introduction

 
Not all water is created equal. Beyond the basics of staying hydrated, the quality and type of water you drink can make a meaningful difference to your health. In recent years, wellness communities and scientists alike have turned their attention to three categories of water that go beyond the ordinary: natural spring water, alkaline water, and hydrogen water.[38][39][40]
 
This third and final article in our series is your practical guide to these premium water options — what they are, what the science says about them, when and how to drink each one, and where to find them. Whether you are based in Lagos, London, or anywhere in between, there is a smarter way to hydrate — and it starts with what you put in your glass.

Drink Spring Water Whenever You Can 
Not all water is created equal, and if you have the opportunity to drink natural spring water, take it. Spring water is sourced from underground aquifers and reaches the surface naturally, often carrying a rich profile of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium, that the body needs but may not always get sufficiently from food alone.[30][31] 
Because spring water is naturally filtered through layers of rock and soil, it tends to be free of the chlorine, fluoride, and other chemical treatments often added to tap water, making it easier for the body to absorb. The minerals in spring water can help support bone health, reduce muscle cramps, regulate blood pressure, improve digestion, and even balance the body's pH level since some spring water is naturally slightly alkaline. Many people also find that spring water simply tastes better, crisper and cleaner, which encourages them to drink more.[32][33][31][30] 
In the context of Africa, where tap water quality is often unreliable, especially in Nigeria, and even bottled water sometimes fails to meet safety standards, choosing reputable spring or mineral water brands is a particularly smart hydration choice when available.[34][35] 
 
Tip: When you cannot access spring water, a good water filter, or a clay pot water filter and dispenser at home can help remove contaminants and improve water quality for everyday drinking.[34] 
 
Trusted Spring Water Brands Around the World 
With so many bottled water options on shelves, it helps to know which brands are drawing from genuine natural springs with verified mineral content:[36][37] 
 
  • Gossy Warm Springs - Nigeria (Ikogosi, Ekiti State) - One of Nigeria’s leading natural spring water providers; part of the SARO Africa Group[46] 
  • Lasena Artesian Water - Nigeria - Natural alkaline artesian mineral water; produced by OGC Foods & Beverages[47] 
  • Evian - France - Sourced from the French Alps; one of the world's most recognised spring water brands since 1789[38] 
  • Volvic - France - From the Clairvic Spring in the Auvergne volcanic region; smooth, low in minerals[38][39] 
  • Fiji Water - Fiji - Filtered through volcanic rock; naturally high in silica; soft, smooth taste[40] 
  • Acqua Panna - Italy - From the hills of Tuscany; spends 14 years filtering underground; ideal for fine dining[41] 
  • San Pellegrino - Italy - From the Italian Alps; naturally carbonated; 30-year underground filtration[37] 
  • Icelandic Glacial - Iceland - Naturally alkaline pH; sustainably produced using geothermal energy[37] 
  • Voss - Norway - Ultra-pure water from an underground aquifer in southern Norway; iconic glass bottle[41] 
  • EIRA Water - Norway - Named Best Mineral Water Brand 2025 by LUXlife; filtered through ancient quartz formations[42] 
  • Gerolsteiner - Germany - Filtered through volcanic rock; sustainable production using hydropower[37] 
  • Proud Source - USA (Rocky Mountains) - Naturally alkaline; rich in naturally occurring minerals and electrolytes; top-ranked in taste tests[37] 
  • Mountain Valley - USA - Mineral-rich; popular in fine dining establishments for its pronounced mineral profile[43] 
  • Antipodes - New Zealand - Gold Award winner for taste (2025 Fine Waters Awards) in low-minerality still category [36] 
  • Socosani - Peru - Top honours for high-minerality still and sparkling water at 2025 Fine Waters Awards [36] 
 
Whenever choosing bottled water in Nigeria, opt for brands certified by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), as this ensures the water has met minimum safety standards.[48] 
 
Alkaline Water
When and How to Drink It 
Alkaline water has a higher pH than regular water, typically between 8 and 9.5, compared to the neutral pH of 7, and is believed to help neutralize excess acidity in the body, support better hydration, and offer antioxidant properties. While more large-scale human trials are needed to confirm all its claims, some studies have shown it reduces blood viscosity after exercise, may ease acid reflux, and supports metabolic function.[49][50][51][52] 
 
Best Times to Drink Alkaline Water 
Timing makes a real difference with alkaline water:[52][53] 
- First thing in the morning: After hours of sleep, the body is slightly dehydrated and mildly acidic. A glass of alkaline water on an empty stomach can help rehydrate, flush out overnight toxins, and kickstart your digestive system.[53] 
- Before and after exercise: Intense physical activity increases acid buildup in muscles. Drinking alkaline water 30 minutes before a workout and again shortly after helps maintain hydration and may neutralize lactic acid for faster recovery.[54][52] 
- Between meals: Drink alkaline water 30 minutes before eating or 1.5–2 hours after a meal. Avoid drinking it during meals, as it may dilute stomach acid and interfere with digestion.[55][56] 
- When experiencing acid reflux: Since alkaline water can help neutralize stomach acid, it may provide relief for those who occasionally suffer from heartburn or acid reflux.[50][49] 
 
How Much Alkaline Water Is Safe? 
Beginners should start with 1–2 glasses per day and gradually increase over 2–3 weeks. A general safe range for healthy adults is 1–2 litres daily, balanced with regular water, not all your water intake needs to be alkaline. Stick to pH 8–9.5; very high pH (above 10) may cause digestive discomfort. People with kidney disease or other chronic conditions should consult a doctor before making alkaline water a regular habit.[57][56][49][55] 

The Clay Pot Dispenser: Nature's Own Alkaline Water Filter 
Long before alkaline water machines and ionizers existed, ancient cultures across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East were naturally alkalizing their water using one of the most affordable and accessible tools available, the clay pot (also called an earthen pot, matka, or terracotta dispenser). This age-old practice is making a powerful comeback in modern wellness, and for very good reason.[67][68] 
 
Clay is naturally alkaline in nature. When water is stored in an unglazed clay pot or dispenser, it slowly absorbs alkaline minerals, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and silica, that leach from the clay walls into the water. This gradual mineral exchange raises the water's pH to approximately 8 or above, creating naturally alkaline water without any machines, chemicals, or electricity. A 2024 peer-reviewed study published in PMC (NIH) confirmed that water stored in clay pots for 7 days consistently maintained a pH median of around 8, alongside significant improvements in water quality, including reduced total dissolved solids, reduced turbidity, lower bacterial counts, and higher dissolved oxygen levels.[69][70][71] 

Benefits of drinking clay pot water include: [72][73][71][68] 
- Natural alkalinity: Raises water pH to balance the body's acid levels, easing acid reflux, bloating, and digestive discomfort. 
- Mineral enrichment: Infuses water with trace amounts of beneficial minerals that support bone health, blood pressure, and metabolism. 
- Natural filtration: The micro-porous texture of unglazed clay traps sediment, bacteria, and impurities, acting as a natural filter without chemicals. 
- Natural cooling: Evaporation through clay pores keeps water cool , ideal for hot climates like Nigeria , without the need for refrigeration. 
- Chemical-free hydration: Unlike plastic bottles, clay does not leach BPA or other harmful chemicals into the water.[71][74] 
- Improved digestion and metabolism: Minerals from the clay support digestive enzyme activity and healthy gut function.[73][67] 
- Eco-friendly: Clay pots are biodegradable, sustainable, and widely produced locally across Africa.[75][71] 
For those living in Nigeria and across Africa, a clay pot dispenser is one of the most practical, affordable, and culturally rooted paths to alkaline water. It requires no electricity, no expensive equipment, and no ongoing cost beyond the pot itself. Simply fill it with clean water , filtered or spring water if available , and allow it to sit for several hours before drinking. The longer the water rests in the pot, the more mineral exchange occurs and the more alkaline it becomes.[70][69] 
Always choose unglazed clay pots for drinking water, as glazed pots may contain lead or other coatings that can leach into the water. Clean the pot regularly with a soft brush and clean water , no soap , to maintain its natural filtration properties.[71] 
 
Hydrogen Water: The Emerging Wellness Frontier 
Hydrogen water, plain water infused with dissolved molecular hydrogen (H₂) gas, is one of the most talked-about wellness trends in recent years, and the science behind it is genuinely promising. A 2024 review published by the NIH in PMC analyzed 25 studies and found potential benefits of hydrogen water across heart disease, neurological disorders, exercise endurance, liver function, mental health, anti-aging, and oxidative stress.[58][59][60] 
 
Key Benefits of Hydrogen Water 
- Powerful antioxidant: Molecular hydrogen selectively targets and neutralises the most harmful free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress, a key driver of aging and chronic disease.[61][58] 
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Hydrogen water has been shown to reduce levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, making it beneficial for conditions like arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and metabolic syndrome.[59][58] 
- Athletic performance and recovery: A 2024 review found that hydrogen water showed promise in reducing fatigue and increasing endurance after exercise.[62] 
- Brain and neurological health: Research suggests hydrogen water may help protect the brain from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.[58] 
- Heart health: Studies have shown that hydrogen water may reduce symptoms of angina, lower high cholesterol, and improve arterial function.[62] 
- Skin health and anti-aging: Hydrogen water's antioxidant properties may slow cellular aging and improve skin health.[59][61] 
 
 Is Hydrogen Water Safe? 
Hydrogen water is generally considered safe; no major toxicities or severe adverse reactions have been identified in clinical trials to date. The most commonly reported side effects are mild and rare, affecting a very small percentage of users, and may include loose stools, mild bloating, headaches (especially during initial use), and occasional heartburn. These typically resolve on their own. However, it is important to note that some hydrogen water research has been funded by companies with commercial interests, so it is wise to approach bold health claims with measured expectations and consult a healthcare professional before using it as a therapeutic tool.[63][64][59] 
Hydrogen water is available as ready-to-drink bottled water, hydrogen-generating tablets dropped into regular water, or hydrogen water machines. While more long-term human trials are still needed, the existing evidence makes hydrogen water one of the most intriguing additions to a holistic hydration routine.[60][58] 
 
 Quick Hydration Tips 
- Start each morning with a full glass of water, spring or alkaline water is ideal.[65][53] 
- Carry a water bottle everywhere you go.[66] 
- Eat water-rich foods: cucumbers (96% water), watermelon (91%), tomatoes (95%), and oranges (80–90%).[67][68][69] 
- Set phone/smartwatch reminders to drink at regular intervals.[70] 
- Flavour your water with fresh lemon, mint, or berries to make it more enjoyable.[65] 
- In hot climates, drink proactively, don't wait until you're thirsty.[9] 
- Choose spring water when available for its natural mineral content.[31][32] 
- Use alkaline water strategically, in the morning, before/after workouts, and between meals.[52] 
- Consider hydrogen water as a premium hydration upgrade, especially for active individuals or those managing oxidative stress and inflammation.[58][59] 
 
 A Wellness Habit Worth Adopting 
Water sustains life, and intention enriches it. By combining proper hydration with the simple practice of blessing or speaking positively over your water, and by choosing higher quality waters like spring, alkaline, or hydrogen water when the opportunity presents itself, you engage both body and mind in a daily act of wellness. The science firmly supports drinking enough water and practicing gratitude, and when you bring the two together, you create a ritual that nourishes far more than just your physical body.[4][28] 
So the next time you reach for that glass, pause. Speak a good word. Give thanks. Then drink, and let every sip carry your intention. 
 
 Reference

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