There are two types of alkaline water:

• "Artificial" alkaline water which is usually tap water that is passed through an electrical ionizer to make the pH more alkaline and
• Bottled spring or mineral water from natural springs. Water passes through rocks and soil and picks up various minerals that affect its pH. Natural mineral water contains alkalizing compounds, such as calcium, silica, potassium, magnesium, and bicarbonate.

According to Lawrence Wilson, MD, who specializes in nutritional balance at the Arizona Developmental Center. Spring water with natural minerals appears to be the healthiest type of alkaline water source. "A good source of alkaline water is spring water with a pH generally 8 to 8.5, which naturally becomes alkaline by acquiring minerals as it passes over rocks."

You can buy water ionizing machines, but Wilson does not advise against them, because the machines simply use titanium or platinum to alkalize the water and do not introduce the natural minerals that the body needs.