Drink companies have figured out a way to profit from the one thing every person in Australia has access to – water.
According to recent reports, the bottled water industry is worth a whopping $522 billion globally, and it’s projected to reach over $793 billion by 2032.
If you’ve ever taken a gander through the water section at your local supermarket, you’d know there are shelves of water products available – but what are the differences between them all?
Why are we paying upwards of $3.50 for a bottle of water for some types, and less than $1 for others?
Drink companies have figured out a way to profit from the one thing every person in Australia has access to, water. (Getty)
We spoke to nutritionist Susie Burrell about the phenomenon that is the booming bottled water industry, what the labels mean and what the water really does for your body.
Electrolyte waters
First, you’ve got your stock standard sports drink water’s with electrolytes and vitamins, which often retail for around $4.20.
Electrolytes are proven to help hydrate the body after vigorous exercise and sweat, but nutritionist Susie Burrell tells nine.com.au that the average person won’t get extra-hydrated by drinking electrolytes.
“Electrolytes are important to help the fluid balance in the body, so for example, if you have some salt in an electrolyte drink, it will help retain more fluid or aid hydration. It helps the body retain more fluid and re-establish electrolyte balance in the diet,” Burrell says.
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The flavoured water element of sports waters may assist in hydration as it encourages people to drink more. (Getty)
“(However), the average person won’t need electrolytes in their drink.
”Certainly for populations who might be at a higher risk (of dehydration), so if you’re breastfeeding, if you have high energy demands, if you sweat a lot or you work out a lot, there’s no harm that comes from adding the electrolyte.”
She said the flavoured water element of sports waters may assist in hydration as it encourages people to drink more.
Electrolytes are the essential minerals that our body needs to run smoothly; however, medical professionals agree that a regular person, who isn’t fighting illness or doing vigorous exercise, already has the minerals they need by eating a well-balanced diet and drinking water.
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Electrolytes are the essential minerals that our body needs to run smoothly. (Getty)Protein Water
Getting your recommended amount of protein by just drinking water sounds incredible for people who don’t eat meat – but is it too good to be true?
Burrell says that to understand protein water, we need to know where it first came from.
“Protein water originated a few years ago when bariatric surgeons were encouraging people who had had bariatric surgery to consume more protein in their diet,” the nutritionist explained.
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Our bodies need water to function. (Getty)
“It’s very quickly become popular in mainstream society for which protein instead of the super nutrient.”
She says patients who had undergone intense metabolic surgery were encouraged to drink protein water because they couldn’t stomach food following the surgery.
For the regular person, it won’t cause harm, but Burrell says you’re better off with a protein shake.
”I personally don’t use it because my thoughts are that protein will be better assimilated in the body within a whole food, so within milk or a protein shake,” she said.
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Protien is better absorbed by the body when its eaten with other whole foods. (Getty)
“I don’t see the benefit of adding it to water, if you’re drinking water, you’re usually sipping on it over a few hours… protein should be consumed in a meal (in one go).
“You’d be better with a protein shake, a protein shake (made) with other food like milk or yogurt will be better absorbed (by the body).”
There’s protein water available at Coles for $35, with other online retailers selling it for over $55.
Alkaline Water
Alkaline water is another type of water that has dominated the wellness space.
Those who drink alkaline water claim it works wonders for your body’s pH levels, with claims online saying it can boost immunity, improve digestion, and hydrate you better than natural water.
The body’s natural pH is 7.35 to 7.45, which is neutral, but it sits closer to alkaline than acidic.
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Pettaras believes the body’s pH can be impacted by foods and drinks, and says everyone should strive to be in an alkaline state. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
A pH of below seven is acidic, while a pH above seven is alkaline; a pH of exactly seven is neutral.
The belief in the wellness space is that our body’s pH can become acidic because of the foods we eat, which can cause health issues.
Wellness social media influencers claim that drinking alkaline water reduces the risk of inflammation and provides a range of health benefits.
We spoke to one founder of a popular alkaline water company who said while he doesn’t make any health claims for alkaline water, his customers had given him feedback claiming it had helped with issues such as acid reflux and nausea.
A pH of below 7 is acidic, while a pH above 7 is alkaline; a pH of exactly 7 is neutral. (Getty)
Nutritionist Burrell says that she doesn’t believe anything, including alkaline water, can change the body’s pH, as our bodies regulate it naturally.
“In the case of alkaline water, the pH of the body is not influenced by external sources,” Burrell said.
“Rather, that happens in the kidneys. The acidity, the pH or the alkalinity of the water doesn’t affect our overall pH.”
Nutritionist Burrell says that she doesn’t believe anything, including Alkaline water, can change the body’s pH, as our bodies regulate it naturally. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
It’s widely accepted in the medical industry that our bodies do a good job at maintaining our body’s pH levels, regardless of whether we are eating or drinking foods that are alkaline or acidic.
Our bodies regulate it so well that if our body’s pH goes up or down even slightly, it’s considered a serious health problem called acidosis or alkalosis, which is diagnosed through blood tests.
Pure Water
Isn’t all water pure? technically no.
Pure water just means it’s been filtered to remove the chemicals, minerals and impurities found in water.
According to NSW Health, there is “no such thing” as naturally pure water, even water that comes from natural springs includes minerals.
According to NSW Health, there is “no such thing” as naturally pure water, even water that comes from natural springs includes minerals. (Getty)
“As water flows in rivers, is captured in dams and filters through layers of soil and rock in the ground, it dissolves or absorbs a range of substances.
“Most of these substances are harmless; however, at certain levels, some substances are considered contaminants that can make water unpalatable or even unsafe.”
Pure water distils or filters the water so it’s 100 per cent pure of anything other than water.
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