The Alkaline Water system in the athletic department ionizes the water available to the athletes. And so far, they love it.
The system was installed in the training center located the basement of Allen Arena for the athletes to use almost a year ago after undergoing a trial run for a short period of time.
“I know the athletes do enjoy it,” said head athletic trainer Will Ness. “They say it has a crisper taste.”
Ness said the reason the athletic department decided to have the system installed is because of the health benefits the water offers to Lipscomb’s athletes.
Such benefits include better hydration, the ability to drink more water without feeling bloated and the anti-oxidant levels found within the water.
Last year, the athletic department was approached by Cellular Hydration Specialist Scott Adkins about installing the system for the athletic department to use.
Adkins is also the founder of a company called “The Freshouse”. His mission is to provide better, ionized water for the community of Nashville.
Adkins explained that the electrolytes the alkaline water contains provides its consumers with extra calcium, potassium, sodium and magnesium.
“When we ionize water, we’re getting an abundance of electrons,” said Adkins, “And the alkaline level between 8.5 and 9.5 pH is optimal for us to drink. It’s providing us energy and oxygen on a cellular level.”
We decided to take a sample of the water to the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry for official testing, who reaffirmed Adkin’s claims.
“We tested the water samples, and I know that there was a sample that was supposed to be around the pH of 9.9. And, we did measure it at 9.9 too, so the machine in the athletic department is giving accurate pH readings for the water,” said chemist Betsy Heckman, “You’re getting extra calcium and magnesium.”
Heckman went on to say that if you’re biologically pre-disposed to kidney stones, you should be careful with how much of the water you drink because too much extra magnesium can cause kidney stones in those who are pre-disposed to the condition.
The athletes, however, continue to enjoy the new and improved water.
“It tastes better than normal water,” said student athlete Kendall Galvan, “And you feel better when you drink it because you really get hydrated faster.”