Kangen water has gained a lot of attention in the wellness space. Supporters say it helps improve hydration, balances the body’s pH, and even supports detox. But like anything new you introduce into your routine, Kangen water may come with side effects — especially in the beginning.
This article will walk you through the possible side effects of Kangen water, why they happen, and how to manage them if they show up.
What is Kangen Water, Briefly?
Kangen water is a type of alkaline, ionized water produced by an Enagic machine. It raises the pH of regular tap water using a process called electrolysis. It’s also said to contain antioxidant properties due to the presence of active hydrogen.
While many people use it to support hydration, digestion, and detox, it can affect people differently — especially if you’ve never consumed alkaline water before.
Possible Side Effects of Kangen Water
1. Digestive Changes
One of the most common side effects is mild stomach upset in the first few days. You might experience:
Nausea
Gas or bloating
Mild cramping
This usually happens as your body adjusts to the more alkaline nature of the water. The stomach naturally uses acid to digest food, so any shift in pH can temporarily throw things off.
2. Detox Symptoms
Some users report feeling:
Headaches
Tiredness
Skin breakouts
Muscle aches
These are often described as detox symptoms, especially in people who switch from low water intake or a poor diet. As the body starts flushing out stored waste and toxins, these mild reactions can occur. They usually don’t last more than a few days.
3. More Frequent Urination
Since Kangen water is believed to be more easily absorbed at the cellular level, it can lead to:
Increased thirst
More trips to the bathroom
Slight changes in urine color or smell
This is a normal part of improving hydration and is not usually a cause for concern.
4. Risk of Over-Alkalinity
If you drink too much high-pH water for long periods, it may disrupt your body’s natural pH balance. This condition is called metabolic alkalosis, though it’s rare.
Signs of over-alkalinity may include:
Tingling in the fingers or face
Muscle twitching
Light-headedness
Nausea
To avoid this, stick to mildly alkaline settings (pH 8.5 to 9.5) for drinking water, and avoid using very high pH levels for daily consumption.
5. Not Ideal for Everyone
People with certain health conditions may need to be cautious:
Kidney problems: The kidneys play a major role in balancing pH. Any sudden changes may put extra strain on them.
People on medication: Alkaline water may interfere with how some medications are absorbed.
Children or elderly individuals: They may be more sensitive to pH changes.
It’s always best to consult a healthcare provider before making a major switch in your water consumption, especially if you have ongoing medical concerns.
How to Use Kangen Water Safely
To reduce the risk of side effects, here are some simple tips:
Start slow: Begin with a low-pH alkaline level (around 8.5) and gradually increase.
Don’t overdo it: Stick to normal daily water intake amounts — about 2 to 3 litres for adults.
Pay attention to how you feel: If you experience discomfort, cut back and let your body adjust.
Avoid extreme pH levels for drinking: High or low pH water from the machine is meant for cleaning or external use, not regular consumption.
Final Thoughts
While Kangen water is generally safe for most healthy adults, it’s not completely free from side effects — especially if your body isn’t used to alkaline water. Most of these effects are mild and temporary, and they tend to fade as your body adjusts.
The key is to go slow, observe how your body reacts, and use the machine’s settings wisely. And if you have any medical issues or take regular medication, don’t skip a conversation with your doctor.