Experts have mixed views on Kangen water, a type of alkaline ionized water produced through electrolysis.
Here's a summary of key findings and professional opinions.
A comprehensive analysis of 18 studies (10 human, 5 animal, 3 in vitro) found that Kangen water offer benefits like enhanced hydration and reduced oxidative stress.
Some early research suggests hydrogen-rich water (a feature of Kangen water) may reduce inflammation and DNA damage. A 2020 study even found increased telomere length in older adults consuming hydrogen-rich water, hinting at potential anti-aging effects.
A renowned Japanese-born surgeon and pioneer in colonoscopic techniques, has publicly expressed support for Kangen water. He is often cited in promotional materials and videos for endorsing its health benefits, particularly in relation to detoxification and cellular health.
In interviews and presentations, Dr. Shinya has emphasized the importance of hydration and internal cleansing, noting that the body loses about 2.5 liters of water daily through urine, sweat, and tears. He suggests that drinking ionized water like Kangen may aid in maintaining cellular health and reducing oxidative stress.
Author of Alkalize or Die, is one of the more vocal proponents of Kangen water and alkaline hydration. His comments reflect a strong belief in the health benefits of ionized water :
“It is my opinion that ionized water will change the way in which all health practitioners and the public approach their health in the coming years… I have administered over 5,000 gallons of this water for about every health situation imaginable. I feel that restructured alkaline water can benefit everyone.”
He also emphasizes the link between stress, acidity, and illness :
“Any stressor that the mind or body interprets and internalizes as too much to deal with, leaves an acid residue… The countless names attached to illness do not really matter. What does matter is that they all come from the same root cause: too much tissue acid waste in the body.”
Author of The Acid-Alkaline Balance Diet and adjunct professor at City College of New York, has expressed strong support for Kangen water and alkaline hydration. Her endorsement is frequently cited in wellness circles :
“After years of very positive continuous clinical experiment that I am conducting with hundreds of clients using electronically restructured alkaline water, it is my opinion that this technology will change the way in which all wellness providers and the public will approach their life in the coming years. … My suggestion is to drink restructured alkaline water whenever possible.”
An immunologist and expert in environmental medicine, has expressed strong support for alkaline water, including Kangen water. Her most cited comment is :
“Alkaline water rids the body of acid waste… After carefully evaluating the results of my advice to hundreds of individuals, I’m convinced that toxicity in the form of acidic waste is the primary cause of degenerative disease.”
A clinical nutritionist and author known for her work in women's health and preventive medicine, has expressed strong support for alkaline water, including Kangen water. Her comments highlight its antioxidant potential and role in restoring pH balance :
“Drinking four to six glasses of alkaline water a day will help to neutralize over acidity and over time will help to restore your buffering ability. Alkaline water should be used when conditions of over acidity develop, such as cold, flu or bronchitis.”
She also emphasizes its antioxidant properties :
“Like vitamins C, E and Beta Carotene, alkaline water acts as an antioxidant because of its excess supply of free electrons. This can help the body against the development of heart disease, strokes, immune dysfunctions, and other common ailments.”
Dr. Lark believes that the benefits of alkaline water produced through electrolysis go beyond pH balance, noting its ability to donate free electrons to neutralize free radicals—making it a “super antioxidant.”
A cellular nutritionist and author of The pH Miracle, is one of the most prominent advocates for alkaline living—and by extension, Kangen water. His comments emphasize the critical role of pH balance in maintaining health:
“The pH level (the acid-alkaline measurement) of our internal fluids affects every cell in our bodies. Extended acid imbalances of any kind are not well tolerated by the body. Indeed, the entire metabolic process depends on a balanced internal alkaline environment… The easiest way to help your body to be more alkaline is to drink alkaline water.”
Author of Grow Youthful, is known for advocating natural health remedies and exposing what he sees as corruption in the pharmaceutical and food industries. While he doesn't appear to have made direct, detailed comments specifically about Kangen water, his broader philosophy aligns with many of the claims made by alkaline water proponents.
In his writings, Miller emphasizes :
Detoxification and pH balance: He supports practices that reduce acidity in the body, which is a core claim of Kangen water marketing.
Skepticism of mainstream medicine: He argues that many effective natural remedies are discredited by large corporations, a stance that resonates with alternative health communities promoting ionized water.
Support for traditional and low-cost cures: His book includes over 700 references to non-pharmaceutical remedies, some of which involve hydration and mineral balance.
A cardiovascular surgeon and Director of the Water Institute of Japan, is one of the most respected voices in support of Kangen water and ionized water technology. His comments emphasize the concept of “upstream medicine,” focusing on prevention rather than treatment:
“To eliminate the pollutants in a large stream that is contaminated at its source, we must work on the problems upstream at the headwaters — the source of the pollution — not downstream where we can only try to treat the evidence of damage caused by the pollution. Ionized Water’s contribution to preventive medicine is essentially upstream treatment.”
He explains that ionized (or “reduced”) water plays a vital role in the digestive tract by minimizing excessive fermentation and neutralizing harmful byproducts like nitrosamines. These effects may lead to cleaner stools and improved gut health within days of regular consumption.
Dr. Hayashi also highlights the antioxidant potential of reduced water, noting its ability to donate electrons to neutralize free radicals and protect healthy cells from oxidative damage.