A neuroscientist’s groundbreaking discovery
Health with alkalised water:
Dr Pubuditha Agalakumbura, neuroscientist from Monash University, Australia
By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama
27 March 2025
Views – 644
Comparative pH Levels of Diverse Liquids, including Bottled Water, Alcoholic and Carbonated Beverages
pH is a scale used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a substance, ranging from 0 to 14 so a pH of 7 is considered neutral, with values below 7 being acidic and above 7 being alkaline
Water is the essence of life, but could the type of water we drink be the key to reducing the risk of life-threatening diseases?
Neuroscientist Dr. Pubuditha Agalakumbura from Monash University, Australia, has developed a new approach to improving drinking water quality, which could play a vital role in combating cancer, diabetes, and heart disease—the top three leading causes of death in the world today among non-communicable diseases.
The rising threat of non-communicable diseases
According to the Sri Lanka Cancer Registry, the number of deaths due to cancer has been on a steady increase, and this trend is expected to continue. Similarly, diabetes-related fatalities are also expected to increase significantly by 2040, while heart disease mortality rates are also escalating.
In light of these trends, Dr. Pubuditha started extensive research to explore innovative ways to slow the progression of these diseases.
Her findings led her to unexpected results: The type of water we drink plays a key role in the issue.
The science behind water quality
“Water makes up more than 75% of the human body, making it a crucial element for overall health,” she said.
While many rely on filters to purify their drinking water, Dr Pubuditha has introduced an alternative solution—the ioniser.
Unlike conventional filters, this device transforms ordinary water into a specific type known as ‘Alkalised Water’ or, scientifically, ‘Electrolysed Reduced Water (ERW),’ which boasts a pH level of 9.5.
pH is a scale used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a substance, ranging from 0 to 14.
Carbonated beverages are highly acidic, to neutralise the effect of one carbonated beverage, you need to drink 32 glasses of alkalised water
To match the antioxidant power of a single glass of ‘alkalised water’, one would need to eat 50 apples, 90 bananas, or drink 30 cups of green tea
Many rely on conventional filters for purifying drinking water, Dr Pubuditha proposes an innovative water ioniser
A pH of 7 is considered neutral, with values below 7 being acidic and above 7 being alkaline. While some bottled water brands claim to be alkaline, they achieve this through chemical treatments, which may leave behind harmful residues in the body. However, this needs to be verified. In contrast, Dr Pubuditha’s ioniser alters water at the molecular level, ensuring no chemical additives are involved. This process enhances water quality while preserving its purity.
Dr Pubuditha presenting the pH balance chart
Scientific Test to Demonstrate Liquid Acidity and Alkalinity
How the ioniser works
The ioniser consists of eight titanium plates coated with platinum, through which an electric current is passed. As water flows through these plates, the molecules split, generating two streams—alkalised water and acidic water. By adjusting the electrical supply, different levels of alkalised water can be produced. However, this specialised water cannot be bottled, as its beneficial properties begin to degrade almost immediately upon exposure to air. The maximum storage period for alkalised water is 48 hours, depending on environmental conditions, she said.
The link between alkalised water and disease prevention
oxidative stress—a condition in which unstable molecules called ‘Free Radicals’ attack healthy cells, causing cellular deterioration. These unstable molecules attack healthy cells to stabilise themselves, causing the healthy cells to become unstable, deteriorate, and turn unhealthy. A collection of deteriorating cells leads to increased oxidative stress. An increase in oxidative stress can contribute to various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Consuming more antioxidants can help reduce oxidative stress by providing the necessary molecules to neutralise free radicals, preventing them from attacking healthy cells. This, in turn, lowers the risk of developing noncommunicable diseases. All of these findings have been scientifically proven. While natural sources like apples, green tea, and carrots contain antioxidants, consuming the required amount daily is unrealistic. For example, to match the antioxidant power of a single glass of alkalised water, one would need to eat 50 apples, 90 bananas, or drink 30 cups of green tea. Thus, drinking alkalised water offers a more practical and effective way to increase antioxidant intake and reduce oxidative stress.
Scientific validation: The ORP test
To measure the effectiveness of different beverages in reducing oxidative stress, Dr Pubuditha conducted an ORP (Oxidation-Reduction Potential) test. This test evaluates a liquid’s ability to either promote or counteract oxidation, which directly impacts aging and disease development. The results revealed that commonly consumed beverages, such as tap water, tonic water, soda, and alcoholic drinks, are highly acidic, contributing to increased oxidative stress in the body. Shockingly, it takes 32 glasses of alkalised water to neutralise the acidity from just one can of carbonated beverages. Furthermore, scientific research has confirmed that cancer cells thrive in oxygen-deprived, acidic environments. By reducing bodily acidity through the consumption of alkalised water, individuals can create an environment less conducive to cancer cell growth, potentially lowering the risk of developing the disease.
Medical endorsements and future implications
The benefits of alkalised water have gained recognition within the medical community in recent times. Over 7,000 doctors worldwide have endorsed the use of water ionisers in hospitals to improve treatment outcomes. With growing awareness, this technology has the potential to redefine health and disease prevention on a global scale. As research continues, one thing remains clear— the water we drink may be just as important as what we eat when it comes to maintaining long-term health and well-being. For those interested in learning more about the transformative benefits of alkalised water, Dr Pubuditha Agalakumbura can be reached at 075 240 9509 and she encourages readers to do so, especially those who are interested in exploring this groundbreaking advancement in water science (DAILY MIRROR LK NEWS FEATURES)