What Are Living and Dead Water, and Do You Really Need Them?

This concept is not just a part of Russian folklore.

Understanding Living and Dead Water

In Russian fairy tales like "Ivan Tsarevich and the Grey Wolf," these waters are magical liquids capable of healing wounds and reviving the dead. Today, alternative medicine defines living and dead water as water that has undergone electrolysis. Let's explore this further.

Electrolysis is the process of breaking down substances into ions through the application of electricity. Two electrodes—cathode (negative) and anode (positive)—attract ions with opposite charges. This causes neutral water to become acidic near the anode and alkaline near the cathode.

The alkaline water, known as catholyte, is referred to as living water, while the acidic anolyte is called dead water.

Claims About the Benefits of Living Water

Proponents suggest that living water has almost miraculous properties. According to manufacturers of water treatment systems, living water can:

• Boost the immune system;
• Combat oxidative stress;
• Increase energy levels;
• Activate biological processes in the body;
• Raise blood pressure;
• Stimulate appetite;
• Accelerate metabolism;
• Enhance overall well-being;
• Promote wound healing;
• Enhance the effectiveness of medications.

Claims About the Benefits of Dead Water

Dead water is also believed to support health in various ways. Advocates attribute the following benefits to it:

• Reduction of cold symptoms;
• Lowering of blood pressure;
• Alleviation of anxiety;
• Improvement in sleep quality;
• Relief from joint pain;
• Treatment of fungal infections;
• Healing of stomatitis;
• Dissolution of kidney stones.

Scientific Perspective on Living and Dead Water

Research into catholyte and anolyte water began in Tashkent during the 1970s. Scientists from the Natural Gas Research Institute conducted experiments showing that alkaline (living) water promoted plant growth, while acidic (dead) water disinfected soil. Although references to these studies exist online, the original sources are difficult to locate.

There appears to be some validity to these findings. Several studies have examined the use of anolyte water for disinfecting food and soil, although there is no scientific evidence supporting its use for infection treatment or blood pressure reduction.

In Japan, alkaline water is extensively studied at the Matsushita Electric Works Co (Panasonic) medical center, as the company produces specialized kitchen water ionizers. Research there indicates that alkaline water may improve digestion, be gentler on the skin, and enhance the flavor of foods like tea, rice, and meat. However, there is no conclusive evidence that it extends lifespan, influences metabolism, or broadly improves health.

Interestingly, while some advocates claim that living water can boost the effectiveness of medications when taken together, Japanese researchers advise caution. They consider alkaline water itself as a therapeutic agent and warn that interactions between catholyte and drugs are unpredictable.

Overall, there may be some effects, but their safety and benefits remain uncertain.

Should You Use Living and Dead Water for Health?

Most likely, no. Despite decades of research, no definitive medical recommendations have emerged. You may enjoy cooking with this water, as it can enhance taste, but whether it improves your health is still unclear.

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