"In each of these cases, animal tests showed myocardium damage in animals given alkaline ionized water."

Newborn mice given pH 10 alkaline water grow significantly bigger and faster. "AKW has substantial biological effects on postnatal growth, since intake of food and water and body weight of the offspring's increased and postnatal morphological development was also accelerated." J Toxicol Sci. 1995 May;20(2):135-42.

However, the down side of this significant growth is Hyperkalemia. J Toxicol Sci. 1997 May;22(2):141-52. Hyperkalemia is caused by excess potassium in the blood stream and results in heart muscle damage.

Even too much of a "good thing" can cause problems?

Alkaline ionized water concentrates alkaline minerals, such as calcium, magnesium and potassium available from the source water. pH 10 water is recommended for people that are exercising and sweating, thereby requiring more minreals such as potassium. pH 8 is suggested for normal daily usage.

Most of the body's potassium is located inside the cells. Potassium is necessary for the normal functioning of cells, nerves, and muscles. The level of potassium in the blood must be maintained within a narrow range. A potassium level that is too high or too low can have serious consequences, such as an abnormal heart rhythm or even cardiac arrest. The potassium stored within the cells can be used by the body to help maintain a constant level of potassium in the blood.

Compareing mice and human models

"Many mammals (mice included) have few functional sweat glands; in dogs and cats, for example, only the glands on the soles of the feet are functional." http://au.encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia

Potassium balance is achieved by matching the amount of potassium taken in with the amount lost.

Potassium is taken in through food and electrolyte-containing drinks and lost primarily in urine, although some potassium is also lost through the digestive tract and in sweat. Healthy kidneys are able to adjust the excretion of potassium to match changes in dietary intake. Some drugs and certain conditions affect the movement of potassium into and out of cells, which greatly influences the potassium level in the blood.

Hypokalemia

In hypokalemia, the level of potassium in the blood is too low. Excessive potassium loss usually results from vomiting, diarrhea, chronic laxative use, or colon polyps. Very occasionally, excessive loss results from excessive sweating in conditions of extreme heat and humidity. Many foods contain potassium, so hypokalemia is rarely caused by too little intake in people who eat a balanced diet

Hyperkalemia

In hyperkalemia, the level of potassium in the blood is too high. Hyperkalemia usually results when the kidneys do not excrete enough potassium. Probably the most common cause of mild hyperkalemia is the use of drugs that decrease blood flow to the kidneys or prevent the kidneys from excreting normal amounts of potassium. Such drugs include triamterene Some Trade Names DYRENIUM, spironolactone Some Trade Names ALDACTONE, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Hyperkalemia can also be caused by Addison's disease, in which the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient amounts of the hormone aldosterone, which stimulates the kidneys to excrete potassium.

More Potassium Info:

Merck Manual http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec12/ch155/ch155i.html

Hyperkalemia Symptoms

Hyperkalemia is often asymptomatic. Occasionally, the following signs or symptoms may be seen:

Nausea
Irregular heartbeat (this may be an emergency symptom if prolonged or severe)
Slow, weak, or absent pulse (emergency symptom)

Signs and tests

The pulse may be slow or irregular.
Serum potassium is high.
ECG may show potentially lethal arrhythmias:
Bradycardia that progressively slows.
Heart block that may become complete heart block.
Ventricular fibrillation.
ECG may show changes indicative of hyperkalemia

Contribution of mineral waters to dietary calcium and magnesium intake?

Mineral-rich water may provide an important supplementary contribution to total calcium and magnesium intake. For dietetics professionals, it may provide-in place of the usual recommendations concerning the consumption of dairy products-a good way to improve calcium and magnesium intakes, particularly in subjects who don't like dairy products. According to its calcium concentration, mineral water may contribute to one fourth of the total daily calcium intake. Subjects who regularly drink mineral-rich water have a calcium intake that is significantly higher. (P< 10(-3)) than those drinking either low-mineral-content water or tap water. (J Am Diet Assoc. 2002 Nov;102(11):1658-62.)

Other Effects: Alkaline ionized water impacts the immune system in mice.

Phagocytosis is the bodies initial response to eliminate microbes and prevent viral infection. http://www.cat.cc.md.us/ According to the Journal of Hygiene Research, "Alkaline ionized water can remarkably increase the ratio of thymus and body weight and increase it's phagocytosing ability." This study also found that activated water can alleviate increased male body weight of mice. (Journal of Hygiene Research, Wei Sheng Yan Jiu. 2004 Jul;33(4):422-5)

"Drinking even normal pH water during mealtime tends to dilute these amino acids; Does drinking alkaline water creates an even greater dilution due to the higher pH level of this type of water?"

Alkaline ionized water is recommended to be taken between meals. Here's a link to Sang Whang's explaination of Alkaline Water and Stomach Acid

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