Can you drink distilled water


Everyone knows about the importance of proper hydration and the effects of different types of water on the human body. One topic that we often get asked is "Can I drink distilled water?" about consumption of distilled water and the advantages and disadvantages of doing so. Distilled water is water that has been purified through a process of distillation, in which it is heated to its boiling point and then cooled, causing impurities and minerals to be left behind.

This results in water that is virtually free of any contaminants, bacteria, and dissolved solids. While the purity of distilled water may seem like a positive attribute, it is important to note that the absence of minerals can have negative effects on the body. Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium play important roles in maintaining the proper balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body, and their absence in distilled water can lead to deficiencies.


drinking distilled water side effects


Additionally, some research suggests that long-term consumption of distilled water can lead to an imbalance in the body's acid-base balance, which can potentially lead to negative health effects. It's not all bad news, though.

Three minerals that are particularly important for the human body are calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Calcium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in the development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. It is also necessary for proper muscle function, nerve transmission, and blood clotting. In addition to being found in dairy products, calcium can also be found in leafy green vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

Magnesium is another important mineral that is involved in many different bodily processes. It helps to regulate muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure. It is also essential for the formation of healthy bones and teeth. Magnesium can be found in many foods, including leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

Potassium is a mineral that is essential for maintaining proper fluid balance and muscle function. It helps to regulate the activity of enzymes, and it plays a role in maintaining the body's acid-base balance. Potassium can be found in many fruits and vegetables, including bananas, apricots, and avocados. It's important to note that while many people get enough of these minerals from their diet, certain groups of people may be at risk of deficiency. For example, older adults, people with certain medical conditions, and individuals who follow restrictive diets may be at risk of deficiency.


In such cases, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate course of action. In conclusion, calcium, magnesium, and potassium are all essential minerals that play important roles in maintaining the overall health and well-being of the human body. A balanced diet that includes a variety of foods from different food groups is the best way to ensure that you are getting enough of these minerals. However, if you are at risk of deficiency, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate course of action.

Distilled water can be useful in certain situations, such as for individuals with kidney disease or certain medical conditions that require a low mineral diet.


Distilled vs filtered water


Filtered water is water that has been passed through a filtration system to remove impurities, such as bacteria, sediment, and dissolved solids. There are several different types of water filtration systems available, each with their own unique capabilities and limitations. One of the most common types of water filtration systems is the granular activated carbon filter (GAC). These filters use activated carbon sand, which is a form of carbon that has been treated with oxygen to create millions of tiny pores between the carbon atoms. These pores act as a physical barrier to trap impurities in the water. GAC filters are the cheapest water filters to manufacture and allow for water to bypass the filter sand via flow channels. Solid activated carbon block filters on the other hand are very effective at removing chlorine, chloramines, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from water while leaving trace minerals like calcium, magnesium & potassium which are beneficial to your overall health. Solid carbon block filters can also improve the taste and odor of water.

Another popular type of water filtration system is the reverse osmosis (RO) filter. These filters use a semi-permeable membrane to remove impurities from water by forcing it through the membrane under pressure. RO filters are effective at removing a wide range of impurities, including dissolved solids, bacteria, and some viruses. They usually require a plumber to install and have four different filters that require changing 1 to 2 times per year.

A third type of water filtration system is the ultrafiltration (UF) filter. These filters use a membrane with very small pores to remove impurities from water by physical straining.


Ultrafiltration filters are efficient at removing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. It's important to note that while water filtration systems can effectively remove impurities from water, they can also remove beneficial minerals. At Epic Water Filters we use a combination of carbon block filters and ultrafiltration filter media to remove high levels of contaminants while keeping your water healthy with trace minerals.

In conclusion, while distilled water may seem like a pure and healthy option, it is important to be aware of its lack of minerals and potential effects on the body's acid-base balance. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your water consumption. And for healthy individuals, it is recommended to consume water with minerals.


Sources:
Word Health Organization: “Health Risks from Drinking Demineralized Water.”
Science Direct: “Water Filtration.”
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: “Water Health Series.”


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