What Exactly is Distilled Water?
Distilled water is a type of purified water created by boiling tap water and condensing the steam back into a liquid state. This process is highly effective at removing impurities, salts, heavy metals, pesticides, and inorganic minerals, leaving behind water that is almost 100% pure H₂O. This level of purity is why it's used in laboratories and for certain medical equipment like CPAP machines.
How does it differ from other water types?
Unlike spring or mineral water, which contain a range of naturally occurring minerals, distilled water has virtually zero total dissolved solids (TDS). This complete absence of minerals is its defining characteristic and what differentiates it from other purified waters, such as those made by reverse osmosis, which may retain or have minerals added back in.
The Pros and Cons of Drinking Distilled Water Daily
Making distilled water your primary beverage comes with a clear set of trade-offs. The benefits are tied to its purity, while the risks are linked to its lack of mineral content.
Potential Benefits
- High Purity: The distillation process eliminates contaminants like bacteria, viruses, lead, pesticides, and chlorine, making it a safe option in areas with questionable tap water quality.
- Free of Additives: It contains no added fluoride or other chemicals often found in municipal water supplies.
- Prevents Mineral Buildup: For non-drinking uses, like in household appliances (irons, humidifiers), its lack of minerals prevents corrosive scale buildup.
- Neutral Taste: Some people prefer its clean, flat taste, especially when used for brewing coffee or tea, as it allows the true flavor to emerge.
Potential Risks
- Mineral Deficiency: As confirmed by an older report from the World Health Organization, prolonged, exclusive reliance on distilled water can contribute to mineral and electrolyte imbalances if not compensated for by a balanced diet. Drinking water contributes to our overall mineral intake, and removing that source can have an impact over time.
- Nutrient Leaching: A persistent, though debated, concern is that mineral-free water can pull minerals from the body to maintain balance, especially with a poor diet. However, the human body primarily gets minerals from food, and this effect is not scientifically proven to be a major health risk for those with a healthy diet.
- Flat Taste: For many, the complete absence of minerals gives distilled water an unappealing flat or bland taste, which could lead to a reduced overall water intake.
- Electrolyte Imbalance: Drinking large amounts of any water can lead to an imbalance, especially after heavy sweating. However, because distilled water lacks electrolytes, it won't help replenish them like tap or sports drinks would.
Distilled Water vs. Other Water Sources
To provide clarity, here is a comparison of distilled water with other common drinking water options.
| Feature | Distilled Water | Tap Water | Filtered Water (e.g., pitcher) | Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purification Method | Boiling and condensation | Municipal treatment (chlorination, filtration) | Carbon or other filters | Membrane filtration |
| Contaminants Removed | Very high (99%+) | Varies, depends on municipality | Good (removes chlorine, some metals) | Very high (99%+) |
| Minerals Removed | Almost all | Minimal, or depends on source | Some, depends on filter type | Most, can be remineralized |
| Taste | Flat, bland | Varies by location | Often improved | Cleaner, but can be flat like distilled |
| Best for Long-Term Drinking | Only with a balanced diet | Generally safe | Often considered a good balance | A strong option, especially with remineralization |
| Energy Cost | High for home distillation | Low, centralized cost | Low (filter replacement) | Moderate |
Important Considerations for Daily Distilled Water Consumption
For most healthy adults, drinking distilled water daily is perfectly safe, but only if you follow a few guidelines to prevent potential mineral deficiencies.
- Maintain a Balanced Diet: This is the most critical factor. Ensure your diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole foods to provide essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Food is the primary source of these nutrients, not water.
- Use Supplements if Necessary: If your diet is inconsistent, you can speak to a healthcare provider about adding a mineral supplement. This can be especially important for athletes or those with specific health conditions.
- Monitor Your Health: Pay attention to any signs of mineral imbalance, such as fatigue, muscle cramps, or weakness. Consult a doctor if you experience these symptoms.
- Avoid During Intense Exercise: If you are sweating heavily, distilled water is not the ideal choice for rehydration, as it does not replace lost electrolytes. Opt for a sports drink or mineral-rich water instead.
Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Distilled Water
In short, can I drink distilled water daily? The answer is a qualified yes. While it offers a very pure form of hydration free from common contaminants, its lack of essential minerals means it should not be your sole source of water unless your diet is consistently rich in mineral-providing foods. For most people, tap water or a remineralized purified water provides a healthier, more balanced option for daily consumption. Consulting a healthcare professional is always wise before making significant changes to your diet, including switching your primary water source.
A report from the World Health Organization has also highlighted potential adverse effects of consuming demineralized water.
