What Exactly Is Distilled Steam Water?
Distilled water is created through a simple yet highly effective purification process: boiling and condensation. The source water is heated to its boiling point, turning it into steam, or water vapor. This vapor rises, leaving behind impurities like minerals, bacteria, viruses, pesticides, and other contaminants that have higher boiling points. The purified steam is then collected and cooled, condensing back into a liquid state that is almost pure H2O.
The Short-Term and Long-Term Effects on Your Body
Short-term consumption
For short-term use, drinking distilled water is generally considered safe for healthy individuals who get enough minerals from a balanced diet. It can be a good option if your local tap water quality is questionable, especially during a boil water advisory, because it is free of waterborne pathogens. The primary drawback for most people is the flat, tasteless flavor, which can be unappealing and may lead to reduced water intake.
Long-term consumption and potential risks
Extended, exclusive consumption of distilled water, however, carries potential risks primarily due to the lack of essential minerals. Your body needs electrolytes like calcium, magnesium, and potassium for vital functions, and water is a contributing source of these nutrients. A diet-related mineral deficiency can be compounded by drinking only demineralized water, as this "hungry water" can potentially leach minerals from the body to achieve balance.
- Mineral Deficiency: Long-term drinking of distilled water is associated with a higher risk of deficiencies in essential minerals. The World Health Organization (WHO) has noted potential adverse health effects from drinking demineralized water, including potential impacts on metabolism and electrolyte balance.
- Electrolyte Imbalance: Electrolytes are crucial for proper hydration and nerve function. A severe electrolyte imbalance from drinking water without minerals can lead to symptoms like headaches, fatigue, muscle cramps, and weakness.
- Digestive Issues: Some reports suggest demineralized water can negatively impact metabolic function and increase urine output, potentially leading to electrolyte imbalances. Cooking with distilled water has also been shown to leach minerals from food.
Distilled vs. Other Water Types
| Feature | Distilled Water | Purified Water | Spring Water | Tap Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Produced by boiling and condensing steam from a water source. | Comes from various sources and is treated by methods like distillation, reverse osmosis, or deionization. | Collected directly from a natural, underground spring. | Supplied by municipal systems from a local source. |
| Mineral Content | Almost entirely free of minerals and dissolved solids. | May retain some beneficial minerals, depending on the purification method and whether minerals are added back. | Contains naturally occurring minerals, but content varies by source. | Contains minerals and can have added chemicals like chlorine and fluoride. |
| Taste | Flat and bland due to the absence of minerals. | Varies based on the treatment process and mineral content. | Often has a crisp, refreshing taste from its mineral content. | Taste can vary greatly depending on the source and treatment. |
| Purity | Extremely high, removing nearly all contaminants. | High purity, with contaminant levels falling below specific thresholds (e.g., 10 ppm TDS). | High quality, but requires minimal processing. | Generally safe and regulated by EPA, but can contain trace contaminants. |
| Recommended Use | Occasional drinking, medical equipment (CPAP), irons. | Everyday drinking water. | Everyday drinking water. | Everyday drinking water (in most regulated areas). |
Using Distilled Water Responsibly
If you choose to drink distilled water, it's important to do so responsibly. Medical professionals often advise against relying on it as your sole source of hydration for long periods, especially if your diet is low in fruits, vegetables, and other mineral-rich foods. For cooking, distilled water can be useful to prevent mineral buildup in cookware and to preserve the flavor of certain dishes. However, it may leach minerals from your food during cooking. For rehydration after intense exercise or illness, electrolyte-rich sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions are a better choice than distilled water.
Conclusion
Yes, you can drink distilled steam water, and it is safe for short-term consumption. It is one of the purest forms of water available, effectively removing harmful bacteria, viruses, and contaminants. However, the process also strips water of beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium, giving it a flat taste and posing potential risks with long-term, exclusive use. A balanced diet is key to mitigating mineral deficiencies. For most people, mineral-rich alternatives like purified or spring water are more beneficial for everyday hydration.
Authoritative Source
For information on the health effects of demineralized drinking water, consult studies from the World Health Organization (WHO), a primary resource for guidance on this topic.
What about collecting steam from dehumidifiers or air conditioners?
While a dehumidifier uses a process similar to distillation by condensing moisture from the air, the resulting water is not safe to drink. The internal components and collection tanks can harbor bacteria, dust, and other contaminants that would not be safe for human consumption without further purification.
Is there a way to make distilled water more palatable?
Yes, some people add a pinch of high-quality salt or mineral drops to distilled water to improve its taste and add back some minerals. This can make it more palatable for those who dislike the flat flavor.
Does boiling tap water produce distilled water?
Boiling water and collecting the steam is the distillation process. However, simply boiling water in a pot kills most pathogens but does not remove contaminants like heavy metals, nitrates, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In fact, boiling can concentrate these heat-resistant substances.
Is distilled water good for detoxing the body?
No, the idea that distilled water can detox the body is a myth. The body naturally detoxes itself through organs like the liver and kidneys. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that drinking mineral-free water offers special detoxifying benefits.
Is it safe for babies to drink distilled water?
Consult a pediatrician before giving distilled water to infants. While sometimes used for mixing baby formula to avoid excessive fluoride, it's not sterile and lacks minerals babies need. For infants under four months, boiled and cooled tap water is often recommended for formula preparation to ensure sterilization.
Can distilled water cause teeth to decay?
Long-term consumption of distilled water, which lacks minerals like calcium, could potentially have a negative impact on tooth enamel, as the water may pull minerals from the teeth to balance its composition. However, this is primarily a concern with long-term, exclusive consumption combined with a poor diet.
Is distilled water more hydrating than regular water?
No, distilled water is not more hydrating than regular water. The presence of electrolytes and minerals in regular water helps the body absorb water more efficiently. Drinking large quantities of demineralized water can even lead to electrolyte imbalances.
