What is Distilled Water and How is it Made?
Distillation is a water purification method that involves boiling water and collecting the resulting steam. The steam then condenses back into a liquid form, leaving behind virtually all impurities, including minerals, salts, and contaminants. This process yields a product that is extremely pure and free from bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and most chemicals.
Historically, distillation has been used for industrial and laboratory purposes where pure water is essential to prevent reactions and contamination. It is also widely used in medical settings, such as for sterilizing equipment and in CPAP machines, where mineral buildup could cause damage. Its use for regular drinking, however, is a more recent and debated phenomenon.
The Pros and Cons of Drinking Distilled Water
While distilled water’s purity is its biggest asset, this same characteristic is the source of its primary drawback for human consumption.
Potential Benefits
- High Purity: By removing nearly all dissolved solids, distillation provides a level of purity that protects against bacteria, viruses, and contaminants found in some water sources. This can be particularly beneficial in areas with compromised water supplies.
- Reduced Chemical Exposure: Distillation eliminates chlorine and fluoride, which are often added to municipal tap water. Some people prefer to avoid these additives, and distilled water provides a way to do so.
- Safe for Specific Health Conditions: For individuals with compromised immune systems or those on low-sodium diets, distilled water can be a safer option due to its lack of impurities and minerals.
Potential Drawbacks
- Lack of Essential Minerals: Distillation removes beneficial minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are important for bodily functions. For example, calcium is vital for bone health, and magnesium is crucial for over 300 biochemical reactions.
- Potential for Mineral Deficiency: While a balanced diet is the primary source of minerals, long-term, exclusive consumption of mineral-deficient distilled water may lead to deficiencies if not properly compensated for. The World Health Organization (WHO) has noted potential health risks associated with drinking water low in calcium and magnesium.
- Flat, Bland Taste: Many people find the taste of distilled water unappealing because the minerals that give water its familiar flavor have been removed.
- Not Ideal for Rehydration: Water containing electrolytes, like spring or mineral water, is more effective for rehydration, especially after significant fluid loss from sweating. Distilled water cannot replenish lost electrolytes.
Comparing Distilled Water to Other Types
To put distilled water in perspective, let’s compare it to other common water options available for consumption.
| Feature | Distilled Water | Spring Water | Purified (Reverse Osmosis) Water | Tap Water (Municipal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purity Level | Extremely high (near 100%). Removes virtually all dissolved solids and contaminants. | Filtered naturally. Contains minerals but is generally protected from contaminants. | High purity. Removes most contaminants but can retain some minerals, or have them re-added. | Varies by location. Treated and monitored, but can contain trace minerals and contaminants. |
| Mineral Content | Virtually none. | Contains natural minerals like calcium and magnesium. | Can be low in minerals, but often has some remaining or added back. | Varies greatly based on local source. Can contribute small amounts of minerals. |
| Taste | Flat and bland due to lack of minerals. | Typically described as crisp and refreshing. | Can have a balanced, clean taste, often enhanced by re-added minerals. | Taste varies with source and treatment; can have a chlorine flavor. |
| Best for | Medical equipment, laboratory use, humidifiers. | Everyday drinking and cooking. | Everyday drinking, especially where tap water quality is a concern. | Everyday use if local water quality is high. |
Considerations for Long-Term Drinking
For most healthy individuals, drinking distilled water occasionally is not harmful, particularly if their diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, and other mineral-rich foods. However, relying exclusively on distilled water over extended periods requires careful attention to nutritional intake to avoid deficiencies. Groups with increased risks from drinking only distilled water include:
- Infants and Children: Growing children need essential minerals for proper bone and brain development. Distilled water should not be used in infant formula without first consulting a pediatrician.
- Athletes: Intense physical activity leads to a loss of electrolytes through sweat. Drinking only distilled water, which lacks electrolytes, can worsen an imbalance and impair rehydration.
- Individuals with Pre-existing Conditions: People with certain health issues, such as chronic kidney disease or malabsorption syndromes, are particularly vulnerable to electrolyte imbalances and should avoid exclusive consumption of distilled water.
- Those with a Poor Diet: If your diet is already low in minerals, drinking only distilled water will further exacerbate the risk of deficiencies.
The Final Verdict: Is Purity Everything?
While the unparalleled purity of distilled water makes it excellent for specific applications where mineral-free water is a requirement, it is not necessarily the healthiest choice for regular human hydration. For most people, the trace amounts of minerals found in spring water, or purified water (like Reverse Osmosis) with minerals added back, provide a more balanced and beneficial option. The ideal choice depends on your specific health needs, the quality of your local water supply, and your overall diet.
Ultimately, the concept of "healthiest water" isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. For daily consumption, water that is safe from contaminants while also providing or retaining some beneficial minerals is often the superior choice for supporting optimal hydration and bodily functions. Everyday Health offers additional insights into comparing water types.
Conclusion
While offering the highest level of purity by removing all contaminants, distilled water’s complete lack of minerals makes it a less-than-ideal choice for exclusive, long-term drinking. The healthiest approach for most individuals is to consume water that is free from harmful pollutants but retains beneficial minerals, like spring or well-filtered purified water. For those who choose distilled water, a nutrient-dense diet is essential to compensate for the missing minerals and maintain proper electrolyte balance.
Note: This article provides general information and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional regarding specific health concerns or dietary changes.
