What Is Distilled Water?
Distilled water is a type of purified water created through a process called distillation. This method involves boiling water and collecting the resulting steam. As the steam cools and condenses back into a liquid, it leaves behind nearly all impurities, including minerals, salts, bacteria, and contaminants. The final product is almost 100% pure H₂O, making it a staple in laboratories and medical settings where chemical interactions need to be precise.
The Distillation Process
The process of creating distilled water mimics the Earth's natural water cycle. Water is heated in a boiling chamber, creating vapor. This vapor then travels into a condenser, where it is cooled and returned to its liquid state. Any impurities that have a higher boiling point than water remain in the boiling chamber. For maximum purity, some distillers use an additional carbon filter to trap any remaining volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may have evaporated with the steam.
The Benefits of Drinking Distilled Water
Proponents of drinking distilled water often point to its exceptional purity as a major advantage. In areas with questionable tap water quality, distillation can provide peace of mind by removing a wide array of harmful substances.
List of Contaminants Removed by Distillation
- Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic
- Bacteria, viruses, and other waterborne pathogens
- Chlorine, fluoride, and other chemical additives
- Pesticides and agricultural runoff
- PFAS ('forever chemicals')
Potential Health Uses
- For sensitive individuals: People with compromised immune systems or those at risk of waterborne illnesses may benefit from the exceptional purity of distilled water.
- Detox and cleansing: Some believe that because distilled water is free of minerals, it can more effectively help the body flush out toxins during short-term detox programs. However, this is not a scientifically supported claim for long-term health.
The Risks and Downsides of Distilled Water
Despite its purity, long-term, exclusive reliance on distilled water for hydration is not widely recommended by health professionals due to its lack of minerals.
Does Distilled Water 'Leach' Minerals from Your Body?
A common myth is that distilled water, due to its mineral-free state, actively 'leaches' minerals from your bones and teeth. This is not scientifically accurate. While distilled water is 'hungry' for minerals, it will absorb them from your diet and body fluids, not by dissolving your bones. The real risk is a potential electrolyte imbalance over time, especially if a person's diet is also low in minerals. Electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and chloride are crucial for nerve and muscle function, and an imbalance can lead to fatigue, headaches, or cramps.
List of Potential Risks
- Poor taste: Many people find the flat, neutral taste of distilled water unappealing, which could lead to reduced water intake.
- Electrolyte imbalance: Sustained consumption can disrupt the balance of electrolytes in the body, particularly if mineral intake from food is inadequate.
- Nutrient deficiency: For those with a poor diet, drinking water stripped of minerals like calcium and magnesium could contribute to nutrient deficiencies over the long run.
Distilled Water vs. Other Types of Water
To better understand how distilled water stacks up, here is a comparison with other common water types.
| Feature | Distilled Water | Spring Water | Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral Content | Virtually none (removed by process) | Contains natural, healthy minerals | Mostly removed, but some systems remineralize |
| Purity | Highest purity, removes almost all contaminants | High, but varies by natural source | High, removes most contaminants but may miss VOCs |
| Taste | Often described as bland or flat | Crisp, refreshing taste from minerals | Can have a neutral taste, but remineralized versions are more flavorful |
| Recommended Use | Short-term drinking, medical equipment (CPAP), appliances | Everyday hydration and mineral intake | Everyday drinking, often with added minerals |
Who Should Drink Distilled Water?
While not the best choice for everyday hydration for most, distilled water has specific uses where its purity is beneficial.
Specific Use Cases
- Medical equipment: Distilled water is the standard for CPAP machines and autoclaves to prevent mineral buildup.
- Appliances: Using it in steam irons or humidifiers prevents limescale deposits and prolongs the life of the appliance.
- Medical needs: Individuals with specific medical conditions requiring a controlled mineral intake may be advised by a doctor to use distilled water.
- Areas with contamination: If your tap water is compromised by pollutants or chemicals, short-term use of distilled water can be a safe alternative while you find a long-term solution.
The Verdict: Is Drinking Distilled Water Good for Health?
For the average person with a balanced diet, drinking distilled water is generally safe but offers no additional health benefits over regular tap or filtered water. The minerals it removes from your water source are largely obtained through food anyway. For daily hydration, most people are better served by drinking mineral-rich spring water or using a filter that retains beneficial minerals. If you choose to drink distilled water regularly, be sure to maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables to compensate for the lack of minerals in the water. Consulting a healthcare professional can help you determine the best approach for your specific dietary and health needs. For those needing maximum purity for special applications, distilled water is unparalleled, but its long-term use for daily hydration should be approached with an understanding of its limitations.
Considerations for Water Choice
Choosing the right water source depends on several factors, including local water quality, personal preference, and health status. Always be mindful of your overall dietary mineral intake when making your decision.
A Summary of Pros and Cons
Pros of Distilled Water:
- Effectively removes heavy metals, bacteria, and contaminants.
- Ideal for medical and household equipment.
- Offers a taste-neutral profile for sensitive palates or for use in beverages where a pure flavor is desired.
Cons of Distilled Water:
- Contains no essential minerals like calcium and magnesium.
- May lead to a flat or unappealing taste.
- Long-term, exclusive consumption could contribute to mineral deficiencies if diet is poor.
For most healthy individuals, the potential risks of relying solely on distilled water outweigh the perceived benefits of its extreme purity. A well-rounded diet is the best source of minerals, and most common drinking water sources contain enough trace minerals to contribute positively to health without the downsides of demineralized water. For those with specific health concerns, a discussion with a healthcare provider is recommended before making a final decision. Read more from Healthline about the safety of drinking distilled water.
