What is Distilled Water?
Distilled water is water that has been purified through distillation, a process that involves boiling water and then condensing the collected steam back into a liquid. This process is highly effective at removing impurities, salts, minerals, and contaminants, resulting in exceptionally pure H₂O. For this reason, distilled water is often used in medical facilities, laboratories, and in appliances like CPAP machines and steam irons where mineral-free water is essential to prevent mineral buildup and corrosion.
The Purity of Distilled Water
From a purity perspective, distilled water is often considered the cleanest form of water because it is virtually free of dissolved solids. The boiling and evaporation process leaves behind inorganic minerals, metals, bacteria, and other contaminants that are present in the source water. This can be a major benefit for individuals concerned about potential pollutants in their local tap water supply, such as lead, pesticides, or emerging contaminants like PFAS, which are effectively removed by distillation.
Potential Health Benefits
While the primary benefit is purity, some proponents suggest that the lack of minerals may have positive effects, although scientific backing is limited.
- Detoxification: Some believe the 'empty' nature of distilled water can help the body flush out toxins, though the body already has efficient detox systems.
- Prevents Mineral Deposits: The absence of minerals means distilled water won't contribute to mineral buildups like kidney stones, which are hard deposits of minerals.
- Taste Neutrality: For coffee or tea connoisseurs, the neutral taste of distilled water allows the true flavor of the beverage to shine through without interference from minerals.
Risks of Drinking Distilled Water Long Term
While safe for short-term use, the long-term consumption of exclusively distilled water raises several health concerns primarily due to the absence of minerals.
- Mineral Deficiencies: Distilled water is stripped of essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are important for bone health, muscle function, and nerve transmission. While most of these are obtained from food, water provides a small but regular supplement. Over time, relying solely on distilled water could, in some cases, contribute to deficiencies if one's diet is not perfectly balanced.
- Electrolyte Imbalance: The electrolytes in water help regulate your body's fluid balance. When you sweat, you lose electrolytes. Drinking only mineral-free water to rehydrate can create an electrolyte imbalance, which is especially important for athletes or those who sweat heavily.
- Poor Taste and Reduced Intake: Many people describe the taste of distilled water as flat or bland, a result of the missing minerals that provide flavor to tap water. This may lead some individuals to drink less water, potentially hindering adequate hydration.
Dispelling the 'Leaching' Myth
A common misconception is that distilled water actively 'leaches' or pulls minerals from the body's tissues, teeth, and bones. While distilled water is 'hungry' and will absorb minerals from whatever it contacts, it does not actively and aggressively draw minerals from your living tissues. The body is homeostatic and works to maintain a balance, primarily sourcing minerals from food. As long as a balanced diet is maintained, the risk of significant mineral loss is low for most healthy individuals.
Comparison: Distilled vs. Other Water Types
To help understand the place of distilled water, here is a comparison with other common water types.
| Feature | Distilled Water | Tap Water | Filtered Water | Spring Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purity Level | Extremely high (leaves almost all impurities behind) | Varies by location, regulated by EPA in the US | Removes specified contaminants (e.g., chlorine, sediment) | Varies based on natural source |
| Mineral Content | Almost zero | Contains varying levels of minerals | Contains beneficial minerals | Contains natural minerals |
| Taste | Flat or bland | Varies by location, can contain chemical tastes | Clean and fresh | Fresh, often preferred |
| Best For | Medical devices, appliances, short-term detox | Daily drinking (in safe areas) | Daily drinking, cooking | Drinking, enjoyed for taste |
How to Supplement Your Diet
If you choose to drink distilled water regularly, it is crucial to ensure you are getting enough minerals from other sources. Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts, all of which are excellent sources of essential minerals. A high-quality multi-mineral supplement can also help fill any nutritional gaps.
Conclusion
So, is it safe to drink distilled water long term? The consensus is that while drinking distilled water for a long time will not necessarily cause harm for healthy individuals with a balanced diet, it is not the most optimal choice for regular, long-term hydration. The key takeaway is that the body needs minerals, and for many people, tap or filtered water provides a safe and easy source of these nutrients alongside a healthy diet. If you have specific health concerns or are on a special diet, consulting a healthcare professional is the best course of action before making the switch.
Learn more about water purification methods and safety guidelines at this trusted source: Healthline: Can You Drink Distilled Water?.
