What is Distilled Water?
Distilled water is a type of purified water created by a process of distillation. The process involves boiling water to produce steam, which then rises and leaves behind solid impurities, contaminants, and dissolved minerals. The steam is then captured and cooled, causing it to condense back into a liquid state in a separate, clean container. The resulting water is nearly 100% H₂O, making it one of the purest forms of water available.
Is it Safe to Drink Distilled Water?
For most healthy individuals, drinking distilled water in moderation is generally considered safe. Its primary safety advantage is its purity; distillation is highly effective at removing harmful pathogens, heavy metals like lead, and other chemical contaminants. This makes it a reliable option where tap water quality is questionable, or for individuals with compromised immune systems who need to avoid even trace contaminants.
However, the safety of consuming distilled water regularly or exclusively depends heavily on your diet and overall health. Since the distillation process removes all minerals, it does not contribute to your daily mineral intake, which can lead to complications if not properly managed through other sources.
Potential Risks and Drawbacks of Drinking Distilled Water
While distilled water is technically safe, its lack of minerals leads to several significant considerations for regular consumption:
- Mineral Deficiency: The most prominent risk is the potential for mineral deficiency. The World Health Organization (WHO) noted in a 2005 report that low-mineral water consumption could impact metabolic function and electrolyte balance. While drinking water is a minor source of minerals compared to food, it can still contribute to overall intake. If a diet is already deficient, relying solely on distilled water could exacerbate the problem.
- Electrolyte Imbalance: The absence of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium means distilled water cannot replenish the minerals lost through sweat and urination. For athletes or people who sweat heavily, this could lead to electrolyte imbalances, causing symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or muscle cramps.
- Flat, Unappealing Taste: The minerals in tap and spring water give them their distinct flavor. With these removed, distilled water has a neutral, bland taste that some find unappealing. This can potentially lead to reduced water intake, increasing the risk of dehydration.
- The Leaching Myth: A common misconception is that distilled water actively 'leaches' minerals from your bones or body. This is largely a myth. The human body has sophisticated mechanisms to regulate its blood pH and mineral levels. The issue isn't active 'leaching' but rather the lack of mineral intake from the water, which requires compensation from a balanced diet.
Benefits and Practical Applications of Distilled Water
Despite the drawbacks for regular drinking, distilled water offers a number of important benefits and uses:
- Medical Equipment: Recommended for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines and sterilizers. The mineral-free nature prevents the mineral buildup (scale) that can damage the equipment and affect its function.
- Household Appliances: Using it in steam irons, humidifiers, and car cooling systems prevents scale buildup, which extends the lifespan of the appliance.
- Laboratory and Industrial Use: Its high purity makes it essential for various scientific, medical, and industrial applications where mineral-free water is required to ensure accurate results.
- Special Health Needs: In certain cases, such as when preparing baby formula or for individuals on extremely low-sodium diets, distilled water may be recommended by a healthcare provider.
Comparison: Distilled vs. Other Water Types
Here is a quick overview contrasting distilled water with common drinking water types:
| Feature | Distilled Water | Tap Water | Spring Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral Content | Virtually none | Varies significantly; contains some beneficial minerals | Contains naturally occurring minerals |
| Purity | Extremely high; removes most contaminants | Variable; regulated by EPA but may contain trace contaminants | Generally pure, naturally filtered; quality depends on source |
| Taste | Flat and neutral | Variable taste due to minerals and treatment | Often described as crisp or fresh |
| Best for | Appliances, labs, specific medical uses | Everyday drinking for most people in regulated areas | Daily drinking, enjoying natural mineral taste |
| Consideration | Compensate for mineral loss via diet; not for exclusive use | Check local water quality reports | Source quality and sustainability |
How to Drink Distilled Water Safely
If you choose to drink distilled water, especially long-term, it's crucial to compensate for the missing minerals. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is the best way to ensure you are getting adequate electrolytes. In some instances, a healthcare professional might suggest a mineral supplement to ensure proper intake. It is also common to mix distilled water with other mineralized water types, or add an electrolyte supplement, especially after strenuous exercise.
Conclusion: The Bottom Line
Drinking distilled water is not inherently dangerous for most healthy people and offers the significant benefit of exceptional purity. For short-term use, or when tap water quality is poor, it can be a safe and clean hydration option. However, relying on it as your sole source of hydration over the long term is not recommended due to the complete absence of essential minerals and electrolytes. For healthy, everyday hydration, most experts favor mineralized water, such as tap or spring water, provided its quality is regulated and reliable. The key is to be mindful of your overall mineral intake from all sources, ensuring your diet compensates for what distilled water lacks. For further context on the health implications of mineral intake, the World Health Organization offers an authoritative look at the issue.
