Nutrition Diet: Why do we not use distilled water for drinking?

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

The distillation process removes more than 99.9% of minerals, leaving water with a flat taste and stripped of vital nutrients. This is the fundamental reason why we do not use distilled water for drinking as a primary source of hydration in a healthy diet.

Quick Summary

The distillation process purifies water but removes essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can lead to deficiencies, electrolyte imbalance, and a bland taste if consumed regularly.

Key Points

Mineral Stripping: The distillation process removes all beneficial minerals and electrolytes, including calcium and magnesium.
Health Risks: Regular consumption can lead to mineral deficiencies, electrolyte imbalances, and potentially weaken bones and teeth.
Poor Hydration: Distilled water's flat taste may discourage adequate water intake, compromising proper hydration.
Non-Drinking Uses: Distilled water is highly valuable for applications where mineral buildup is undesirable, such as in appliances and medical equipment.
Safest Alternative: For daily consumption, filtered tap water or mineral water is a superior choice, providing both hydration and essential nutrients.
Remineralization Option: It is possible to add minerals back to distilled water, but it's generally unnecessary for those with access to other clean water sources.

The Core Issue: Mineral Deficiency

At its most basic, distilled water is pure $H_2O$. The distillation process involves boiling water and collecting the steam, which is then condensed back into liquid form. While this effectively removes harmful contaminants, bacteria, and viruses, it also strips away all beneficial minerals and electrolytes. Our bodies rely on these minerals for a wide range of functions, and their absence is the primary reason why distilled water is not recommended for regular consumption.

The Aggressive Nature of Demineralized Water

Mineral-depleted water is often described as "aggressive" because of its tendency to absorb minerals from its surroundings to achieve a natural balance. When you drink distilled water, it can pull minerals from your body's tissues and cells to compensate, potentially leaching important nutrients from your bones and teeth over the long term. The World Health Organization (WHO) has noted that drinking demineralized water may disrupt the body's internal water distribution and compromise vital organ function.

Potential Health Risks of Relying Solely on Distilled Water

While consuming distilled water occasionally is unlikely to cause harm, relying on it exclusively for hydration can lead to several health issues:

Electrolyte Imbalance: Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium are critical for regulating nerve and muscle function, hydration, and blood pressure. Without these minerals in your water, especially during periods of heavy sweating, you risk throwing your body's electrolyte balance out of whack.
Mineral Deficiencies: Long-term intake of demineralized water can contribute to deficiencies in essential minerals, particularly if your diet is not perfectly balanced. Some studies have linked low intake of calcium and magnesium in water to potential increases in heart disease risk, though more research is needed to confirm this. Signs of such deficiencies can include fatigue, headaches, and muscle cramps.
Poor Hydration Response: The bland, flat taste of distilled water, caused by the lack of dissolved minerals, can be unappealing to many people. This may lead to a reduced desire to drink enough water, ultimately hindering proper hydration.

Comparison: Distilled Water vs. Regular Drinking Water


Feature	Distilled Water	Regular Drinking Water (Tap/Mineral)
Mineral Content	Virtually zero essential minerals and electrolytes	Contains varying amounts of beneficial minerals (calcium, magnesium, etc.)
Taste	Flat and bland due to lack of minerals and gases	More palatable, with taste influenced by mineral content
Purity	Removes nearly all contaminants, bacteria, and minerals	Public tap water is regulated but may contain trace contaminants; bottled mineral water may undergo light processing
Health Impact	Safe occasionally, but long-term, exclusive use risks mineral deficiency	Supplies essential minerals that support bodily functions
Common Uses	Medical equipment (CPAP), laboratories, irons, car batteries	General drinking, cooking, and daily hydration

What are the appropriate uses for distilled water?

While not ideal for regular drinking, distilled water is highly useful in many applications where mineral-free water is essential to prevent scale buildup or interference with chemical reactions. Examples include:

Household appliances: Steam irons, humidifiers, and car cooling systems benefit from distilled water as it prevents the mineral deposits (scale) that can cause damage over time.
Medical and laboratory settings: Its high purity makes it ideal for sterilizing equipment, mixing reagents, and in devices like CPAP machines.
Industrial processes: Used in high-pressure boilers and certain manufacturing processes to prevent corrosion and mineral crust formation.

What should you drink instead?

For daily hydration, most people can rely on municipally treated tap water, which is regulated for safety and often contains beneficial minerals. If you have concerns about your tap water quality, a high-quality filter or a reverse osmosis (RO) system can remove contaminants. Many RO systems even add back essential minerals to improve taste and nutritional value. Bottled mineral water is another excellent option for boosting your mineral intake.

Can you make distilled water safe to drink?

Yes, it is possible to remineralize distilled water. For example, adding a pinch of Celtic salt or specific mineral drops can replenish lost nutrients. However, for most individuals, simply drinking mineral-rich water from other sources is a much simpler and more effective approach.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while distilled water is exceptionally pure and useful for specific purposes, its lack of essential minerals and electrolytes makes it an unsuitable choice for regular drinking and long-term hydration. For a healthy diet, opting for tap, filtered, or mineral water ensures your body receives the vital nutrients it needs to function optimally. Occasional consumption poses little risk, especially if a balanced diet is maintained, but relying on it solely is a nutritional misstep best avoided.

Visit Healthline for more detailed comparisons between different water types.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, drinking distilled water occasionally is not harmful, especially if you have a balanced diet that provides sufficient minerals. Short-term consumption is generally safe.

Yes, distilled water has a flat, bland taste compared to tap water. This is because the distillation process removes all minerals and dissolved gases, which contribute to water's flavor.

There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that distilled water detoxifies the body. The body has its own natural detoxification processes through organs like the liver and kidneys.

Distilled water is a type of purified water, but not all purified water is distilled. Other methods like reverse osmosis and deionization also produce purified water, and some retain or add back beneficial minerals.

Yes, you can use distilled water for cooking. However, using it might reduce the mineral content of the food you cook, as minerals can leach out during the process.

If you rely solely on distilled water for an extended period, you risk developing mineral deficiencies and electrolyte imbalances, potentially leading to symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and muscle cramps.

To ensure you get minerals from your water, you can choose tap water, mineral water, or a purified water system that remineralizes the water. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables is also crucial.