Deionized (DI) water, also known as demineralized water, is water that has had its mineral ions, such as calcium, magnesium, and sodium, removed through an ion-exchange process. This creates a highly pure solvent ideal for industrial, laboratory, and manufacturing applications, but it is not intended for regular human consumption due to several health risks. When considering what deionized water does to your body, the key takeaway is that its "purity" for industrial use does not equate to nutritional safety for humans.
The Aggressive Nature of Deionized Water
Deionized water is often called "hungry water" because its lack of ions makes it an aggressive solvent. When it enters the body, it actively seeks to re-balance itself by absorbing minerals and ions from its surroundings, including your internal tissues and organs. This aggressive nature is the root cause of many of the health problems associated with drinking deionized water.
How Mineral Leaching Occurs Internally
When consumed, deionized water's aggressive nature can have several negative effects on your body's mineral balance.
- Calcium and Magnesium Depletion: The water can leach essential minerals like calcium and magnesium from your body's tissues. Your body relies on these minerals for vital functions, including bone health, heart rhythm, and muscle contraction.
- Electrolyte Imbalance: The leaching of minerals can lead to an electrolyte imbalance. Electrolytes are crucial for proper nerve function and fluid balance. An imbalance can result in a number of health issues, ranging from mild discomfort to more serious conditions.
- Impact on Metabolism: Studies have shown that consuming low-mineral water can interfere with the body's homeostasis mechanisms, which govern water and mineral metabolism.
No Microbial Protection
Contrary to a common misconception, the deionization process does not remove pathogens like bacteria and viruses. This is because deionization only targets charged mineral ions, leaving uncharged organic compounds and microorganisms in the water. This can be a significant health risk, especially if the deionized water is sourced from an untreated or compromised water supply. For potable water, a multi-stage filtration process that includes methods like reverse osmosis and UV sterilization is necessary to ensure microbial safety.
Leaching of Toxic Metals
Another serious risk is deionized water's corrosive nature. Because it lacks mineral ions, it becomes highly aggressive and will leach toxic metals, such as lead and copper, from plumbing and storage containers. This can lead to increased dietary intake of these harmful metals, which can cause a range of adverse health effects.
Deionized Water vs. Mineralized Water
| Feature | Deionized (DI) Water | Mineralized/Tap Water | Consequences for the Body |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral Content | Virtually zero. | Contains essential minerals (calcium, magnesium, etc.). | Lack of minerals can lead to nutrient deficiencies. |
| Effect on Body | Aggressively leaches minerals and ions from tissues. | Provides a source of supplemental minerals and supports hydration. | Leaching of minerals can cause electrolyte imbalance and metabolic issues. |
| Taste | Flat or bland taste due to lack of minerals. | Flavor profile influenced by mineral content. | Poor taste may reduce thirst-quenching satisfaction. |
| Microbial Content | Uncharged contaminants like bacteria and viruses are NOT removed. | Typically disinfected to remove harmful pathogens. | Potential risk of consuming harmful microorganisms. |
| Corrosiveness | Highly corrosive; leaches metals from pipes. | Less corrosive due to mineral content, which stabilizes the water. | Increases exposure to toxic metals like lead. |
| Best Use | Industrial, laboratory, and manufacturing applications. | Potable drinking water. | Confusing uses can lead to serious health problems. |
Risks vs. Misguided Health Claims
Some fringe health proponents have suggested using deionized water for short-term detox programs. However, this is not supported by mainstream medical consensus and should only be undertaken under the strict supervision of a healthcare professional due to the significant risks involved. The potential for mineral depletion and electrolyte imbalance far outweighs any unsubstantiated detoxification benefits for the average person. Drinking deionized water long-term is a clear health risk and should be avoided.
Conclusion
In summary, understanding what deionized water does to your body reveals a clear distinction between industrial utility and human consumption. While its high purity is valuable for specific applications like laboratory experiments and manufacturing, it is fundamentally unsuitable for drinking water. Its lack of essential minerals, corrosive nature, and inability to remove microbial contaminants pose serious health risks, including nutrient deficiencies, electrolyte imbalance, and exposure to toxic metals leached from containers and plumbing. For safe and healthy drinking water, it is far better to rely on tap water (which is regulated for safety) or water treated by proven filtration methods like reverse osmosis that also include re-mineralization.
Authoritative Resource
For further information on the health effects of demineralized water, consult the World Health Organization's comprehensive report: https://aguaenmexico.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/WHO-HEALTH-RISKS-FROM-DRINKING-DEMINERALISED-WATER.pdf.
