What Exactly Is Distilled Water?
Distilled water is a type of purified water created by boiling water into steam and then re-condensing the vapor back into liquid. This process leaves behind virtually all impurities, including minerals, salts, and microorganisms. What remains is exceptionally pure H₂O. Unlike tap or mineral water, which contain dissolved solids that contribute to taste and mineral intake, distilled water is devoid of these substances. This purity is why it is often used for specific industrial, medical, and household applications, such as in CPAP machines, steam irons, and laboratories, to prevent mineral buildup.
The Role of Minerals in Your Body
Natural drinking water contains trace amounts of essential minerals and electrolytes like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. While our primary source of these nutrients is our diet, water can supplement this intake. For instance, calcium and magnesium are vital for bone health, nerve function, and heart regulation. The complete absence of these compounds in distilled water is the central point of discussion regarding its long-term consumption.
Potential Negative Effects on Your Body
Exclusive reliance on distilled water can have several potential downsides, particularly if not balanced with a mineral-rich diet.
Electrolyte Imbalance and Dehydration Risks
Consuming distilled water, which lacks electrolytes like sodium and potassium, can disrupt the body's delicate electrolyte balance. Your body uses electrolytes to regulate fluid distribution, and their depletion can lead to health issues. A World Health Organization study reviewed experiments showing that demineralized water consumption could increase urine output (diuresis), leading to a loss of electrolytes. This can be especially risky for athletes or individuals who sweat excessively, as they lose electrolytes and will not replenish them through distilled water. Severe imbalance can cause:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Muscle cramps and spasms
- Dizziness or headaches
- In rare, extreme cases, organ failure
Mineral Deficiency Concerns
While it is a misconception that distilled water actively 'leaches' minerals from your body, relying on it exclusively means missing out on the small but potentially significant mineral intake from other water sources. If your diet is already low in essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, long-term drinking of distilled water could contribute to a deficiency, impacting bone density and other bodily functions.
Flat Taste and Reduced Hydration
Many people find the taste of distilled water to be flat and unappealing because the minerals that give water its characteristic flavor have been removed. This poor taste may lead to a reduced overall water intake, which in turn could lead to dehydration.
Debunking the "Leaching Minerals" Myth
One of the most persistent myths is that distilled water pulls minerals directly from your bones and teeth. This is scientifically inaccurate. Your body's homeostatic mechanisms are far more complex and do not operate in such a simple magnetic fashion. The human body is designed to obtain minerals primarily from a balanced diet of foods, not from drinking water.
Advantages of Using Distilled Water
Despite the risks of exclusive, long-term consumption, distilled water offers notable benefits due to its high purity.
Exceptional Purity for Specific Needs
Distilled water's mineral-free quality makes it essential for certain applications. For instance, in CPAP machines, humidifiers, and steam irons, it prevents the mineral deposits (scaling) that can damage equipment over time. In medical settings, it is used for sterilizing equipment and cleaning wounds.
Removal of Harmful Contaminants
The distillation process is highly effective at removing a wide array of contaminants that can be found in tap water, including:
- Bacteria and viruses
- Heavy metals (e.g., lead, arsenic)
- Pesticides
- Chemicals like chlorine and fluoride
- Emerging contaminants like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)
In areas with known water quality concerns or for people with compromised immune systems, the purity of distilled water can be a significant advantage.
Distilled Water vs. Other Water Types
| Feature | Distilled Water | Tap Water | Spring Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral Content | Virtually none. | Varies greatly by region; contains minerals like calcium and magnesium. | Contains naturally occurring minerals absorbed from the earth. |
| Purity | Highest level of purity from contaminants like bacteria, heavy metals, and chemicals. | Can contain trace amounts of chemicals and contaminants, though usually regulated for safety. | Filters naturally through rock, but may still contain some contaminants depending on the source. |
| Taste | Flat and bland due to the removal of all dissolved solids. | Varies by location; flavor is affected by mineral content and treatment chemicals. | Often described as crisp and clean due to its natural mineral profile. |
| Primary Use | Medical equipment, appliances, temporary hydration. | Everyday drinking, cooking, and washing. | Everyday drinking, valued for taste and mineral content. |
| Best For | Preventing scale buildup and for high-purity applications. | General consumption in areas with safe water systems. | Those seeking natural minerals and a better-tasting alternative. |
Conclusion
What will distilled water do to your body is a question with a nuanced answer. In the short term and for healthy individuals who maintain a balanced diet, drinking distilled water is generally safe and effective for hydration. Its high purity makes it ideal for specific medical, industrial, and household uses. However, long-term, exclusive consumption is not recommended because its mineral-free nature can lead to electrolyte imbalances and potential mineral deficiencies over time, especially without adequate dietary intake. For daily hydration, most people are better served by tap, purified, or spring water, which provide trace minerals beneficial to overall health. The decision ultimately depends on your individual needs, diet, and water quality concerns. When in doubt, consult a healthcare professional. For additional guidance on hydration and electrolyte balance, a reliable source can be found at the World Health Organization (WHO) website for information on water quality: https://www.who.int/topics/drinking_water_quality/en/.
