What Is Distilled Water?
Distilled water is a type of purified water that has been processed to remove nearly all impurities and dissolved minerals. The distillation process involves boiling water into steam, then collecting and condensing the steam back into liquid form. The boiling leaves behind solid impurities, minerals, and salts, resulting in exceptionally pure H₂O. While this process effectively removes harmful bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and heavy metals, it also strips the water of beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
The Problem with Lacking Essential Minerals
Unlike tap or spring water, which contain trace amounts of minerals that contribute to our daily intake, distilled water is virtually mineral-free. While the majority of our essential minerals come from food, the minerals present in water are more readily absorbed by the body. Long-term reliance on a mineral-deficient water source can potentially lead to deficiencies, especially if dietary intake of these nutrients is already borderline.
Key minerals removed during distillation include:
- Calcium: Essential for bone health, nerve transmission, and muscle function.
- Magnesium: Involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, including energy production and muscle contraction.
- Potassium and Sodium: Crucial for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.
Risk of Electrolyte Imbalance
Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge and are vital for numerous bodily functions, including nerve signals, muscle contractions, and fluid balance. The absence of electrolytes in distilled water can have several physiological effects:
- Increased Urine Output (Diuresis): Some studies reviewed by the World Health Organization (WHO) suggest that drinking demineralized water can increase urine output by approximately 20%, potentially leading to dehydration.
- Disturbed Fluid Balance: The body works to maintain a precise balance of minerals inside and outside its cells. When only distilled water is consumed, the lack of electrolytes can cause a redistribution of body water, potentially compromising the function of vital organs.
- Common Symptoms: Early symptoms of electrolyte imbalance can manifest as exhaustion, weakness, headaches, and muscle cramps.
Addressing Myths and Realities of Mineral Leaching
Some common misconceptions exist regarding distilled water's effect on the body. A widely cited myth is that drinking it will actively leach minerals from your bones and teeth. However, the reality is more nuanced. While the water itself is not aggressively corrosive enough to physically pull minerals from your body's structure, the absence of dietary mineral intake from water can contribute to an overall deficiency over time, especially if your diet is not otherwise mineral-rich.
This is particularly relevant for dental health. Fluoride, often added to tap water to prevent tooth decay, is completely removed during distillation. Consuming exclusively distilled water means you lose this protective benefit, making adequate fluoride intake from other sources or supplements essential for long-term dental health.
When is Distilled Water the Right Choice?
Despite the drawbacks for daily drinking, distilled water serves many important purposes where its purity is a benefit, not a liability:
- Medical Equipment: It is recommended for CPAP machines to prevent mineral build-up and maintain sanitation.
- Laboratory and Industrial Use: Its mineral-free nature is crucial for scientific experiments and to avoid corrosion in machinery.
- Appliances: Using it in steam irons or car batteries prevents the mineral deposits that can cause damage.
- Specific Health Needs: Doctors might recommend it for patients with weakened immune systems to avoid waterborne pathogens, though this is typically for short-term use under medical supervision.
Options for Remineralizing Water
If you prefer the purity of distilled water but want to avoid mineral deficiency, you can add minerals back into it. Options include:
- Mineral Drops: Concentrated mineral solutions are available to add a few drops to each glass of water.
- Himalayan Pink Salt: A pinch can add trace minerals, but care must be taken not to overdo the sodium intake.
- Remineralizing Filters: Some systems include cartridges that add essential minerals back into the water after the purification process.
- Balanced Diet: Ensure you are consuming plenty of mineral-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and dairy to compensate for the lack of minerals in the water.
Distilled Water vs. Other Water Types
| Feature | Distilled Water | Tap Water | Mineral Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral Content | Virtually none | Varies by location; contains trace minerals | Significant mineral content; sourced from natural springs |
| Purity | Highest; removes almost all contaminants | Subject to municipal treatment; quality varies | Varies by source; generally pure, but contains minerals |
| Taste | Flat and bland | Varies; mineral content affects flavor | Distinctive taste from mineral profile |
| Cost | Relatively high for daily drinking | Generally low | Can be expensive |
| Health Benefits | Hydration only; no mineral contribution | Provides some minerals; may contain fluoride | Supplies essential minerals |
| Best Use | Medical, industrial, specific appliances | Everyday drinking for most people | For taste and supplemental mineral intake |
Conclusion
So, what will happen if we drink distilled water daily? The science is clear: while not inherently toxic, daily, exclusive consumption of distilled water poses a risk of mineral deficiencies and potential electrolyte imbalance due to its lack of essential minerals. The World Health Organization has raised concerns about the health effects of consuming demineralized water over the long term, emphasizing the importance of mineral intake from both food and water. For most people, a balanced diet is sufficient to compensate, but this requires mindful eating. The best strategy for daily hydration remains a well-balanced approach that includes mineral-rich sources like tap or mineral water. If distilled water is your only option or is required for a specific purpose, it is advisable to ensure a diverse, mineral-rich diet or consider remineralizing your water to support optimal health. For further information on the effects of demineralized water, consult the WHO report on Nutrients in Drinking Water.
