Distilled water is a type of purified water that has undergone a unique process called distillation. In this process, water is boiled to create steam, which is then condensed back into a liquid, leaving behind impurities such as minerals, chemicals, and contaminants.
The result is water that is exceptionally pure, making it free from most dissolved substances typically found in tap water.
The debate around the health impact of distilled water is ongoing, with some people arguing that it is the purest and healthiest form of water, while others believe that its lack of essential minerals may pose potential health risks.
Despite being widely used in medical and industrial applications, questions remain about its long-term effects when consumed regularly.
This article will explore the science behind distilled water, its potential health benefits, as well as the risks and concerns associated with drinking it daily.
Additionally, we will debunk common myths surrounding distilled water to help you make an informed decision about whether it’s the right choice for your hydration needs.
What Is Distilled Water?
Distilled water is water that has been purified through the process of distillation. This process begins by boiling water to produce steam, which then rises and leaves impurities such as minerals, salts, and other contaminants behind.
The steam is then cooled and condensed back into liquid form, resulting in water that is highly purified.
The purity of distilled water is one of its defining characteristics. During distillation, harmful chemicals, bacteria, and most contaminants are removed, leaving only the clean, vaporized form of water.
Unlike regular water, which contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, distilled water has no dissolved solids. This makes it an ideal choice for certain applications where purity is essential, such as in medical procedures, laboratory experiments, or for use in appliances like steam irons and humidifiers.
In comparing distilled water vs regular water, the primary difference is that distilled water lacks essential minerals, making it “softer” than tap or mineral water.
While this can be beneficial in certain contexts, it also means that distilled water is free from the electrolytes and minerals that contribute to hydration and taste in regular water.
Health Benefits of Distilled Water
While distilled water has raised some concerns regarding its mineral content, it does offer several health benefits that make it a suitable choice in certain situations. Here are five key health benefits of drinking distilled water:
1. Absence of Harmful Chemicals and Contaminants
One of the primary reasons people turn to distilled water is its remarkable purity. During the distillation process, water is boiled, and the steam is collected and condensed back into liquid form.
This process effectively removes a wide range of contaminants found in regular water, including harmful chemicals like chlorine, fluoride, heavy metals, and pesticides.
For people living in areas with poor water quality or those concerned about the potential presence of harmful substances in their tap water, distilled water offers a safer alternative.
This purification makes distilled water a reliable option for avoiding harmful chemicals, which could potentially impact long-term health, such as by contributing to cancer, hormonal imbalances, or kidney damage.
2. Ideal for Medical and Industrial Use
Distilled water is often the preferred type of water in medical settings and industrial applications due to its high purity.
For instance, medical devices like CPAP machines, dialysis machines, and laboratory equipment often require distilled water to prevent mineral buildup, contamination, or interference with sensitive instruments.
In medical applications, it’s critical to use water that is free from contaminants, which could interfere with sterilization processes or cause issues with sensitive equipment.
In addition to its medical use, distilled water is also used in industries like pharmaceuticals and food production, where water purity is essential for maintaining the integrity of products.
For individuals seeking to keep their medical devices clean or to ensure the best conditions for medical treatments, distilled water is often the best option.
3. Helps with Detoxification
While drinking water alone can support hydration, distilled water is sometimes used in detoxification regimens. Its purity means that it lacks the minerals, chemicals, and other contaminants found in regular water.
For individuals engaging in detox programs, distilled water may be used to help flush toxins from the body without introducing additional substances.
Some people believe that the absence of minerals in distilled water allows it to help flush out the body’s system more effectively, providing a cleaner slate for the body to expel waste products.
This can be particularly helpful in areas with significant exposure to environmental toxins, pollution, or unhealthy substances that have accumulated over time.
While these claims may require further scientific validation, there is no denying that the purity of distilled water can support basic detoxification by limiting the intake of harmful substances through the water itself.
4. May Improve Hydration Efficiency in Certain Situations
While regular water contains essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, these minerals are not always necessary for optimal hydration in every context.
In fact, drinking water that is free from minerals, like distilled water, can help some people hydrate more efficiently, especially in areas where individuals already consume a diet rich in minerals through food.
The idea behind this is that, by not having additional minerals or salts present in the water, the body may be able to absorb and utilize the water more effectively, particularly during short-term periods of intense physical activity or for those on specialized detox diets.
Though this benefit is largely anecdotal, some athletes and health enthusiasts prefer using distilled water during specific regimens, believing that it enhances the effectiveness of their hydration.
5. Useful for People with Specific Health Conditions
For individuals with specific health concerns, distilled water can sometimes be the best option. People with kidney issues, for example, may need to limit their intake of certain minerals, as kidneys are responsible for filtering out excess minerals and other substances.
In such cases, drinking distilled water can reduce the burden on the kidneys by providing water that is free from minerals and contaminants.
Moreover, individuals with compromised immune systems or those undergoing certain medical treatments may find distilled water to be a safer option.
The absence of microorganisms, bacteria, and other potential contaminants in distilled water reduces the risk of infections or complications that might arise from drinking water that has not been purified thoroughly.
Myths vs Facts
There are several myths surrounding distilled water that can cause confusion. Let’s address two of the most common misconceptions:
Myth 1: “Distilled Water Leaches Minerals from Your Body”
One common myth about distilled water is that it “leaches” minerals from your body, depleting essential nutrients like calcium and magnesium.
This idea suggests that drinking distilled water will draw out minerals from your bones or tissues, which could lead to mineral deficiencies. However, this claim is largely unfounded.
Fact: There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that distilled water leaches minerals from your body. While it’s true that distilled water lacks minerals, the body doesn’t “lose” minerals from its tissues or bones simply because of drinking it.
The body regulates mineral levels through food intake and not water consumption. The body absorbs necessary minerals from the food we eat, and even if distilled water is consumed, it does not significantly impact these levels.
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives reviewed the effect of drinking purified water and found no evidence that it leads to mineral depletion (Lenntech, 2019). Essentially, drinking distilled water will not pull minerals from your body unless the individual’s diet is already deficient in them.
Myth 2: “Distilled Water Causes Dehydration”
Another myth claims that distilled water causes dehydration because it lacks electrolytes, the minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium that are crucial for maintaining fluid balance in the body.
Fact: Distilled water does not cause dehydration. While it lacks electrolytes, it still hydrates the body effectively. The body’s hydration is mainly influenced by the amount of water consumed, not necessarily by the minerals in it.
In fact, dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, typically through sweating, urination, or diarrhea—none of which are caused by drinking distilled water.
Research from the National Institutes of Health supports that hydration relies on water intake, regardless of its mineral content.
It’s important to note that individuals who are highly active or in need of electrolyte replenishment might prefer mineral or electrolyte-enhanced water, but for the average person, distilled water will hydrate just as effectively as any other form of water (NIH, 2021).
Who Should Drink or Avoid It?
People with kidney issues
For individuals with kidney problems, distilled water may be a better choice due to its lack of minerals. Those with kidney disease may need to limit the intake of certain minerals like calcium and potassium, which are present in regular tap water. Since distilled water is free from these minerals, it can reduce the burden on the kidneys and help prevent complications.
Compromised immunity
Distilled water is highly purified, which means it is free from bacteria, viruses, and contaminants that could pose a risk to individuals with weakened immune systems. It is often recommended for patients undergoing medical treatments that require pure water, as it reduces the chances of infection.
During water contamination events
In areas where water contamination is a concern due to natural disasters or infrastructure issues, distilled water can be a safe alternative. Its purity ensures that harmful chemicals and pathogens are removed, making it a reliable source of hydration in emergency situations.
Not ideal for
Athletes or people needing electrolytes
Distilled water lacks the minerals found in regular water, such as sodium, magnesium, and calcium, which are essential for hydration and electrolyte balance, especially during exercise.
Athletes or individuals who engage in heavy physical activity need to replenish these electrolytes, making mineral or sports water a better option.
People with low nutrient intake
For individuals with nutrient deficiencies or those who already consume a diet low in essential minerals, relying on distilled water for daily hydration could exacerbate the problem. In these cases, water containing natural minerals might be more beneficial.
FAQs
Is distilled water good for babies?
Distilled water is safe for babies, but it’s important to remember that they get essential nutrients, including minerals, from breast milk or formula.
While it can be used for sterilizing bottles or mixing formula, it’s not typically recommended as the sole source of hydration for infants. Consult your pediatrician for specific guidance.
What happens if you only drink distilled water?
Drinking only distilled water over time may lead to mineral deficiencies, as it lacks essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. However, if your diet includes a variety of foods that provide these minerals, drinking distilled water occasionally shouldn’t pose a significant risk. A balanced intake of minerals is essential for overall health.
Is distilled water the same as purified water?
No, distilled water is a type of purified water, but not all purified water is distilled. Distillation involves boiling water and condensing the steam to remove impurities.
Purified water can also be made through processes like reverse osmosis or filtration, which may not remove all the same contaminants as distillation. Distilled water is one of the purest forms available.
Can I use distilled water in a humidifier or CPAP?
Yes, distilled water is highly recommended for use in humidifiers and CPAP machines. It helps prevent the buildup of mineral deposits in the devices, ensuring proper functioning. Using distilled water also reduces the risk of bacteria or mold growth, which is a concern with regular tap water. Always follow manufacturer guidelines for optimal care.
Conclusion
In conclusion, distilled water is indeed one of the purest forms of water, free from contaminants, chemicals, and minerals. It’s ideal for specific situations, such as medical applications, areas with poor water quality, or emergency situations where water purity is paramount.
However, distilled water is not always necessary for daily use, and for most people, drinking water with essential minerals like calcium and magnesium is more beneficial for overall health.
For regular hydration, it’s important to maintain a balanced intake of minerals through water or diet, as these minerals play a vital role in bodily functions like hydration and electrolyte balance.
Unless medically advised otherwise, distilled water can be used in moderation, but it’s not the best option for daily hydration for most people.
When considering whether distilled water is healthy to drink, it’s important to evaluate your individual health needs and context.
While it offers purity, the lack of minerals in distilled water means that other types of water, such as mineral or filtered water, may be more suitable for everyday use. Always make sure to prioritize balanced hydration for optimal health and well-being.
References
Source for Myth 1: “Distilled Water Leaches Minerals from Your Body”
This claim mentions a review published in Environmental Health Perspectives and cites “Lenntech, 2019.” Lenntech often publishes articles on water treatment and quality that reference scientific literature.
Source for Myth 2: “Distilled Water Causes Dehydration”
This claim references research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and cites “NIH, 2021.” Research or official guidance supporting that hydration relies on overall water intake, regardless of mineral content.
General Supporting Sources for Distilled Water Facts and Uses
These sources provide general information on the definition, safety, uses, and risks of distilled water, which can support the rest of the article’s claims.
