Every day, you drink lots of water from pure water, beverages like tea or coffee, and food. Some water sources can deteriorate your health, especially in the long run. Therefore, you should be curious about the safety and quality of your water source. In addition, you should analyze the purification method used. Currently, purified water is readily available around the entire globe. For instance, it’s easier to obtain distilled and alkaline water. The main difference between the two is the pH level. Lately, there have been numerous forms of water purification, treatment, and filtration.
DISTILLED WATER VS. ALKALINE WATER
DISTILLED WATER
Distilled water is prepared through a process known as steam distillation. This water is free from contaminants (pesticides and bacteria) and minerals, including calcium, sodium, and magnesium. Distilled water is safe for drinking, although it lacks vital minerals that can boost your health. Based on studies, drinking distilled water will detoxify your body. There are numerous uses of distilled water because it’s free from minerals. It can be used for various purposes, including laboratory experiments, steam irons, watering plants, aquariums, medical devices, and car cooling systems. According to science, distilled water won’t dramatically boost your health, but it won’t hurt it either. Therefore, if you’re consuming a well-balanced diet with enough minerals, you can drink distilled water.
PROS OF DISTILLED WATER
1. Reduces the Risk of Diseases
Steam distillation eliminates pollutants, including bacteria and waterborne pathogens. Unhealthy water can increase your risk of developing various waterborne diseases, such as cholera and typhoid. These illnesses can deteriorate your health, especially in the long run. Waterborne diseases won’t survive the steam distillation process. Therefore, distilled water will reduce your risk of developing water-related health issues.
2. Protect Your Family From Chemicals
Currently, most people use an array of chemicals to grow plants. Some of the most commonly used chemicals are fertilizers, herbicides, nitrates, and pesticides. These chemicals are carried to water sources as a result of soil erosion. In addition, pipe water contains traces of lead and copper which are harmful to your health. Drinking distilled water will protect your family from these chemicals and toxic minerals.
3. Detoxifies from Body
Distilled water can help your body get rid of toxic substances because it’s free from additives and minerals. Since tap water is loaded with minerals, it’s ineffective in flushing out toxic substances in the body.
4. Prevents Kidney Stones
Tap water contains oxalate, phosphate, and calcium, which increases your risk of developing kidney stones. The distillation process eliminates all minerals in the water, thus making it pure. Drinking distilled water reduces your chances of experiencing kidney stones.
5. Improve Bodily Functions
Based on science, tap water can contribute to blood vessel calcifying and arteries hardening. These effects can deteriorate your immune system because your body is made up of delicate arteries, capillaries, and veins. Distilled water plays a significant role in improving your health because it’s free from contaminants.
CONS OF DISTILLED WATER
a. Electrolyte Imbalance
According to WHO, distilled water can reduce electrolytes in the body because it lacks vital minerals. Electrolyte imbalance can lead to health issues, such as muscle cramps, fatigue, and dizziness.
b. Depletion of Essential Minerals
During the steam distillation process, all the minerals are evaporated and separated from the distilled water. Water contains essential minerals that can improve your body’s functioning.
c. ‘Flat’ Taste
Tap water has a certain taste due to the presence of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. Distilled water has a flat taste because it lacks these minerals.
ALKALINE WATER
Based on research, alkaline water has a higher pH (potential hydrogen) level, especially when compared to distilled water. Alkaline water can help in deactivating pepsin, thus lowering your risk of suffering from acid reflux. Alkaline water contains ORP, which acts as an antioxidant. In addition, it has a negative oxidation-reduction potential. This water passes through the filtration process to add minerals and increase the pH level.
PROS OF ALKALINE WATER
1. Acid Reflux Benefits
According to science, alkaline water can inhibit human pepsin. This is an enzyme that increases the risk of reflux disease. Alkaline water can alleviate some symptoms of reflux disease.
2. Anti-Aging
Alkaline water contains minerals that protect your telomeres. Telomeres play a significant role in reducing the risk of free radical damage.
3. Detoxifying
Electrolytes in alkaline water can prevent over-hydration and dehydration. In addition, it contains minerals that ensure nutrients reach your cells and your pH level is right. Detoxifying your body boosts your immune system.
CONS OF ALKALINE WATER
a. Metabolic Alkalosis
Drinking too much alkaline water can lead to metabolic alkalosis, which is a condition that occurs when the blood is too alkaline. Some of the signs and symptoms of this condition include twitching, vomiting, confusion, and tremors.
b. Stomach Acidity
Your stomach contains a certain acidic level that helps fight foreign pathogens. Drinking alkaline water can inhibit your stomach’s ability to fight germs. This is because alkaline water will neutralize acidity in the stomach, thus increasing your risk of developing certain health issues.
c. Nausea
Drinking too much alkaline water can cause nausea because your body will have an imbalanced pH level. Nausea can lead to vomiting, thus reducing electrolytes in the body.
WHICH IS THE BEST FOR HEALTH
It’s safe to drink both alkaline and distilled water because they both have health benefits. If you experience muscle twitching as a result of drinking alkaline water, stop drinking it. Muscle twitching comes as a result of an imbalance in stomach acid. On the other hand, if you opt for distilled water, consume a balanced diet to replenish the minerals. Some people choose alkaline water because it contains essential minerals, unlike distilled water. Others choose distilled water because it’s free from toxic chemicals and contaminants.
CONCLUSION
Before drinking either distilled water or alkaline water, evaluate the above-listed pros and cons. Alkaline water can detoxify your body, reduce the risk of acid reflux, and has anti-aging properties. On the other side, distilled water can reduce the risk of disease, prevent kidney stones, and boost bodily functions.