RO Water: Is drinking purified water dangerous to health? How true is this?
In RO purification, water is passed through a special membrane. Harmful substances such as bacteria, viruses, salts and heavy metals in the water are separated during this process. As a result the water becomes cleaner. RO purifier works very well especially in areas where the water has a lot of impurities. But in this process, some minerals that are naturally present in the water, especially calcium and magnesium, may be reduced to some extent.
Does RO water lose minerals?
When water is treated by RO, the amount of some natural minerals is likely to be reduced. This is why some people think that because RO water is too highly purified, the minerals are depleted. But according to medical experts, this fear is mostly due to misconceptions. Because water is not the main source of minerals needed by our body.
Where do minerals mainly come from?
According to nutritionists, most of the minerals required by our body can be obtained through food. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, pulses, and protein are rich in nutrients.
The amount of minerals available through water is very low. So the chances of mineral deficiency due to drinking RO water are very low for people who are eating a balanced diet.
Does RO water affect the kidneys?
According to kidney experts, drinking RO water generally does not have any adverse effect on the kidneys. An RO system removes impurities from the water and makes it safe to drink. At the same time what the body needs is to drink enough clean water, eat a balanced diet and follow a healthy lifestyle. Drinking clean water helps to flush out waste products from the body.
Does drinking RO water disturb the electrolyte balance?
Some people think that long-term drinking of RO water can disturb the body’s electrolyte balance. But according to doctors the chances of this happening in healthy people are very less. Electrolyte balance is mainly controlled by the kidneys, hormones and the food we eat. Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium are mostly obtained from food. Therefore doctors say that drinking RO water under normal conditions does not have much effect on the electrolyte balance.
