Why Should You Not Drink Distilled Water

So, there I was, standing in the supermarket aisle, staring at the water section like it was a puzzle I couldn't solve. I'd heard about this 'distilled water' thing, and I was curious. I mean, it's just water, right? How different could it be?

But then I remembered something my grandma used to say, "Son, you might think you're drinking just water, but it's what's in that water that makes all the difference." And that got me thinking, maybe I should dig a little deeper before I start chugging distilled water like it's going out of style.

What's the Big Deal with Distilled Water?

Alright, let's rewind a bit. Distilled water is water that's been stripped of all its minerals and impurities. It's done through a process called distillation, where water is heated until it turns into steam, leaving behind all the 'bad stuff', and then condensing that steam back into water.

Sounds pretty fancy, huh? But here's the thing, folks. While distilled water might seem like the purest thing since sliced bread, it's not all it's cracked up to be. In fact, there are a few reasons why you might want to think twice before making it your go-to hydration option.

It's Boring, Tasteless, and Boring

I know, I know, taste isn't everything. But let's be real, drinking water that tastes like, well, nothing, can get old pretty fast. Distilled water has been stripped of all its natural minerals, which also happens to give water its taste.

Now, I'm not saying you should be drinking water straight from the tap (unless you're lucky enough to have perfect tap water, in which case, can I come over for a glass?). But there are plenty of other ways to purify your water that don't leave it tasting like it's been through a blandness filter.

It's Not as Pure as You Think

Here's where things get a little ironic. While the process of distillation does remove a lot of impurities, it doesn't actually make the water more pure. In fact, it can sometimes make it less pure.

You see, water naturally contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are actually good for you. But when you distill water, you're also removing these minerals. And guess what happens when you remove all the minerals? The water becomes more acidic.

And what does acidic water do? It starts to leach minerals from whatever it comes into contact with. So, if you're drinking distilled water out of a plastic bottle, you're not just drinking water, you're drinking water and plastic. Yum.

Distilled Or Purified Water For Keurig at Donald Stoltenberg blog

It Can Mess with Your Body's Balance

Remember those minerals I mentioned earlier? The ones that distilled water doesn't have? Well, our bodies need those minerals to function properly. And when we don't get them from our water, our bodies have to get them from somewhere else.

And where do they get them from? Our bones. That's right, folks. Drinking too much distilled water can actually leach minerals from your bones, leading to a condition called hypocalcemia, which can cause all sorts of nasty symptoms like muscle cramps, fatigue, and even heart problems.

Now, I'm not saying you should never drink distilled water. If you're in a situation where it's the only clean water available, by all means, drink up. But for everyday use, there are plenty of other options that are just as safe, and a lot more tasty.

So, What Should You Drink Instead?

Well, that depends on what's available to you. If you're lucky enough to have good tap water, then that's a great option. If not, there are plenty of water purifiers out there that can remove impurities without stripping the water of its natural minerals.

And if you're really worried about the purity of your water, you could always try reverse osmosis. It's a bit more expensive and it does remove some minerals, but it also leaves behind more than distilled water does.

But whatever you do, just remember, water is life. And the kind of water you choose to drink can make a big difference to your health. So, do your body a favor, and choose wisely.

And as for me? I put the distilled water back on the shelf and opted for a good old-fashioned water filter. My taste buds (and my bones) thanked me.