Water makes up more than half of the human body. So, it’s only natural that a person gets enough water daily to sustain one’s health. Besides preventing dehydration, water can do wonders for a person’s health, so it’s essential to learn which water suits you best.
Besides tap water, most parents and caregivers trust two other water sources. These are distilled and purified water. But is there any difference between the two?
This content will discuss the basic facts about water, its importance, and the significant differences between the two so that you can make the right choice.
What is Purified Water?
Purified water, including purified bottled water, has been treated and filtered to remove impurities, contaminants, and other harmful substances. This process ensures the water is clean, safe, and free from unwanted substances, making it suitable for consumption and various applications.
There are several methods used to purify water, including:
1. Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Reverse osmosis is a process that involves forcing water through a semipermeable membrane to remove impurities and contaminants. This method effectively removes dissolved salts, bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances.
2. Activated Carbon
Activated carbon is a porous material made from organic materials like wood, coconut shells, or coal. It filters water by attracting and trapping contaminants, chemicals, and odors. Activated carbon filters effectively remove chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other impurities that can affect the taste and smell of water.
3. Distillation
Distillation involves heating water to its boiling point and then collecting the steam, which is condensed into liquid form. This process effectively removes impurities, such as salts, heavy metals, and bacteria, as they are left behind in the boiling process.
4. Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection
UV disinfection uses ultraviolet light to kill or inactivate microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. This method effectively eliminates waterborne pathogens but does not remove dissolved solids or chemicals.
5. Ion Exchange
Ion exchange is a process that involves the use of resin beads to remove impurities from water. The resin beads attract and hold onto ions like calcium and magnesium, replacing them with less harmful ions like sodium. This method is commonly used in water-softening systems.
5. Ion Exchange
Ion exchange is a process that involves the use of resin beads to remove impurities from water. The resin beads attract and hold onto ions like calcium and magnesium, replacing them with less harmful ions like sodium. This method is commonly used in water-softening systems.
What is Distilled Water?
Distilled water, as the name suggests, is the product of a process known as distillation. This process highly purifies the water by boiling it into steam and then condensing it back into a liquid form in a separate container. Here, the contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and other particulate matter, are left behind.
A noteworthy upside of distilled water is its optimal purity, making it an excellent option for various sensitive applications. Notably, applications that require contaminant-free water, such as clinical laboratory procedures, pharmaceuticals, and car cooling systems, widely employ distilled water.
One aspect of distilled water that raises questions pertains to its use for infants, particularly when preparing baby formula. By its very nature, distilled water is devoid of minerals – an attribute that might concern some. As minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium are necessary for a baby’s growth and development, there are those who argue that there might be better choices for regular consumption.
Nevertheless, using distilled water for babies isn’t necessarily detrimental, provided the infant is adequately compensated with these vital minerals through other dietary sources. When it comes to mixing baby formula or preparing baby food, distilled water can be used effectively and safely. Its absence of harmful contaminants makes it safe and suitable, limiting the risk of introducing any unwanted elements to the infant’s diet.
However, it is essential for parents to consult with a pediatrician or healthcare provider when determining what type of water to use for baby formula. Each recommendation may vary based on several factors, including the individual baby’s health status, dietary needs, and the local water supply’s quality. Consequently, a healthcare professional’s guidance is crucial in making an informed decision about using distilled water, or any water type, for baby nutrition.
Benefits of Drinking Water
Effectively Boosts Physical Performance
Keeping yourself hydrated is an effective way to boost your performance, especially during strenuous physical activities.
People tend to lose at least 2% of their body’s water content when doing physical activities. However, professional athletes can lose up to 10% when they sweat.
Although sweating is the body’s natural way to cool off one’s body temperature, it can also indicate that a person already feels mentally and physically fatigued.
Drinking water effectively replenishes the lost fluids from all the activities that you did for the day. Even more, it also reduces oxidative stress that commonly happens from doing highly strenuous exercises.
Boosts Energy Level and Brain Function
Drinking distilled water can also help revitalize your brain function and energy levels. A person’s brain is heavily affected by how well-hydrated they are. Even losing 1-3% of their overall body weight caused by mild dehydration can already impair one’s mood and cognitive ability.
Losing 1-3% of fluid already equals 1.5- 4.5 pounds of lost body weight for a person who weighs 68 kg. It can quickly happen when doing daily activities, let alone doing various activities in extreme heat.
It May Alleviate Constipation
Drinking water can also alleviate constipation. Constipation is a common issue that usually happens when there is an infrequent bowel movement or difficulty passing stool.
Regularly drinking distilled water is part of the treatment procedure to address such conditions. Studies show that drinking mineral water can help improve bowel movement and alleviate constipation as it contains sulfate and magnesium that can help resolve the problem [1].
May Address Kidney Stone Problem
Urinary stones form when mineral crystals develop a clump in the urinary system. Higher fluid intake can reduce the chances of mineral clump buildup, especially for people previously diagnosed with kidney stones.
When a person regularly drinks purified water, it increases the volume of urine that passes through the kidneys. It dilutes the mineral concentration from the body, making it less likely to form clumps of crystals.
May Address Hangovers
Hangovers may be one of the worst moments for anyone to experience, especially on a night out. Fortunately, drinking distilled water can help address such problems effectively.
Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it lets you lose more water than what you consume. This can cause dehydration and symptoms such as thirst, headache, and dry mouth.
One of the most effective ways to address such symptoms is drinking a glass of water. You can also drink a glass full of water before sleeping.
Can Help in Losing Weight
Your body’s ability to satiate hunger increases when you drink distilled water. That’s because it makes you feel full while boosting your metabolism simultaneously.
You must know the best time to drink water to make it more effective. You can drink distilled water at least half an hour before every meal to make you feel full even when consuming fewer calories.
Discussing the Difference Between Distilled and Purified Water
Water quality is crucial, especially for a growing family. Drinking water should possess excellent attributes that are free from any impurities. So, to help you make the right choice, let’s discuss the most common bottled water available today: distilled and purified water.
Purified Water
Purified water is a type of water that goes through various filtration processes to eliminate the impurities from the water. The water used to produce purified water can be sourced from groundwater or tap water, depending on the area.
Besides various chemical pollutants, the water that goes through the purification process eliminates bacteria, algae, and fungi. It can also filter out particular chemicals such as lead and various parasites.
The different steps in the purification systems include filtration, reverse osmosis, disinfection, and coagulation. Once the tap water goes through these steps, you’ll get to purify water and turn it into drinking water.
Health Benefits of Purified Bottled Water
- Eliminates Chlorine in the Water. Unlike other purification systems, purified water doesn’t use chlorine to produce drinking water. Instead, it uses a series of steps to eliminate various pathogens so that you can make drinkable water.
- Removes Harmful Bacteria. Various harmful pathogens can cause a person to get ill, especially when exposed to them. As the water goes through the purification systems, it effectively eliminates these viruses and bacteria from your drinking water.
- Eliminates Potentially Harmful Metallic Substances. Various chemicals and substances can penetrate the water systems, affecting the water quality over time. When the water goes through reverse osmosis, it effectively removes harmful substances to produce the best quality water.
Cons of Purified Water
- Removes Fluoride in the Water. Municipal water systems these days have fluoride mixed into the water to promote better dental health. Reverse osmosis, among many other purification processes, removes this naturally occurring mineral from the tap water, which only defeats the purpose of promoting proper oral hygiene.
- It can Be Expensive. Buying in-home purification systems and purified water bottles can be expensive. That’s why you need to weigh the pros and cons to make the right choice.
- It May Be Harmful to the Environment. When in-home purification systems aren’t available, you’ll have no choice but to get bottled water products. However, doing so only adds to the already piling waste in the waste disposal facility, which may cause long-term adverse effects on the environment.
Distilled Water
Distributors produce distilled water through boiling. Once the water condenses, their systems collect the steam until it becomes liquid. Thus, removing all the impurities and creating the purest water quality.\
Some even say distilled water can help detoxify your body while boosting your health. But how can you tell if it’s right for you?
Pros of Distilled Water
- Pathogen-free. There are times when municipal water systems can get contaminated by harmful pathogens, viruses, and bacteria. Drinking distilled water ensures that you won’t be exposed to harmful contaminants that may affect your health.
- Eliminates chemicals and Other Inorganic Materials. The distillation process also removes harmful chemicals and heavy metals that may have seeped into the water systems and affected their quality.
- Easy to Drink. Compared to other water sources, distilled water is much easier to drink. That’s because it doesn’t use chlorine to purify water. So you wouldn’t have to smell or taste chlorine.
Cons of Distilled Water
- Eliminates Naturally Occurring Minerals. While distillation eliminates all the harmful contaminants from the water, it also removes the naturally occurring minerals. So, you would acquire less beneficial minerals than other bottled water products.
- Contains an acidic pH level. The recommended water quality for people should have a slightly alkaline pH or at least a neutral pH level. Since the water is highly acidic, it may affect a person’s overall body acidity.
- Takes Too Long to Process. Generally, it takes at least 7 hours to produce distilled water. So, it’s less of an option at home, especially if you’re in a hurry.
Alternative Types of Water Sources
Tap Water
You can find tap water everywhere with a piped water supply. It’s available in various areas, including the water that comes out from the public restroom or even the one that cleans your dishes from the kitchen sink.
Though many people might feel hesitant to drink tap water, the truth is that it comes from a treatment facility, making it safe to drink. What’s more, it’s also more affordable than bottled water.
However, even with strenuous regulations, there will be instances when the water supply can get contaminated. When that happens, it’s much safer to drink distilled water until the problem gets resolved.
Mineral Water
Mineral water is sourced from the mineral springs full of natural minerals, including calcium and magnesium. What’s excellent about drinking this type of purified water is that it has health benefits that you can only get from this water supply.
Since your body doesn’t produce these minerals, consuming such products can provide health benefits you wouldn’t usually get anywhere else. Besides having a distinct taste from tap water, consuming mineral water can also aid digestion.
Glacier Water
Another option is glacier water. Although mineral and glacier water is sourced from nature, glacier water is much more challenging to source.
In theory, glacier water should be clean and toxin-free because of its freezing temperature. They should also contain essential minerals that you’ll find valuable.
Depending on your location, glacier water can be pricy, especially when compared to tap water. Also, there are times when manufacturers pack glacier water directly without getting tested or filtered. Thus, posing potential health risks, depending on where it’s sourced.
Sparkling Water
Sparkling water is sometimes referred to as soda water or carbonated water. It’s infused with carbon dioxide gas while putting it in high pressure.
Compared to tap water, sparkling water feels different in the mouth, giving it the same textured feeling as actual soda. Many people choose sparkling water as a healthier alternative to sodas.
However, while there is sparkling bottled water that contains minerals, more is needed to reap its benefits fully. Also, it is expensive compared to tap and distilled water.
Well Water
Well water is sourced from the ground, which often carries a lot of risks with it. Compared to other types of drinking water, underground water is only sometimes treated. So, there’s a considerable choice that it would be less safe compared to other drinking water types.
While there’s a big chance that it may contain beneficial minerals, the benefits may not outweigh its potential risks. That’s why it’s essential to perform a couple of steps to treat the contaminated water to make it suitable for drinking.
Besides installing a filtration system, you can also consider boiling it to make it safe when drinking water. It’s also best to get the water tested first to see if there’s any contamination.
While well water may be more convenient for others, there’sa reason why states install municipal water supplies to communities. You simply wouldn’t know if it’s already contaminated or not unless you test or treat the well water yourself.
Flavored Water
Flavored water, or infused water, is a sweetened drink that often contains artificial or natural flavors. Unlike the previous sources, there’s no need to consider boiling water to purify it. It also doesn’t taste flat, which makes it ideal for children and people who like a bit of flavor in their drinks.
However, since it contains artificial sweeteners or sugar, there’s a big chance that it may cause someone to gain weight or have adverse effects on those diagnosed with diabetes.
Alkaline Water
Another one on the list is alkaline water. Unlike the water that went through the distillation process, alkaline water has a higher pH level. Because of this, it may neutralize the body’s acidity level and even slow the aging process.
Drinking alkaline water may reduce stomach acidity. It may reduce your body’s ability to eliminate harmful bacteria. Drinking excess alkaline water can cause metabolic alkalosis, which could cause vomiting and nausea.
Expert Opinions and Recommendations
Expert opinions and recommendations are important to the topic and can provide valuable insights for parents or caregivers when deciding on the best water for baby formula. Here is a summary of the expert opinions and recommendations:
1. Pediatricians’ Perspectives
Pediatricians generally recommend using purified or distilled water for mixing liquid concentrate formula or powdered formula to ensure the water is free from contaminants.
They may also recommend using water fortified with essential minerals to support infants’ growth and development.
2. Insights From Baby Care Specialists
Baby care specialists often recommend using purified water designed for infants, as it is free from contaminants and contains the necessary minerals for healthy growth and development.
They may also suggest boiling tap water and letting it cool before mixing liquid concentrate formula or powdered formula as an alternative to purified or distilled water.
Practical Tips for Preparing Water for Baby Formula
When preparing water for babies, it’s crucial to prioritize their safety and well-being. Here are some practical tips to consider:
- Boil water before use: If using tap water or unsure about the safety of your water source, boil it for at least 1 minute and let it cool to room temperature before using it to mix formula powder or for any other baby-related purpose.
- Clean and sterilize containers: Ensure the containers you use to store mixed formula or prepared formula are clean. Wash them with hot soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and air dry before use.
- Store water in a cool, dark place: Store the prepared formula in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.
- Use within 24 hours: Once you have prepared mixed formula, it is best to use it within 24 hours to ensure its freshness and safety. Discard unused formula afterward.
Bottled Water Recommendations
- Choose water designed for infants: Opt for bottled water specifically designed for infants, as it is free from contaminants and contains the necessary minerals for healthy growth and development.
- Check the label: Look for water that has been purified using methods like reverse osmosis, UV disinfection, or filtration. Ensure the water is low in sodium and fluoride, as high levels can harm infants.
- Examine the packaging: Choose water in BPA-free bottles to avoid potential exposure to harmful chemicals.
- Store bottled water properly: Keep bottled water in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for storage and expiration dates. Consider using low-fluoride bottled water for preparing your baby’s formula for added safety.
Precautions for Tap Water Usage
- Test your tap water: If you plan to use tap water for your baby, have it tested for contaminants, such as lead, bacteria, and nitrates. This can help you determine if additional filtration or purification is necessary for preparing the baby’s formula.
- Install a water filter: If your tap water contains contaminants, consider installing a certified water filter to remove the specific impurities in your water.
- Run the tap before use: When using tap water, run the tap for a few seconds before collecting the water to flush out any contaminants that may have accumulated in the pipes.
- Avoid using hot tap water: Do not use hot tap water for preparing water for baby formula, as it can contain higher contaminants. Always use cold tap water and heat it separately if needed.
- Consider low-fluoride bottled water: If you are concerned about tap water quality, low-fluoride bottled water can be a safer alternative for preparing your baby’s formula.
By following these practical tips and guidelines, you can ensure that the water you provide for your baby is safe, clean, and suitable for their needs.
Exploring the Use of Natural Spring Water for Babies
Natural spring water is another alternative to consider when choosing the right water for your little ones. Originating from an underground source and naturally filtered by the earth, spring water typically contains essential minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which are vital for your baby’s growth and development.
While they occur naturally, these minerals must still be balanced to ensure they don’t exceed safe levels for infants. Hence, not all spring water on the market is suitable for babies. Always choose spring water specially designed for infants. These are usually carefully sourced and processed to the highest standards, ensuring their safe mineral composition and absence of contaminants.
Moreover, natural spring water is generally considered crisp and fresh to the taste, which, over time, might make a difference in encouraging your little one to stay hydrated. However, it’s important to remember that even the purest natural source can be affected by environmental factors. Therefore, appropriate treatment, such as UV radiation or micron filtration, is applied to eliminate any potential contaminants, including bacteria or viruses.
There are also eco-friendly advantages to consider. The process of bottling natural spring water requires less filtration and thus less energy compared to purified water, leading to a smaller carbon footprint.
Taking into consideration the freshness, benefits of natural minerals, and the green aspect, spring water could be a suitable choice for your baby. Still, it’s essential to consult with pediatricians or healthcare professionals before making a switch to ensure it aligns with your baby’s health needs and dietary requirements.
While distilled and purified water are safe choices for your baby, exploring the option of natural spring water is valuable for its unique benefits. When it comes to deciding the best for your child, remember safety is paramount, and any decision should prioritize their health needs over anything else.
The Bottom Line
While every people has a unique preference for drinking water, it’s always best to choose the one that’ll suit your needs. Just make sure that your drinking water is safe and clean.
It should also have healthy minerals to keep your body hydrated while providing the nutrients it needs. Access to filtered water at home can make it easier for you to maintain hydration without regularly purchasing purified bottled water.
Please comment down below if you have any questions about this topic. I hope it was helpful for you!
