When it comes to your health and wellness, water is the most important nutrient. We need it to survive. Our body is made up of more than 60% water, which is involved in almost every metabolic process. Without water, our cells would dehydrate and die. Water also helps our bodies digest food and eliminate waste products from our system.
There are two basic types of water: Purified and Distilled. The two types of healthy water are regulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They are required to meet specific standards to be sold in stores or used in homes.
This article will discuss the difference between distilled water and purified water. Read on.
What Is Purified Water?
Have you ever wondered how purified water differs from other water types?
There are a few ways to make purified water. Purified water is made with specific purification systems such as sand filtration, ion exchange, or reverse osmosis systems. All purification systems remove impurities like chemicals and minerals from regular tap water.
Purified water must undergo additional treatment to meet specific standards for purity. After undergoing additional purification processes, the final product is often called “pure” or “purest” water.
Pros of Purified Water
If you’re looking to drink healthier, cleaner water than the stuff from your tap, we’ve good news: purified bottled water is a great option.
In fact, it has many health benefits to drinking purified water over traditional bottled water! Here are just a few:
1. It’s Cleaner
Bottled water companies have to meet strict health standards regarding the water they sell. These standards are much more stringent than those imposed on municipal water systems. Bottled water is typically free of contaminants like lead and arsenic, which can be found in some municipal water supplies.
2. It Tastes Better
Purified bottled water is also more likely to taste better than tap water. That’s because the purification process removes minerals from the water—minerals that can cause unpleasant odors and tastes in your glass of H20. If you’ve ever had a glass of tap water with added calcium particles or magnesium flakes floating around in it, you know what we mean!
3. It’s Completely Free of Chemicals and Additives
While many people believe that the added chemicals in tap water are safe, they can still be harmful when consumed regularly. These chemical pollutants include lead and chloroform (the chemical used in car cooling systems). The problem with these chemicals is that they don’t get filtered out by your body as other nutrients do. This means they can build up over time and cause health problems. Purifying water removes these harmful chemicals because it’s filtered at the source before bottling, so there’s no need for additives or preservatives during the purification process.
4. It has Neutral pH
Pure water is naturally neutral. This means it is neither acidic nor alkaline—and that’s a good thing for your body! As we age, our bodies become more acidic. This can cause various problems, from skin issues to heart disease and diabetes. Drinking pure water helps maintain the natural pH balance of your body, keeping it healthy.
Cons of Drinking Purified Water
Purified water is often touted as the best option for drinking water, but there are some drawbacks to it that you should be aware of.
1. No Mineral Contents
Purified water contains no healthy minerals, so it’s not as healthy for your body as other types of water. It also removes fluoride from tap water, which can help reduce tooth decay and be a problem if you’re trying to prevent tooth decay or develop faint white lines on your teeth.
2. Needs Maintenance
Water purification systems need regular maintenance to ensure they work correctly during the purification processes.
3. Stored in Plastic Bottles
If you choose purified water over tap or bottled spring water, you’ll store it in plastic containers. Those plastic bottles s can leach harmful chemicals like BPA into your drinking water over time.
4. It’s Expensive
Purified water is certainly one of the most expensive things you can buy in bulk. It’s also less readily available than tap water, which means you’ll have to buy it in smaller quantities, or pay more per unit at the store.
What Is Distilled Water?
Distilled water is the purest form of water available for human consumption. It is created through a distillation process, where the steam from boiling water is collected to develop pure H2O.
The distillation process removes contaminants that may be present in tap water. This could be dissolved minerals, salts, organic debris, and harmful bacteria. The result is highly pure drinking water.
Distilled water is safe to drink because it has been purified of all impurities. Since it has no minerals or salts, distilled water cannot cause any stomach problems or side effects when consumed in moderate quantities.
Pros of Distilled Water
Distilled water is the best choice for your body. Here are some reasons why you should drink distilled water:
1. It’s Free of Contaminants
Since distilled water is purified through distillation, all the minerals and specific contaminants are removed. There are no impurities left behind when you drink distilled water.
2. Neutral pH Balance
Distilled water has a neutral pH balance, which makes it easier for your body to absorb nutrients from other foods that you eat alongside it.
3. It’s Best for Babies and People With Sensitive Stomachs
Babies who switched from breast milk to formula should be given only distilled water instead of regular tap water or bottled spring water. The latter two types may contain minerals that irritate babies’ digestive tract (like calcium). Distilled water also works well for people with sensitive stomachs because it doesn’t have any minerals or chemicals that could trigger an allergic reaction or upset their system.
4. Tastes Fresh
Because distillation removes all impurities and all the minerals, the resulting liquid is tasteless and odorless. You can drink it cold or warm without worrying about any off-tastes or odors from your water!
Cons of Distilled Water
As we’ve discussed, distilled water has some great uses. But there are also some cons to consider before you make the switch.
1. Poor Solvent
Distilled water is a poor solvent, so it could be better at dissolving things. If you’re using distilled water to clean your home or wash your clothes, you’ll have to use more of it than if you were using tap water with all its natural minerals.
2. No Mineral Content
Distilled water can make your skin dryer and more prone to wrinkles than tap water because those minerals help keep the moisture in our bodies.
3. Can Be Less Beneficial for Healthy Adults
Drinking too much-distilled water can be less beneficial for healthy adults. You’ll lose essential electrolytes like calcium and potassium necessary for bodily functions like muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and blood pressure regulation. This is especially true if you’re drinking distilled water from plastic bottles over a long time because the plastic can leach chemicals into the water.
4. Stored in Plastic Bottles
Distilled water is stored in plastic bottles like purified bottled water. These bottles are often made from BPA, which can leach into the water and cause many health problems, including endocrine disruption, reproductive issues, and cancer.
5. It’s Expensive
Bottled water is one of the most profitable industries in America, with Americans spending over $12 billion on bottled water every year. That’s a lot of money that could be going towards something else if you just took advantage of your local tap water!
The Key Difference Between Distilled and Purified Water
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between purified and distilled water?
The answer is simple: purified water has been processed to remove contaminants through several purification methods. These can include filtration, boiling, or adding chemicals to bind with certain elements so that they can be removed through precipitation or flocculation.
On the other hand, distilled water has been processed to remove everything through distillation. Distilled water is created by boiling regular water and then condensing it back into liquid form again. The process removes everything from the source material—including beneficial minerals and salts, leaving behind pure water.
Which One Is Safer to Drink?
Have you ever wondered which is better for you: purified or distilled water? It’s a question that many people ask themselves, but the answer can sometimes be clarified.
The truth is both types of water are safe to drink—as long as you have a healthy diet. So which should you choose? Because both types of water are safe to drink, it comes down to personal preference.
Which One Is Best for Babies?
There’s no doubt that both distilled and purified water are great options for your little one, especially for baby formula. Both types of water meet the same Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards for water quality.
If you’re unsure which type of water to choose, check with your pediatrician or local health department for guidance on what kind of water is best for your child’s age group.
Health Benefits of Drinking Mineral Water
While purified and distilled water might be clean and free of contaminants, mineral water offers several health benefits due to its naturally occurring minerals and trace elements. Mineral water is obtained from underground sources rich in minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and sodium, among others. These minerals are essential for the proper functioning of the human body.
1. Supports Bone Health
Calcium is crucial for maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis. Drinking mineral water that’s rich in calcium can contribute to your daily calcium intake, thus supporting bone health and preventing bone-related diseases.
2. Enhances Electrolyte Balance
Mineral water naturally contains electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium. These electrolytes are vital to maintain hydration, muscle function, and nerve transmission. Drinking mineral water can help replenish electrolytes lost through sweat and support overall physical performance.
3. Promotes Heart Health
Magnesium found in mineral water is known to support heart health by regulating blood pressure and preventing cardiovascular diseases. This essential mineral helps in the dilation of blood vessels, allowing smoother blood flow and reducing the risk of hypertension.
4. Improves Digestion
The presence of minerals like magnesium sulfate and sodium sulfate can have a positive effect on digestive health. These minerals can help in the relief of constipation and promote overall gut function.
5. Reduces Kidney Stone Risk
The high magnesium and calcium content in mineral water may help in reducing the risk of kidney stones. These minerals can bind to oxalate, an element that forms kidney stones, preventing the formation and growth of stone particles.
6. Maintains Acid-Base Balance
Mineral water with an ideal pH of around 7.0 to 8.5 can help maintain the body’s acid-base balance, which is essential for overall wellbeing. Acid-base balance is crucial for maintaining the proper functioning of enzymes and metabolic processes.
7. Boosts Dental Health
Mineral water that’s high in fluoride can help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. However, excessive fluoride intake can lead to dental fluorosis, which can cause visible discoloration of teeth. Make sure to choose mineral water with appropriate fluoride levels that meet the safe and recommended daily intake.
While purified and distilled water offer the advantage of being free of contaminants, mineral water adds beneficial minerals and trace elements to your daily intake that contribute positively to various aspects of your health. With its array of health-promoting qualities, mineral water can be an excellent addition to a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Be sure to choose natural mineral water from a reliable source, adhering to the proper quality standards and regulations, to reap the maximum health benefits.
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.
Takeaway
Now you know the difference between purified and distilled water, so you can decide which one is right for you.
Purified water is probably your best bet if you’re looking to drink pure water. But if you want to ensure that any contaminants are completely removed from your drinking water, then distilled water may be the best option.
Whatever kind of water you choose, it’s important to remember that purified and distilled water are the cleanest and purest water options you can choose from.
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