Mineral water can be a healthy choice for staying hydrated, as it contains important minerals and trace elements. However, it's important to be aware that like any beverage, mineral water may have some potential side effects if consumed in large quantities or by those with certain health conditions.
However many netizens often debate whether it is healthier as compared to other types of water. Is that actually true? We will figure this out in this Frizzlife blog, so stick around with us till the end.
Also, read our blog post about Importance of Hydration for Kidney Health
Is Drinking Mineral Water More Healthful?
We can say that, it is “Good” for human health up to some extent. It contains various important minerals like magnesium, calcium, etc. which our body needs. It helps to keep us hydrated and allows the smooth functioning of various processes inside the body.
However, having too much mineral water on a daily basis is also not good. In excessive quantity, it can cause digestive issues like bloating, gas, and stomach upset. It may also lead to erosion of tooth enamel over the long run.
Further, high consumption can impact kidney function as well as the electrolyte balance of sodium and potassium in the body.
Therefore, mineral water should be consumed in moderation, say around 1-1.5 liters per day. Proper hydration is important but intake should not cross recommended limits. A balanced diet including other sources like fruits and vegetables can provide minerals and keep health issues at bay.
Moderation is the key for enjoying benefits of mineral water without harming the body. Otherwise, you may experience the following side effects.
Notable Side Effects of Drinking Excessive Mineral Water
Here are some of the most common side effects of drinking mineral water.
1. Digestive Upset
The high mineral content of some mineral waters can lead to digestive upset in some individuals. The magnesium, calcium, and other minerals may not agree with everyone's stomach. Some people experience nausea, bloating, gas, and diarrhea after drinking mineral water.
The minerals can act as a laxative for those with sensitive digestive systems. The carbonation in sparkling waters may also exacerbate stomach problems in people with acid reflux or indigestion. For most healthy adults, moderate intake is fine, but those with intestinal issues should limit mineral water or choose a product lower in dissolved minerals.
2. Tooth Enamel Erosion
The acidity in some mineral waters could potentially lead to tooth enamel erosion over time. While the pH level may be high enough to avoid outright damage, constant exposure to acidic minerals like calcium could wear away enamel in small amounts.
This is especially a concern for those who drink large quantities of sparkling mineral water throughout the day.
The flowing carbonation may also wash over teeth, exacerbating any effects. Of course, occasional mineral water consumption is generally fine for oral health. However, it could be a good idea to rinse with plain water afterward or limit highly acidic brands for those concerned with enamel protection.
3. Kidney Function Concerns
The high mineral content in mineral water means those minerals must be filtered out by the kidneys. For most people with healthy kidney function, occasional or moderate consumption does not pose any risks.
However, for those with preexisting kidney issues or a family history of problems, excessive mineral water intake over a long period of time could potentially strain kidneys trying to remove all of the extra calcium, magnesium, and other dissolved solids.
At-risk individuals may want to limit mineral water intake or choose varieties lower in minerals to prevent any cumulative stress on their kidneys. As with any health concern, it's best to check with a doctor as well.
4. Electrolyte Imbalance
Drinking large quantities of mineral water on a regular basis can potentially lead to electrolyte imbalance issues in the body. This is because mineral water contains different levels of various electrolytes like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium compared to normal tap water.
Consuming too much of certain minerals without the proper balance of others can disrupt the electrolyte balance in cells and tissues. This may cause symptoms like nausea, muscle cramping, irregular heart rhythms, and even potentially seizures in rare cases. It's generally fine to drink mineral water in moderation as part of a balanced diet and lifestyle.
5. Weight Gain or Bloating
Excessive consumption of mineral water has been linked to potential weight gain or bloating for some individuals. Unlike tap water, mineral water contains various dissolved minerals that add calories and sodium content. The added minerals and calories from regular, large volumes of mineral water are not insignificant.
For people who are already overweight or obese, this extra mineral-induced calorie load may facilitate slow, gradual weight gain over time if not offset by dietary and lifestyle changes. The sodium in some mineral waters may also cause water retention and temporary bloating.
However, drinking mineral water in moderation as part of an otherwise healthy diet and lifestyle should not necessarily lead to weight gain or bloating issues for most people. Staying hydrated is still important, and occasional mineral water consumption provides hydration along with trace nutrients.
Best Alternative to Mineral Water
Although, there number of good alternatives to mineral water, but the best one is filtered water. It is created by passing tap water through a specialized filtration system such as reverse osmosis.
Filtered water is also healthy, as it is free from a wide range of toxic contaminants and impurities. Besides this, it is also more convenient and affordable as compared to bottled water.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does mineral water differ from regular water?
Unlike regular tap water, mineral water is loaded with huge no. of minerals which will ultimately contribute to improving your overall health. Whereas, tap water often contains a mix of minerals and hazardous contaminants and impurities.
Is it safe to drink mineral water every day?
It is usually considered safe for most people to drink mineral water on a daily basis. But if you have specific health issues, then it is recommended to refrain from consuming it without a doctor's consent.
Closing Argument:
Mineral water has become quite popular in recent years. However many people still argue about its effectiveness and claim that it is healthful. In this blog post, we have tried our best to clear doubts about its healthfulness.