The well-known saying of nutritionists: "We are what we eat" can be paraphrased in relation to water. Our he alth directly depends on what we drink. Unfortunately, the quality of drinking water is a major concern around the world. The condition of the plumbing systems makes it increasingly necessary to install powerful filters or to use purchased bottled water. What do we call mineral water? How does water mineralization affect human he alth?
What kind of water can be called mineral?
Ordinary drinking water, which we collect from the tap, or buy in bottles, can also be considered, to some extent, mineral. It also contains s alts and various chemical elements in different proportions. And yet, under a certain name, it is customary to mean water saturated with useful organic substances in varying degrees of concentration. The main indicator that determines the chemical compositionthe main source of life, its suitability for drinking, is the general mineralization of water or, in other words, the dry residue. This is an indicator of the amount of organic matter in one liter of liquid (mg / l).
Sources of mineralization
Water mineralization can occur both naturally and industrially, artificially. In nature, underground rivers take in valuable s alts, trace elements and other particles from the rocks through which they pass.
Natural can be considered water that is not subjected to any technological treatment, is extracted only from artesian sources, without changing its chemical composition.
Clean drinking springs, alas, have become a rarity. Mankind is increasingly forced to use special installations to clean them from pollution with harmful substances. Modern filtration methods can extract usable water from almost any liquid. As a result of the use of such technologies, it sometimes becomes almost distilled and is also harmful for continuous use in food. Artificially purified water undergoes re-mineralization and is filled with the necessary composition in an already unnatural way.
Degree of water mineralization
Water with a solids content below 1000 mg/l is considered fresh water, such an indicator of most rivers and lakes. It is this threshold that is considered the highest for drinking water; at this limit, a person does not feel discomfort and an unpleasant s alty or bitter taste. Mineralization of water above 1000 mg/l, in addition to changing its taste, lowers the ability to quench thirst, and sometimes has a harmful effect on the body.
Dry residue below 100 mg/l - low degree of mineralization. Such water has an unpleasant taste, causes metabolic disorders with prolonged use.
Scientists balneologists have deduced the optimal indicator of saturation with organic substances - from 300 to 500 mg / l. Dry residue from 500 to 100 mg/l is considered high, but acceptable.
Consumer properties of water
According to its consumer properties, water should be divided into those suitable for daily use, and those used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes.
- Artificially purified water from all substances is suitable for drinking and cooking. It will not bring much harm, except that it will not bring absolutely no benefit. Those who, fearing infections, use only such a liquid, risk getting a deficiency of useful s alts and minerals. They will have to be replenished artificially.
- Table water is the most favorable for daily use, purified from dirt and harmful impurities and moderately nourished with everything you need.
- Healing table waters are already distinguished by the prefix "healing". Take them as a medicine or for prevention. That is, everyone can drink them, but in moderation and not constantly, but you can’t use them for cooking.
- Purely medicinal mineral waters are usually taken only on prescription, in mostcases as a procedure at a balneological resort. The high mineralization of water makes its use unacceptable in a wide range.
Classification of water by composition
In society, mineral water is commonly called medicinal and medicinal table water. The level of organic substances, minerals and gases dissolved in them differs significantly and depends on the location of the source. The main characteristic of water is its ionic composition, the general list of which includes about 50 different ions. The main mineralization of waters is represented by six main elements: potassium, calcium, sodium and magnesium cations; anions of chloride, sulfate and bicarbonate. According to the predominance of certain elements, mineral waters are divided into three large main groups: hydrocarbonate, sulfate and chloride.
In most cases, in its pure form, a separate group of water is rare in nature. The most common sources are of a mixed type: chloride-sulfate, sulfate-hydrocarbonate, etc. In turn, the groups are divided into classes according to the predominance of certain ions. There are calcium, magnesium or mixed waters.
Just drink and be he althy
Water mineralization is widely used for medical purposes, both for internal use and for external use, in the form of baths and other water procedures.
- Hydrocarbonate waters are used for the treatment and prevention of diseases of the digestive system associated with high acidity. They help get rid of heartburn, cleansebody from sand and stones.
- Sulfates also stabilize the bowels. The main area of their influence is the liver, bile ducts. They recommend treatment with such waters for diabetes, obesity, hepatitis, biliary tract obstruction.
- The presence of chlorides eliminates disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, stabilizes the stomach and pancreas.
Drinking highly mineralized water can also cause significant damage to he alth if used incorrectly. A person with digestive and metabolic problems should take these natural medicines as prescribed and under the supervision of medical staff.
