Introduction
Clean, contaminant-free water is essential for good health. Our bodies are over 60% water by weight, and we depend on H2O to survive and thrive. Many health authorities recommend drinking at least 64 ounces per day for proper hydration. But with all the chemicals, heavy metals, microbes, and toxins that can enter supplies today, is simply drinking more tap water enough?
This is where a reverse osmosis water filtration system can make a big difference. RO effectively removes both particulate contaminants and dissolved solids from water by forcing it through a specialized semi-permeable membrane. This produces some of the purest drinking water available to consumers. And scientific studies show unique health benefits from increasing daily RO water consumption versus conventional untreated tap water.
In this article, we’ll examine evidence-backed ways high-quality RO water improves health when consumed as your primary drinking source. We’ll also look at considerations around mineral content and methods for optimizing the health benefits of reverse osmosis systems in your home.
What are the Health Benefits of Drinking RO Water?
Here are some of the top researched ways high-purity RO filtered water can enhance health:
Improved Hydration
Dehydration is a widespread issue that can contribute to problems like fatigue, headache, and poor concentration. Drinking more water is a basic recommendation for better hydration. However, studies show that purified, low-contaminant water like RO hydrates the body faster and more efficiently than conventional tap water.
RO processing removes total dissolved solids (TDS) that can make water less “wet” feeling in the mouth. The cleaner mineral profile seems to allow faster cellular absorption. This also explains why distilled water has a heightened hydration effect.
Toxins Removed
Municipal and well water can contain many toxic contaminants like heavy metals, industrial chemicals, pesticides, pharmaceutical residues, and inorganic compounds. Long term ingestion of these toxins may contribute to a variety of health issues.
RO effectively removes such dissolved toxins through the microscopic membrane pores. Substituting pure RO water eliminates this steady toxin load that many don’t even realize they are ingesting daily from the tap.
Potentially Protects Kidney Health
For those predisposed to kidney stones or kidney disease, minerals in hard water may exacerbate issues. Calcium, magnesium and carbonate contribute to an increased risk of kidney stone formation. These minerals are precisely what RO systems filter out.
Doctors may recommend switching to RO water for protection, especially for those with a history of kidney health problems. The low mineral content will not further aggravate conditions.
Gentler for Sensitive Digestive Systems
Some find hard, highly mineralized tap water irritates their digestive system. This leads to symptoms like gastroesophageal reflux and general indigestion. The purity profile of RO water makes for a gentler experience through the digestive tract.
Doctors may suggest drinking RO water with meals to help reduce irritation in those with acid reflux or inflammatory conditions like gastritis. The softened mineral content is less abrasive.
Potentially Lessens Elemental Heavy Metal Absorption
Trace amounts of heavy metals like lead, arsenic, chromium and cadmium are not uncommon in some water sources. These contaminants are directly absorbed into the bloodstream when consumed in water. Reverse osmosis filtration can remove up to 99% of these dissolved elemental metals.
Drinking RO water eliminates a direct route of environmental heavy metal exposure. Studies suggest those drinking RO water have significantly lower levels of such metals in their blood compared to tap water drinkers.
Considering How RO Processing Affects Mineral Intake
A downside of thoroughly purified RO water is the removal of calcium, magnesium and other beneficial dissolved minerals. These minerals provide a range of positive health benefits when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
However, realize that drinking water contributes only a fraction of total daily mineral intake. Food remains by far the primary source of essential minerals, providing around 90% of dietary requirements. Given this context, concerns about RO water mineral depletion may be somewhat overstated.
Still, those drinking exclusively RO water may want to proactively increase mineral-rich foods to compensate for the ultra-low mineral profile from the RO system. Adding a high-quality remineralizing filter cartridge is another option. This can balance RO water with healthy minerals tailored to your needs.
Optimizing the Health Benefits of Home RO
To maximize the health dividends of reverse osmosis drinking water in your home:
- Drink RO water as your primary daily water source for meals, cooking, and hydration needs.
- Install a dedicated RO drinking water faucet for easy filling of glasses and pitchers to keep fridge-cold. This makes RO water the default option.
- Consider adding an alkalizing cartridge or mineral-infusing pitcher to boost minerals like calcium and magnesium.
- Drink more overall by keeping RO water on hand whenever thirst strikes to support increased daily intake. Carry a reusable non-leaching bottle.
- Replace filters and sanitize the RO reservoir on schedule to maintain purity. Check TDS periodically with a meter.
- Let RO water run for a few minutes before collecting to flush lines and deliver fresh water.
Conclusion
In summary, scientific evidence indicates properly filtered reverse osmosis water can provide unique benefits for hydration, removing toxins, protecting kidneys, soothing digestion, and reducing heavy metal absorption. Keeping total dissolved solids low through RO processing offers health advantages over conventional tap water high in minerals and contaminants.
While lacking in minerals, this is easily compensated through diet. Optimizing RO systems for home use can provide a regular supply of ultrapure water to support improved health and wellbeing.
Netsol Water is Greater Noida-based leading water & wastewater treatment plant manufacturer. We are industry's most demanding company based on client review and work quality. We are known as best commercial RO plant manufacturers, industrial RO plant manufacturer, sewage treatment plant manufacturer, Water Softener Plant Manufacturers and effluent treatment plant manufacturers. Apart from this 24x7 customer support is our USP. Call on +91-9650608473, or write us at enquiry@netsolwater.com for any support, inquiry or product-purchase related query.
