3 Harmful Effects of Drinking Hard Water (& What to Do About It)
Hard water is more than just a tough taste. Discover its surprising health effects and how to tackle them.
Updated March 6, 2024.
Have you ever noticed white stains on your showerhead or struggled with lathering soap? These are telltale signs of hard water, a common issue affecting many households.
While hard water may seem like a minor inconvenience, its high mineral content can lead to various health concerns, impacting your well-being. This guide will explore its potential risks and unveil simple solutions to keep your water pure, safe, and healthy.
Is Hard Water Bad for You? 3 Common Side Effects
Although it's often overlooked, your water can surprisingly impact your health. Hard water is characterized by an unusually high concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium.
While it's generally safe to drink, long-term consumption of hard water may cause:
1. Digestive Issues
Do you have digestive issues? Too much calcium and magnesium in water could be the culprit. Studies suggest that long-term consumption can lead to constipation, diarrhea, and bloating.
This side effect happens because the body may find these magnesium and calcium difficult to digest, potentially disrupting gut health. Plus, drinking hard water might contribute to mineral intolerance, which can also cause stomach discomfort.
2. Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are a painful condition, and while poor diet is a known culprit, drinking hard water can also contribute to their formation.
Hard water, with its high levels of calcium and magnesium, makes it harder for our bodies to dilute these minerals, potentially leading to the formation of hard deposits—kidney stones. They can cause severe pain when passing and other symptoms like nausea and blood in the urine.
3. Nervous System Problems
The nervous system controls everything from movement to thinking. While the exact cause is unknown, its high mineral content could disrupt communication between nerve cells, leading to problems like fatigue and headaches.
Did you know?
The high mineral content, especially calcium and magnesium, can give hard water a distinct taste, often described as chalky, metallic, or even soapy. This effect is also noticeable in tea, coffee, and cooked food.
» Check out the best mineral drops for reverse osmosis water
How to Get Rid of Hard Water
While hard water may be safe to drink, it can pose challenges like scale buildup, reduced cleaning effectiveness, and even a distinct taste.
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a popular treatment method that addresses various quality concerns, such as:
- Excess minerals: Removing minerals such as calcium and magnesium from water is beneficial for health, as these minerals in excess can be harmful.
- Pollutants and contaminants: RO is a barrier against harmful substances like lead, copper, chromium, and bacteria, ensuring safe drinking water.
- Chemical impurities: RO removes chemical contaminants, producing cleaner and better-tasting water.
Beyond Clean: Benefits of Remineralized RO Water
RO systems remove beneficial and harmful minerals during filtration. While they play various roles in the body, the potential health effects of their absence in drinking water are still under research.
To address this, remineralization is recommended for RO water. Mayu Essential | Mineral Blend ensures you enjoy the benefits of clean, safe hydration while maintaining a healthy electrolyte balance.
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Mayu Minerals Essential Drops are highly concentrated, remineralizing a liter of water with only eight drops. They have a wide range of minerals, such as magnesium, sodium, and 72 other organic ionic trace minerals.
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Balance Your Water With Mayu
While hard water has high amounts of calcium and magnesium, it often has excessive levels that can lead to certain health concerns. Reverse osmosis (RO) is a common method for softening hard water and reducing the intake of excess minerals.
But it also removes some beneficial minerals. The impact of mineral content in drinking water on individual health is complex and depends on various factors. It's crucial to consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to discuss any concerns you may have about your needs.
To ensure a healthy intake of essential minerals, try MAYU Essential | Mineral Drops. They add a balanced concentration of beneficial minerals to your water, restoring its nutritional value and contributing to overall well-being.
