Tag: Drinking Water

Can Water Be Too Pure for Drinking?

Sam Kemper Leave a comment

lady drinking glass of pure water and smiling

Yes, water can be too pure for drinking. As strange as it sounds, it’s true. Water that is stripped of its minerals can damage your health in the long run. These minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, are crucial for your health. They contribute to bone strength and overall well-being. Ultra-pure water lacks these essential minerals and drinking it can lead to mineral deficiencies and health problems.

a glass of 100% pure water

Key Takeaways

• Drinking Pure Water can Harm Your Health due to the Lack of Essential Minerals.

• It can lead to Mineral Deficiencies and Potential Health Issues Over Time.

• Striking a Balance between Water Purity and Mineral Content is Key.

Can You Drink 100% Pure Water?

No, drinking 100% pure water is not a good idea. If water is 100% pure, it means it’s missing some important stuff, such as minerals. These minerals, like calcium and magnesium, are super important for keeping you healthy. They help your bones stay strong and contribute to your overall health.

man drinking a glass of water

So, if you drink 100% pure water, you will reduce the amount of important minerals you get. This is not good. It can cause a mineral deficiency and your health will take a hit. Your body needs the minerals that are found in regular drinking water.

Instead, you need to find a balance in your drinking water. You want it clean enough to be safe to drink, but not so pure that it’s missing all the good stuff, like minerals. So, next time you’re thirsty, aim for regular drinking water and give pure water a skip.

The Risks of Drinking Ultra-Pure Water

What are the risks of drinking ultra-pure water? If you drink it regularly over a period of time you may experience any of the risks below.

• Mineral Deficiency

Drinking ultra-pure water can be harmful to your health. Especially if you drink it regularly over time. It can lead to mineral deficiencies in your body. And, these minerals are essential for bone strength and overall well-being.

• Electrolyte Imbalance

It can also have an effect on your electrolyte levels. Electrolytes are minerals that carry electrical charges and play essential roles in various bodily functions. They play a crucial role in the normal running of nerve and muscle function. And, they help you stay hydrated and maintain a healthy pH balance. When you drink ultra-pure water it can dilute electrolyte levels in your body.  This creates an imbalance.

• Corrosive Effect

Additionally, pure water can have a corrosive effect due to its lack of minerals. It has the ability to leach harmful substances from pipes and water containers that are used to transport and store it. Corrosion can lead to the release of heavy metals and other contaminants into the water.

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The Importance of Minerals in Drinking Water

What is the importance of minerals in drinking water? Water minerals play a crucial role in your health and well-being. Their importance cannot be overstated. Essential minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium are key. Here’s why they matter.

woman drinking pure water

• Bone Health

First up is bone health. Minerals like calcium and magnesium are essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. They contribute to your bone density and strength. This reduces the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Especially as we get older.

• Muscle Function

Potassium, magnesium, and sodium are electrolytes that play a key role in muscle contraction and relaxation. They help regulate the nerve impulses that control muscle movement. Without them, your muscles will not function properly and you can suffer cramps and spasms.

• Hydration

Electrolytes like sodium and potassium regulate fluid balance in your body. They help ensure you maintain healthy hydration levels. These minerals allow cells to absorb and retain water as they need it. This helps prevent dehydration and maintains healthy cellular activity.

• Heart Health

Minerals like potassium and magnesium are essential for maintaining a healthy heart. They help regulate your heart rhythm and blood pressure. They play a key role in the function of the heart muscle and help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

• Nutrient Absorption

Trace minerals found in drinking water, such as zinc and selenium are key helpers in metabolism and nutrient absorption. They play a role in various enzymatic reactions in your body and contribute to energy production and overall metabolic health.

 

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Warm Water Before Bedtime – Good Idea or Bad Idea?

Sam Kemper Leave a comment

woman in bed holding a glass of warm water

Drinking warm water before bedtime has been a popular practice for centuries thanks to its many health benefits. Drinking warm water before sleep promotes relaxation, improves digestion, and boosts detoxification. However, there are some potential drawbacks, such as disrupted sleep and digestive issues. This article covers all you need to know about the advantages and potential side effects of drinking warm water before going to bed.

Drinking Warm Water Before Bedtime

Drinking warm water before bedtime has been a long-standing tradition around the world, especially in Eastern cultures such as China and Japan. The understanding that warm water has many health benefits has been carefully passed down through the generations. In recent times, science is beginning to back up these longstanding beliefs.

man drinking a glass of warm water

Warm water before bedtime has a calming effect on the body that promotes relaxation and prepares the body and mind for a restful night’s sleep. It is also believed to stimulate blood flow and helps aid better digestion. And, warm water is often consumed for its potential to help the body cleanse itself and flush out toxins.

However, it is important to weigh up the pros and the cons of drinking warm water at night and understand that the practice is not for everybody.  Want to get to something quickly? Use the links in the menu below.

Benefits of Drinking Warm Water Before Sleep

What are the benefits of drinking warm water before sleep? Below we take a look at the many advantages of drinking warm water before bedtime.

woman drinking warm water in bed

Enhances Relaxation

Drinking warm water is well known to aid relaxation. It helps calm the mind and reduce anxiety. A quick warm drink is a great way to prepare for bed and to help you unwind. Factoring some warm water into your bedtime routine is a great way to boost your chances of getting a restful sleep.

Aids Digestion

A glass of warm water aids digestion by helping break down food contained within the digestive tract. This process helps relieve constipation and relieve digestive problems. Your digestive system slows down at night and can do with a little helping hand in getting the job done.

Promotes Detoxification

Warm water plays a key role in assisting the body’s natural detoxification process. Detoxification is a vital process that promotes healthy organ function and prevents illness by removing toxins from the body.

When you consume hot water it raises body temperature and boosts blood circulation. It also stimulates sweat. Increased blood flow and sweat allow the body to flush unwanted chemicals and pollutants from the body.

Boosts Hydration

woman drinking a glass of freshly filtered water

Your body must replenish lost fluids by consuming liquids – especially water. Drinking warm water at night hydrates your body and tops up your water levels just before you call it a night. This helps maintain healthy hydration levels while you sleep and keeps you feeling comfortable and healthy.

Improves Mood

Drinking water is well associated with an improved mood. If you are thirsty and quench your thirst you feel much better. Not just physically, but mentally too. Hydration is key to mental health and a positive mood. Better hydration levels and mood lead to better sleep.

Relieves Headaches

Drinking warm water can help relieve a headache. If you find yourself suffering a headache – why not reach for a drink of warm water? It may provide the relief you need to help you drift off to sleep when you climb into bed. Hot drinks are also known to relieve sinus pain and nasal congestion.

Weight Loss

Drinking warm water before bed may help promote weight loss. As we’ve discussed above, warm water helps stimulate your digestive system. This encourages the breakdown and passing of food. And, as your digestive system slows to a near standstill during the night – a helping hand can go a long way. By promoting digestion, warm water before bed may help reduce body weight.

What Are the Side Effects of Drinking Warm Water at Night?

What are the disadvantages of drinking hot water at night? Below we discuss the possible drawbacks and why warm water before sleep is not a good idea for everyone.

warm water in a glass

Interrupted Sleep

If you drink too much warm water you may have to make frequent trips to the bathroom during the night. This leads to interrupted sleep and can leave you feeling tired and drowsy the next day. To avoid regular bathroom trips and low-quality sleep you should limit the amount of warm water you drink before bedtime.

Stomach Issues

People with sensitive stomachs should avoid drinking hot drinks before going to bed. For some, warm water can trigger cramps, bloating, and diarrhea. Other individuals find it can trigger acid reflux – an unpleasant and painful condition where stomach acid travels upwards through the esophagus.

Loss of Electrolytes

Drinking too much water can lead to an electrolyte imbalance. This happens when someone consumes too much water and not enough electrolytes from food sources. The excess volume of water flushes important electrolytes from the body. These need to be restored as soon as possible as part of a healthy diet.

Nutrient Absorption

lady drinking glass of water and smiling

Hot water can reduce the absorption of nutrients from your food. Your body absorbs nutrients during the digestive process by breaking down food using little molecules called enzymes. However, hot water can disrupt these enzymes and limit their ability to extract nutrients.

Night Sweats

Do you suffer from night sweats? When you drink warm water it raises body temperature, boosts blood flow, and can trigger sweating. If you have a problem with night sweats – a hot drink before bedtime may not be a good idea. Maybe, stick to a cold glass of water for better results.

Accidental Scalding

When you drink a hot drink, such as warm water, there’s always a chance of scalding. If you drop your cup or have an accidental spill you could suffer a scalding. The best advice is to drink warm water, not hot water. Aim for a temperature that is pleasant to drink but won’t scald should an accident occur.

Sleep Apnea

There is evidence to suggest that drinking warm water before sleeping can aggravate sleep apnea. If you suffer from sleep apnea you should avoid drinking warm water before bedtime. Consult a medical professional for further advice.

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Tips for Drinking Warm Water

Want to try drinking some water before bedtime? Here are some tips for how to get started and how to establish a healthy warm water routine.

man drinking a glass of water

Start Small

If you’re new to drinking warm water before bed, start small and gradually work your way up. A small cup with just half a cup or 4 oz of warm water is a good start.

Grab a Thermal Cup

A thermal cup is great for keeping the water warm. If you want to sip the warm water rather than guzzle it all in one go, try using a thermal cup.

Try Some Flavor

If the taste of warm water is not appealing to you, try adding some flavor. A slice of lemon, a squeeze of honey, and even a little ginger all work wonders.

Timing is Key

Try and drink the warm water at least 30 minutes before going to bed. This allows your body time to absorb it and prevent bloating or discomfort.

Develop a Routine

Once you’ve mastered the steps above, try and make it a routine. Establish a habit of preparing and drinking warm water before climbing into bed.

Stick With It

If you want to truly experience the benefits of drinking warm water you need to stick with it. It can take weeks or even months before you really begin to feel the positive effects.

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