DISTILLED WATER
BY DR ANDREW WEIL

A question posed to Dr Weil:

Is Distilled Water Dangerous? "I've read that it's harmful because distilled water easily becomes acidic and supposedly robs the body of important minerals. Is this true?"

ANSWER FROM DR ANDREW WEIL (Respected USA Physician)

First of all, let me review for the record what distilled water is - it's water that has been turned into steam so its impurities are left behind. The steam is then condensed to make pure water. The process of distillation kills and removes virtually all bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and other organic and inorganic contaminants. Once distilled, the water is as pure as water can reasonably be.

Better to be deprived of food for three days than tea for one -
Chinese Proverb

For reasons I don't understand, any number of myths - some quite extreme - have grown up over the years about distilled water. A quick Internet search today will take you to sites that put forth such views as "distilled water leads to early death." Nonsense!

One claim holds that distillation removes all of water's beneficial minerals. While it's true that distillation removes minerals as well as various contaminants from water, we don't know that the human body can readily absorb minerals from water. We get our minerals from food, not water. By one manufacturer's estimate, you would have to drink 676 eight-ounce glasses of tap water to reach the RDA for calcium alone!

Your question as to whether distilled water leaches minerals out of the body reflects another persistent myth. While pure water helps to remove minerals from the body that cells have eliminated or not used, it does not "leach" out minerals that have become part of your body's cell structure. As far as acidity goes, distilled water is very close to a neutral pH and has no effect on the body's acid/base balance whatsoever.

I hope I've set your mind at ease. Distilled water not only isn't dangerous, it's the purest form of water. It's also the kind of water I drink." (A. Weil) {Me too - Sally-Ann}

WE NEED WATER!

We desperately need water, that's clear. What happens if we don't get enough? Reductions of 15% below our healthy hydration level could be fatal. Alberto Salazar collapsed after a 1979 marathon race. His body temperature had risen to 107 degrees. He was so close to death from dehydration, they prematurely administered his last rights! Even a small reduction, 2%-5% of our personal water supply, has its consequences. What's worse, these symptoms are not obviously associated with water? Headaches, dizziness, lethargy, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, depression, and brain fog. When you become dehydrated, your body and brain become sluggish, your blood thickens and your heart works harder. Water lubricates every joint in your body and keeps soft tissues from sticking together. Water is also essential to the functioning of the digestive tract. Too little water and you've got mild constipation. Even if you are taking lots of good fibre, you need water to keep it moving. If your intestinal transit time (the time it takes for food to enter and leave your body) slows down, then more toxins are retained. Higher levels of toxic waste products in the bowel, lymph, and bloodstream is a proven contributing factor to many of complaints as well as fibromyalgia, arthritis, eczema, psoriasis, and chronic fatigue.

A few tips for drinking more water
Keep a glass bottle or jug of water on your desk. Get a mug with a handle for your car. Carry around a belt pack with a water bottle holder or make room for a bottle in your briefcase or shoulder bag. Sip your water like a smoker takes puffs. (Don't smoke. It's dehydrating.) Every sip is an ounce. Include juicy foods in your diet. A lettuce leaf is 92% water. Salads and fruits are very healthy and hydrating. Get a juicer and use it. Start your day with a big glass of water. Take a bottle on the airplane with you. Good hydration fights jet lag and travel fatigue that comes from the dry, low pressure cabin air. Drink in between meals more and drink with a meal. Reduce your intake of caffeinated drinks like colas, coffee, and alcoholic beverages. People can survive without food for months, but without water, we can only last a few days.

Functions of Water in the Human Body include:

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More Articles on Distilled Water:
Myths
Minerals
What do the experts say?
Important Facts
Article: Dr Andrew Weil
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