Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water filtration technology that is widely used to remove impurities and contaminants from tap water. While this process effectively removes pollutants, it also eliminates beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Fortunately, adding minerals to reverse osmosis water can help replenish these essential nutrients and improve the water’s taste.
Here’s a closer look at why mineral supplementation is important for RO water and how to add minerals to make it healthier.
Why Add Minerals to Reverse Osmosis Water?
RO water is treated to remove impurities, but it can also strip away essential minerals that are beneficial to health. These minerals, like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, are found naturally in water sources and play a crucial role in maintaining good health. Calcium and magnesium help to keep bones strong, support cardiovascular health, and regulate muscle and nerve function. Potassium is essential for healthy metabolism and fluid balance, and it helps to regulate blood pressure.
When RO water is consumed without these minerals, it can result in a mineral deficiency that can cause various health problems over time. A lack of calcium and magnesium can lead to bone and joint pain, weakness, and even osteoporosis. Potassium deficiency can cause muscle weakness, fatigue, and an irregular heartbeat.
How to Add Minerals to Reverse Osmosis Water
There are several ways to add minerals to RO water, and the most common method is to use a mineral cartridge that can be attached to the RO system. These cartridges typically contain a blend of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and potassium, that are designed to replenish the minerals lost during the RO process.
Another option is to add liquid mineral drops to RO water. These drops are made from concentrated mineral extracts and can be added to water to improve its mineral content. The amount of drops required varies based on the concentration of the drops, so it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Finally, one can also add mineral-rich foods to their diet to supplement the minerals lost from RO water. Foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are high in essential minerals and can help to replenish the nutrients lost from RO water.
It’s important to note that while adding minerals to RO water can help to improve its nutritional content, it’s essential to monitor the levels of minerals to avoid over-supplementation. Over-supplementation can cause mineral imbalances that can have adverse effects on health. One can get their water tested by a lab to determine the mineral content of their RO water before deciding on the method of mineral supplementation.
In conclusion, reverse osmosis water is a great way to remove impurities and contaminants from tap water. However, it also removes essential minerals that are vital to our health. Adding minerals back to RO water is an easy and effective way to improve its nutritional content and taste. By supplementing minerals, we can enjoy the benefits of purified water without compromising our health.
These statements haven’t been verified by the FDA. This article is for informational purposes only. Consult a doctor.