Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that removes contaminants and impurities, including minerals, from water. While RO water is generally considered safe for drinking, it can lack essential minerals that are important for our health. Therefore, adding minerals back into RO water has become a popular practice. Here’s the science behind adding minerals to reverse osmosis water:
Why Add Minerals to Reverse Osmosis Water?
The minerals that are commonly added to RO water include calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These minerals are essential for our body’s proper functioning, such as muscle function, nerve transmission, and bone health. However, RO water lacks these minerals because the process of reverse osmosis removes nearly all dissolved solids from the water, including minerals. Therefore, adding minerals back into RO water can help ensure that you’re getting the essential minerals that your body needs.
How to Add Minerals to Reverse Osmosis Water
There are a few different methods for adding minerals back into RO water. One option is to use a mineral cartridge filter that attaches to your RO system. The mineral filter adds the necessary minerals to the water as it passes through the system. Another option is to use mineral drops or tablets that dissolve in the water, adding the necessary minerals.
The Science of Mineral Supplementation
The minerals that are typically added to RO water are electrolytes, which are minerals that carry an electric charge when dissolved in water. Electrolytes are important for maintaining fluid balance, nerve and muscle function, and regulating blood pressure. The most common electrolytes added to RO water are calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Calcium is important for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. Magnesium is essential for muscle and nerve function, and it helps regulate the heartbeat. Potassium is important for regulating blood pressure and is necessary for proper muscle and nerve function.
It’s important to note that while adding minerals back into RO water can provide these health benefits, it’s also important to ensure that you’re not over-supplementing with these minerals. Consuming too much of certain minerals can cause health problems, so it’s important to monitor your mineral intake and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
In conclusion, adding minerals back into reverse osmosis water can help ensure that you’re getting the essential minerals that your body needs. Calcium, magnesium, and potassium are commonly added to RO water as electrolytes that carry an electric charge and help regulate fluid balance, nerve and muscle function, and blood pressure. However, it’s important to monitor your mineral intake and choose a reliable source of minerals that have been tested for purity and safety.
These statements haven’t been verified by the FDA. This article is for informational purposes only. Consult a doctor.
