Minerals are elements originating from the Earth; we all need them to live healthily.
It gets interesting, though, because living organisms cannot make essential minerals. Plants obtain them via soil. Animals obtain them via eating plants and other animals and drinking water. As humans, we also get some of our needed minerals while drinking water, and we’re going to explore some of the options with this article.
The minerals in our food and water are essential for a variety of normal bodily functions.
• Recovery functions – building strong bones, teeth, and other body tissue.
• Hydration functions – controlling body fluids inside and outside cells.
• Metabolic functions – turning the food you eat into energy.
Different minerals are required in different amounts and obtained through different means. In fact, the minerals, or lack of, are a reason why water from different sources tastes different. It’s also important to keep in mind that excessively high intakes of minerals can cause harmful effects. Also, these days, harmful substances in water might be removed before considering it drinkable.
Quality of water is one of the reasons why it is a good idea to use some sort of water purification method, especially if you decide to settle and you will be drinking and using the same water source constantly.
Bear in mind, though, that different water filtration methods can remove useful minerals you want to get in the first place. But we’ll get to that later.
Types of Purified Water and What Minerals they are Missing
Distilled water is produced by boiling water and then condensing the collected steam back into a liquid. This process sterilizes water and removes all the impurities and minerals from it, so you’re left with pretty much the purest water there is.
Related Article: Uses of Distilled Water
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You might think that all water tastes like nothing until you try distilled water. It usually tastes flattered, less flavourful, and emptier. Thus it’s used for steam irons, car cooling systems, laboratory experiments, and alike where there is no need to remineralize distilled water.
Various water filtration systems are the most common and effective way of improving the water that comes from the tap. Filtration could include using both chemical and physical processes to purify water and make it safe to drink. Often, filtration does not deplete all the minerals and is considered a healthier option to other purification methods. Although, it’s worth keeping in mind that before reaching your personal filter, the water probably has traveled through municipal purification systems where it was disinfected with chlorine which makes the water taste not so good.
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Reverse osmosis systems are a truly powerful technology that is able to remove almost all harmful contaminants by passing water through special membranes and filters. It’s used to remove even the harmful tiniest bits, like chlorine, lead, bacteria, and such. You’re left with pure water, free of pollutants.
However, reverse osmosis technology is so effective that it removes most healthy minerals like calcium, magnesium, fluoride, sodium, potassium, and such.
Also, it’s worth mentioning that RO water is acidic, so some people prefer to remineralize water that goes through the Reverse Osmosis system.
Related Article: Best Reverse Osmosis System?
Activated carbon works by adsorption, and these filters are really good in terms of removing contaminants, odor, and bad taste from tap water.
Also, activated carbon filters retain most of the healthy minerals, making it a good technology that ticks many boxes, but not all.
It does not work well if it needs to remove significant amounts of microbiological contaminants, bacteria, arsenic, and asbestos. Thus, carbon filters are often combined with other filtration technologies.
How to Add Minerals Back to Water
That’s what we call remineralized water, and there are quite a number of ways of doing that. We’ve listed some of the best options for you below.
1. Add Trace Mineral Drops to Your Water
That is among the most cost-effective ways to remineralize water because just a few drops will give it back its natural taste and properties.
Trace mineral drops are made with a special formula that includes all the micro minerals that your body needs. The only thing to remember is to add a drop or two to a glass, bottle, or pitcher you’re using for drinking.
• A bottle of Mineral drops costs under $20
• Allows remineralizing 100-200 gallons of water.
2. Add a Pinch of Mineral-rich Sea Salt
It could be as simple as it sounds. Some mineral-rich, non-processed salt, such as Himalayan sea salt, is full of 84 trace minerals. The trick is to use fine salt so that it dissolves easily. Good for rehydrating because it carries the extra boost needed after spending a lot of sweat.
By the way, it’s the least inexpensive solution.
Obviously, this option is not so great if you need to remineralize water for brewing tea or coffee.
• Two pounds of propper salt cost well under $10.
Related Article: What Is Dura Cube Salt
3. Use a Water Bottle that Filters and Infuses your Water with Ionic Minerals
If you’re on the move for an extended time, then the best option is a bottle that filters and ionizes regular tap water on the go.
Aqua Sanitas has one, with a patented combination of 13 minerals, and the special filter gets rid of contaminants. The unit itself is made of surgical steel, comes in many colors, and is built to last.
• The bottle will cost under $100.
• The filter should be replaced once a year.
• Mineral disk lasts for five years.
4. Use an Alkaline Pitcher to Add Minerals back in
If you’re in need of a specialized pitcher, this might be one of the most convenient ways to raise the pH of the water while introducing back calcium, magnesium, and other beneficial minerals.
Santevia offers a decent unit that works like a charm, plus has some additional features like a built-in clock to announce when it’s time to replace the filter.
• The pitcher will cost about $59
• 3-pack of filters comes at $43.99
5. Make natural fruit water
You can simply slice some fruits and berries, then add them to a jug of water and leave it on the counter. This is a really simple way to make water taste nicer and get a trace amount of minerals carried in those fruits. If you’re feeling inspired don’t forget that you can experiment with different spices and herbs also.
6. Mix in Some Greens Blend to Your Water
Now, this solution might be the best option after a workout or while making a smoothie because, obviously, the green powder will make your water green and taste like vegetable juice. A proper greens power blend made from all sorts of natural plants is full of many goodies, among which trace minerals we’re getting after with this article.
• Price is around $30
Related: Is Reverse Osmosis Water Good for Plants?
Minerals that are Missing in Filtered Water
The minerals listed below are not all that make water, but these are among the most essential among nutrients found in drinking water².
Magnesium
It is essential for developing healthy bone structure and plays an important role in normal cellular functions like neuromuscular power and agility. Also, normal levels of Magnesium are associated with the prevention of cardiovascular problems.
Zinc
Required for normal growth of the body, including development and DNA synthesis. Zinc also plays a role in a strong immune system and sensory functions.
Iron
Necessary for optimal body support functions such as oxygen transport, metabolism of neurotransmitters, and DNA synthesis. It also helps to maintain proper motor development and steady behavioral functions.
Copper
It is especially important for children’s growth, brain development, immune defense mechanisms, and red and white cell production. Copper is needed for proper bone development strength.
Calcium
Is the primary structural constituent of the skeleton and teeth. It is also important for the regulation of enzymes and hormonal responses. It serves a function when blood clotting is needed. Also, nerve transmission and muscle contraction/relaxation are dependent on Calcium.
Sodium
The proper balance of Sodium prevents cramps. It also helps to control blood pressure and electrolyte balance, then regulates the function of muscles and nerves.
Potassium
A crucial microelement for normal heart function that also plays a key role in skeletal and smooth muscle contraction. Potassium is important for normal digestive functions.
Related: What is Dura Cube Salt?
Your Turn to Remineralize Water
Depending on where you live, the quality of the water you have access to might be unclear. Usually, water in North America has a lesser mineral concentration than water in Europe¹. Also, there’s a matter of hard and soft water, which will be explored in another article.
While traveling and sampling different waters, you can acknowledge subtle differences in its taste due to the differing mineral composition of the water. Indeed, some methods might have been used to remineralize reverse osmosis water or water purified in some other way.
Water is vital for any life to continue, and there is no substitute, so any water is better than none. If you’ve finished reading this article, you’re probably able to get all the drinking water you need without much trouble. Therefore you have the privilege of improving it and making it even better by remineralizing cleansed water with the methods outlined above.
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