There are lots of people who are paying more attention to their health these days, and it is important for you to pay attention to what is in your drinking water. For example, many people know that it is important to make sure their drinking water does not contain any viruses or bacteria. In addition, many others are aware of the health benefits of adding fluoride to drinking water, which can help you protect your teeth against potential cavities.
Drinking clean water is one of the best ways to protect and preserve your health, but what types of minerals are in water? Why are these minerals beneficial, and what do they do for the body?
Some of the most common minerals in our drinking water include magnesium, calcium, fluoride, and sodium. These minerals play important roles that power bodily functions and ensure that our tissues are healthy.
Learn more about these minerals below, and make sure your drinking water is safe.
Minerals Found in Drinking Water and Tap Water
There are numerous minerals that are found in our drinking water and tap water. Some of the most common examples include:
Calcium
Calcium is one of the most important minerals that can be found in our drinking water. It is healthy for people of all ages, as it is critical for making sure that we have strong bones. Calcium is also important for power and muscles throughout the body.
Unfortunately, a lot of people do not consume enough calcium in their diet. Some of the most common places where you can find calcium include dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. You might also find small levels of calcium in your drinking water.
Magnesium
Magnesium is another very important element that can be found in our drinking water. While different water supplies have different levels of magnesium, it is important to make sure that we get enough magnesium in our diet.
Magnesium is important because it can reduce our chances of developing heart disease. Magnesium also plays an important role as an enzyme cofactor, giving our enzymes the energy they need to carry out different functions. Magnesium can also be found in whole grains and vegetables.
Sodium
Even though excess levels of sodium have been tied to high blood pressure, sodium is also a very important electrolyte for countless functions throughout the body. The vast majority of people get enough sodium in their diet, but some people actually consume too much.
If you consume too much sodium, it can cause your kidneys to hold on to water, which can elevate your blood pressure. While there might be some sodium in your drinking water, it is a relatively low amount. If your doctor has told you that you need to be on a low sodium diet, then you may want to test your water to make sure it doesn’t have too much sodium.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally throughout the body, and it has been added to water supplies throughout the country for decades. Fluoride is important for numerous functions throughout the body, but one of its most important roles is preventing cavities from forming.
When bacteria digest food debris left over between your teeth, they release acid as a byproduct. This acid can lead to cavities. One of the easiest ways to protect your teeth against these cavities is to add an extra layer of defense in the form of fluoride.
These are just a few of the most common elements that can be found in our drinking water. At the same time, should you be drinking water that has more minerals in it?
Should You Drink Mineral Water?
When people hear about minerals in the water supply, they often wonder if it is important for them to drink mineral water. Critically, having minerals in your water supply doesn’t necessarily mean that you are drinking mineral water. When people are talking about mineral water, they are talking about water that has intentionally had additional minerals added to it.
There are situations where drinking mineral water can be beneficial for the human body. For example, drinking bottled water with minerals could help you reduce your levels of cholesterol, which may help you prevent the risk of developing heart disease and other chronic medical conditions.
At the same time, there are other ways for you to keep your cholesterol levels under control, so if you are curious about whether bottled mineral water is right for you, you may want to schedule an appointment with your doctor to talk about your options.
Minerals in Water and Your Blood Pressure
There are many people who are concerned about their blood pressure. Chronic cardiovascular disease remains one of the biggest problems facing the medical system today, and there are some people who get concerned about their blood pressure when they hear that sodium is present in the water supply.
The good news is that the level of sodium in our water supply is relatively low, and it would be very unlikely for your blood pressure to go up solely because there is sodium in your drinking water. If you are curious about how much sodium is in your water supply, you may want to order a test kit that will provide you with more information. Then, do not forget that there are water filters that can remove excess sodium from your water supply.
If you have any medical concerns about this, you need to talk to a doctor.
Can You Have Too Many Minerals in Your Water Supply?
Clearly, it can be beneficial to have minerals in our water supply. We need these minerals to power a variety of bodily functions. On the other hand, it is also possible for you to have too many minerals in your water supply.
For example, if you have excess levels of calcium and magnesium in your water supply, it could mean that your water hardness level is too high. If your water is too hard, it can have a negative impact on your appliances, as it can cause scale to build up inside the pipes or your plumbing system. You might also notice some unusual stains being left behind when the water dries.
If you shower with water that is too hard, you may notice that your skin develops a rash. You could also find yourself itching and scratching, and you may find excessive dandruff coming from your scalp. Fortunately, there is a way to deal with this issue.
A Water Softener Can Be Beneficial
If you are looking for a way to rectify this situation, you may want to invest in a water softener. A water softener has been specifically designed to remove excess calcium and magnesium from your water supply. Instead, you will replace these excess minerals with sodium or potassium, which will protect your appliances and reduce your chances of dealing with rusted or leaking pipes.
A water softener does require some maintenance, but as long as you take care of it, it could last for decades. If you reduce the hardness level of your water, you could extend the lifespan of your appliances significantly, which can help you save a significant amount of money. For all of these reasons, you may want to explore adding a water softener to your water supply if your total dissolved solids or mineral content is too high.
Find the Best Water Filters and Water Softeners From DROP
If you are looking for a way to protect the quality of your drinking water, you need to find the best water filters and water softeners available. At DROP, we have a wide selection of products from which to choose, and it would be our pleasure to help you find the best ones to meet your needs. Take a look at the selection we have today, and reach out to us if you have any questions about which options are right for you.
