let’s talk about reverse osmosis
and why you should avoid it
Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are widely advertised for their ability to purify drinking water. RO systems were originally developed for desalination, making saltwater drinkable in regions with limited freshwater resources. They're also used in industrial applications. While RO does eliminate a wide range of contaminants, there's a growing body of evidence suggesting that RO, also referred to as purified water, might not be the best choice for everyone. Let's dive deeper and explore why you might want to consider alternative filtration methods.
Potential Drawbacks of RO Water:
Stripping Essential Minerals
RO filtration is so effective, it removes not just harmful contaminants but also beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These minerals contribute to bone health, muscle function, and overall well-being. With the rise of processed foods and current agricultural practices, the modern diet of many people is not an adequate source of minerals and microelements. Even the relatively low intake of elements with drinking water may play a relevant protective role. This is because the elements are usually present in water as free ions and therefore, are more readily absorbed from water compared to food where they are mostly bound to other substances.High Loss of Essential Elements in Food
Soft water was found to cause substantial losses of all essential elements from food (vegetables, meat, cereals) when used for cooking. With losses up to 60 % for magnesium and calcium and even more for some other microelements (e.g., copper 66 %, manganese 70 %, cobalt 86 %).Since most nutrients are ingested with food, the use of low-mineral water for cooking and processing food may cause a marked deficiency in total intake of some essential elements that was much higher than expected with the use of such water for drinking only.
Intake of Toxic Metals
Low-mineralized water is unstable and therefore, highly aggressive to materials with which it comes into contact. This leads to increased risk from toxic metals from higher leaching of metals from materials in contact with water resulting in an increased metal content in drinking water, as well as a lower protective (antitoxic) capacity of water low in calcium and magnesium.Increased Acidity
The RO process alters water's pH, making it more acidic. While this acidity might be beneficial for removing contaminants, it slows hydration, can potentially leach minerals from your body, and even damage tooth enamel over time.Wasteful Water Usage
RO systems produce a significant amount of wastewater alongside filtered water, approximately 3 gallons of water are wasted for every 1 gallon of RO. This can be a major environmental concern, especially in drought-prone areas.Potential for Contaminant Growth
RO systems require a holding tank for filtered water. If not properly maintained, this tank can become a breeding ground for bacteria, negating the filtration benefits.
Alternative Filtration Options
Fortunately, there are heaps of other options available that are not only affordable, but better for your health and the health of the planet. Here are some alternatives to consider:
Solid Carbon Block Filters: These filters effectively remove contaminants such as lead, chlorine, benzene, MTBE, chloramines, PCBs, and newer, emerging contaminants, like PFOS/PFAS, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals, as well as purification of bacteria, viruses, and live cysts, while preserving essential minerals. *My personal favorite and what I use and recommend
Activated Carbon Filters: These filters effectively remove chlorine, taste, and odor while preserving healthy minerals.
Ceramic Filters: These filters physically trap contaminants while leaving beneficial minerals intact.
but what about bottled water?
It's important to note that nearly all bottled water on the market is simply tap water that has undergone RO filtration and often additional mineral fortification. This raises questions about the environmental impact of plastic bottles, the potential inconsistency of mineral content in bottled water, and even potential health concerns.
Microplastics, tiny plastic particles shed from the bottles themselves, have been increasingly found in bottled water, raising concerns about their potential health effects. Additionally, leaching of chemicals from the plastic into the water, especially when exposed to heat or sunlight, can introduce harmful substances like BPA (bisphenol A) and phthalates, which have been linked to hormonal imbalances and other health issues.
While RO filtration can remove contaminants from tap water, bottled water offers no guarantee of superior quality or safety, and introduces new health risks and environmental concerns.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
The best filtration method depends on your specific needs and local water quality. Consider requesting a local water report from your municipality or accessing EWG’s Tap Water Database to understand the contaminants present in your area and choose the filter that effectively addresses them, while also preserving the health benefits of essential minerals.
NEED HELP CHOOSING A FILTER THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Check out my Water Filtration Guide HERE and if you’d like to chat more about the best options for your needs, fill out the form below and I’ll personally reach out.
