Our Body contains 65%-71% of water and our vitality thrives on this essential element, often referred to as the cornerstone of life. Being remarkably intelligent,  each cell of our body which can identify appropriate food and water by accessing stored information.

Composed of five elements, our body is purely organic & natural. Thus our bodily intelligence accepts natural and unaltered food, water and other consumables; orally or through skin and environment. While one can endure 15-20 days without food, life ceases within just 3 days without water. 

Food is just 20-25% of our body. If we fix our food, we may not witness noticeable changes in our health status. However changing water can change entire global health conditions. 

Thousands have lived without love, not one without water (W. H. Auden)

Returning to the topic of water: the human body is composed of an average of 71% water. This equates to water accounting for 71% of our bodily composition. Therefore, it is advised that 71% of our diet should be liquids, preferably water. While other fluids and water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables can contribute to hydration, nothing can replace water. Water is an indispensable component of a healthy diet and a vital nutrient for overall well-being.

Water is Most Crucial But “The Most underrated and misunderstood Nutrient”

Water is paramount, yet it remains "The Most underrated and misunderstood Nutrient." To ensure good health, it is recommended that adults drink an adequate amount of water daily, which varies based on factors such as age, sex, climate, and physical activity level. It is essential to pay attention to your body's signals for thirst and drink water regularly throughout the day to maintain proper hydration and support good health.

» Water and Digestion: Water aids in the digestion process by breaking down food and helping the body absorb nutrients. It also prevents constipation by softening stool and promoting regular bowel movements.

» Water and Transport of nutrients and waste removal: Water is essential for the movement of nutrients and waste products in and out of cells. It acts as a medium through which substances can be dissolved and transported within the body. This ensures that cells receive the necessary nutrients for energy production and other cellular processes while efficiently eliminating waste products.

» Water and Cellular Health: . Hydration is crucial for cellular health because cells are the basic building blocks of all living organisms, and they require a stable and properly hydrated environment to function optimally.

» Water plays a critical role in maintaining the structural integrity of cells. It keeps cell membranes hydrated, which is essential for their proper functioning. A well-hydrated cell membrane is more flexible and allows for the efficient exchange of substances between the cell and its surroundings.

» Adequate hydration is necessary for various signalling processes within and between cells. Cells use chemical signals to communicate with each other, and water is often involved in mediating these signals. 

» Cellular dysfunction can cause various health problems i.e. Cancer, Diabetes, Neurodegenerative diseases, Cardiovascular diseases, Autoimmune diseases, Metabolic syndrome - thyroid & parathyroid disorders, PCOS etc., chronic inflammation like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and certain types of arthritis, obesity, cardiovascular diseases - conditions such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and heart failure, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

» Water and Temperature Regulation: Water has a high heat capacity, which means it can absorb and release heat without experiencing significant changes in temperature. This property helps regulate the internal temperature of cells and prevents overheating, which could otherwise damage cellular structures and impair cellular function.

» Water and Enzymatic Activity: Enzymes are essential for almost all biochemical reactions that occur within cells. Many enzymatic reactions require water as a medium, and proper hydration ensures that enzymes can function optimally, promoting efficient cellular metabolism.

» Water and pH Balance: Water is involved in maintaining the pH balance within cells and the extracellular environment. Proper pH levels are critical for various cellular processes, and deviations from the optimal pH range can disrupt cellular function and lead to health issues.

pH imbalance in the body can have a significant impact on various diseases and health conditions. The body's pH level refers to the balance between acidic and alkaline substances in bodily fluids, with a pH of 7 considered neutral. A pH below 7 is considered acidic, while a pH above 7 is alkaline. 

The most direct impact of pH imbalance is on the development of acidosis and alkalosis. Acidosis occurs when the body becomes too acidic (pH below 7.35), while alkalosis occurs when the body becomes too alkaline (pH above 7.45). Acidosis and alkalosis further causes many other serious health problems if remained undiagnosed and untreated.

Water and Electrolyte Balance: Water is responsible for dissolving and distributing electrolytes (ions such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium) throughout the body. These ions are crucial for maintaining proper cellular function, including nerve signalling, muscle contractions, and fluid balance.

Water and Skin Health: Proper hydration can improve skin elasticity and moisture, preventing dryness and promoting a healthy complexion.

Water and Brain Function: Dehydration can lead to reduced cognitive performance, including impaired memory, attention, and mood. Staying hydrated can help maintain optimal brain function.

Staying hydrated can support your metabolism and energy levels, helping you maintain a balanced diet and make healthier food choices. Staying adequately hydrated can improve cognitive function and concentration. Proper hydration supports energy production and can help reduce feelings of fatigue and lethargy.

Overall, staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients are fundamental pillars of good health. Always listen to your body's signals for thirst and hunger, and try to make conscious choices about the water and beverages you consume to support your overall well-being.

Inadequate/Improper hydration can lead to dehydration, which can have adverse effects on cellular health and overall well-being. Severe dehydration can lead to organ failure and even be life-threatening. Therefore, maintaining proper hydration by drinking an adequate amount of water and consuming water-rich foods is essential for supporting cellular health and overall physiological functions.

Caution- You are not drinking water, your water is drinking you!

Health Hazards of Demineralized (RO) water

In the present world we all are being informed by the media that RO water is the healthiest and safest drinking water, completely ignoring the importance of drinking water from natural sources. However the WHO, in contrary, oppose the use of Demineralized water due to its ill effects on human health. The traditional regulatory approach for water treatment, which was previously based on limiting the health risks from excessive concentrations of toxic substances in water, now took into account possible adverse effects due to the deficiency of certain constituents. 

Awareness of the importance of minerals and other beneficial constituents in drinking water has existed for thousands years, being mentioned in the Vedas of ancient India. The water may contain desirable substances has received less attention in guidelines and regulations, but an increased awareness of the biological value of water has occurred in the past several decades.  (World Health Organisation 2005  - Nutrients in Drinking Water). 

RO (demineralized), also known as deionized water or distilled water, is water that has had its mineral ions removed through a process of demineralization. While RO (demineralized) water is often used in various industries and laboratory settings, it is not typically recommended for consumption by humans due to the following health hazards:

Electrolyte imbalance: RO (demineralized) water lacks essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium, which are necessary for various physiological processes. Regular consumption of RO (demineralized) water may lead to an electrolyte imbalance in the body, which can cause muscle cramps, weakness, and even heart irregularities in severe cases. 

Nutrient deficiencies: Drinking water is one of the sources of minerals like calcium and magnesium in our diets. Consuming RO (demineralized) water instead of mineral-rich water can contribute to deficiencies in these essential nutrients, potentially affecting bone health and other bodily functions. 

Increased thirst: Some studies suggest that drinking RO (demineralized) water may increase thirst and, as a result, lead to higher water consumption. This could be a problem for people with certain medical conditions, such as kidney issues, who need to limit their fluid intake. 

Leaching of minerals from the body: Regular consumption of RO (demineralized) water may lead to the leaching of minerals from the body. Some studies have suggested that demineralized water may cause minerals to be drawn out of tissues and bones to help restore balance, potentially leading to health issues over time. 

Dental health concerns: Some research has indicated that RO (demineralized) water may not provide the same protective effects on dental health as mineral-rich water does. Drinking water with fluoride, for example, is known to help prevent tooth decay, but this benefit would be absent in demineralized water. 

It's important to note that the health hazards associated with demineralized water are more applicable to long-term, consistent consumption. Occasionally using demineralized water for specific purposes, such as medical procedures or laboratory experiments, is generally not a cause for concern. 

For drinking purposes, it is generally recommended to consume water that contains a balanced amount of minerals to support overall health. If you have concerns about your water quality or its effects on your health, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional or a local water quality expert for guidance.

Increased acidity: Demineralized water can become slightly more acidic due to the removal of alkaline minerals. Drinking water with a lower pH may not have the same buffering capacity, potentially affecting the acid-base balance in the body.

Potential contaminants: Demineralized water is aggressive water. It absorbs whatever comes in the process. RO (Demineralization) systems stores water in plastic containers and get stored in plastic bottles further. Therefore more and more plastic get absorbed by the aggressive RO water. Your drinking water is more plastics than to be water. When water from centralized RO (Demineralization) systems runs through pipelines and get into your kitchen; all the contaminants i.e. lead or plastics get absorbed on the way. 

Wastewater production: RO (Demineralization) systems produce a significant amount (3 litres of rejected water to produce 1 litre RO water) of wastewater, as only a portion of the input water becomes the treated product. The disposal of this wastewater can have environmental implications. Both RO and rejected water are aggressive water, adversely affect both- human and environmental health. 

Side effects, even after just a few months

What is alarming is the fact that consuming RO water for even just a few months can create serious side effects. Czech and Slovak populations who used reverse osmosis water developed various health complaints suggestive of acute magnesium (and possibly calcium) deficiency within several weeks or months. Among the complaints were cardiovascular disorders, tiredness, weakness or muscular cramps.

RO water which doesn’t contain enough minerals, when consumed, leaches minerals from the body. This means that the minerals being consumed in food and vitamins are being urinated away. Less minerals consumed plus more minerals being excreted causes serious negative side effects and big health problems. In a scientific study performed to see if minerals consumed in food can make up for the lack of minerals in RO water, scientists concluded that reduced mineral intake from water was not compensated by their diets. Low-mineral water was responsible for an increased elimination of minerals from the body.

Consumption of RO water leads to the dilution of the electrolytes dissolved in the body water. Inadequate body water redistribution between compartments may compromise the function of vital organs. Side effects at the very beginning of this condition include tiredness, weakness and headache; more severe symptoms are muscular cramps and impaired heart rate.  Long-term consumption of acidic filtered water devoid of essential elements produced by RO filters is unhealthy. 

Recent studies suggest that RO water may be a risk factor for hypertension and coronary heart disease, gastric and duodenal ulcers, chronic gastritis, goitre, pregnancy complications and several complications in new-borns and infants, including jaundice, anaemia, fractures and growth disorders.

When used for cooking, RO water was found to cause substantial losses of all essential elements from food (vegetables, meat, cereals). Such losses may reach up to 60 % for magnesium and calcium or even more for some other micro-elements (e.g., copper 66 %, manganese 70 %, cobalt 86 %). In contrast, when mineralized water is used for cooking, the loss of these elements is much lower, and in some cases, even higher calcium content was reported in food as a result of cooking.

According to the World Health Organization the practice of adding minerals back into the reverse osmosis water could not be considered optimum, since the water does not contain all of its beneficial components. In the case of borderline deficiency of a given element, even the relatively low intake of the element with drinking water may play a relevant protective role. It is practically impossible to recreate natural water with all of its minerals and trace elements from RO treated water.

Besides the adverse effects described above RO systems also waste 70-80 per cent of water during filtration. This ‘reject’ water is saline as it has a higher concentration of chemical contaminants and is of no use for any other purpose.

Recent epidemiological studies of an ecologic design among Russian populations supplied with water varying in TDS suggest that low-mineral drinking water may be a risk factor for hypertension and coronary heart disease, gastric and duodenal ulcers, chronic gastritis, goitre, pregnancy complications and several complications in newborns and infants, including jaundice, anaemia, fractures and growth disorders (36). However, it is not clear whether the effects observed in these studies are due to the low content of calcium and magnesium or other essential elements, or due to other factors (as per WHO - Nutrients in Drinking Water).

It's important to consider that the health impacts of RO (Demineralized) water can vary depending on the specific situation, the source water quality, and the maintenance of the RO system. If you rely on RO (Demineralized) water for drinking, it may be beneficial to address some of the potential concerns by consuming a balanced diet that includes mineral-rich foods can help mitigate potential mineral deficiencies from RO-treated water. 

However the amount of minerals and nutrients get leached from the body by the RO water is irreversible by available food choices.

It is clearly understandable that all of the health problems are directly or indirectly associated with the consumption of demineralized water. Water from natural sources is always good for human as well as environmental health. Being a responsible human being, it is our duty to assure our health and the health of lives around us in order to lead a meaningful and fulfilling life and Water is the Element for the same.

Sufficient evidence is now available to confirm the health consequences from drinking water deficient in calcium or magnesium. Many studies show that higher water magnesium is related to decreased risks for CVD and especially for sudden death from CVD. This relationship has been independently described in epidemiological studies with different study designs, performed in different areas, different populations, and at different times. The consistent epidemiological observations are supported by the data from autopsy, clinical, and animal studies.

Biological plausibility for a protective effect of magnesium is substantial, but the specificity is less evident due to the multifactorial aetiology of CVD. In addition to an increased risk of sudden death, it has been suggested that intake of water low in magnesium may be associated with a higher risk of motor neuronal disease, pregnancy disorders (so-called preeclampsia), sudden death in infants, and some types of cancer. Recent studies suggest that the intake of soft water, i.e. water

low in calcium, is associated with a higher risk of fracture in children, certain neurodegenerative diseases, pre-term birth and low weight at birth and some types of cancer. Furthermore, the possible role of water calcium in the development of CVD cannot be excluded. International and national authorities responsible for drinking water quality should consider guidelines for desalination water treatment, specifying the minimum content of the relevant elements such as calcium and magnesium and TDS. If additional research is required to establish guidelines, authorities should promote targeted research in this field to elaborate the health

benefits. If guidelines are established for substances that should be in demineralised water, authorities should ensure that the guidelines also apply to uses of certain home treatment devices and bottled waters (as per WHO - Nutrients in Drinking Water).