Why Should You Learn How To Remineralize Reverse Osmosis Water?
With one caveat, reverse osmosis is one of the most extensive and effective water purification systems available. While most people are in favor of consuming cleaned water that is free of hazardous toxins, they are less enthusiastic about having critical minerals removed from the water.
Unfortunately, a reverse osmosis system is designed to filter out everything, even the good things.
It’s not the end of the world, though, because there are a number of choices for remineralizing reverse osmosis water, some of which are so simple that you won’t have to exert any more effort. Let’s look at how to remineralize reverse osmosis water from the ground up.
How Does Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System Work?
If you want to ensure that your family has access to safe drinking water at home during this time, a reverse osmosis water filter is a good option. It uses a cutting-edge RO membrane method to provide excellent filtration. But that’s only the overall picture; let’s go deeper into the specifics.
The “RO” in RO filters refers to the reverse osmosis (RO) process, which the filter uses to filter water. When a solvent flows from a low concentration to a high concentration region across a permeable barrier, osmosis happens naturally.
Reverse osmosis, on the other hand, is the polar opposite of this process. Hydrostatic pressure is required to drive solvent molecules from a high concentration to a low concentration.
Water molecules travel through the RO membrane and into your glass, however molecules bigger than 0.0001 micron (pore size of the membrane) are trapped. Are you curious about the size of a 0.0001-micron particle? Here’s an example: 1 micron equals 0.00004 inches, while a strand of human hair is just 75 microns wide.
The bacteria and other pollutants smaller than the semipermeable membrane’s pore size are trapped. Unfortunately, it also traps minerals and salts, which are useful. As a result, the filtered water from reverse osmosis systems is devoid of the minerals found in tap water.
Is Drinking Demineralized Water Really Healthy?
Some of you may be wondering if drinking clean water is actually healthy. Mineral water is supposed to be good for your health. Food, not water, is the major source of mineral supplements, according to certain government bodies and academicians, thus demineralized water should be alright.
However, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a paper that details some of the hazards and side effects of pure reverse osmosis water. Drinking just demineralized water for an extended period of time can harm the intestinal mucous membrane, metabolism, and mineral balance of the body, resulting in a number of health concerns.
If a vigorous physical exertion is followed by the drinking of many litres of low-mineral water, severe acute harm, such as hyponatremic shock or disorientation, might result. “Water intoxication” is the term for this ailment.
Many of us feel that we get enough micronutrients through our healthy diet. Cooking with low-mineral water, on the other hand, resulted in significant losses of all critical components from meals. Furthermore, many people’s modern diets may not provide an appropriate supply of minerals.
As a result, don’t overlook any activity that might result in the loss of these key aspects, as it could be disastrous. Even the insufficient mineral intake from drinking water might be critical.
What Minerals Does RO Remove?
With one caveat, reverse osmosis (RO) is one of the most extensive and successful water treatment methods available. Most people like the concept of drinking purified water that is devoid of hazardous impurities, but they don’t like it when the water’s important minerals are also eliminated.
Unfortunately, a reverse osmosis system is designed to remove everything, even the beneficial minerals.
It’s not the end of the world, though, because there are a number of ways to remineralize reverse osmosis water, some of which are so simple that you won’t have to exert any more effort. Let’s look at how to remineralize reverse osmosis water.
Should I Remineralize My Reverse Osmosis Water?
It’s crucial to remember that, while our systems require good minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium to thrive, we get considerably larger amounts of these elements from food.
Unless you’re seriously lacking in a particular mineral and can’t make up for it in your diet, adding essential minerals back into your reverse osmosis drinking water won’t make much of a difference in terms of your health.
If you follow the World Health Body (WHO), you may have read a report about the dangers of drinking RO water that was just issued by this organization. According to the analysis, RO water has a number of health hazards that make it unsuitable for regular consumption.
Loss of calcium and magnesium (the two most important minerals found in our drinking water), increased hazardous metal consumption, and impacts on metabolism and homeostasis were among the health dangers.
While this report is essential to be aware of, many of these health hazards are only deemed “potential,” and some, such as mineral insufficiency, may be prevented entirely by ensuring that you obtain enough minerals from your diet.
Although adding minerals to your RO water is not required in my view, you may opt to do so to improve the flavor of the water.
Benefits of Adding Minerals to Reverse Osmosis Water
Gives Water a Delicious Taste
Reverse osmosis has a “flat” and disagreeable flavor for many people. However, alkaline water with re-added minerals tastes much better, so you’ll be more inclined to go for a glass of water rather than juice or soda.
Encourages Hydration
If you believe that drinking demineralized water would make you less inclined to keep hydrated due to the flavor, think again. There are several health advantages to remineralization. Because of the lower pH level, RO water tastes flat and dull. If you remineralize your water, the pH level will rise, and you’ll be more likely to drink it.
Essential for Human Health
We do not need trace minerals in our drinking water to thrive, as I previously said. However, tap water can provide up to 20% of our daily mineral requirements for minerals like calcium and magnesium. Consider a remineralization filter if drinking remineralized water would provide you with the piece of mind you require.
There are several reasons why you might want to remineralize RO water
Many diets are lacking in minerals, and in these circumstances, water can help to compensate for the mineral deficiency. Pure water does not last long since it dissolves some carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Carbon dioxide dissolves and becomes a mild acid, lowering the pH. Adding minerals back into water successfully raises the pH if you want to drink alkaline water.
If you don’t enjoy the taste of clean water, remineralizing might help you get back to your old habits.
Why are Minerals so Important?
The notion that human bodies require minerals — i.e., organic molecules found in rocks and soil – appears to be a stretch. However, the value of minerals in the human body should never be underestimated. Let’s take a look at the minerals contained in drinking water and why we need each one individually.
Calcium
Because it is the most prevalent mineral in the body, calcium, or calcium carbonate, is considered the most necessary mineral. It’s present throughout the body, especially in the bones and teeth.
Calcium is required for muscular contraction, blood coagulation, hormone modulation, and nervous system function. Many of us only think of calcium as a necessary element for strong teeth and bones, but it is required for nearly every activity in the human body. Calcium deficiency can lead to brittle bones, convulsions, and potentially cardiac issues.
Magnesium
Magnesium is another important element that is just as important as calcium. It aids in the stimulation and management of hundreds of metabolic activities, as well as the development and maintenance of healthy bones when combined with calcium.
A lack of this mineral can cause a variety of health problems, ranging from immediate symptoms like nausea, exhaustion, and weakness to long-term consequences including seizures, muscular cramps and numbness, and cardiac problems.
Trace Minerals: Sodium, Potassium and Phosphorous
Water includes trace minerals such as sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, in addition to magnesium and calcium.
The human body requires sodium (salt) in modest amounts for muscle contraction and nerve impulse control. Salt is also required to maintain the balance of minerals and water in the body.
Potassium, like sodium, aids in the contraction of muscles and the proper functioning of neurons. It also aids in the regulation of heartbeat.
Phosphorous is required for the production of teeth and bones, albeit it is not as important as calcium and magnesium. It also aids protein synthesis and influences how fats and carbs are used by the body.
How to Remineralize RO Water?
Trace Mineral Drops
Adding trace minerals in the form of drops is the cheapest way to remineralize your water. You must know where to seek for trace mineral drops, as some are clearly superior than others.
Look for trace mineral drops from reputable companies like Quinton Wellness that have spent decades researching their goods.
You may be required to add mineral drops to your glass of water before drinking, or you may be allowed to add minerals to a significant quantity of water in a pitcher or container, depending on the product you choose. A single purchase of mineral drops costs between $20 and $40 (depending on the brand) and can last for weeks, if not months.
Remineralizing Filters
If you have an under-sink reverse osmosis system, remineralizing filters are an easy way to add minerals back into the water.
Many RO systems have a remineralization filter as an option, but if yours doesn’t, you may purchase one that’s intended to be easily installed at your main waterline, right after your reverse osmosis unit. A remineralization filter has the advantage of producing alkaline water directly from your faucet, eliminating the need to add mineral drops as an afterthought.
The majority of remineralizing filters will add calcium to RO water. Some remineralize water using magnesium, and some go even farther, reintroducing up to five different minerals to your RO water.
Post-filter cartridges for remineralization can be as cheap as $30, but the usual cost is approximately $80. After around 6 months of use, the filter will need to be replaced. Remember that if you buy a RO system with a built-in remineralization filter, you’ll pay extra for mineral-rich RO water.
If you’re buying an independent filter, check sure it has its own housing and connections and isn’t intended to be used in a filter system.
Alkaline Water Pitchers
Alkaline water pitchers are another inexpensive way to add minerals like calcium and magnesium to your water.
A filter cartridge in an alkaline water pitcher infuses a precise quantity of minerals back into a batch of water. Because it’s a pitcher, you won’t get instant remineralized water – you’ll have to fill it with reverse osmosis water from your faucet and wait a few minutes for it to filter. Water alkaline pitchers, on the other hand, are more affordable, costing between $20 and $40 per pitcher.
Alkaline water filters have the apparent benefit of not requiring installation at your water supply. Alkaline filters are an excellent alternative if you want to remineralize your water using a filter that doesn’t need much work (and may even violate the conditions of your rental agreement).
Alkaline water pitcher cartridges, like remineralizing filters, will need to be changed. They usually last between one and three months, but they are a fraction of the expense of a replacement remineralizing filter.
Alkaline Water Bottles
An alkaline water bottle is a terrific way to get remineralized reverse osmosis water on the move.
There’s nothing to set up if you prefer to remineralize your water using an alkaline water bottle. Fill your bottle with RO water and take it to work with you (or simply to another room in your house). The bottle features a filter that improves the taste of water by raising the pH level and adding minerals like calcium and magnesium.
These water bottles appear to be on the ugly side of utilitarianism, but they’re actually rather attractive.
Alkaline water bottles are often priced in the same range as pitchers, ranging from $30 to $50 for a single bottle and filter. Filters should be replaced every 6 weeks, however this might vary depending on the brand and the mineral content in your water.
Adding mineral rich salt – Pink Himalayan Salt
Here’s something you might not have thought of: Himalayan pink salt. Because Himalayan salt has a high concentration of trace minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, it’s an excellent way to replenish these minerals in RO water.
To make remineralized water using pink Himalayan salt, fill a glass jar with Himalayan salt until it’s about 1/4 full, then fill it with water until it’s completely full and let it to sit for up to 24 hours. This creates single water, which has more advantages than just remineralizing water; it’s also supposed to help balance the body’s negatively and positively charged ions, improving general health.
If remembering to make a batch of sole water seems like too much work, you might want to pass on this one. However, if the benefits of adding Himalayan salt to your water appeal to you, go for it! This salt may be found all over the internet. Simply follow the instructions carefully, since too much salt in your water might be deadly.
This is an obvious disclaimer: pink Himalayan salt is not the same as regular table salt. For one thing, it’s far lower in sodium, and it’s also mineral-dense, which most salt isn’t.
Green powder
Green powder is another alternative for remineralize RO water. This comes in tins and is made up of a mixture of dried fruits and vegetables that may be added directly to your water, meal, or tea.
Minerals and vitamins in this combination will replenish those lost during the RO process. Before being compacted into a concentrated powder, the green powder is treated by dehydrating the entire fruits and vegetables, extracting and drying the juices, or a combination of both.
The liquids are sweeter than the entire fruits and vegetables. Not all of the components are green, despite the name. Grasses such as barley, wheatgrass, and alfalfa can be used, as well as fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, goji, and acai berries. The final product might also include more fiber and probiotics.
Green powder can be used in salads and soups, as well as consumed as a supplement when fresh fruit and vegetables are not easily accessible.
Conclusion
Reverse osmosis water isn’t always terrible for you; in fact, in some areas, using a reverse osmosis filter is very necessary to avoid contracting water-borne infections.
In India, for example, most households have RO systems in the kitchen, and all drinking water is obtained from the RO filter or purchased in bottles. Unfortunately, there is no alternative option.
It is not required to remineralize reverse osmosis water, as I stated at the beginning of this essay. In reality, the primary motivation for remineralizing water should be to improve the taste or reduce leaching while cooking.
Because avoiding pollutants and chemicals from unintended absorption has major health benefits, reverse osmosis water is still a viable alternative. By re-mineralizing the water, you may have the best of both worlds: you get the filter’s vital protection while also getting the health advantages of minerals.
Once you know what to do, remineralizing reverse osmosis water is quite simple. The trick is to make sure you only buy high-quality products to replenish the minerals you’ve lost; don’t be seduced by low-cost items from the dollar shop.
FAQ
How do RO systems remove minerals?
The reverse osmosis membrane, also known as the semi-permeable membrane, is what gives a RO system its name. While a standard filtered water solution will not be able to remove minerals from your drinking water, RO membranes feature tiny holes of roughly 0.0001 microns that can catch even the tiniest impurities, including minerals.
How can these membranes avoid being blocked so quickly? Because there are many filter stages before the water reaches the RO membrane – generally a pre-filter and an activated carbon filter with a higher micron rating, which are designed to remove bigger particles that may clog the membrane’s pores fast.
Furthermore, due to the high-pressure functioning of a reverse osmosis system, contaminants such as minerals are likely to bounce back after striking the membrane, and they’ll be drained away with some wastewater in the RO chamber.
Why should I use reverse osmosis if I’m going to add minerals to RO water?
To be honest, it depends on how much filtered water you require. If you merely want to remove chlorine and lead from your water, a carbon filter cartridge alone can be enough – and it won’t lose those helpful minerals, so you won’t have to worry about remineralization.
If, on the other hand, you insist on removing the widest possible spectrum of impurities from your water, only a RO system may be able to provide. If you still wish to benefit from these minerals, you’ll have to remineralize reverse osmosis water in that instance.
How else can I drink my minerals?
If you don’t want to go through the trouble of remineralize RO water, there are lots of methods to receive part of your daily mineral needs from your beverages. For a morning boost, mix mineral-rich green powder or green mixes into your filtered water. It’s not necessary to mix the powder into every glass of water you drink; one serving per day should be enough.
You may also mix a juice or smoothie with fruits and vegetables that are naturally high in beneficial minerals to consume in the morning or evening. You’ll receive a lot more minerals from this than from remineralized RO water.
