Mineral water: benefits and harms to the body

Mineral water is understood to mean a liquid that contains dissolved salts, chemical trace elements and a number of biologically active substances.

Where does mineral water come from

Mineral water is produced by nature. Water from the springs washes the rocks, absorbing the components that make up the natural resources. Mineral water may spill onto the surface of the earth's crust or be in the bowels of the earth.

Views

Depending on their chemical composition, mineral waters are divided into the following types:

• carbonate;
• chloride;
• sulfate.

In terms of mineralization, fresh, brackish, salty waters and brines are distinguished. The degree of mineralization characterizes the number of grams of salt in one liter of liquid. Thus, fresh water contains less than 1 g / l, brackish - from 1 g / l to 25 g / l, salty - from 25 g / l to 50 g / l, brine - over 50 g / l.

According to their purpose, mineral waters are divided into canteens, medicinal-canteen and medicinal. Mineral dining can be consumed daily, as it contains a low amount of natural salts. It is allowed to use medicinal-table and medicinal mineral water after consultation with a specialist.

What is the difference between mineral water

From artesian

Water that is extracted from an artesian well is called artesian. Artesian water can be mineral and vice versa. They differ in terms of mineralization. The source of artesian water is groundwater, which is enclosed between layers of water-resistant rocks. The depth of their occurrence can reach hundreds of meters. These waters are under hydraulic pressure.

Water produced from an artesian well is a valuable natural resource. It can be used in its original form in the case of the maximum permissible value of mineralization.

From carbonated

Carbonated is called water, which contains carbon dioxide. Any water, including mineral water, can be made carbonated. For this, the liquid is saturated with carbon dioxide.

From ordinary

Normal fresh water, unlike mineral water, does not contain chemical trace elements and biologically active components. However, ordinary water can be made mineral. To this end, at specialized enterprises it is saturated with minerals and chemical trace elements.

Composition and calorie content

100 ml of mineral water contains only 0.1 kcal. There are no proteins and fats, the carbohydrate content is 0.1 g.

The value of mineral water is due to its rich chemical composition, which is represented by the following components:

• sodium;
• magnesium;
• sulfur;
• potassium;
• calcium;
• silicon;
• aluminum;
• boron;
• chlorine;
• strontium;
• fluorine;
• titanium.

What is useful mineral water

General benefit

1. Mineral water normalizes the production of gastric juice and increases its acidity.
2. After drinking water, enriched with minerals, the activity of enzymes increases, as a result of which the gastrointestinal tract works.
3. The use of mineral water restores the alkaline balance and saturates the body with trace elements and salts necessary for its normal functioning.
4. Healing fluid prevents the leaching of calcium.
5. Mineral water contributes to the outflow of bile and is a prophylactic for gallstone disease.
6. The use of mineral water restores the motor activity of the intestine.
7. A therapeutic drink saturates the body's cells with oxygen and speeds up the blood supply process.

For women

1. It has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and helps to cope with the symptoms of depression.
2. Helps to remove excess moisture from the body.
3. Normalizes metabolism.
4. It has a positive effect on the digestive system and increases metabolism.
5. Improves the condition of the skin, hair and nail plates.
6. Promotes weight loss.

For men

1. Increases muscle tone.
2. Helps to get rid of fatigue.
3. Normalizes the gastrointestinal tract.
4. Improves overall well-being.
5. It activates the work of brain cells and improves mood.

During pregnancy

During pregnancy, doctors recommend minimizing the use of drinks with gases and a high content of mineral salts. Natural table mineral water is an excellent remedy for thirst, improves well-being during toxicosis. The body of a pregnant woman is experiencing a significant load, and mineral water allows you to make up for the loss of nutrients.

During an interesting situation, a woman should consult with a specialist before drinking mineral water. So with impaired kidney function, the use of a liquid that contains calcium is contraindicated. Industrial bottled beverages should be discarded or minimized.

When breastfeeding

During lactation, a woman needs to carefully monitor her diet. The substances contained in the products penetrate into breast milk, therefore, before using the medicinal-table and medicinal mineral water, a competent specialist should be consulted. Table water can be consumed while breastfeeding in limited quantities.

For children

The children's body is significantly different from the adult. Important systems in childhood are intensively formed, so you need to carefully monitor the diet of the child. Pediatricians do not recommend giving mineral children to children under the age of one year. After a year, you can give your child a liquid enriched with minerals, the concentration of which should correspond to table water. Medical-canteen and healing water can be prescribed for a child who has reached the age of seven.

When losing weight

During the diet, the body loses not only extra pounds, but also useful substances, the lack of which can be made up by using mineral water. In addition, the use of a liquid containing mineral salts contributes to the following positive changes in the body, which will help to adjust the figure:

• improved metabolism;
• removal of excess fluid from the body;
• normalization of the digestive system and intestines;
• decreased appetite.

Table water can be consumed daily at 500 ml per day. Specialists do not recommend at the same time refuse normal drinking water. Reception of medicinal-canteen and medicinal waters should be started after consultation with a gastroenterologist.

Carbonated mineral water: benefits and harms

There are many fans of sparkling water. Both adults and children like to use liquid with bubbles.How useful is sparkling mineral water? Can it harm the body?

The composition of mineral water with gas is incredibly simple. It consists of water enriched with mineral compounds and carbon dioxide. The existence of carbonated natural mineral waters has been known to mankind since ancient times. However, the gas quickly evaporated from natural sources, so the liquid began to be aerated by an artificial method.

The benefits of mineral water with gas are as follows:

• restores the production of enzymes necessary for digestion;
• has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the intestines;
• maintains the necessary alkaline balance for the body;
• does not leach calcium from the body;
• increases the acidity of gastric juice and accelerates its production;
• has a choleretic effect;
• saturates the body with salts and important trace elements.

Use mineral sparkling water with extreme caution. This is especially true for gases enriched in industrial production. Such a drink, in addition to the healing components, contains a high concentration of carbon dioxide. Therefore, uncontrolled use of sparkling water can cause unpleasant symptoms such as belching and bloating. The use of a carbonated drink is contraindicated in case of increased acidity of gastric juice.

Before using mineral sparkling water, a specialist consultation is necessary.

Mineral water in medicine

With diabetes

Diabetes mellitus refers to chronic diseases that are not treatable at the moment. A stable state can be maintained provided that all the recommendations of the attending physician are followed. The patient must carefully monitor their own diet. Restrictions are imposed on the reception of drinks. Carbonated drinks with a high content of carbon dioxide and sugar should be discarded. It is shown to use natural mineral water. It has the following effects on the body:

• improves insulin production;
• normalizes glucose metabolism;
• helps to lower cholesterol;
• increases the secretion of gastric juice;
• removes excess fluid from the body;
• has a beneficial effect on the digestion process and the gastrointestinal tract.

With pancreatitis

In case of a malfunction of the pancreas, the use of mineral water is not contraindicated. At the same time, it should be understood that a drink enriched with minerals is, first of all, a healing agent, the use of which must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. The components that make up mineral water have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the pancreas. With their help, stagnant mucus is rejected from the ducts. During a pain attack, the patient's condition improves after taking mineral water. There is a decrease in pain and overall well-being.

With gastritis

With a disease of the walls of the stomach, the gastroenterologist prescribes a dosed intake of mineral water. In no case should self-medicate. This can aggravate the problem. Mineral water is used as an anesthetic to control the secretion of mucous compounds in the stomach and regulate the level of acid.

Before prescribing therapy, the patient undergoes a medical examination, as a result of which the predominant environment of the stomach is established. With increased acidity, mineral water with a predominance of alkali is prescribed. Drinking neutralizes excess acid in the stomach, resulting in decreased heartburn, normalized digestive enzyme production and improved overall well-being. Before use, water needs to be slightly warmed up.

With gastritis with low acidity, an insufficient amount of juice is produced in the stomach for comfortable digestion. The patient feels heaviness and pain.To neutralize unpleasant symptoms, mineral water is prescribed with a predominance of acid, which is recommended to be used chilled before eating.

In the acute stage of the disease, it is recommended to abandon the use of mineral water.

For the intestines

The intake of mineral water helps to cleanse the intestines from toxic substances and slag compounds. For this reason, gastroenterologists recommend the use of table mineral water 20-30 minutes before a meal. Well-functioning intestines provide an improvement in the general well-being of a person.

For constipation

A lack of fluid in the body most often leads to the appearance of such an unpleasant ailment as constipation. Mineral water contributes to the softening of hardened feces and gentle bowel movement. Before using it, you should make sure that there are no diseases in which it is not recommended to take mineral drinks.

With gout

A metabolic disorder can cause a delay in the body of urea, the crystals of which accumulate in the joints and cause the development of gouty arthritis. The treatment of the disease consists in maintaining the patient’s comfortable state, which is achieved by timely contact with a specialist. The doctor prescribes a diet and medication. The use of natural mineral water containing a small concentration of alkali helps to neutralize the acidic environment of uric acid salts and prevents its crystals from settling. In addition, mineral water accelerates metabolism and helps to remove excess fluid from the body.

With colitis

Mineral water not only copes with thirst, but also has a beneficial effect on the inflamed walls of the intestinal mucosa. It is necessary to choose a drink suitable for the mineral composition taking into account the recommendations of the attending physician. With increased motor function of the intestine, water with a low mineralization rate is prescribed. The duration of therapy is three weeks. The liquid should be consumed in a warm form (not lower than 36 degrees).

If bowel function is reduced, then the patient is shown the use of mineral water with an average level of mineralization. The temperature of the drink should be 20 degrees. The treatment lasts three weeks.

Studies have shown that when all recommendations are followed, the following changes are observed:

• normal intestinal motility is restored;
• there is an increase in the regenerative ability of the mucous membrane;
• the inflammatory process decreases.

Microclysters using mineral water restore the intestinal microflora and improve the well-being of the patient. To do this, the water is heated to 37 degrees and introduced rectally in a small amount. A single dose should not be more than 50 ml.

For the liver

It is no secret to anyone how important the liver is in the human body. Diagnosing her disease is quite difficult, since there are no nerve endings in the liver. For this reason, it is necessary to undergo preventive medical examinations that will identify the problem at an early stage of development.

Mineral water contributes to the following positive changes:

• increases the regenerative ability of cells;
• normalizes the balance of salts and minerals;
• improves blood circulation as a result of saturation of cells with oxygen;
• accelerates the outflow of bile.

For the prevention and treatment of liver diseases, it is recommended to consume 30-50 ml of mineral water every two hours.

With hemorrhoids

An important principle in the treatment of hemorrhoids is the established regime of the digestive system and the gastrointestinal tract. Lack of fluid and a sedentary lifestyle can cause colitis and constipation. These diseases aggravate the course of hemorrhoids and can provoke its development.Mineral water helps eliminate constipation and improves the regenerative ability of cells. Do not forget that only a doctor can prescribe an effective treatment regimen. The use of mineral water for hemorrhoids does not completely eliminate the symptoms of the disease. Therapy is part of a comprehensive treatment, which includes an established diet, therapeutic exercises and medications.

With cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is an ailment in which there is inflammation of the walls of the gallbladder and stagnation of bile. Untimely treatment can cause the development of gallstone disease and result in surgery. Irregular nutrition and bad habits are the main causes of this disease. First of all, it is necessary to ensure frequent meals. You need to eat in small portions at least 4 times a day. Before each meal, take 50-100 ml of mineral water. A medicinal drink helps to eliminate bile and reduces the development of the inflammatory process.

If there are stones in the gall bladder, the use of drinks with a high level of mineralization should be discarded. Cholagogue can cause the movement of formations and cause a severe pain attack, which is not always possible to eliminate with the help of pain medications.

Against cough

Coughing is a residual symptom that does not respond to prompt treatment. The illness most often worsens at night, as a result of which a person's sleep pattern is disturbed. For various reasons, a person cannot always take medications. In these cases, you can improve well-being with the help of mineral water. For treatment, table-alkaline water containing bicarbonate ions is best suited.

To prepare a cough remedy at home, you will need the following ingredients:

• mineral water;
• milk.

Cooking method:

1. Ingredients to steam up to 40 degrees.
2. Pour the prepared components in equal proportions into the glass.
3. Means to use three times a day 40 minutes before meals.

In case of poisoning

During poisoning, there is a violation of the digestive system and the gastrointestinal tract. Often, the ailment is accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting, as a result of which salts and microelements necessary for its normal functioning are washed out of the body. Dehydration can be fatal. Mineral water will not only allow you to restore water balance and improve blood circulation, but also saturate the body with important components. In addition, the drink will soothe the irritated mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines.

During the day after poisoning, you must refrain from eating. During this period, it is necessary to consume as much fluid as possible. Doctors advise alternating mineral water with fresh water. Every two hours it is necessary to drink 1.5 glasses of liquid, the maximum permissible dose should not exceed two glasses. Water should be without gas. The heated fluid activates intestinal motility and contributes to the speedy improvement of the condition.

Mineral water in cosmetology

Each woman dreams of thick hair and healthy skin, but few people know that you can improve the appearance with the help of water enriched with minerals.

For face

The use of mineral water for the face has the following effects on the skin:

• moisturizes and restores a healthy look;
• eliminates inflammation and promotes the healing of minor injuries;
• tightens pores;
• smoothes out fine wrinkles.

Use for procedures necessary non-carbonated mineral water.

Wiping
Rubbing with mineral water is beneficial for the face. To do this, just apply a small amount of liquid on a cotton pad and gently cleanse the skin immediately after waking up. Use a towel to remove excess moisture is not necessary. After the skin has dried, you can apply a nourishing cream to its surface. Mineral water is an excellent makeup remover. If necessary, you can add a few drops of vegetable oil to it.

Ice
To improve skin color, it is recommended to use frozen mineral water. It is most convenient to use a special form for ice. Rubbing the skin with frozen mineral water can be carried out at any time of the day. As a result of the procedure, an improvement in skin color and narrowing of the pores are observed.

For hair

Mineral water is used to restore hair health in various ways:

1. Rinsing the hair with mineral water after applying shampoo and balm.
2. The use of healing fluid as an ingredient during the preparation of masks.

Rinse
Mineral water without gas is suitable for the rinse procedure. Before use, it must be heated to a comfortable temperature, but not overheated. Using mineral water to rinse after applying shampoo or balm moisturizes the scalp, strengthens the hair structure and maintains a well-groomed appearance. To enhance the effect, it is recommended to add an infusion of medicinal plants to the healing fluid.

Mask for dry and damaged hair
Ingredients:

• Rye bread;
• 200 ml of mineral water.

Cooking method:

1. Mix the ingredients.
2. Pass the resulting slurry through a fine sieve or several times folded cheesecloth.
3. Apply the resulting composition to clean hair.
4. After 20 minutes, rinse your head with running water.

Cooking Application

Mineral water is actively used in cooking. It is often used in the manufacture of baked goods and as a marinade.

Mineral Water Pancakes

The dream of every housewife to cook lush pancakes with lots of pores. It is possible to achieve the desired effect thanks to carbon dioxide bubbles contained in mineral water.

Ingredients:

• 250 ml of mineral water;
• 100 g of wheat flour;
• 1 large egg;
• 1 teaspoon of sugar;
• 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil;
• a pinch of salt.

Cooking method:

1. Pour mineral water into a container for the dough. Add granulated sugar, salt, butter and egg. Stir the mixture until smooth.
2. Gently pour the sifted flour, while stirring the mass with a whisk or fork.
3. Bake pancakes in a preheated pan with the addition of vegetable oil until a golden crust appears.

Pork skewers

To prepare juicy meat on a fire, it is recommended to use mineral water as a marinade.

Ingredients:

• 250 ml of mineral water;
• 1 kg of pork pulp;
• 2 medium onions;
• 3 tablespoons of soy sauce;
• spices and salt to taste.

Cooking method:

1. Cut the pork into medium-sized pieces.
2. Peel onions, rinse and cut into half rings.
3. Add salt, spices, sauce and mineral water.
4. Cover the meat and insist for three hours.

Harm and contraindications

Despite all the advantages inherent in mineral water, uncontrolled intake of healing fluid can harm the body.

1. Mineral water mixed with alcohol can cause severe digestive upset.
2. The use of excessively chilled mineral water contributes to the development of gastric ulcer.
3. A large amount of the drink accelerates the formation of kidney stones, upsets the metabolism and causes irreversible effects.

Therapeutic and medicinal-table mineral water is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women, infants.

How to choose and store mineral water

It is necessary to stop the choice on mineral water in a glass bottle. It has the highest cost, but at the same time retains its healing properties to a greater extent. The product label should contain information on the composition, source, mineralization of the drink, shelf life and date of bottling.

Mineral water is recommended to be stored in a dark room at an air temperature not exceeding 15 degrees. Mineral water is stored in a glass bottle for one year.

How to make mineral water at home

To prepare mineral water yourself, you will need minerals such as apatite or agate.

Cooking method:

1. Heat three liters of water to 70 degrees.
2. As soon as the water warms up to the required value, remove the pan from the stove and cool at ambient temperature.
3. Filter the cooled liquid. For the procedure, a household carbon filter for water purification is suitable.
4. Sterilize the container and fill it with pre-washed minerals.
5. Pour in prepared water.
6. Withstand the liquid for three days, then pour it into glass or ceramic vessels.

How to drink mineral water

Mineral water is recommended to drink forty minutes before a meal or an hour after the meal. Water is recommended to be warmed to room temperature, as a chilled drink can disrupt the gastrointestinal tract. Drinking mineral water costs no longer than a week, if necessary, the doctor can increase the duration of therapy up to 14 days.

How much can I drink per day

Mineral water should not be consumed in unlimited quantities. It is taken in most cases for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes. Therefore, before including mineral water in the diet, it is necessary to undergo an examination and consult with a specialist. In the past, healing fluid could only be purchased at a pharmacy. Mineral water is currently sold at every grocery store.

People involved in sports or hard physical work are allowed daily use of a medicinal drink. This is due to the fact that during their activity an increased amount of sweat is released, with which the body loses important components. Their balance can be restored by using mineral water of natural origin.

Experts recommend drinking daily no more than 500 ml of mineral water with a low degree of mineralization in the absence of problems with the digestive system and kidneys.

Only a gastroenterologist can determine the rate of medicinal-canteen and medicinal water.

Can I drink at night and on an empty stomach

It is recommended to use natural mineral water on an empty stomach. In this case, the liquid does not come into contact with food and has a positive effect on the walls of the stomach. However, the time of admission should be prescribed by a specialist after a medical examination.

Before going to bed, you should refuse to take mineral water, since a therapeutic drink promotes the release of gastric juice, which has a negative effect on the walls of the stomach and causes their irritation. Violation of the regimen of drinking mineral water can cause irreversible health problems.

Is it possible to water flowers with mineral water

For watering indoor plants, it is recommended to use soft water.Mineral water is hard, therefore it is better not to use it to moisten the soil, since the salts contained in the treatment fluid contribute to salting the soil and subsequent inhibition of the plant.

Is it possible to give animals mineral water

Mineral water is rich in the components necessary for the human body, thanks to which it improves well-being, improves moods and even calms the nervous system. Pets are considered full members of the family, and each owner takes care of their health. If the animal is poisoned or suffers from constipation, then you can give him mineral water without gas. Without the need to give a medicinal drink to a pet is not worth it. Uncontrolled consumption of mineral water can harm both humans and animals.

Interesting facts about mineral water

1. The beneficial properties of mineral water were known to the ancient Romans and Greeks.
2. In ancient Egypt, special hospitals were organized, the treatment of which was based on the use of mineral waters.
3. The famous philosopher Hippocrates wrote in his writings about the necessary temperature at which the use of mineral water will benefit the human body.
4. During the Middle Ages, the spring of mineral water Plombiere was very popular.
5. Depending on the mineralization index, mineral waters are divided into canteens, curative and curative tables.
6. Mineral is considered a natural healing drink, therefore, its dosage and timing of use should be determined by a competent specialist.
7. Carbon dioxide, which is enriched in mineral water, contributes to the preservation of its components and beneficial properties. If a person prefers to drink non-carbonated drinks, it is enough to leave the container with mineral sparkling water uncovered, and after some time the gases will evaporate.
8. Experts recommend drinking no more than 500 ml of mineral water per day.
9. Calcium-enriched water activates the breakdown process of body fat.
10. An open bottle of mineral water is not recommended to be stored for more than 48 hours.
11. During intense physical exertion, a person loses useful substances and trace elements with sweat. The use of mineral water makes up for the necessary balance of components that are important for the life of the body.
12. Do not give preference to water extracted from the same source. It is important to consume mineral water from different wells. This approach will saturate the body with a variety of mineral compounds.
13. Daily use of table mineral water reduces the risk of cancer of the intestine by 45%, mammary gland - by 78%, bladder - by 50%.
14. Mineral water can be prepared at home. This will require apatite or agate. In our country, artificial mineral waters were first produced in the first half of the 19th century. The healing drink has found wide application not only in medicine, but also in cosmetology and cooking.
15. Uncontrolled consumption of mineral water can cause serious damage to the body, which consists, first of all, in metabolic disorders.
16. There is a real culture of mineral water intake. The drink must be warmed to room temperature and consumed in small sips throughout the day. It is not recommended to drink a large amount of chilled drink at a time.
17. Experts do not recommend completely replacing ordinary drinking water with liquid extracted from mineral sources.

Photo of mineral water