In the quest for a more purified version of water, we have ultimately caused mineral depletion. In India, where sourcing clean drinking water is becoming increasingly difficult, people are actively resorting to advanced filtration systems like reverse osmosis (RO) to ensure safety. They consider this purification system to be the best for drinking, though it produces water that is almost free of minerals. The water you get from an RO system is undoubtedly pure, but at the same time, it provides little or no minerals, which are essential for your body. Long-term consumption of demineralised water can cause digestive and gastrointestinal problems. Hence, it is necessary to opt for a healthier alternative. Essential minerals intake is vital for our body and gut health, and getting it through natural sources is the best option. Choosing the best natural mineral water in India from a reputable brand is a wise choice.
Understanding Demineralised Water: What It Is and How It’s Made
Demineralised water, sometimes called deionised or distilled water, is water that has had all the minerals and salts removed. In many Indian homes, especially in cities, people use Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems to clean their water. These systems push water through a special filter which removes dirt, germs, and important minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Another way to make demineralised water is through distillation, where water is boiled and the steam is collected, leaving the minerals behind.
This water is very pure but has very low levels of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), usually less than 50-100 mg/L. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), natural water always has some minerals, and our bodies need them. That’s why in many places that use desalination plants, the water is given minerals back before people drink it.
In India, many use RO water every day without knowing it’s missing these important minerals. But minerals in water are important because they help with digestion and keep your body working well. Drinking best mineral water with these natural elements can support your stomach and help your body absorb nutrients better.
The Role of Best Mineral Water in India for Overall Health
Before we know the impact of demineralised water on our health, let’s first understand why minerals are so important to our body. Minerals in water are very important for our body’s health. Natural water, like from rivers or underground springs, picks up minerals like calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonates as it moves through soil and rocks. These minerals help with many body functions—calcium builds strong bones, magnesium supports muscle and nerve function, and bicarbonates keep the pH balance just right.
Studies show water can provide about 20-30% of our daily mineral needs, making it a helpful addition to our diet. In 2024, research published in Water Research found that water low in minerals can upset the balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body. This affects the heart, digestion, and overall health.
For example, minerals help manage stomach acid and support the enzymes needed for digestion. They also affect the gut microbiome—the friendly bacteria that help break down food and keep our gut healthy.
In India, where diets can vary a lot, drinking mineral-rich water helps fill in mineral gaps, especially when the food might not always have enough nutrients. Drinking water without minerals for a long time might lead to small deficiencies and cause stomach discomfort over time.
In short, minerals in water aren’t just extras—they are essential for keeping many parts of your body working smoothly, especially your digestion.
Direct Effects on the Intestinal Lining and Digestion
Demineralised water can directly affect the lining of the intestines and digestion in several ways. Animal studies cited by the World Health Organization (WHO) show that distilled water can cause changes in the intestinal lining cells due to osmotic shock—this means the water pulls salts from cells, disturbing their balance. Human studies, though fewer, suggest that drinking low-mineral water increases urine output and changes hormone levels, affecting the body’s mineral balance.
These changes may lead to increased stomach acid or altered stomach muscle function, which can worsen problems like acid reflux or indigestion. Recent research also indicates that minerals like magnesium in water influence the gut microbiome—the helpful bacteria in the intestines. Without these minerals, bowel movements can become irregular, possibly causing constipation and aggravating conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
In places like India, where spicy foods and irregular eating are common, the “aggressive” nature of demineralised water—which can also leach metals from pipes—may introduce tiny contaminants that irritate the digestive tract further.
Overall, demineralised water’s low mineral content and its physical effects can challenge the health of the intestinal lining, digestion, and gut function, making mineral-rich water a better choice for digestive wellness.
Mineral Deficiencies and Their Link to Gut Issues
Calcium and magnesium play a key role in keeping your digestive system healthy. Magnesium is especially important because it helps with over 300 processes in the body, including digestion. It relaxes the muscles in your intestines, preventing cramps, and supports the gut-brain connection, which affects mood and stress-related stomach issues. A recent research showed that not having enough magnesium can disturb the balance of gut bacteria and reduce immune cells in the gut, which may lead to inflammation or infections.
Calcium helps by neutralizing stomach acid, so without enough calcium, you might experience heartburn or acid reflux. Bicarbonates, which are also found in mineral-rich water, act like natural antacids, helping to ease indigestion. Without these minerals, your digestive system has to work harder, which might cause fatigue or poor nutrient absorption over time.
In summary, drinking water with enough minerals like calcium and magnesium helps your gut work better, prevents common digestive issues, and supports your overall health.
Nutrient Loss During Cooking: A Hidden Culprit
Using demineralised water for cooking can cause significant nutrient loss from your food, an issue many overlook. A research found that soft, low-mineral water can leach up to 60% of important minerals such as calcium and magnesium from vegetables, meats, and cereals during cooking. Trace elements like copper and manganese may be lost by 70-86%.
In Indian households where boiling dal, rice, and vegetables is common, this means your meals may lose much of their mineral content, reducing their nutritional value. Hard water, by contrast, either retains or even increases mineral content when used in cooking. For families who depend on RO purified (demineralised) water, this ongoing loss of minerals could worsen deficiencies, affecting digestion and gut health indirectly through poorer overall nutrition.
Imagine your daily meals delivering fewer minerals than expected; over time, this may contribute to bloating, indigestion, or weakened immunity tied to gut health.
Broader Health Risks and Why Switch to Better Options
Demineralised water poses broader health risks beyond digestion, especially with long-term use. One major concern is cardiovascular health. A 2023 study showed children drinking very low-mineral water had higher levels of harmful substances linked to heart disease and disrupted calcium metabolism, which affects heart and blood vessel function. Low mineral intake from water has also been associated with higher risks of hypertension and sudden cardiac events.
Bone health is another critical area. Epidemiological studies from Russia and additional international reports show that low calcium and magnesium in water can lead to decreased bone density and a higher risk of fractures, especially in children and pregnant women. This matches findings that populations consuming soft water (low in minerals) have increased rates of bone-related problems.
Taste also plays a role—demineralised water often tastes flat, causing people to drink less, which can lead to dehydration. This dehydration can slow digestion and reduce overall well-being.
Given these risks, many in India are switching to best natural mineral water or waters that are remineralised after purification. Such water provides essential minerals, supports heart and bone health, improves hydration, and balances purity with necessary nutrients.
In summary, while demineralised water removes impurities, the lack of minerals may create health issues over time. Choosing water that retains or adds minerals offers better support for cardiovascular health, bones, digestion, and overall hydration.
Choosing the Right Water for Gut-Friendly Hydration
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the ideal TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) in drinking water should be between 150-300 mg/L for good health, with a maximum limit of about 600-1000 mg/L to ensure safety and palatability.
For minerals specifically, WHO suggests that calcium should be around 20-30 mg/L, and magnesium should be approximately 10-30 mg/L in drinking water to support overall health, including bone and heart health.
Choosing water within this range helps ensure it is not only safe but also rich enough in vital minerals to support digestion, cardiovascular health, and maintaining electrolyte balance. Bottled mineral water or remineralised water are good options that meet these standards, but natural mineral water is even better as it contains the minerals in the right mix naturally.
In summary, look for water with TDS levels around 200-500 mg/L, containing adequate calcium and magnesium, for optimal hydration and health benefits.
About Jivo Natural Mineral Water
When it comes to choosing water that matches your body’s needs, Jivo Natural Mineral Water is a dependable choice for Indian consumers looking for purity with health benefits. Sourced from clean underground wells, this water is naturally filtered through ancient rock layers, which enrich it with important minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium—without any artificial additives or chemical treatments. Mildly alkaline in nature, it helps balance your body’s pH and is gentle on your stomach, supporting daily wellness.
Natural Mineral Enrichment:
Jivo water contains natural calcium, magnesium, potassium, and bicarbonates that help digestion by neutralizing stomach acid and encouraging regular bowel movements.
Purity Assured:
Free from microplastics as confirmed by independent lab tests, Jivo is bottled directly at the source with minimal processing to preserve its natural purity.
Health Boosts:
This water supports gut health by maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria, reducing risks of indigestion, constipation, and IBS symptoms. It also helps boost immunity, heart health, and overall hydration.
Eco-Friendly and Convenient:
Available in recyclable bottles of various sizes—1L, 500ml, and 250ml—Jivo is perfect for daily use on the go while minimizing environmental impact.
Trusted Indian Brand:
Jivo is recognized as one of the best natural mineral water options in India, committed to sustainability and quality, offering a crisp, refreshing taste drawn from pristine underground sources.
Conclusion: Prioritize Mineral-Rich, Best Natural Mineral Water for Better Digestive Health
The effects of demineralised water on digestive and gastrointestinal health are more important than many people realize. From irritating the gut lining to causing mineral losses that disturb digestion and gut bacteria balance, these impacts can affect overall wellness. While demineralised water may be good for short-term purity, relying on it for a long time may lead to mineral deficiencies that increase risks of ulcers, constipation, and other digestive problems. Decades of research, including recent studies on gut balance and homeostasis, show that adding minerals back into your drinking water is essential for lasting health.
For those in India wanting to improve their hydration and digestive harmony, Jivo Natural Mineral Water is the best natural mineral water in India and an excellent choice. It offers mineral-rich hydration, supporting gut health, easy digestion, and overall wellbeing while being pure and eco-friendly.