Distilled water is produced by boiling water and then collecting the steam back into the liquid. This process is good for removing impurities such as bacteria, but it also removes naturally occurring minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Since distilled water doesn’t contain its own minerals, it has the tendency to pull small amounts from the body, including the bones and teeth. It can be used for detoxification purposes for this reason, and in this way, is effective at pulling toxins such as heavy metals from the body. Paavo Airola, ND, PhD, advises that prolonged consumption of distilled water “may leach out the body’s own mineral reserves and lead to severe mineral deficiencies and such diseases as osteoporosis, diabetes, tooth decay, and heart disease” (Hearn, 2010). The kidney’s work to regulate the mineral balance of the body, however, and as long as there is no renal dysfunction, then consuming small amounts of distilled water would probably be ok.  Additionally, since most of the minerals we need come from food, it would be important to consume plenty of fruits and vegetables to offset any mineral loss from drinking distilled water. In populations where there is concern for mineral imbalance or conditions such as osteoporosis, it would be advisable to avoid distilled water.

Consuming distilled water could also increase the body’s acidity. Distilled water is itself slightly acidic because it absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, creating a dilute solution of carbonic acid with a pH of about 6-7. It is thought that acidic conditions of the body contribute to disease processes.  To maintain homeostasis, the body will work to maintain a blood pH of 7.3-7.4.  It will respond, for example, by producing more stomach acid. So, as long as the digestive system is functioning properly, and there are no medications being taken to inhibit stomach acid production, then consuming small amounts of distilled water shouldn’t pose too great a problem. However, those with a higher level of body acidity will benefit from drinking a more alkaline, mineral rich source of water.

Drinking distilled water also does not hydrate the body well. After distillation, the water molecules are larger, making them not as readily absorbed by the body’s tissues. Additionally, the body needs the minerals to make use of electrolytes to keep the body hydrated. If only distilled, de-mineralized water is consumed, more urine is produced, and with the excretion of urine, more electrolytes are lost.

In some cases, depending on the environment and conditions of drinking water, drinking small amounts of distilled water may actually be the best choice. As long as it’s not the only fluid a person consumes, and it’s had in conjunction with a healthy, balanced diet, it’s potentially safe in small amounts. However, when consumed over time it can cause mineral loss, metabolic disturbances, and is not ideal for hydration.  For those with mineral imbalances, kidney, or cardiac issues, it should be avoided.

Hearn, Nancy. (2010) Drinking Distilled Water, Is it Healthy or Not? Retrieved from https://www.waterbenefitshealth.com/drinking-distilled-water.html