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Everyone knows that we should drink about two liters of water a day. However, not everyone knows that the water we drink is important. Drinking water on a daily basis is very important for our body, but during hot weather the importance of water increases. High temperature contributes to the loss of minerals that we excrete through sweating. Drinking water is a natural way to replenish minerals in our body. How to choose the best water for us?
What bottled water?
According to the applicable standards, bottled water can be divided into:
- natural mineral waters
- natural spring waters
- table water, i.e. water that was created as a result of mixing mineral water with spring water
- carbonated and non-carbonated waters
Spring water – for whom?
First of all, it is recommended for children up to 6 months of age due to the low content of minerals – not fully developed digestive system does not allow the intake of minerals in larger quantities. For the same reason that this water is recommended for children, it is not recommended for adults. It has less than 500 mg of minerals per liter (so-called low-mineralized water), which may cause leaching of minerals from the body, contributing to the disturbance of water and mineral balance of the body.
Mineral water – a good choice?
This type of water is the most optimal solution. It allows you to provide the body with the right dose of minerals and microelements. Recommended especially during hot weather (with mineral content up to 1500 mg/l). Suitable primarily for athletes, pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding.
Tap water – can you drink it?
The water we use at home is drinkable water, so there are no contraindications to drinking it directly from the tap. Such water is microbiologically clean and contains natural minerals such as calcium and magnesium compounds.
Minerals – can you overdose on them?
Of course yes – just like everything else. Too high levels of some minerals may cause their accumulation in the organs (kidneys, liver). Therefore, we should avoid mineral waters with mineral content above 1500 mg/l. It is recommended to consume them under the supervision of a doctor.
Let’s read the labels
On a daily basis, it is worth choosing medium-mineralized water, i.e. with a content of 500-1500 mg / l – the amount is given on the label. The label also shows what minerals a given water has – many waters differ significantly in composition. Let’s pay attention to magnesium, calcium, sodium, sulfates, iron and bicarbonates. Appropriate water should cover about 15% of the body’s daily requirement for a given element. Calcium and magnesium are especially important for our body. Therefore, let’s check if the water we buy has a minimum of 150 mg/l of calcium and 50 mg/l of magnesium.
Carbonated or non-carbonated?
Contrary to popular opinion, carbonated water is not harmful. However, it should be avoided by people with selected health problems: hyperacidity, digestive disorders, diseases of the throat and vocal cords. Sparkling water irritates the taste buds in the mouth, thanks to which it gives a feeling of refreshment, improves well-being and quenches thirst better.