Mineral water: useful properties and contraindications

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

Where does the mineral water come from?

Mineral water is produced by nature. Water from springs washes over rocks, absorbing the components that make up natural fossils. Mineral water can be poured out on the surface of the Earth's crust or in the Earth's interior.

Types

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

• carbonate;
• chloride;
• sulfate.

According to the indicator of mineralization fresh, brackish, salty and brine waters are distinguished. The degree of salinity describes 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, salt - from 25 g / l to 50 g / l, brine - over 50 g / l.

Mineral waters are subdivided according to their purpose into table, therapeutic and medicinal waters. Table mineral water can be consumed daily as it contains a low content of natural salts. Therapeutic and medicinal mineral water can only be used after consulting with a specialist.

What is the difference between mineral water

From artesian water

Water that is extracted from an artesian well is called artesian water. Artesian water can be mineral water 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. Their depth of occurrence can reach hundreds of meters. These waters are under hydraulic pressure.

Water extracted from an artesian well is a valuable natural resource. It can be consumed in its pristine form when the salinity limit is reached.

From carbonated

Carbonated water is water that contains carbon dioxide in its composition. Any water, including mineral water, can be made carbonated. To do this, the liquid is saturated with carbon dioxide.

From ordinary water

Ordinary 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, specialized enterprises saturate it with minerals and chemical trace elements.

Composition and Caloric Content

Mineral water contains only 0.1 kcal per 100 ml. It has no protein and fat and only 0.1 g of carbohydrates.

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

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

What is mineral water good for?

General benefits

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, resulting in the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Consumption of mineral water restores alkaline balance and saturates the body with necessary for its normal functioning microelements and salts.
4. The healing liquid prevents calcium leaching.
5. Mineral water promotes the outflow of bile and is a preventive measure against cholelithiasis.
6. Consumption of mineral water restores intestinal motility.
7. The therapeutic drink saturates the body's cells with oxygen and speeds up the process of blood circulation.

For women

1. Has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and helps to cope with the symptoms of depression.
2. Promotes the removal of excess moisture from the body.
3. Normalizes the metabolism.
4. Has a positive effect on the digestive system and increases metabolism.
5. Improves skin, hair and nails.
6. Promotes weight loss.

For men

1. Increases muscle tone.
2. Helps get rid of fatigue.
3. Normalizes the work of the gastrointestinal tract.
4. Improves overall health.
5. Activates brain cells and improves mood.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, doctors recommend minimizing the consumption of beverages with gas and high mineral salt content. Natural table mineral water is an excellent remedy for thirst and improves health during toxicosis. The body of a pregnant woman is under considerable strain, and mineral water helps to make up for the loss of nutrients.

During the pregnancy a woman should consult with a specialist before drinking mineral water. For example, it is contraindicated to use fluids containing calcium in case of impaired kidney function. Industrial bottled drinks should be avoided or their use should be kept to a minimum.

When breastfeeding

During lactation, a woman should carefully monitor her diet. Substances contained in the products penetrate into the mother's milk, so before drinking therapeutic and therapeutic mineral water it is necessary to consult a competent specialist. Table water can be consumed during breastfeeding in limited quantities.

For children

A child's body is very different from an adult's. Important systems are intensively formed at a child's age, so it is necessary to carefully control the child's diet. Pediatricians do not recommend giving mineral water to children under one year of age. After one year it is possible to give the child mineral-enriched fluids in the concentration corresponding to that of table water. Therapeutic and therapeutic table water can be prescribed to 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 drinking mineral water. In addition, the consumption of fluids containing salts of minerals contributes to the following positive changes in the body, which will help to correct the figure:

• improvement of metabolism;
• removal of excess fluid from the body;
• Normalization of the digestive system and intestines;
• loss of appetite.

Table water can be consumed daily 500 ml per day. Specialists do not recommend refusing to drink ordinary drinking water. Reception of medicinal table and therapeutic waters should be started after consultation with a gastroenterologist.

Sparkling mineral water: benefits and harms

There are many fans of carbonated water. Both adults and children like to consume the liquid with bubbles. How useful is carbonated 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 water has been known to mankind since ancient times. However, the gas quickly escaped from natural springs, so the liquid began to be carbonated artificially.

The benefits of mineral water with gas are as follows:

• restores the production of enzymes necessary for digestion;
• It has a beneficial effect on the work of the intestines;
• It maintains necessary for the body alkaline balance;
• does not wash calcium out of 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.

Mineral carbonated water should be used with the utmost caution. This is especially true for liquids enriched with gases in the conditions of industrial production. Such a drink, in addition to its healing components, contains a high concentration of carbon dioxide. Therefore, uncontrolled consumption of carbonated water can cause unpleasant symptoms such as belching and bloating. Consumption of carbonated beverage is contraindicated in case of increased acidity of gastric juice.

It is necessary to consult a specialist before drinking sparkling mineral water.

Mineral water in medicine

Diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus refers to chronic diseases that are not treatable at the moment. It is possible to maintain a stable state, provided that all the recommendations of the treating doctor are fulfilled. The patient needs to carefully control his own diet. Restrictions are also imposed on the intake of beverages. Carbonated drinks with a large content of carbon dioxide and sugar should be renounced. Natural mineral water is also indicated for use. It has the following effects on the body:

• improves insulin production;
• normalizes glucose metabolism;
• lowers cholesterol levels;
• increases the secretion of gastric juice;
• removes excess fluid from the body;
• Has a beneficial effect on digestion and the gastrointestinal tract.

Pancreatitis

When the pancreas is disturbed, the use of mineral water is not contraindicated. At the same time, it should be understood that the drink, enriched with minerals, is primarily a medicinal product, the use of which should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. The components included in the mineral water have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the pancreas. With their help there is rejection of stagnant mucus from the ducts. During a painful attack the patient's condition improves after taking mineral water. There is a decrease in pain syndrome and improvement of general well-being.

In gastritis

When you have a disease of the walls of the stomach, a gastroenterologist prescribes a dosed intake of mineral water. On no account should you engage in self-medication. This can lead to a worsening of the problem. Mineral water is used as an analgesic, 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, which establishes the prevailing environment of the stomach. If there is increased acidity, alkaline predominant mineral water is prescribed. Consumption of the drink neutralizes excess acid in the stomach, as a result of which heartburn decreases, normalizes the production of digestive enzymes and improves overall health. Before drinking, the water should be warmed up a little.

With low acidity gastritis, insufficient juice is produced in the stomach for comfortable digestion. The patient feels heaviness and pain. To neutralize unpleasant symptoms, acid-dominated mineral water is prescribed, which is recommended to be consumed chilled before meals.

In the acute stage of the disease, it is recommended to give up drinking mineral water.

For the intestines

Mineral water helps to cleanse the intestines from toxic substances and toxic compounds. For this reason, gastroenterologists recommend drinking a table mineral water 20-30 minutes before meals. Well-established work of the intestines provides an improvement in the overall health of the person.

In case of constipation

Lack of liquid in the body most often leads to such an unpleasant ailment as constipation. Mineral water helps to soften hardened stools and gently empty the intestines. Before drinking mineral water, make sure that you do not suffer from any diseases for which it is not advisable to drink mineral water.

Gout

A metabolic disorder can cause a delay in the body of urea, whose crystals accumulate in the joints and cause the development of gouty arthritis. Treatment of the disease lies in the maintenance of a comfortable condition of the patient, which is achieved by timely referral to a specialist. The doctor prescribes a diet and drug treatment. The use of natural mineral water, which contains a small concentration of alkali, helps to neutralize the acidic environment of uric acid salts and prevents the precipitation of its crystals. In addition, mineral water speeds up the metabolism and helps to eliminate excess fluid from the body.

In Colitis

Mineral water not only copes with thirst, but also has a beneficial effect on the inflamed walls of the intestinal mucosa. Choose a suitable mineral composition drink should take into account the recommendations of the attending physician. With increased bowel motility appointed water with a low index of mineralization. The duration of therapy is three weeks. The liquid should be consumed in warm form (not less than 36 degrees).

If the function of the intestine is reduced, 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 for three weeks.

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

• Normal intestinal motility is restored;
• the regenerative ability of the mucous membrane is increased;
• the inflammatory process is reduced.

Microclysters with mineral water restore intestinal microflora and improve the well-being of the patient. For this purpose, the water is heated to 37 degrees and administered rectally in small amounts. A single dose should not be more than 50 ml.

For the liver

It is no secret how important the liver is in the human body. It is quite difficult to diagnose its diseases, because there are no nerve endings in the liver. For this reason, it is necessary to undergo preventive medical examinations, which will reveal the problem at an early stage of development.

Mineral water promotes the following positive changes:

• Increases the regenerative capacity of the cells;
• normalizes the balance of salts and minerals;
• Improves blood supply by saturating the cells with oxygen;
• accelerates the outflow of bile.

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

For hemorrhoids

An important principle in the treatment of hemorrhoids is an established regime of the digestive system and the gastrointestinal tract. Lack of fluid and sedentary lifestyle can cause colitis and constipation. These diseases aggravate hemorrhoids and may provoke their development. Mineral water helps to eliminate constipation and improves the regenerative capacity of cells. Do not forget that only a doctor can prescribe an effective treatment regimen. The use of mineral water for hemorrhoids will not completely eliminate the symptoms of the disease. The therapy is part of a complex treatment, which includes a well-regulated diet, therapeutic exercises and medications.

In cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is an illness in which there is inflammation of the walls of the gallbladder and bile stasis. Untimely treatment can cause the development of gallstone disease and end up in surgical intervention. Irregular diet and bad habits are the main causes of this disease. First of all, you need to ensure frequent meals. Eat in small portions of at least 4 times a day. Before each meal, it is necessary to take 50-100 ml of mineral water. The medicinal drink promotes the removal of bile and reduces the development of inflammation.

In the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder, you should refuse to drink drinks with a high level of mineralization. The choleretic effect can cause the movement of formations and become the cause of a severe pain attack, which is not always possible to eliminate with pain medications.

Coughing

Coughing is a residual symptom that cannot be treated quickly. The disorder is most often exacerbated at night, resulting in a disturbed sleep pattern. For a variety of reasons, it is not always possible for a person to take medication. In these cases, you can improve your well-being with the help of mineral water. For therapy, the best approach is therapeutic table alkaline water containing bicarbonate ions.

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

• mineral water;
• milk.

Preparation method:

1. Heat the ingredients on water steam to 40 degrees.
2. Pour into a glass in equal proportions of the prepared components.
3. Means to use three times a day for 40 minutes before a meal.

When poisoning

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

Within a day after poisoning you should refrain from eating. During this period it is necessary to drink as much liquid as possible. Doctors recommend alternating mineral water with fresh water. Every two hours you should drink 1.5 glasses of liquid, the maximum allowable dose should not exceed two glasses. Water should be still. Warmed liquid activates the work of intestinal motility and contributes to the rapid improvement of the condition.

Mineral water in cosmetology

Every member of the fair sex dreams of having thick hair and healthy skin, but few people know that you can improve your appearance by using water enriched with minerals.

For Face

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

• hydrates and restores a healthy appearance;
• It eliminates inflammation and promotes healing of minor injuries;
• Narrows pores;
• Smoothes fine lines.

Use non-carbonated mineral water for procedures.

Rubbing
Wiping with mineral water is useful for the face. It is enough to apply a small amount of liquid on a cotton pad and gently cleanse the skin immediately after awakening. It is not necessary to use a towel to remove excess moisture. 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.

Ice
Frozen mineral water is recommended for improving the complexion. The most convenient way is to use a special ice mold. Rubbing the skin with frozen mineral water can be done at any time of the day. As a result of the procedure there is an improvement in skin color and tightening of pores.

For the hair

Mineral water is used to restore the health of the hair in different ways:

1. Rinsing the hair with mineral water after using shampoo and balm.
2. Using the healing liquid as an ingredient during the preparation of masks.

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

Mask for dry and damaged hair
Ingredients:

• Rye bread;
• 200 ml of mineral water.

Method of preparation:

1. Mix the ingredients.
2. Pass the resulting porridge through a fine sieve or gauze folded several times.
3. The resulting mixture apply to clean hair.
4. In 20 minutes rinse your head with running water.

Cooking Applications

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

Pancakes with mineral water

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

Ingredients:

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

Method of preparation:

1. Pour the mineral water into a container for the dough. Add granulated sugar, salt, oil and egg. Stir until the mixture is homogeneous.
2. Gently pour in sifted flour, stirring with a whisk or fork.
3. Bake the pancakes in a frying pan with vegetable oil until golden brown.

Pork shish kebab

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

Ingredients:

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

Method of preparation:

1. Cut the pork into medium sized pieces.
2. Peel the onion, wash and cut into half rings.
3. Add salt, spices, sauce and mineral water.
4. Cover the meat with the lid and leave for three hours.

Harms and contraindications

Despite all the advantages inherent in mineral water, uncontrolled reception of the healing liquid can cause harm to the body.

1. Mineral water mixed with alcohol can cause severe disorder of the digestive system.
2. The use of excessively chilled mineral water contributes to the development of gastric ulcers.
3. A large quantity of drink accelerates the formation of kidney stones, disrupts metabolism and causes irreversible consequences.

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

How to choose and store mineral water

It is necessary to choose mineral water in a glass bottle. It has the highest cost, but retains more of its medicinal properties. The label of the product should contain information about the composition, source, mineralization of the drink, storage time and date of bottling.

It is recommended to store the mineral water in a dark room at the temperature not exceeding 15 degrees. Mineral water in a glass bottle is stored for one year.

How to make mineral water at home

To make your own mineral water, you will need minerals such as apatite or agate.

Preparation method:

1. Heat three liters of water to 70 degrees.
2. Once the water has warmed up to the necessary value, the pan should be removed from the stove and cooled at ambient temperature.
3. Filter the cooled liquid. For the procedure is suitable household charcoal filter for water purification.
4. Sterilize the container and fill it with pre-washed minerals.
5. Pour the prepared water.
6. Keep the liquid for three days, and then pour into glass or ceramic vessels.

How to drink mineral water correctly

Mineral water is recommended to drink forty minutes before a meal or one hour after the end of the meal. It is recommended to warm water to room temperature, as a chilled drink can disrupt the gastrointestinal tract. Mineral water should be consumed no longer than a week, if necessary, the doctor may extend the therapy up to 14 days.

How much it is allowed to drink per day

Mineral water should not be consumed in unlimited quantities. It is taken in most cases for therapeutic or preventive purposes. Therefore, before including mineral water in the diet, it is necessary to be examined and consult a specialist. In the past, the healing liquid was only available in pharmacies. Nowadays, mineral water is available in every grocery store.

People who are engaged in sports or heavy physical work are allowed to drink the medicinal drink every day. This is due to the fact that during their activity an increased amount of sweat is excreted, with which the body loses important components. You can restore their balance by drinking mineral water of natural origin.

Specialists recommend drinking no more than 500 ml of mineral water with lower mineralization degree daily in case there are no problems with digestive system and kidneys.

Only a gastroenterologist can determine the norm of medicinal table and therapeutic water.

May I drink it at bedtime and on an empty stomach?

Natural mineral water is recommended to drink on an empty stomach. In this case, the liquid is not in contact with food and has a positive effect on the walls of the stomach. However, the time of intake should be prescribed by a specialist after a medical examination.

Before going to bed one should refrain from taking mineral water, because the medicinal drink promotes the secretion of gastric juice, which has a negative effect on the walls of the stomach and causes their irritation. Violation of the regime of mineral water consumption may cause irreversible health problems.

Can I Water the Flowers with Mineral Water

It is recommended to use soft water to water the indoor plants. Mineral water is hard, so it's better not to use it to moisten the soil, as the salts contained in the curative liquid contribute to the salinization of the soil and the subsequent depression of the plant.

Can I Give Mineral Water to Animals

Mineral water is rich in components necessary for the human body, thanks to which it improves well-being, improves mood and even calms the nervous system. Pets are considered full-fledged members of the family, and every owner takes care of their health. If a pet is poisoned or suffering from constipation, you can give him mineral water without gas. Do not give the medicinal drink to the pet unnecessarily. Uncontrolled consumption of mineral water can harm both humans and pets.

Interesting facts about mineral water

1. The beneficial properties of mineral water were known to the ancient Romans and Greeks.
2. In ancient Egypt there were special clinics where treatment was based on the use of mineral waters.
3. Famous philosopher Hippocrates wrote in his works about the necessary temperature at which the use of mineral water would benefit the human body.
4. During the Middle Ages, the Plombières spring of mineral water was very popular.
5. Depending on the mineralization index, mineral waters are divided into table, therapeutic and therapeutic-table waters.
6. Mineral water is considered a natural curative drink, therefore its dosage and timing of use should be determined by a qualified specialist.
7. Carbon dioxide enriched in mineral water helps to preserve its components and useful properties. If a person prefers non-carbonated drinks, it is enough to leave the container with carbonated mineral water uncovered, and after a while the gases will escape.
8. Specialists recommend drinking no more than 500 ml of mineral water per day.
9. Water enriched with calcium activates the process of breaking down fat deposits.
10. It is not recommended to keep an opened bottle of mineral water more than 48 hours.
11. During intensive physical activity a person loses with sweat useful substances and trace elements. Consumption of mineral water replenishes the necessary balance of components important for the vital functions of the body.
12. You should not give preference to water 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 bowel cancer by 45%, breast cancer by 78%, and bladder cancer by 50%.
14. Mineral water can be prepared at home. To do this you will need apatite or agate. In our country artificial mineral water was first produced in the first half of the XIX century. 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 primarily in a metabolic disorder.
16. There is a real culture of taking mineral water. The drink should 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 one time.
17. Specialists do not recommend completely replacing ordinary drinking water with liquid extracted from mineral springs.

Photo of mineral water