How to Remineralize Reverse Osmosis Water

Last Updated on 1 year by

How to Remineralize Reverse Osmosis Water

We get a lot of questions about how to remineralize reverse osmosis (RO) water, so I just wanted to address this issue since it is rather confusing. First off, if you are purchasing your water from a local grocery store or Wal-Mart in the form of bottled water, this article is not for you. Even if the label says “distilled” or “pure” or “natural spring water,” this information also does not apply. These products only contain minerals added during processing and are typically labeled as natural spring waters. They are nothing like natural wells or tap waters that have gone through their complete cycle of hydrologic events beginning with precipitation, moving into groundwater reservoirs, and finally being discharged from a spring.

In contrast, RO water has been purified by being forced through a semipermeable membrane that allows water molecules to pass through but blocks dissolved minerals, salts, and other particles. The membranes used in home systems can remove up to 99% of the dissolved solids in tap water. So what is left after the purification process is “dead” water devoid of all beneficial minerals our bodies need for optimal health. This is why we recommend remineralizing RO water before consuming it.

There are many ways to remineralize RO water. The simplest way is to add back some of the lost minerals with an electrolyte or mineral supplement like Himalayan salt.

What Minerals Does Reverse Osmosis Remove?

RO systems remove many essential minerals, including all of the alkalizing ones.

The following is a list of the alkalizing minerals that are removed by an RO system:

calcium magnesium potassium bicarbonate sulfate If you have tested your tap water with litmus paper or electronic pH testing devices, I’m sure you would not be surprised to find it’s acidic. After all, our water tables are becoming more polluted every day due to industrial and agricultural run-off (sewage and fertilizers). The natural cycle for this pollution is exactly like any other organic decomposition process: oxygenation, microbial action, and precipitation in the form of either runoff or groundwater formation (oceans and lakes). Unfortunately, we cannot see these processes with our bare eyes.

But even if your water is relatively pure, this cycle has to end somewhere and that’s why we finally see the pollution in our groundwater systems which are the ultimate destination for all of this degradation. Of course, at that point, there isn’t much left except carbon dioxide (CO2).

Now, since the early 20th century, people have dropped the atomic bomb on our planet, so to speak, by pumping billions of tons of CO2 into our atmosphere via industry emissions. This single act has interfered with what I call the global water cycle, but it is not entirely to blame either. There are other factors like deforestation and desertification playing a role as well. The result is global warming.

• Best Water Softener

Should I Remineralize My Reverse Osmosis Water?

While our bodies require healthy minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium to function properly, we obtain them in much higher proportions in food.

Whether you choose to reintroduce minerals into your reverse osmosis, drinking water makes little difference, health-wise, unless you’re severely deficient in a particular mineral and can’t make up for it with diet.

If you stay up with the World Health Organization (WHO), you’ve probably read their study, which discussed the dangers of drinking RO water. According to the study, RO water has certain health risks that make it ill-advised to drink regularly. Loss of calcium and magnesium (two of the essential minerals in our drinking water), possible elevated toxic metal intake, and disturbances in metabolism and homeostasis are all examples of health hazards addressed by the report.

While this study is something to be cautious about, many of these health concerns are only considered “possibly,” and some, such as mineral deficiency, can be avoided entirely if you consume adequate minerals from your diet.

I don’t think there’s any need to add minerals to your RO water; however, you may want to do so to improve the water’s flavour.

Benefits of Adding Minerals to Reverse Osmosis Water

Remineralizing reverse osmosis water offers the following benefits:

Gives Water an Appealing Flavor

Reverse osmosis water is often thought to have a balanced flavour and be unpleasant. However, alkaline water with re-added minerals is considerably more appealing in taste, so you’re more inclined to drink water than juice or soda.

Encourages Hydration

If you believe demineralized drinking water will make you less likely to hydrate because the flavour repulses you, remineralisation has several health advantages. RO water is bland and uninteresting since it has a low pH level. You’ll probably drink your water more if it’s remineralized since it will have a higher pH level.

Important for Human Health

We don’t solely rely on the trace minerals in our drinking water to sustain ourselves. However, tap water may provide up to 20% of your daily recommended intakes of minerals like calcium and magnesium. If you want peace of mind and a remineralization filter could give you that, consider it.

Why are Minerals so Important?

The idea that our bodies require minerals – organic chemicals found in rocks and soil – seems slightly crazy. However, it would help if you never counted mineral intake out as a factor in human health. Let’s take a look at the minerals that may be found in drinking water and their roles in the body.

Calcium

Calcium, or calcium carbonate, is the most prevalent mineral in the human body because it’s the most common. It may be found in various locations throughout the body, including the bones and teeth.

We need calcium for muscles and heart contractions, blood clotting, hormones, and to help us think. Calcium is also important for our teeth and bones. We need it in almost every process in the body. If we don’t have enough calcium, our bones will be brittle and we might have convulsions or heart problems.

Magnesium

Another crucial mineral is magnesium, which acts similarly to calcium. It helps to stimulate and control hundreds of chemical reactions, and it may aid in the formation and maintenance of healthy bones when combined with calcium.

This mineral’s deficiency can lead to various health problems, from early symptoms such as nausea, tiredness, and debilitation to long-term consequences, including convulsions, muscular cramps, and numbness.

Trace Minerals: Sodium, Potassium and Phosphorous

Water also contains trace minerals such as sodium, potassium, and phosphorus in addition to magnesium and calcium. Water is also high in trace minerals, including sodium, potassium, and phosphorous. For muscle contraction and nerve impulse transmission, the human body requires small amounts of salt. We require salt to maintain proper mineral levels and water in our bodies.

Potassium, like salt, aids in the contraction of muscles and the conductivity of nerves. It also aids in heartbeat regulation. Though not as essential as calcium and magnesium, phosphorus is nevertheless required for tooth and bone formation. It also aids in protein production and fat/carbohydrate metabolism in the body.

How to Remineralize RO Water

Trace Mineral Drops

Adding trace minerals in the form of drops is the most cost-effective way to remineralize your water. You must know where to look for these trace mineral drops since some are superior to others. Trace mineral drops from well-known manufacturers that have decades of research and development behind their products, such as Quinton Wellness, are a good place to start.

Before taking it, you’ll need to add mineral drops to your glass of water, or you may be able to add minerals to a large quantity of water in a pitcher or container. Mineral drops are available in one-month and three-month supplies at prices ranging from $20 to $40 per bottle (again brand depending).

Remineralizing Filters

If you have an under-sink reverse osmosis system, remineralizing filters are an excellent hassle-free way to add minerals back into the water.

An optional remineralization filter is standard on many RO systems. Still, if yours does not have one, you may purchase a filter that is specifically built for easy set-up at the main water line after your reverse osmosis unit. The benefit of a remineralization filter is that it makes alkaline water that comes out of your faucet, so you don’t have to worry about adding mineral drops as an afterthought.

With calcium, almost all types of remineralizing filters will restore RO water to its natural state. Some may also remineralize water with magnesium, and some are even better than this, adding up to five distinct mineral varieties back into your RO water.

Remineralization post-filter cartridges range from $30 to $80, with the average cost around $80. After approximately every six months of use, you’ll need to change the filter. If you buy an RO system that includes a remineralization filter, keep in mind that you’ll have to pay more for the pleasure of drinking mineral-rich RO water. Make sure the separate filter comes with its housing and connections to be used independently.

Alkaline Water Pitchers

Alkaline water pitchers can make the water more healthy. They help with minerals like calcium and magnesium.

A water alkaline pitcher has a filter cartridge that adds a precise amount of minerals back to a batch of water. You won’t be able to take advantage of immediate remineralized water since it’s a pitcher design, so you’ll have to add reverse osmosis water from your tap to the pitcher and wait minutes for filtration. On the other hand, water alkaline pitchers are typically more affordable, costing between $20 and $40 each.

Alkaline water filters don’t need to be installed at your water line is one of their most significant benefits. Alkaline filters are a wonderful option if you want to remineralize your water without having to put in any extra effort (or perhaps even break the rental agreement terms).

Alkaline water pitcher cartridges, like remineralizing filters, must be replaced. They have shorter lifespans of between 1 and 3 months, but they are far less expensive than a replacement remineralizing filter.

Alkaline Water Bottles

An alkaline water bottle is an excellent option for on-the-go access to remineralize RO water. At work or in another room of your house, fill your bottle with RO water and bring it with you. The bottle contains a filter that raises the pH level of the water, giving it minerals like calcium and magnesium to improve its flavour.

Water bottles with an alkaline pH of 8.0 to 12.5 are beautiful, even though they’re considered practical and useful. These bottles would most likely be on the ugly side, but they’re rather attractive when seen as a whole. Alkaline water bottles are sold for around $30 to $50 for a single bottle and filter, which is about the same price as pitchers. Filters must be replaced every 6 weeks on average, although this may vary depending on the maker and concentration of minerals added to your water.

Pink Himalayan Salt

Pink Himalayan salt is an option you may not have considered previously. Because Himalayan salt has a naturally high trace mineral content, including calcium, magnesium, and potassium, it’s an excellent method for restoring these elements into RO water.

To make pink Himalayan salt-remineralized water, add Himalayan salt to a glass jar, filling it halfway full with water, then letting it sit for up to 24 hours. Sole water results from this procedure and has additional health benefits over remineralizing water alone. The body’s negatively and positively charged ions are balanced by sole water, which is thought to help with general health.

If you don’t want to put forth the effort of making a batch of sole water, this may not be the product for you. If you enjoy the idea of Himalayan salt’s health benefits in your water, by all means, try it! This salt is readily available on the internet. Be careful how much salt you use; too much can be harmful.

Obvious disclaimer here: Himalayan pink salt is not the same as ordinary table salt. It has a considerably lower sodium content, for one thing, and it’s also quite mineral-dense, which most salt isn’t.

How Do RO Systems Remove Minerals?

The reverse osmosis process removes minerals by using pressure to push water through a semipermeable membrane. The membrane acts as a filter to prevent larger molecules from travelling through it, allowing only pure water to be collected.

According to Mayo Clinic, removing this salt is beneficial because the body doesn’t need sodium, chloride, or potassium to function properly. The medical centre also points out that if you have high blood pressure or heart problems, reducing the amount of sodium in your diet can lower your health risks.

To sum up… Reverse osmosis water isn’t harmful for regular use, but it’s not the same as mineral-rich natural springs’ water either! If you want your water to have more than just H2O, look into buying a remineralizing filter or pitcher. If you’d prefer to use natural methods for your water, Himalayan salt is an easy option with many health benefits.

If I’m Adding Minerals to RO Water, Why Should I Bother With Reverse Osmosis at All?

Good question – If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to remove dissolved solids from your water, replace the carbon filter cartridge with one of those manufactured specifically for RO systems. If you only want to get rid of chlorine and lead, for example, a carbon filter cartridge alone may be sufficient; it won’t, however, eliminate any beneficial minerals, saving you the trouble of remineralization. If you must have the most comprehensive range of contaminants removed from your drinking water, an RO system will be able to do so. If you still want to consume these minerals after remineralizing RO water, in that situation.

How Else Can I Drink My Minerals?

You may still obtain some of your daily mineral intake from your beverages if you’d rather not spend the time remineralizing your RO water. Why not add mineral-rich green powder or green blends to your filtered water for a morning pick-me-up? You don’t have to put the powder in every glass of water you drink, as one serving per day should be more than enough.

You may also make a juice or smoothie from fruits and veggies high in nutritional minerals since they are naturally rich. You’ll receive way more minerals than you would by drinking remineralized RO water.

How Do I Add a Remineralization Filter to My Reverse Osmosis System?

If you have an under-sink RO system and wish to add a filter for remineralization, connect the filter to your RO system’s “outgoing” side. You may require additional fittings or connections from your local DIY store for the task.

Does Reverse Osmosis Water Leach Minerals From Our Bodies?

Suppose you’ve read the WHO report on filtered RO water. In that case, you’re undoubtedly concerned about one thing in particular: that this kind of filtered water may leach minerals from our bodies, making us more prone to deficiency.

It’s worth noting that the study behind this statement on the report is still in progress. Studies might frequently suggest an outcome based on a reported trend, which is then disproved through more thorough research.

What we do know is that RO water is more likely to leach heavy metals from pipes, which is why it’s important to install an RO filter under your kitchen sink and make sure you’re not using hazardous pipes, such as those made of lead, to transport water (which is a given whether you’re drinking RO water or not).

What’s the Difference Between Remineralized and Alkalized Water?

When you remineralize your water, as the term implies, one of your primary aims is to replenish the minerals in your water. As a result, water becomes more alkaline as a consequence. However, raising the pH of your water without adding any minerals is also effective at alkalizing it.

If your objective is to consume minerals in your drinking water, you must remineralize it. If you want to alter the flavor of alkaline water, you may instead opt to alkalize it.