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Water is called the universal solvent because it has the ability to dissolve almost everything in the world, including bones and body tissues. Purer water dissolves more easily. Minerals are leached from your body when you drink pure water. Therefore, both adults and children should avoid long-term consumption of pure water without minerals.
What Happens During RO Process?
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a method of purifying water. It involves removing larger particles, unwanted molecules and ions from drinking water through a partially permeable membrane. When unfiltered water is forced by pressure through a semipermeable membrane, impurities are removed from the water. To produce clean drinking water, the unfiltered water flows from the more concentrated side of the RO membrane (more impurities) to the less concentrated side (fewer impurities). The pure water produced in this way is called permeate, while the remaining concentrated water is called waste.
Is It Healthy to Drink RO Water?
Water produced by a RO system is slightly acidic, with a pH of about 6-6.5. Tea, coffee, carbonated beverages and even fruit juices all have a lower pH than RO water, making them more acidic. According to EPA water standards, water with a pH of 6.5 to 8.5 is healthy and safe to drink. The RO process, on the other hand, removes calcium, magnesium and other trace minerals from your drinking water, which can negatively impact your long-term health. Calcium and magnesium, in particular, are essential for the body's development and growth. Therefore, drinking remineralized water is a better choice for everyone.
Advantages of Remineralized Water
Below are some of the benefits of drinking remineralized water:
- Acidity in the body can be neutralized by remineralized water, which can be caused by stress, diet or air pollution.
- Drinking water with a higher pH improves the taste and quality of beverages and foods.
- A body that has a higher pH requires less cholesterol and fat and protects the body from acid damage.
- Remineralized water contains minerals that help the body absorb vital nutrients.
How to Remineralize RO Water Effectively
Depending on the situation, there are four main methods to remineralize RO water. Some of you prefer to use a RO filter that automatically remineralizes the water, while others prefer to add salt directly to the water. Here is how to remineralize water at home using each option.
- Alkaline Water Pitchers
As mentioned earlier, RO water is slightly acidic. You can use an alkali filter to raise the pH to a more neutral level. The pH of unpurified feed water is between 6 and 6.5. The alkaline filter can raise the pH of the RO water to 6.5 - 7, which is a significant improvement.
- Remineralization filters
When it comes to adding minerals to RO water, the simplest method is to use a reverse osmosis filter with a post-filter that remineralizes and alkalizes the RO water. The post-filter in particular requires special attention as it needs to be replaced every 6-12 months. A remineralizing filter is usually pre-installed in new filters.
- Post filters for existing RO systems
You can purchase an additional remineralization filter if you already have a RO system without a remineralization function. These filters are easy to set up and work with almost all RO systems. Note that the type of minerals that are added back by the remineralization filters varies.
- Remineralize water with Himalayan salt
Himalayan salt contains a comprehensive mineral profile with more than 84 trace minerals, giving it a pinkish hue due to trace minerals. Calcium, magnesium and potassium, among other alkaline minerals, can help neutralize RO water. A quarter teaspoon per gallon of water should be enough to add these minerals to drinking water without giving it an overly salty taste. Note that Himalayan salt comes in large chunks, so it may take some time to dissolve.
Conclusion
It is often beneficial to your health to drink water that contains adequate amounts of trace minerals. The four methods listed above for remineralizing RO water will ensure that you can drink and cook with clean, safe, and beneficial water every day.