Treatment with mineral water: what is the therapeutic effect, classification, rules of use, for what diseases it is used

Mineral water is water from an appropriately registered underground source (well), with the original composition of mineral substances preserved.

Mineral waters are classified into four groups.

1. Mineral medicinal waters with a total mineralization of more than 8 g/l. This also includes less mineralized water containing increased amounts of boron, arsenic and other elements. It is taken as prescribed by a doctor.

2. Mineral medicinal table waters with a total mineralization of 2-8 g/l. They are used for medicinal purposes as prescribed by a doctor, but they can be used as a table drink.

3. Mineral table waters with a mineralization of 1-2 g/l.

4. Table waters with mineralization less than 1 g/l.

Mineral waters owe their origin to underground aquifers or pools located among special rocks, which over a long period enrich the water with healing minerals, which are in solution in the form of dissociated into positively charged cations and negatively charged anions.

The name of mineral waters contains the definitions “ bicarbonate ” and “ sodium ”, which means that these substances are most abundant, but there may be waters of chloride-sodium-calcium , chloride-sulfate , sodium-magnesium , etc.

Depending on the pH value of the water, mineral water is acidic , neutral or alkaline .

The effect of mineral waters on the gastrointestinal tract and the body is different. Mineral waters treat diseases such as gastritis, colitis, inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, gallbladder and liver diseases, and metabolic diseases.

However, it should be remembered that mineral waters have a healing effect only if certain conditions are met - a certain temperature, frequency of intake and, often, immediate consumption at the source. Drinking liters of mineral water and considering it a treatment is a misconception and sometimes even harmful. Doctors fear that minerals and other compounds may adversely affect health if consumed in significant quantities. It is advisable to be treated with mineral water at a resort or, if outside the resort, then under the mandatory supervision of a doctor. Therefore, almost all over the world, medicinal mineral water can only be bought in pharmacies.

The production of bottled water today increases the production of table and drinking water, which is absolutely harmless in terms of mineralization. Table water is often just tap water and differs only in the lack of chlorine taste.

Manufacturers of table drinking water place the main emphasis in promoting their products on the purity of bottled water in comparison with problematic tap water and better “thirst quenching” in comparison with carbonated drinks.

Artificial means fresh drinking water produced using technological methods to imitate the chemical composition of natural mineral or other waters. Artificial mineral waters are obtained by adding chemical components (magnesium, potassium, sodium, iodine, etc.) salts present in natural mineral waters in the same percentage concentrations to ordinary or distilled water. An example of such waters are artificially mineralized waters from well-known producers “Borjomi”, “Narzan” and “Essentuki”, with the difference that the bottles bear the inscription “Artificially mineralized water”.

Desalinated sea water, which is produced on a large scale by the United Arab Emirates, which is rich in oil but poor in fresh water, can also be considered artificial, as well as deuterium-lightened water, which is still very expensive.

Another type of bottled water is drinking water .

SanPin divides drinking water into two classes:

• Drinking water of the highest category.
• Drinking water of the first category (table water).

The preparation of tap drinking water usually includes five stages: mechanical filtration, sedimentation, sand filtration, aeration and sterilization .

After mechanical filtration through special grid filters, the water is allowed to settle in large settling tanks, where sand particles and other small particles settle out of it. To remove very small particles, the water is first made slightly basic by adding calcium hydroxide, and then ammonium sulfate Al2(SO4)3- is added. When aluminum sulfate reacts with OH- ions, a porous gelatinous precipitate Al(OH)3 is formed. This sediment slowly settles, taking with it particles suspended in the water, due to which almost all fine substances and most bacteria are removed from it. The water is then filtered through a layer of sand. After filtration, the water is sometimes sprayed into the air to speed up the oxidation of the organic substances dissolved in it.

At the last stage of preparation, the water is usually treated with some kind of chemical to kill bacteria. The most effective ozone in this regard is O3, but it must be produced in the place where it is used. For this reason, C12 chlorine is more convenient. Chlorine is delivered to the point of consumption in liquefied form in tanks, and then distributed through a measuring device directly into the water supply network. The consumption of chlorine depends on the presence of other substances in the water with which chlorine can react, as well as on the concentration of bacteria and viruses to be removed.

The sterilizing effect of chlorine is not due to Cl2 itself, but to hypochlorous acid, which is formed as a result of the reaction of chlorine with water:

Cl2(aq) + H2O(l) = HOCl (aq) + H+(aq) + Cl- (aq)

Although chlorine has been used to sterilize water for many years without causing any noticeable adverse health effects to the people using such water, it has recently been discovered that it may still cause some harm to health. When examining water sources in a number of American cities, the presence of small amounts of chloroform was discovered; the presence of small amounts of chloroform and carbon tetrachloride was discovered. These substances have a toxic effect. Although their levels in tap water are extremely low, it is possible that long-term consumption of water containing these substances may lead to liver and kidney disease. These substances are formed as a result of reactions of molecules of organic water pollutants with chlorine during water sterilization.

Nowadays, the method of water sterilization with ultraviolet light is also used.

Purification of drinking water ensures that all substances that are potentially hazardous to health are removed from it. At the same time, the quality of drinking water must meet the requirements of GOST 2874-82 “Drinking water. Hygienic requirements and quality control." and be provided throughout the entire water supply network and do not depend on the type of water supply source. GOST requirements for the chemical composition of water include 20 indicators for substances found in natural waters or added to it during treatment at wastewater treatment plants. Water quality can only be assessed using chemical and microbiological analysis.

The best alkaline mineral water without gas

Carbonated water differs from still water in the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) it contains. It affects not only the presence of bubbles, but also the acidity of the water (and therefore the taste of the dishes). Quiet, “non-fizzy” water is still. Team VyborExperta.ru, which alkaline mineral water without gas is the best.

Legend of the Arkhyz Mountains

Alkaline water of the Aqualine brand is extracted from several wells in the village of Nizhny Arkhyz in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic and has a low-mineralized composition of 0.1-0.25 g/l. One liter contains 50-200 mg of bicarbonate, 50 mg of calcium, 20 mg of magnesium, 40 mg of sodium and potassium, which together makes it table-sized, suitable for daily consumption.

Appeared on the market in 1998. In addition to this water, the company extracts medicinal table water for weight loss from Arkhyz wells. All extracted water is suitable for cleansing the intestines and normalizing muscle tone. Complies with technical specifications, has a shelf life of one year in a plastic bottle. After opening it is 10 days.

Advantages:

• Neutral taste and smell;
• Compound;
• Bottled from a natural source;
• Large selection of bottles;
• Suitable for daily use.

Flaws:

• Small font on label;
• Low magnesium content, no fluoride.

Belongs to the magnesium-calcium group with sodium content.

Biovita

It is mined at a depth of 135 m in an ecologically clean area in the Tula region. From the source, the water enters the bottle without going through filtration. Each liter contains 4.5–9.5 g of minerals, including: bicarbonate, magnesium, sodium, calcium, chloride, sulfates, metasilicic acid, silicon oxide.

For three years, the company has been looking for a source that meets government standards. He was found in the village of Verkhniy Sudohol, Aleksinsky district. Passing through rocks, water is naturally purified and mineralized. The structure and acidity are similar to the characteristics of intracellular water in the human body.

Has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial effect; eliminates toxins in the kidneys, liver, and gastrointestinal tract; smoothes out allergic relapses, relieves intoxication.

Experts recommend sipping with water. Water has no contraindications.

Advantages:

• Taste, softness;
• Good composition;
• Wide selection of containers;
• 18.9 liter bottle.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Available in plastic bottles of 0.5, 1.5, 5, 18.9 liters. Suitable for home use and daily use.

Gerolsteiner

Alkaline mineral waters from the Gerolstein region are included in the list of the best foreign ones. They are divided into two types: with gas and without gas, they are bought up by athletes from the USA, Japan, and Benelux. The company promotes a healthy lifestyle and cycling.

The water has been extracted from the Eifel volcanic region for over 130 years. 400 internal tests are carried out daily, resulting in 146,000 tests annually. External quality testing is carried out regularly.

Chemically, the composition is formed as follows: carbon dioxide of volcanic origin comes into contact with magnesium-rich dolomite rock, which lies at a depth of 250 m. It takes nature 50-100 years to create mineralized water. Its mineralization is moderate, amounting to 2.5 g/l. The composition includes sulfates, bicarbonates, calcium, chlorides, magnesium, sodium, potassium. Belongs to the calcium bicarbonate group with a high magnesium content.

Advantages:

• Soft, slightly carbonated, unsalted;
• Balance price - quality;
• Moisturizes the skin;
• Glass containers;
• See label for details.

Flaws:

• Difficult name;
• High price.

“Magnesium helps normalize blood circulation. An ideal remedy for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. It lasts a long time if you buy 1.5 liters and drink little by little.”

What to look for when purchasing?

Read the label carefully. The word “mineral” may hide ordinary drinking water, which is artificially enriched with minerals. There will be no harm from it, but there will be no therapeutic effect either.

Natural mineral water always indicates its place of origin, well or source number, type and chemical composition, and storage rules.

Pay attention to the quality of the bottle and label. If possible, choose water in glass containers - this is the safest material for storing mineral water and will not spoil its properties. When heated, plastic bottles can release harmful substances into the water.

How to choose alkaline mineral water

The range of water is varied. It differs in the quantitative and qualitative composition of microelements. The required type depends on the underlying and concomitant diseases, lifestyle, preventive purposes, and taste preferences. The level of mineralization determines where mineral water is sold - in a pharmacy or supermarket - and what kind of water it is - alkaline. The VyborExpert.ru team suggests considering the selection criteria in more detail.

Water type

Water is divided according to the degree of mineralization into table water, medicinal table water and medicinal water. A liter of dining room contains 1 g of minerals. Due to the low content of elements, it tastes bland. It has no contraindications, you can buy it in the supermarket and drink it instead of tap water.

The medical table contains 1-10 g of mineral salts in 1 liter. The duration of treatment depends on the preventive purposes, the degree and type of the disease. It is prohibited to replace fresh water with it.

In medicinal use there are 10-35 g per liter. It is indicated for the local treatment of diseases. In some cases, the doctor prescribes doses for internal use. Medicinal waters are contraindicated for children under 4 years of age.

The degree of mineralization varies by level: 0.5-2.5 g - low, 2.5-8 - medium, 8-15 - high. For gastritis with high or normal acidity, it is advisable to drink non-carbonated, low-mineralized water. For bronchitis, medicinal table mineral water is suitable; for gallbladder disorders, highly mineralized water is suitable.

The level of mineralization depends on the dissolved elements. Water also comes with or without gas. This is due to the natural presence of carbon dioxide due to chemical reactions.

Type of mineral water

Mineral waters are divided into: carbon dioxide, sulfate, nitrogen, siliceous, bromide, iodide, ferruginous, arsenic, radioactive.

Supermarkets and pharmacies most often sell sulfate, bicarbonate, magnesium, chloride, and calcium mineral water. Usually the packages are marked from which spring the water was taken and by what method it was processed.

Sulfate mineral water is useful for pathologies of the liver and bile ducts, and stimulates intestinal motility. People with diabetes, children under 3 years of age and pregnant women should not drink.

Hydrocarbonate reduces acidity and relieves heartburn. Contraindicated for gastritis.

Magnesium alkaline mineral waters are recommended for gout, constipation, and insomnia. It has a calming, analgesic effect with long-term use, and is useful during a diet.

Chloride is recommended for defects of the bones, heart, and nervous system. Contraindicated for diseases of the bladder and kidneys. It is not advisable to drink for pregnant women and people with skin diseases.

Calcium replenishes the deficiency of vitamin D3, due to interaction with vitamin D2, strengthens bones and immunity. Useful for people planning pregnancy and children aged 1-12 years. It has no contraindications.

Purpose

The type of mineral water depends on the disease, need, type of use. Hydrocarbonate ones are used for diseases of the kidneys and bladder; chloride treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and biliary tract; magnesium, sodium - constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, stress, neurological diseases; fluoride - diseases of the bones, spine, vestibular apparatus; glandular - anemia; calcium - lactose intolerance, skin diseases, useful during pregnancy and adolescence.

Taste, color, smell

The color of drinking water is always transparent. Taste and smell depend on the degree of mineralization and carbonation. Water can be drunk for treatment and prevention, and can be consumed along with delicious dishes.

Still water of high mineralization accompanies spicy vegetable snacks and goat cheeses. Low-mineralized complements fresh vegetable salads, fruits, and fish dishes. With a medium level of carbonation and low mineralization, it goes well with vegetables, poultry, fish, steamed or grilled. Highly carbonated with a high mineral content, ideal for fatty meat dishes and grilled poultry.

To drink or not to drink?

Due to the natural composition created by nature, mineral water has a balneological effect, and is also a good means of profiling and treating various ailments. It is important to note that before drinking medicinal water, it is best to consult with your doctor, who will help you choose a more effective and suitable type of water for you. Do not forget that regardless of the chosen regimen, the use of mineral water is possible only if the disease is not in the acute phase. There are also a number of contraindications:

• It is not recommended to drink chloride water for people with high blood pressure;
• Mineral water enriched with magnesium is contraindicated if you suffer from stomach upsets;
• Alkaline bicarbonate water increases the secretion of gastric juice and increases the likelihood of exacerbation of gastritis;
• Children and teenagers are prohibited from drinking sulfate mineral water, as sulfates bind calcium into insoluble salts, which can result in slower bone growth. It is also worth removing this type of mineral water from the diet of pregnant women to eliminate the negative impact on the fetus;
• It is also worth remembering that when drinking mineral water, as with any other type of treatment, you should give up alcohol and smoking.

The listed benefits and contraindications apply only to naturally mineralized water, since artificially mineralized water does not have a healing effect.

Advantages and disadvantages

• natural composition enriched with unique chemicals;
• contains microelements necessary for the functioning of the body: iodine, bromine, fluorine, manganese, copper, iron;
• has medicinal and healing properties.

• should not be used during an exacerbation of the disease;
• a large number of contraindications.

Which alkaline mineral water is better?

For preventive purposes, mineral water is taken half an hour before meals. For hyperacid gastritis, only non-carbonated water is allowed. For stomach diseases, warm water is recommended; in other cases, cool or room temperature water can be used.

If you need medicinal water, we recommend contacting a pharmacy. The list of the best mineral-alkaline waters includes drinks available without prescriptions:

• To strengthen the immune system, renew the skin and stimulate blood circulation, high-quality sparkling water with a large amount of minerals from Essentuki No. 17 is suitable;
• Low-mineralized Stelmas Mg+ will relieve iodine deficiency, normalize the functioning of the endocrine system, and support immunity in case of anemia;
• Medium-mineralized Biovita will cleanse the body and alleviate allergies; approved for daily use, the only one has a container of 18.9 liters.

You can buy mineral water in pharmacies, supermarkets, and online stores. If you need medicinal water, consult your doctor.

Attention: soda!

Mineral water can be naturally carbonated or artificially saturated with carbon dioxide. This is done in order to preserve the beneficial properties of water for a long time and prevent oxygen from entering the bottle. Those who have problems with the gastrointestinal tract should be careful with carbonated water: drinks saturated with carbon dioxide are contraindicated for them. Therefore, before drinking such a mineral water, you need to pour it into a glass and let it stand for a few minutes so that the gas comes out. For a healthy person, drinking natural water with gas is harmless.

pH in the human body

Various environments of our body also have this indicator:

• blood - from 7.35 to 7.45;
• saliva – from 6.0 to 7.4;
• esophagus – from 6.0 to 7.0;
• gastric juice – from 1.0 to 3.5;
• duodenum – from 5.6 to 7.9;
• small intestine – from 7.5 to 8.0;
• large intestine – from 8.5 to 9.0;
• bile – 7.8.

In order for our body to function normally, it is necessary to maintain an adequate acidity level (the so-called acid-base ratio). A shift in this ratio in either direction threatens serious diseases and disruption of the functioning of various organs and systems.

The most common is acidosis - a shift in pH to the acidic side. It develops with an unbalanced diet and a predominance of “sour foods” in the diet (white bread, carbonated drinks, etc.), with diabetes, and alcohol abuse. Acidosis threatens a person with serious complications:

• kidney and bladder diseases;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system (including directly persistent vasospasm, as well as a decrease in the concentration of oxygen in the blood);
• formation of stones in the urinary system;
• general weakness;
• obesity;
• the appearance of joint pain and muscle pain associated with the accumulation of lactic acid;
• diabetes;
• decreased immunity;
• an increase in the concentration of free radicals in the bloodstream, which can lead to the development of cancer;
• bone fragility.

In addition, it has been proven that an acidic environment is an ideal condition for the development of pathogenic microorganisms, parasites, and viruses, so chronic acidosis can contribute to constant inflammatory processes in the human body.

Alkalosis, or a shift in the body's acidity to the alkaline side, is a rare phenomenon, but no less dangerous than acidosis. It can occur when taking medications containing alkali, hyperventilation, uncontrollable vomiting, rickets, etc. Alkalosis can lead to the following pathologies:

• allergic manifestations, for example, skin itching;
• lethargy, apathy;
• disruption of the heart;
• loss of consciousness;
• renal failure.
• convulsive seizure;
• nausea, vomiting.

The most important thing is that all enzymes in our body are able to work only in a narrow pH range of 7.37 - 7.43, that is, at normal blood pH. When this balance shifts in any direction, disturbances in the subtle mechanisms of metabolism and metabolism appear, and the functioning of various organs and systems malfunctions. That is why it is so important to maintain this indicator within the normal range.

Rules of use

The most healing mineral water is found in resort areas near famous springs.

Products from popular brands from retail chains are also useful if you follow the prescribed recommendations.

Important rules of use:

1. Drink for preventive purposes 30 minutes before meals.
2. Warm the drink slightly for gastrointestinal disorders.
3. Drink slowly, in small sips.
4. Prefer non-carbonated drinks unless otherwise prescribed by your doctor.

Contraindications

People with diseases such as:

• stones in the urinary tract;
• renal failure;
• bilateral chronic pyelonephritis;
• diabetes mellitus type I.

Children under three years of age should also avoid this medicinal drink . Since babies have not yet developed enzymes that can break down complex elements for complete absorption.

What diseases does it help get rid of?

If the disease is serious enough, water alone will not be able to cure it. But with complex therapy, mineral water gives positive results and speeds up recovery.

Alkalinizing waters are taken for the following diseases:

• gastritis;
• pancreatitis;
• stomach or duodenal ulcer;
• diseases of the esophagus, intestines, liver, urinary and biliary tract;
• metabolic disorders.

The duration, time of administration and daily dosage are indicated by the doctor after examination, interviewing the patient, thorough research and diagnosis.

Carefully! During an exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases, you should temporarily stop taking medicinal water.

The influence of mineral water

Internal bioprocesses influence the pH balancing that a healthy body can cope with . In some cases, life support systems need help maintaining the boundaries of normal functioning.

The principle of operation of mineral water is based on the effect of hydrogen release upon contact of alkali metals and liquid.

Healthy cells receive the antioxidant necessary to preserve functional resources, reducing oxidation and increasing protection against aging. Hydrogen serves as an activator and supplier of the necessary energy.

Stabilization of metabolic processes allows:

• 
  normalize carbohydrate and fat balance;

• speed up the elimination of toxins;
• strengthen the immune system;
• enhance the effect of certain drugs;
• cleanse blood vessels from cholesterol plaques;
• resist stress, fatigue;
• increase antioxidants;
• prevent inflammatory processes;
• activate brain activity.

Under the influence of the beneficial effects of alkaline mineral drinks, working capacity increases and the body’s protective resource against adverse environmental phenomena is strengthened.