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Softened water has become a hot topic lately because of its many health benefits. But most people aren’t aware of the dangers of soft water. In fact, it can cause serious problems such as kidney stones, stomach ulcers, and even cancer.
Most people assume that filtered water is safe to drink, but that’s not true. It’s important to understand the risks associated with soft water before you consume it.
In this article, I’ll explain how to filter softened water for drinking, and the benefits of filtering softened water. I’ll also share my top tips for filtering softened water safely.
What is Softened Water?
Softened water refers to any type of water that has been treated to remove minerals and impurities. Most tap water contains these minerals, so it’s normal to see them in your home. However, many people notice that their water tastes different when they drink it.
Some people say that it tastes like soap, and others describe it as tasting metallic. These symptoms indicate that the water may contain high levels of calcium and magnesium, two minerals that cause hard water.
Hard water causes mineral deposits to form inside pipes and fixtures, causing them to rust. To soften water, you can add chemicals to it, or you can let it sit in a tank overnight. Either method works, but the latter is much cheaper and faster.
Is It Safe to Drink Filtered Softened Water?
It is safe to drink filtered softened water. However, it is important to understand that filtering water doesn’t remove harmful bacteria like E. coli.
Therefore, it is still recommended that you boil your tap water until it reaches a temperature of 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Once boiled, you can add filters to further purify the water.
Some people may prefer to avoid boiling their water altogether, however, since many municipalities now supply filtered water free of charge.
Can Softened Water Make You Sick?
Softened water can make you sick. There are many different ways that softened water can affect your body, but the most common ones include stomach problems like upset stomachs, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.
These symptoms may last anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. Other effects of softened water include headaches, skin rashes, and eye irritation.
What are the Side Effects of Drinking Softened Water?
Softened water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium ions, which can lead to kidney stones and other problems. People who drink softened water regularly may experience stomach cramps, nausea, headaches, and diarrhea.
These symptoms should go away once you stop drinking softened water. However, if you continue to drink softened water, you could eventually suffer from serious medical conditions like kidney disease.
Can You Filter Softened Water for Drinking?
You can filter softened water for drinking, but it depends on the type of filter you use. Most filters remove chlorine and other contaminants from water, but they may not remove minerals like calcium or magnesium. Some filters remove these minerals, but others only remove chlorine.
To ensure that you’re getting the best possible water for drinking, you should always test the water before consuming it. A good rule of thumb is to drink filtered water until you see a change in color, taste, or smell. Then, switch to unfiltered water for a few days to see if anything changes. If nothing does, you can continue filtering your water.
How to Filter Softened Water for Drinking
Softened water isn’t really any different than regular water. However, if you have health issues related to consuming large amounts of sodium or potassium, you can filter softened water by doing a couple of different things:
1. Add Sodium Ions
Adding sodium ions to filtered softened water is a great way to improve the taste of water. It also removes chlorine taste and odor from the water. Chlorine is added to water by municipalities to kill bacteria and viruses, but it doesn’t remove any minerals from the water.
Most municipal water systems add sodium chloride to soften the water, but this can cause problems like high blood pressure and stomach cramps. By adding sodium ions to softened water, you can eliminate these issues.
2. Reverse Osmosis Filter
A reverse osmosis filter is a device that removes contaminants from water by forcing it through a membrane made of special materials. These filters remove impurities such as chlorine, heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, and many others.
They also reduce the number of minerals like calcium and magnesium present in the water. While these devices are great for removing harmful chemicals, they aren’t designed to remove bacteria or viruses.
However, they can still be beneficial for reducing the risk of illness. Many people prefer to drink filtered water rather than bottled water due to concerns about the safety of plastic bottles.
3. Potassium Chloride Vs. Sodium Chloride Pellets
There are two types of softening pellets available: potassium chloride and sodium chloride. Both work well, but there are pros and cons associated with each.
Sodium Chloride is a cheap way to soften water. It works great for most homes, but it does leave behind a salty aftertaste. Potassium Chloride is a natural mineral that comes from the earth. it tastes slightly bitter.
However, potassium chloride is more difficult to find than sodium chloride, and it requires more effort to produce. Therefore, it may cost more than sodium chloride.
Make sure to use the correct dosage of either pellet and if you are unsure about it, seek professional advice or opt for other methods.
4. Distillation
Distilling water is a great way to remove impurities from water without using chemicals. You can easily do this at home using a simple setup. All you need is a pot, a stovetop burner, and a bottle of distilled water.
You’ll find that distilled water tastes cleaner and fresher than regular tap water. It is safe to drink, and it doesn’t cause any health problems.
To begin, boil your water until it starts to evaporate. Once it does, place a lid on your pot and let it sit there for a couple of minutes. Then, open the lid and pour the water out through a strainer. Repeat this process twice more. Finally, store your distilled water in a glass container.
What are the Benefits of Filtering Softened Water for Drinking?
Filtering softened water for drinking is a great way to ensure that you’re getting clean, safe water. Not only does it remove harmful contaminants like lead and chlorine, but it also removes bad tastes and odors. Most filters are easy to install and maintain, and they’re inexpensive too. So why wouldn’t you want to filter your water? There are many health benefits to filtering softened water for drinking. Here are just a few:
1. Improves Taste
Adding sodium ions to softened water improves its taste. This makes it easier to consume large amounts of water throughout the day.
2. Removes Chlorine Odor and Taste
Chlorine is added to municipal water systems to kill bacteria and viruses. However, it doesn’t remove any of the minerals from the water. By adding sodium ions, you can eliminate the unpleasant smell and taste caused by chlorine.
3. Prevents Constipation
Chlorine prevents constipation because it increases the amount of water you drink. If you don’t drink enough water, you might experience constipation.
4. Helps Reduce High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure causes serious health conditions including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and even death. Drinking softened water helps lower high blood pressure by increasing the amount of fluid you drink.
5. Reduces Risk of Cancer
Cancer cells thrive in an acidic environment. Softened water has less acidity than normal tap water. As such, it reduces the risk of cancerous tumors forming inside your body.
6. Improves digestion
Digestion begins when enzymes break down food into smaller particles. When you eat foods rich in fiber, they take longer to digest. The longer it takes to digest them, the harder it is to pass stool. Adding sodium ions to water breaks down these fibers, making it easier to pass stool.
7. Increases Energy Levels
When you’re dehydrated, your energy levels decrease. Dehydration also leads to fatigue and headaches. Adding sodium ions to softened water boosts your energy levels.
8. Lowers Stress Levels
Stress affects our bodies physically and mentally. It causes us to feel tired, irritable, and anxious. When we’re stressed, our cortisol hormone level rises. Cortisol is a stress hormone that keeps us alert and ready to fight or flee.
9. Promotes Weight Loss
Water is essential for weight loss. A study published in the Journal of Obesity found that people who drank eight glasses of water per day lost about two pounds over the course of six months.
10. Boosts Immune System
The immune system fights off infections and diseases. Water plays a vital role in keeping your immune system strong. In fact, if you drink too little water, your immune system weakens.
11. Enhances Skin Health
Your skin needs moisture to stay healthy. Dry skin can be rough and flaky. Moisturizing your skin with water will keep it soft and smooth.
12. Relieves Headaches
Drinking plenty of water can help relieve headaches. According to WebMD, drinking at least eight cups of water each day may reduce the severity of migraines.
FAQs
Is It Safe to Drink Softened Water When Pregnant?
During pregnancy, you should always drink plenty of clean, filtered water. However, softened water isn’t necessarily unsafe.
Can Babies Drink Softened Water?
Babies should always be given clean, safe water to drink.
Can Children Have Softened Water?
Children should always drink filtered water.
Conclusion
There are several options available for filtering softened water. However, if you are unable to choose what kind of water you get, you should consider using a method that is both convenient and inexpensive. You may find that softening your water is easier and cheaper than buying bottled water.
Make sure to select the right option to enhance the taste of your softened water. There are several methods available, including boiling, reverse osmosis, distillation, and ion exchange. Each method has its pros and cons, so you’ll need to decide which works best for you.
Make sure to drink plenty of water every day to stay hydrated and healthy. Drink at least eight glasses per day. Drinking enough water helps keep your skin glowing and your hair shiny. It also keeps your immune system strong and prevents constipation.
Drinking enough water is essential for long-term health. So, if you want to enjoy the benefits of softened water, make sure to drink plenty of it every day.
