Is RO Water Beneficial or Harmful for Health? Understanding the Side Effects

Previously, water was boiled and then filtered through a cloth to obtain purified water. However, as time progressed, new technologies emerged, and now RO water filters have become prevalent in households. This process ensures that water is purified and filtered.

So now, these water filters are seen in every household. But did you know? Excessive consumption of purified water can be harmful to your health. According to experts, if you intend to install an RO water filter at home, make sure that the total dissolved solids (TDS) level in your water is around 200-250 milligrams per liter. This ensures that the body receives all the essential minerals, including calcium and magnesium.

Reverse Osmosis (RO) water, a webinar was organized where the main scientist, Atul V. Maldhure, explained that along with purifying water, RO also eliminates many beneficial minerals present in water. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also warned against the use of RO filters. In 2019, WHO stated that RO machines are quite effective in purifying water. However, it also removes calcium and magnesium, which are essential mineral elements. These elements are energy-producing. Therefore, long-term use of RO water without these natural elements can be detrimental to health.

What Scientists Recommend

Instead of using RO water, scientists recommend boiling water after filtering out impurities like nitrates. Boiling water kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi without depleting essential minerals. However, some individuals may experience muscle pain, fatigue, stiffness, and memory loss after drinking RO water for several years due to mineral deficiency.

What Does WHO Recommend?

WHO suggests 30 milligrams per liter of calcium, 30 milligrams per liter of bicarbonate, and 20 milligrams per liter of magnesium per liter of water. According to experts, water filters remove disease-causing bacteria, viruses, molds, and dirt. However, essential minerals necessary for the body are not present in this “pure” water. Therefore, instead of using water filters, straining water through a cotton cloth and boiling it for 20 minutes is a good alternative.