Tap Water v. Purified Water v. Distilled Water

Now we all know how pivotal consuming enough water is, so I’m not going to harp on that.  My rule of thumb for athletes in 1 oz/lb body weight.   Athletes, in particular, need to be wary of not only the amount of water they consume, but also the quality of water. In some respects, all water is the same – it all contains two hydrogen molecules and one oxygen molecule.  The differences are in the minerals and chemicals that are found in the water.  Sometimes these minerals and chemicals are naturally occurring, while other times they are added for a variety of reasons.  Purified water is a general term that means that the water has been forced through a purification process, such as a charcoal filter, ultraviolet light, or deionization.  Each of these processes removes some of the contaminants found in the water, which make it safer than drinking tap water, but trace minerals still remain.  Distillation is the best way to eliminate these left over trace minerals. However, because distilled water is an active absorber of inorganic minerals in the body, athletes need to regulate their consumption because it can rapidly disrupt the electrolyte balance in the body, particularly sodium, potassium, and chloride, which can have devastating effects.  Sodium is necessary for carbohydrate absorption, so electrolytes lost during strenuous activity need to be replaced immediately.  The more distilled water a person, drinks, the more acidic their bodies become. The longer one drinks distilled water, the more likely the development of mineral deficiencies and an acidic state. Almost without exception, people who consume distilled water exclusively, eventually develop multiple mineral deficiencies.  Distilled water’s acidity can only be recommended as a way of drawing poisons out of the body. Once this is accomplished, the continued drinking of distilled water is a bad idea. Now distilled water does play a key role bodybuilder, athletes, and potentially anyone who wants to cleanse and purify their internal system.  Many athletes will use distilled water before a show, just before they begin their water depletion stage.  This is to draw out any impurities the tissues may be hanging on to and cause the dreaded unwanted puffy look.  This is very effective in creating that coveted “shredded’’ look.  But do this with caution.  It should only be done for a maximum of four days, as distilled water is very aggressive and dissolves anything it comes in contact with.  So you don’t want to overexpose your organs. Think about this the next time you reach for a soft drink: the most toxic commercial beverages that people consume (i.e. cola beverages and other soft drinks) are made from distilled water. Studies have consistently shown that heavy consumers of soft drinks (with or without sugar) spill huge amounts of calcium, magnesium and other trace minerals into the urine.  Distilled water should only be used as a way of drawing poisons out of the body. Once this is accomplished, the continued drinking of distilled water is a bad idea.  So drink responsibly!! Lindsey Weigand was born and raised in Baton Rouge, LA, has a BS in Psychology from Louisiana State University and is working on an AS in Court Reporting.   Lindsey a Bodybuilding.com Team Athlete a 2012 Bodyspace Spokesmodel Finalist, fitness model featured in World Physique Magazine, bartender, motorcycle rider, chicken farmer, NPC bikini competitor, with two shows coming up in October, aspiring to get her PRO card.