Mineral water – chemical composition, properties and action. Mineral waters
« Avadhara» - carbonic ferrous hydrocarbonate-sodium mineral water of the “Borjomi” type. Contains arsenic in an amount of 1.2 mg/l. Recommended for the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and urinary tract. Can only be used as directed by a doctor. The source is located 16 km from the high mountain lake Ritsa in Abkhazia.
« Alma-Ata» - chloride-sulfate, sodium mineral medicinal water. Recommended for stomach and liver diseases. Can also be used as a dining room. The source is located on the bank of the river. Or, I am 165 km from Almaty (Ayak-Kalkan resort).
« Amurskaya» - carbonic ferrous bicarbonate-calcium magnesium-sodium water. It is similar to the Darasun water, widely known in Transbaikalia, but has a higher mineralization. Good for the treatment of chronic catarrhs of the stomach and intestines, chronic inflammation bladder and renal pelvis. Source (Kisly Klyuch) - in the Amur region.
« Arzni» - medicinal and table carbon dioxide chloride sodium bicarbonate mineral water. It has a pleasant sour taste. Indicated in the treatment of the digestive organs, liver and urinary tract. Source in the resort of Arzni, in the gorge of the river. Hrazdan, 24 km from Yerevan (Armenia).
« Arshan» - carbonic hydrocarbonate-sulfate calcium-magnesium water of medium mineralization. A close analogue of the Kislovodsk “Narzan”. Can also be used as table water. The source is on the territory of the Arshan resort, 220 km from Irkutsk.
« Achaluki» - hydrocarbonate-sodium mineral water of slight mineralization with a high content of sulfates. The source is located in Srednie Achaluki, 45 km from Grozny (Checheno-Ingushetia). A pleasant, good thirst-quenching table drink.
« Badamyainskaya» - carbon dioxide bicarbonate sodium-calcium mineral water of low mineralization. The source is 2 km from the village. Badaml (Azerbaijan). It is famous as an excellent table drink, refreshing and thirst-quenching. This water is also used for catarrhal diseases of the stomach, intestines and urinary tract.
« Batalinskaya» - bitter highly mineralized water with high content magnesium sulfate and sodium sulfate, is known as a very effective laxative. It is distinguished by its mild action and causes pain. Source - near the station. Inozemtsevo, 9 km from Pyatigorsk.
« Berezovskaya» - hydrocarbonate calcium-sodium-magnesium low-mineralized water with a high content of organic substances. Regulates gastrointestinal secretion and increases diuresis. Springs 25 km from Kharkov (Ukraine).
« Borjomi» - carbonic bicarbonate sodium alkaline mineral water. Doctors recommend it to people suffering from stomach diseases and duodenum, usually accompanied by increased acidity, disorders of water-salt metabolism. "Borjomi" is prescribed pr; inflammatory processes of the upper respiratory tract and gastric mucosa, stagnation in gallbladder and in the biliary tract.
"Borjomi" is world famous mineral water, very pleasant to the taste, perfectly quenches thirst. Its source is located in Georgia, on the territory of the Borjomi resort.
« Bukovina» - ferrous sulfate calcium water of low mineralization. It is known in the western regions of Ukraine as a good remedy for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and anemia. Can be used as table water.
« Burkut» - carbonic hydrocarbonate-chloride calcium-sodium mineral water. A pleasant table drink. It is also used for chronic catarrh of the stomach and intestines. The source is located in the Shtifulets gorge, in the Ivano-Frankivsk region (Ukraine).
« Vytautas» - chloride-sulfate sodium-magnesium mineral water, the source of which is located on the banks of the Neman (Lithuania). Used in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and biliary tract.
« Valmiera» - sodium calcium chloride water comes from deep well on the territory of the Valmiera meat processing plant (Latvia). Total mineralization 6.2. Used in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
« Hot key" - chloride-hydrocarbonate sodium mineral water of medium mineralization from source No. 58 of the Goryachiy Klyuch resort, located 65 km from Krasnodar. Its composition is close to Essentuki No. 4 water. It is very famous in Kuban as a good remedy for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and as a table drink.
« Darasun» - carbonic ferrous hydrocarbonate-calcium-magnesium water with a high content of free carbon dioxide. Its source is located on the territory of one of the oldest resorts in Siberia, Darasun, in the Crimean district of the Chita region. Water “Darasun” (translated as “Red Water”) is close in composition to the Kislovodsk “Narzan”, but differs almost from it complete absence sulfates and less mineralization. Widely known in Transbaikalia as an excellent refreshing table drink. It is also used for medicinal purposes for catarrh of the stomach, chronic colitis and cystitis, phosphaturia.
« Jermuk» - carbon dioxide bicarbonate sulfate-sodium mineral water. hot spring is located in the high mountain resort of Jermuk, 175 km from Yerevan (Armenia). It is a fairly close analogue of the famous waters of the Czechoslovak resort of Karlovy Vary, but differs from them in lower mineralization and higher calcium content. It is also close in composition to the waters “Slavyanovskaya” and “Smirnovskaya”.
Jermuk water is very effective remedy for the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, bile and urinary tract. Can also be used as table mineral water.
« Dilijan"- carbon dioxide bicarbonate sodium mineral water, similar in chemical composition to Borjomi, but with lower mineralization. Used for diseases of the digestive and urinary tract. Indicated for catarrh of the stomach, mainly with high acidity.
« Dragovskaya" - carbon dioxide hydrocarbonate-chloride sodium water of medium mineralization. The chemical composition is close to the mineral water "Essentuki No. 4". The source is located on the right bank of the Tereblya River in the Transcarpathian region (Ukraine). It is successfully used in the treatment of chronic diseases of the stomach, intestines, liver, biliary tract, obesity, and mild forms of diabetes.
« Druskininkai» - sodium chloride mineral water. It is used for chronic catarrhs of the stomach, mainly with low acidity, and catarrhs of the intestines. The Spalis spring is located on the territory of the ancient resort of Druskininkai, 140 km from Vilnius (Lithuania).
« Essentuki» - common name groups of medicinal and table mineral waters, numbered according to their sources of origin, located in the Stavropol Territory, at the Essentuki resort.
« Essentuki No. 4» - carbonic hydrocarbonate-chloride-sodium medicinal water of medium mineralization. Recommended for diseases of the stomach, intestines, liver, gall bladder, and urinary tract. Has a beneficial effect on metabolic processes, causing a shift acid-base balance to the alkaline side.
« Essentuki No. 17» - carbon dioxide hydrocarbonate-chloride sodium water of high mineralization. It is used with great success for the same diseases as “Essentuki No. 4” (except for diseases of the urinary tract), and sometimes in combination with it.
« Essentuki No. 20» - table mineral water, belonging to the type of low-mineralized sulfate bicarbonate calcium-magnesium waters. Bitter-salty taste, with a sourish aftertaste of carbon dioxide.
« Izhevskaya» - sulfate-chloride-sodium-calcium-magnesium mineral water. Recommended for the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, as well as metabolic disorders. Can also be used as a table drink. The source is located 2 km from the Izhevsk Mineral Waters resort in the village of Izhevka (Tatarstan).
« Isti-Su» - carbon dioxide hydrocarbonate-chloride sodium water medium-; ney mineralization with a high content of sulfates of the hot spring of the Isti-Su resort, located 25 km from the regional center of Kelbajari (Azerbaijan) at an altitude of 2225 m above sea level.
« Isti-Su"refers to terminal waters and is similar in composition to the waters of the Karlovy Vary resort in Czechoslovakia. The healing properties of this water have been known since ancient times. Indications for the treatment of Isti-Su water are chronic catarrhs and functional disorders of the stomach and intestines, chronic diseases liver, gallbladder, gout, obesity| mild forms of diabetes.
« Karmadon» - sodium chloride thermal mineral water with a high content of hydrocarbonates. It is classified as medicinal, but can also be used as a table drink. Indicated in the treatment of chronic catarrhs of the stomach, mainly with low acidity, chronic: catarrhs of the intestines. The source is located 35 km from Ordzhonikidze.
« Ķemeri» - chloride sodium-calcium-magnesium mineral water from a source located in the resort of Kemeri in Latvia. You are a very effective remedy in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
« Kyiv» - table mineral water of bicarbonate-calcium-magnesium type. Produced by the Kyiv Experimental Plant soft drinks, where water treatment using a lonator with silver ions (0.2 mg/l) was introduced.
« Kishinevskaya» - low-mineralized sulfate-hydrocarbonate magnesium-sodium-calcium mineral water is a table drink that is refreshing and well quenches thirst.
« Korneshtskaya» - hydrocarbonate sodium mineral water of the Cornesht spring in Moldova. It belongs to the Borjomi type of water, but is less mineralized and does not contain free carbon dioxide. “Korneshtskaya” has proven itself in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and metabolic disorders, as well as a good refreshing table drink.
« Krainka» - calcium sulfate mineral water with a high magnesium content. It has been known for its healing properties since the last century. It is very effective in the treatment of diseases of the stomach, liver, urinary tract and metabolic disorders. Can also be used as a table drink.
« Kuyalnik» - sodium chloride-bicarbonate water comes from a source located in the Kuyalnik resort in Odessa (Ukraine). It is successfully used in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and is a pleasant table drink that quenches thirst well.
« Lugela"- calcium chloride highly mineralized water is unique in its chemical composition. The source is located in the village of Mukhuri in Georgia. Due to the very high content calcium chloride Use only as directed by a doctor. Indications for treatment: tuberculosis of the lungs and lymph glands, allergic diseases, inflammation of the kidneys with hematuria, as well as diseases for which calcium chloride is usually prescribed.
« Luzhanskaya» - carbonic hydrocarbonate sodium water of the “Borjomi” type. Contains such biological active substances such as boron, fluorine, silicic acid, and free carbon dioxide. It has high medicinal properties and is used for diseases of the digestive system and liver.
This mineral water has been known since the 15th century. It began to be bottled in 1872 - then it was called “Margit”. It is divided into No. 1 and No. 2 - slightly different in chemical composition. The source is located in the Svalyavsky district of the Transcarpathian region (Ukraine).
« Lysogorskaya"- sulfate-chloride sodium-magnesium water of high mineralization, like Batalinskaya mineral water, is an effective laxative. The source is located 22 km from the resort of Pyatigorsk. The chemical composition is close to “Batalinskaya”, but differs from it in lower mineralization and a significantly higher content of chlorine ions.
« Mashuk No. 19» - chloride-hydrocarbonate-sulfate sodium-calcium thermal mineral water of medium mineralization. In composition, it is quite close to the water from the source of the Karlovy Vary resort in Czechoslovakia. The drilling site is located on Mount Mashuk in the Pyatigorsk resort. It is a good remedy for diseases of the liver and biliary tract, as well as diseases of the digestive system.
« Mirgorodskaya"- sodium chloride water of low mineralization. It has valuable healing properties: it helps increase the secretion and acidity of gastric juice, stimulates intestinal activity, improves metabolism. Can also be used as a table drink; it quenches thirst well.
« Nabeglavi» - carbonic acid hydrocarbonate sodium mineral similar to the famous Borjomi water. The source is located on the territory of the Nabeglavi resort. Used in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
« Narzan» - carbonic hydrocarbonate-sulfate calcium-magnesium mineral water, which has won world fame An excellent refreshing table drink. It quenches thirst well and promotes good appetite.
Can be used to treat a number of diseases. Being well saturated with carbon dioxide, Narzan enhances the secretory activity of the digestive glands. The significant content of calcium bicarbonate makes this water a drink with anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects. "Narzan" has a beneficial effect on the activity of the urinary tract. The springs are located in Kislovodsk.
« Nafshusya» - hydrocarbonate calcium-magnesium medicinal water. Not changeable when urological diseases. Produced under the name “Truskavetskaya” (“Naftusya No. 2”). It contains significantly less organic substances than the water of the main source “Naftusya”, located in the resort of Truskavets, Lviv region (Ukraine).
« Obolonskaya» - chloride-hydrocarbonate sodium-calcium-magnesium table water. A good refreshing drink bottled in Kyiv at the Obolon brewery.
« Polyustrovskaya"- ferrous, low-mineralized water, lime since 1718. Due to its high iron content, it is used for anemia, blood loss, loss of strength. Taking this water helps to increase the content of hemoglobin in the blood. It is also used as a table drink, a good thirst quencher. The source is located near St. -Petersburg.
« Polyana Kvasova» - carbonated sodium bicarbonate mineral water with a significant content of carbon dioxide. Borjomi is superior in mineralization and hydrocarbonate content. It is successfully used in the treatment of diseases of the stomach, intestines, liver, and urinary tract. The source is located in the Transcarpathian region (Ukraine).
« Sairme» - carbonic ferrous hydrocarbonate sodium-calcium mineral water. It is recommended for the treatment of chronic catarrhs, mainly with high acidity, for obesity, mild forms of diabetes, chronic catarrhs and functional disorders intestines, for diseases of the urinary tract. It is also a pleasant table drink. The source is located in Georgia, on the territory of the Sairme resort.
« Svalyava» - carbonated sodium bicarbonate water, known since ancient times. Since 1800, “Svalyava” has been exported to Vienna and Paris as an exquisite table drink. From biologically active ingredients contains boron. The source is located on the right bank of the Latoritsa River in the village. Svalyava, Transcarpathian region (Ukraine).
« Sergeevna No. 2" - chloride-hydrocarbonate-sodium water, the chemical composition resembles the well-known mineral waters "Arzni", "Dzau-Suar", "Kuyalnik No. 4", "Hot Key". Recommended for peptic ulcers and chronic gastritis.
« Sirabskaya» - sodium carbonate hydrocarbonate water of medium mineralization.
Close in composition to Borjomi. It is popular as an effective remedy in the treatment of a number of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and metabolism. Its sources are located 3 km from Nakhichevan, on the Araks (Azerbaijan).
« Slavyanovskaya» - carbon dioxide bicarbonate-sulfate sodium-calcium water of low mineralization. Its temperature when reaching the surface is 38-39°C. It is very effective in the treatment of many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
« Smirnovskaya“In terms of chemical composition and mineralization, it is close to the water of the Slavyanovsky spring. Differs from it in higher temperature (55°C) or more high content natural carbon dioxide. Indications for treatment with Smirnovskaya mineral water are the same as for Slavyanovskaya. Both can be used as a table drink.
« Feodosia» - sodium sulfate-chloride water. The source is located 2 km from Feodosia - on Bald Mountain. It is successfully used in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver. When drinking this water, intestinal function is regulated; in obese people suffering from metabolic disorders, weight may decrease under the influence of this water.
« Kharkovskaya" is the name under which two types of mineral waters are produced from sources near Kharkov (Ukraine).
« Kharkovskaya No. 1"- bicarbonate calcium-sodium low-mineralized water similar to Berezovskaya water, used as a table drink, as well as in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and metabolism.
« Kharkovskaya No. 2» - sulfate-hydrocarbonate calcium-sodium-magnesium low-mineralized water. This water is a pleasant table drink, refreshing and thirst-quenching. It is used for the same diseases as Kharkovskaya No. 1 water.
« Kherson» - ferrous low-mineralized chloride-sulfate-hydrocarbonate sodium-calcium-magnesium water. Basically, this is table water, which tastes good and quenches thirst well. How glandular can be useful for different forms anemia and general loss of strength.
Mineral water: a harmless drink or a medicine that you need to be careful with? The controversy has been going on for a long time, and now we will try to dot the i's and evaluate all the pros and cons.
Mineral water is natural underground water (rarely surface water), which has special physical and chemical properties and contains gases, salts, organic matter that have a healing effect on the human body.
The main difference between such waters is a higher level of mineralization compared to fresh water (can range from 1 (0.1%) to 50 grams (5%) solids per 1 liter of water).
Based on degree of mineralization, Such waters are divided into:
- low-mineralized (1-2 g/l);
- low mineralization water (2-5 g/l);
- medium mineralization (5-15 g/l);
- high mineralization (15-35 g/l);
- brine water (35-150 g/l);
- strong brine water (more than 150 g/l).
It should be noted that for internal use Suitable waters with a mineralization of 2-20 g/l.
The formation of mineral water is a long process. Essentially, it is rainwater that has accumulated in various layers of the earth's rocks for thousands of years. It acquires its special properties thanks to the minerals that dissolve in it. And the degree of purification of mineral water is indicated by the depth of its occurrence: the deeper the water goes into the rock, the higher the degree of purification and the content of carbon dioxide and useful substances in it.
Composition and types of mineral water
In addition to the level of mineralization, important role chemical composition plays a role. Depending on the combinations of six main components (macroelements calcium, magnesium, sodium, as well as chlorine, bicarbonate (HCO 3) and sulfate (SO 4)), mineral waters are:
- sulfate;
- chloride;
- hydrocarbonate;
- calcium;
- magnesium;
- sodium;
- mixed.
The main features of the chemical composition of various mineral waters are, in fact, reflected in the names. So, the main feature sulfate waters– significant presence in their composition (more than 25%) of sulfate anions with the concentration of other anions less than 25%. Included chloride mineral waters are dominated by chlorine anions, in hydrocarbonate, accordingly, the content of hydrocarbonate ion (HCO 3) is high. Calcium, sodium and magnesium waters– these are mineral waters with a predominance of the corresponding cations and their inherent qualities.
However, most often the waters are mixed, that is, they have a set of different cations and anions, which ultimately determines their benefit or harm to human health.
Another important component mineral water – carbon dioxide(or carbonic anhydride), which is formed by the interaction of carbon dioxide with underground rock and contributes to the formation of the beneficial properties of the drink. Carbon dioxide softens the taste and stabilizes the chemical composition, and this helps to quench thirst faster and indicates the benefits of mineral water for human health.
Mineral water can contain all the elements from the periodic table, but in very small quantities. The most significant in quantitative terms are iodine, fluorine, copper, iron, manganese, cobalt, lithium, bromine.
Based on the concentration of mineral salts, they are distinguished:
- table mineral water;
- medical dining room;
- medicinal.
IN table water the lowest salt content (no more than 1 g/l), healthy people can drink it without restrictions and cook food with it (there is no specific taste or smell).
IN medicinal table waters the degree of mineralization is higher (1.5-7 g/l), they are divided into two groups, which differ in the severity of the therapeutic effect. Water of the first group does not have it, but medicinal table water of the second group, on the contrary, is medicinal: it must be used carefully, no more than 0.5-1 l/day, and cannot be subjected to heat treatment.
The highest degree of mineralization is characteristic of medicinal mineral water(from 7 g/l), which contains essential microelements. Only your doctor can prescribe such mineral waters (usually no more than 200 ml per day).
By origin, mineral water can be:
The creation of mineral water by enriching ordinary water is actively practiced. tap water essential salts, minerals and carbon dioxide. Such a drink, of course, will not harm your health, but there is little benefit from it. Even matching sanitary standards and rules, such water is not an active medium, but only a lifeless solution of salts.
Upon purchase natural water remember: even if all extraction and storage conditions are met, during long-term transportation in mineral water, liquid crystals can be destroyed, as a result of which beneficial properties are lost.
The benefits of mineral water
High-quality natural mineral water, which has a unique mineral composition, can energize the body and help fight viruses and infections.
Positive properties of mineral water, influence on the human body:
- intake of essential microelements into the body;
- activation of enzymes;
- strengthening body cells;
- strengthening bone tissue and tooth enamel;
- regulation of acid-base balance indicators;
- strengthening immunity;
- improvement of well-being.
Mineral water brings no less benefit as a means for effective cleansing the body, as it is capable of removing waste and toxins in a short time. It also normalizes metabolism, which helps reduce body weight.
Mineral water helps increasing body tone, and this is very useful under increased physical and mental stress.
In addition, drinking mineral water normalizes blood pressure and strengthens nervous system . And in a heated form this healing drink can become an assistant in the fight against inflammation, pain and stomach cramps.
Mineral water helps liquefying the contents of the gallbladder and the outflow of bile.
If consumed regularly, mineral water will bring tangible benefits to your health!
Sparkling and still water
Obviously, the main difference between carbonated mineral water and still drinking water is the presence of carbon dioxide. Let us remind you: carbonated mineral water It is beneficial if consumed in moderation. It not only quickly copes with thirst, but also promotes faster digestion of food and increased production of gastric juice - feel free to drink carbonated mineral water after meals.
Mineral soda does not cause any harm as such. However, it should be remembered that carbon dioxide increases acidity and flatulence, so people with problems with the gastrointestinal tract, as well as young children, should refrain from drinking water with gas.
Drinking still water happens first and highest category quality. Their main difference is that if water of the first category should simply be harmless to human health in terms of radiation, chemical and microbiological indicators, then water of the highest quality category should also be complete in terms of the content of macroelements. Therefore, read labels carefully.
Rules for use without harm to health
- First of all, you need to decide what kind of water to drink. Medicinal and medicinal table mineral water, as stated earlier, should be prescribed by a specialist according to the indications.
- Secondly, you need to decide on the amount of water. The optimal volume of consumption of table mineral water is 500 ml per day. However, this applies to people who do not have problems with joints, gastrointestinal tract and kidneys. The permitted volume of medicinal table and medicinal mineral waters depends, again, on the doctor’s recommendations.
- Thirdly, how long can you drink healing waters? The duration of the course depends on the nature of the disease, but maximum term is 1.5 months. Most often it is recommended to drink mineral water before meals.
Thus, the benefits and harms of drinking mineral water are determined by its quality and quantity. Remember that everything is healthy in moderation. The main thing is to listen to your body.
Possible harm and side effects
Since excess income minerals into the human body is no less harmful than its deficiency, you need to be extremely careful.
So, you should not use mineral water as a regular drink. It is justified to use it in hot weather, as it perfectly quenches thirst, and during great physical and mental stress, but in limited quantities. That is, in cases where there is a risk of dehydration and loss of mineral salts.
The use of medicinal mineral waters without the supervision of a doctor is also fraught with overdose; they must be consumed in courses in strict accordance with the instructions.
An increase in salt content in the body due to excessive consumption of mineral water can negatively affect the condition of the kidneys and joints.
It is very important to observe the body's reaction. If after drinking mineral water you notice hand tremors, surges in blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances, insomnia and nervousness, immediately stop taking mineral water and consult a specialist.
For what diseases is drinking mineral water effective?
The benefits of drinking mineral water are determined by its unique chemical composition.
- If the mineral water contains iron, it will be indispensable for people suffering from anemia.
- Water with a high iodine content is recommended for people with diseases. thyroid gland.
- For normalization of blood pressure You can use water containing sodium.
- At urolithiasis The use of hydrocarbonate water is indicated.
- For stimulation of metabolic processes in the body and improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, in the presence of gastritis with low acidity, dyskinesia of the gallbladder, it is advisable to use chloride, chloride sulfate and chloride hydrocarbonate waters (Narzan, Essentuki No. 4 and No. 17).
- At peptic ulcer stomach or duodenum, chronic gastritis with high or normal acidity, hydrocarbonate ones are suitable sulphate waters with a low content of salts and carbon dioxide (Borjomi).
- If you suffer from chronic inflammatory diseases of the colon and small intestine(enteritis, colitis, enterocolitis) with diarrhea, then you are recommended to drink hydrocarbonate sulfate waters with a significant concentration of calcium salts and an average or low content of carbon dioxide and other salts (Nabeghlavi).
- In cases when inflammatory diseases of the large and small intestines, peristalsis is sluggish, give preference to chloride and chloride sulfate waters with a high or medium concentration of mineral salts and carbon dioxide (Essentuki No. 17, Druskininkai).
- Hydrocarbonate, hydrocarbonate chloride and hydrocarbonate sulfate waters with medium and low content of mineral salts and carbon dioxide (Nabeglavi, Borjomi, Essentuki No. 4 and No. 17) contribute stimulation of the liver and gallbladder, so they can be drunk for diseases of the biliary tract, chronic hepatitis, obesity, diabetes mellitus, after suffering from Botkin's disease, cholelithiasis, as well as chronic bronchitis, laryngitis and laryngotracheitis.
It is important to choose your mineral water correctly so that it only benefits your health.
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Mineral composition of water and its significance.
Mineral substances contained in water, in terms of their importance, can be divided into several groups:
1)
Substances that primarily affect the organoleptic properties of water - chlorides, sulfates, phosphates, etc.
Posted on ref.rf
| Substance | Reasons for the increase in concentration | Normal (no more) |
| R N | Sour water - the presence of humic substances, industrial wastewater. Alkaline - flowering of reservoirs. | 6.0-9.0 |
| Chlorides | Pollution with organic substances of animal origin (fecal contamination). | 350 mg/l |
| Sulfates | Organic pollution (fecal contamination) | 500 mg/l |
| Phosphates | Pollution from decaying organic matter. | 3.5 mg/l |
| Overall hardness | Determined by the content of calcium and magnesium salts in water | 7.0 mEq/L |
| Iron | Depends on the composition of the soil and the presence of industrial pollution. | 0.3 mg/l 2 |
| Copper | 1.0 mg/l | |
| Zinc | 5.0 mg/l | |
| Manganese | 0.1 mg/l |
2) Substances that give water toxic properties
3) Substances elevated or reduced content which in the water of a given area leads to the emergence of endemic diseases - P, I
Endemic diseases - These are mass diseases of the population of a certain area associated with the chemical composition of soil and water. The most common are the following endemic diseases:
1. Endemic goiter. The disease is associated with low iodine content in the soil, water, and plants of the area.
2. Fluorosis - a disease that occurs when an excess amount of fluoride enters the body and is expressed in damage to the teeth, the enamel of which takes on a spotted appearance. Fluorosis can develop when the fluoride content in water is more than 1 .5 mg/l
3. Caries. The incidence of dental caries is significantly increased in areas with insufficient fluoride levels in drinking water (less than 0.5 mg/l)
4. With an increase in the concentration of nitric acid salts (nitrates) in water, a significant increase in the amount of methemoglobin in the blood is observed with the development cyanosis.
5. Water used for drinking purposes may, in principle, contain other toxic impurities - lead, molybdenum, arsenic, strontium, etc.) - washed out of the rocks in which groundwater lies.
4) When increasing rigidity drinking water (more than 7 mEq/l), that is, with an increased content of calcium and magnesium salts in the water, the incidence of urolithiasis increases.
14. Epidemiological significance of water. Waterborne diseases.
Water plays a big role in the spread of infectious diseases, that is, it must be dangerous in an epidemic sense.
Waterway transmission is most typical for the following diseases:
I. Bacterial infections.
1) Anthroponotic diseases: cholera, typhoid fever, paratyphoid fever, dysentery, colienteritis
2) Zoonotic diseases: brucellosis, tularemia, leptospirosis, some forms of tuberculosis.
II.Viral infections infectious hepatitis, poliomyelitis, adenoviral infection.
1) Flatworms. Fluke class.
1. Fascioliasis (liver fluke). Infection by drinking raw contaminated water or vegetables washed with such water.
2) Roundworms.
1. Geohelminthiasis: ascariasis (roundworms), enterobiasis (pinworms), trichocephalosis (whipworm), hookworm (crooked head), necatoriasis (nekator),.
1. Biohelminthiases: dracunculiasis (guinea worm)
3) Protozoa: giardiasis (giardia) etc.
It should be noted that transmission of infection through water is possible when
1) Using untreated river water for drinking
2) Irregularities in water treatment at waterworks
3) Contamination of groundwater used for drinking due to
Improper organization of cesspools
Collecting water from wells using contaminated buckets
15. Water consumption standards for various places based on the conditions of their improvement.
Total water consumption by a person consists of water used to satisfy physiological need(drinking water) and water for household and sanitary needs. It is extremely important to note that when normal conditions the need for drinking water is a small part of total water consumption.
The amount of water consumed by the population depends on the type of water supply (centralized or decentralized) and the improvement of the locality (the presence of bathtubs in apartments, centralized hot water supply, etc.).
16. Sources of water supply and their sanitary and hygienic characteristics.
For water supply to populated areas they are used underground And superficial water sources (water). In arid, waterless areas, atmospheric (rain) water is used, and in winter - snow water.
Underground water sources.
Underground water supply sources are preferable to surface water sources since the quality of the water in them is usually higher and often it can be consumed without purification and disinfection.
The use of groundwater for water supply is possible only in small settlements, since their quantity is limited.
Groundwater accumulates in aquifers: in the pores of loose sandy rocks, loams, over waterproof pounds (clay, granite, etc.), in cracks of hard calcareous rocks. Thanks to the filtering ability of soil and underlying rocks, water is purified from turbidity, impurities, bacteria, loses smell, color, etc. The deeper the waters lie, the cleaner they are.
There are 3 types of groundwater:
1) Soil
2) Ground
3) Interlayer
Soil water are formed due to the seepage of atmospheric precipitation into the soil and lie near the surface. Their number increases significantly during the period of snowmelt and heavy rains. Over time, some of the water seeps into deeper layers, and some evaporates. For this reason, soil water cannot serve as a source of constant water supply.
Groundwater.
Groundwater is located in the first surface aquifer layer, below which there is a waterproof layer. Groundwater is formed by the filtration of atmospheric precipitation through the soil (from soil water). The territory where atmospheric waters that feed a given horizon are filtered into the soil is usually called the recharge zone.
Groundwater can come to the surface in low places of the relief with the formation of descending (without pressure) springs or springs.
The amount of groundwater is not constant, as it depends on the amount of precipitation.
Groundwater quality may also change. The deeper the groundwater lies, the cleaner it is. The bacterial composition depends on the soil contamination of the feeding zone. In general, due to the absence of a waterproof layer of rocks on the aquifer, the pound waters are not protected from pollution by runoff and waste seeping from above with rain and melt water.
When using pound water, disinfection is usually extremely important.
Due to the limited quantity, groundwater can most often be used only in rural areas. At the same time, as a rule, in populated areas, groundwater (especially those lying at a depth of no more than 5-6 meters) is unsuitable for water supply due to contamination.
Interstratal waters.
Interstratal waters are located in an aquifer lying between two waterproof layers and are therefore well protected from pollution. The bottom layer is usually called the waterproof bed, and the top layer is called the waterproof roof. Interstratal waters are fed in places where the aquifer reaches the surface, often at a great distance from the place where water accumulates (in this regard, even if water reserves are located in the area of a populated area, they are replenished clean water at a great distance from a populated area with its sources of pollution).
Interstratal water can come to the surface in the form rising(that is, having pressure) springs or keys.
Deep interstratal aquifers can have an inclined position, and then the water in wells or wells that use this layer as a water source has high pressure and can flow like a fountain. Such deep pressure interlayer waters; are called artesian, and the wells through which these waters are obtained - artesian wells.
Interstratal and, especially, artesian waters are distinguished, as a rule, by high organoleptic properties (transparency, odorlessness, high taste) and an almost complete absence of bacteria.
The constancy of the water quality of an artesian well is determined by the proximity of the recharge zone (the further the recharge zone, the higher and more constant the water quality). Contamination of artesian waters (through the recharge zone) with wastewater from industrial enterprises is possible.
Considering the high quality of artesian waters, during their hygienic assessment, the issue of reducing their quantity comes to the fore.
Mineral composition of water and its significance. - concept and types. Classification and features of the category "Mineral composition of water and its significance." 2017, 2018.
The most valuable information about the effects of low calcium concentrations in drinking water on an entire population of people came from studies conducted in the Soviet city of Shevchenko (now Aktau, Kazakhstan), where the city water supply used desalination plants (water source - the Caspian Sea). U local population There was a decrease in alkaline phosphatase activity, a decrease in plasma calcium and phosphorus concentrations, and increased bone decalcification. These changes were most noticeable in women, especially pregnant women, and depended on the length of residence in Shevchenko. The need for calcium in drinking water is also confirmed in a one-year experiment on rats, which were provided with a completely adequate diet in terms of nutrients and salts, but were given distilled water to which 400 mg/L of calcium-free salts and one of these calcium concentrations were added: 5 mg/L, 25 mg/L, or 50 mg/L. In rats receiving water with 5 mg/l calcium, a decrease in the functionality of thyroid hormones and other hormones was found. related functions compared to the other animals participating in the experiment.
It is believed that a general change in the composition of drinking water affects human health after many years, and a decrease in the concentration of calcium and magnesium in drinking water affects well-being almost instantly. Thus, residents of the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 2000-2002 began to actively use reverse osmosis systems in their apartments for the purification of city water. Within weeks or months, local physicians were inundated with complaints indicating severe magnesium (and possibly calcium) deficiency: cardiovascular problems, fatigue, weakness, and muscle cramps.
3. The risk of a deficiency of vital substances and microelements when drinking low-mineralized water.
Although drinking water, with rare exceptions, is not the main source of vital important elements for humans, it can make a significant contribution to their entry into the body for several reasons. Firstly, the food of many modern people is a rather poor source of minerals and trace elements. In the case of a borderline deficiency of any element, even its relatively low content in consumed drinking water can play a corresponding role protective role. This is due to the fact that the elements are usually present in water as free ions and are therefore more easily absorbed from water compared to food, where they are mainly found in complex molecules.
Animal studies also illustrate the importance of micro-sufficiency of certain elements present in water. Thus, according to V.A. Kondratyuk, a slight change in the concentration of microelements in drinking water dramatically affects their content in muscle tissue. These results were obtained in a 6-month experiment in which rats were randomized into 4 groups. The first group was given tap water, the second - low-mineralized water, the third - low-mineralized water with the addition of iodide, cobalt, copper, manganese, molybdenum, zinc and fluoride. Last group received low-mineralized water with the addition of the same elements, but ten times higher concentration. It was found that low-mineralized water affects the process of hematopoiesis. In animals that received desalted water, the average hemoglobin content in erythrocytes was 19% lower compared to rats that were given tap water. The differences in hemoglobin content were even higher compared to animals receiving mineral water.
Recent epidemiological studies in Russia, conducted among population groups living in areas with varying salinity water, indicate that low-mineralized drinking water can lead to hypertension and coronary heart disease, gastric and duodenal ulcers, chronic gastritis, goiter, and pregnancy complications and a range of complications in newborns and infants, including jaundice, anemia, fractures and growth disorders. However, the researchers note that it remains unclear to them whether it is drinking water that has such an effect on health, or whether it’s all about the general environmental situation in the country.
Answering this question, G. F. Lutai conducted a large cohort epidemiological study in the Ust-Ilimsk district of the Irkutsk region in Russia. The study focused on the morbidity and physical development of 7658 adults, 562 children and 1582 pregnant women and their newborns in two areas supplied with water differing in total salinity. The water in one of these areas had a total salt content of 134 mg/l, of which calcium 18.7 mg/l, magnesium 4.9 mg/l, bicarbonates 86.4 mg/l. In another area, the total mineralization of water was 385 mg/l, of which calcium 29.5 mg/l, magnesium 8.3 mg/l and bicarbonates 243.7 mg/l. The content of sulfates, chlorides, sodium, potassium, copper, zinc, manganese and molybdenum in water was also determined. The population of these two areas did not differ from each other in social and environmental conditions, time of residence in the respective areas, or food habits. Among the population of the area with less mineralized water, more high performance incidence of goiter, hypertension, coronary heart disease, gastric and duodenal ulcers, chronic gastritis, cholecystitis and nephritis. Children living in the area showed slower physical development, manifestation of growth anomalies. Pregnant women were more likely to suffer from edema and anemia. Newborns in this area were more susceptible to disease. The lowest incidence was observed in areas with hydrocarbonate water, which has a total mineralization of about 400 mg/l and contains 30-90 mg/l calcium and 17-35 mg/l magnesium. The author came to the conclusion that such water can be considered physiologically optimal.
4. Leaching of nutrients from food prepared in low-mineralized water.
It was found that when softened water is used for cooking, there is a significant loss of micro- and macroelements from food products (meat, vegetables, cereals). Up to 60% of magnesium and calcium, 66% of copper, 70% of manganese, 86% of cobalt are washed out of products. On the other hand, when hard water is used for cooking, the loss of these elements is reduced.
Since most nutrients come from food, using low-mineralized water for cooking and food processing can lead to significant deficiencies in some important micro- and macronutrients. Most people's current menu usually doesn't contain everything necessary elements V sufficient quantities, and therefore any factor that leads to the loss of essential minerals and nutrients during the cooking process further aggravates the situation.
5. Possible increase in the intake of toxic substances into the body.
Low-mineralized, and especially demineralized water is extremely aggressive and can leach heavy metals and some organic substances from materials with which it comes into contact (pipes, fittings, storage containers). In addition, calcium and magnesium contained in water have an antitoxic effect to some extent. Their absence in drinking water, which also got into your tin mug through copper pipes, can easily lead to heavy metal poisoning.
Among eight cases of intoxication drinking water, registered in the USA in 1993-1994, there were three cases of lead poisoning in infants, in whose blood lead levels were found to be 1.5, 3.7 and 4.2 times higher, respectively. In all three cases Lead was leached from lead-soldered seams in reservoirs for storing reverse osmosis drinking water used to dissolve baby food.
It is known that calcium and, to a lesser extent, magnesium have antitoxic activity. They prevent the absorption of heavy metal ions such as lead and cadmium into the blood from the intestine by competing for binding sites. Although this protective effect is limited, it cannot be dismissed. At the same time, others toxic substances may enter into chemical reaction with calcium ions, forming insoluble compounds and thus losing their toxic effect. Populations in areas supplied with low-salinity water may be at increased risk of poisoning toxic substances compared to the population in regions where ordinary hard water is used.
6. Possible bacterial contamination of low-mineralized water.
This point in the original article is a little far-fetched, but still. Any water is susceptible to bacterial contamination, which is why pipelines contain a minimum residual concentration of disinfectants - for example, chlorine. It is known that reverse osmosis membranes are capable of removing almost all known bacteria from water. However, reverse osmosis water also needs to be disinfected and a residual concentration of the disinfectant must be kept in it to avoid secondary contamination. A case in point is the outbreak of typhoid fever caused by reverse osmosis treated water in Saudi Arabia in 1992. They decided to abandon the chlorination of reverse osmosis water, because, in theory, it was obviously sterilized by reverse osmosis. The Czech National Institute of Public Health in Prague tested products intended to come into contact with drinking water and found, for example, that the pressure tanks of household reverse osmosis units were susceptible to bacterial growth.
1. According to the 1980 WHO report (Sidorenko, Rakhmanin).Drinking water with low mineralization leads to the leaching of salts from the body. Since side effects, such as disruption of water-salt metabolism, were observed not only in experiments with completely demineralized water, but also when using low-mineralized water with a total salt content in the range from 50 to 75 mg/l, the group of Yu. A. Rakhmanin in their report WHO recommended setting the lower limit for the total mineralization of drinking water at 100 mg/l. The optimal level of salt content of drinking water, according to these recommendations, should be about 200-400 mg/l for chloride-sulfate waters and 250-500 mg/l for hydrocarbonate waters. The recommendations were based on extensive experimental studies conducted on rats, dogs and human volunteers. Moscow tap water was used in the experiments; desalinated water containing approximately 10 mg/l of salts; laboratory prepared water containing 50, 100, 250, 300, 500, 750, 1000 and 1500 mg/l of dissolved salts with the following ionic composition:
- among all anions there are 40% chlorides, 32% bicarbonate anions, 28% sulfates;
- among all cations there is sodium 50%, calcium 38%, magnesium 12%.
In addition to the level of total mineralization, this report justifies the minimum calcium content in drinking water - not lower than 30 mg/l. This requirement was introduced after studying the critical effects resulting from hormonal changes in the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus and a decrease in bone mineralization when drinking calcium-deprived water. The report also recommends maintaining bicarbonate anions at 30 mg/L to maintain acceptable sensory characteristics, reduce corrosivity, and establish an equilibrium concentration for the recommended minimum calcium concentration.
Later research led to the emergence of refined requirements. Thus, one of them studied the effect of drinking water containing different concentration hardness salts, on the health status of women aged 20 to 49 years in four cities of Southern Siberia. Water in city A had the lowest content of these elements (3.0 mg/l calcium and 2.4 mg/l magnesium). The water in city B was harder (18.0 mg/l calcium and 5.0 mg/l magnesium). The highest hardness was observed in cities C (22.0 mg/l calcium and 11.3 mg/l magnesium) and D (45.0 mg/l calcium and 26.2 mg/l magnesium). Women living in cities A and B were more likely to be diagnosed with the disease cardiovascular system(data obtained by ECG), higher blood pressure, somatoform autonomic dysfunction, headache, dizziness and osteoporosis (data obtained by X-ray absorptiometry) compared to those in cities C and D. These results indicate that the minimum magnesium content in drinking water should be 10 mg/l, and the minimum calcium content can be reduced to 20 mg/l (compared to 1980 WHO recommendations).
Based on currently available data, various researchers have ultimately come to the following recommendations regarding the optimal hardness of drinking water:
A. magnesium - at least 10 mg/l, optimally about 20-30 mg/l;
b. calcium - at least 20 mg/l, optimally 40-80 mg/l;
V. their sum (total hardness) is 4-8 mEq/l.
At the same time, magnesium is limited from below in its effect on the cardiovascular system, and calcium is limited as a component of bones and teeth. The upper limit of the optimal hardness range was set based on concerns about the possible influence of hard water on the occurrence of urolithiasis.
The effect of hard water on the formation of kidney stones
Under certain conditions, the dissolved substances contained in the urine can crystallize and be deposited on the walls of the renal cups and pelvis, in the bladder, as well as other organs of the urinary system.Based on their chemical composition, there are several types of urinary stones, however, due to the hardness of the water, they are mainly of interest to phosphates and oxalates. In case of disturbance of phosphorus-calcium metabolism or in case of hypervitaminosis of vitamin D, phosphate stones. Increased content in food salts of oxalic acid - oxalates - can lead to the appearance of oxalate stones. Both calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate are insoluble in water. By the way, there are a lot of oxalates not only in sorrel, but also in chicory, parsley, and beets. Oxalates are also synthesized by the body.
The effect of water hardness on the formation of urinary stones is difficult to determine. Most studies assessing the effect of water hardness on the occurrence and development of urolithiasis use data from hospital hospitals. In this sense, the study conducted by Schwartz et al. , differs significantly in that all data was collected in outpatient setting, while the patients remained in natural environment and went about their normal business. This work represents the largest cohort of patients to date, allowing us to evaluate the effect of water hardness on various components of urine.
Scientists have processed extensive material. Protection Agency environment The United States (EPA) provided information on the chemical composition of drinking water in the United States with geographic reference. This information was combined with a national database of outpatients with urolithiasis (this contains the patient's postcode, so geo-referencing was possible). In this way, 3270 outpatients with calcium stones were identified.
In the minds of most people, increased water hardness is synonymous with increased risk development of urolithiasis (kidney stones - special case urolithiasis). The content of minerals, and especially calcium, in drinking water appears to be perceived by many people as a health threat.
Despite these common concerns about water hardness, no research supports the idea that drinking hard water increases the risk of developing urinary stones.
Sierakowski et al. studied 2,302 medical records from inpatient hospitals throughout the United States and found that patients who lived in areas with hard water had a lower risk of developing urolithiasis. Similarly, in the cited work it was found that the hardness of drinking water is inversely proportional to the incidence of urolithiasis.
In this study, the incidence of urolithiasis was slightly higher in patients living in areas with softer water, which is consistent with data from other authors, but contrary to public perception. It is known that in some cases, such as those suffering from hypercalciuria, increased oral calcium intake may aggravate the formation urinary stones. In patients with hyperoxaluric calcium nephrolithiasis, increased oral administration calcium, on the contrary, can successfully inhibit the formation of stones by binding oxalic acid salts to calcium in the intestine and, thus, limiting the entry of oxalates into the urinary system. Calcium intake from drinking water may potentially have an inhibitory effect on calcium urinary stone formation in some patients and promote stone formation in others. This theory was tested in a study by Curhan et al., which assessed the effect of calcium intake in 505 patients with recurrent stone formation. After 4 years of observation in the group of patients taking calcium, it was noted smallest number episodes of urinary stones. The researchers concluded that high dietary calcium intake reduces the risk of symptomatic urolithiasis.
Despite public concern about the potential lithogenesis of hard tap water, existing scientific evidence suggests that there is no relationship between water hardness and the prevalence of urinary stones. There appears to be a correlation between water hardness and urinary calcium, citrate and magnesium levels, but the significance of this is unknown.
By the way, the author makes an interesting comparison: consuming one glass of milk can be equivalent to two liters of tap water in terms of calcium content. So, according to the Ministry agriculture USA (USDA), 100 g of milk contains 125 mg of calcium. The same amount of city water contains only about 4-10 mg of calcium.
Conclusion
Drinking water must contain minimum concentrations some essential minerals. Unfortunately, too little attention has always been paid to the beneficial properties of drinking water. The main emphasis was on the toxicity of untreated water. The results of recent studies aimed at establishing the optimal mineral composition drinking water, must be heard not only by public and private structures responsible for the water supply of entire cities, but also ordinary people, abusing water treatment systems at home.Drinking water produced by industrial desalination plants is usually remineralized, but reverse osmosis water is usually not mineralized at home. However, even with the mineralization of desalinated waters, their chemical composition may remain unsatisfactory from the point of view of the body's needs. Yes, calcium salts can be added to the water, but it will not contain other essential microelements - fluorine, potassium, iodine. In addition, desalinated water is mineralized more for technical reasons - to reduce its corrosiveness, and the importance of substances dissolved in water for human health is usually not thought about. None of the methods used for remineralizing desalinated water can be considered optimal, since only a very narrow set of salts is added to the water.
The effect of hard water on the formation of kidney stones has not been scientifically proven. There are concerns that increased consumption of oxalic acid or phosphate salts together with calcium may lead to crystallization of insoluble calcium salts of phosphoric or oxalic acids in the organs of the urinary system, but the body healthy person, according to existing scientific evidence, is not subject to such a risk. Persons suffering from kidney disease, hypervitaminosis of vitamin D, disorders of phosphorus-calcium, oxalate, citrate metabolism or consuming significant amounts of oxalic acid salts may be at risk. It has been established, for example, that healthy body without any consequences for itself, it is able to process up to 50 mg of oxalates per 100 g of food, however, spinach alone contains oxalates 750 mg/100 g, so vegetarians may be at risk.
In general, demineralized water is no less harmful than waste water, and in the 21st century it is high time to move away from rationing water quality indicators only from above. Now you also need to install lower limits content of minerals in drinking water. Physiologically, only a narrow corridor of concentrations and composition of drinking water is optimal. The currently available information on this issue can be presented in the form of a table.
Table 1. Optimal mineralization of drinking water
| Element | Units of measurement | Minimum content | Optimal level | Maximum level, SanPiN 2.1.4.1074-01 or *WHO recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General mineralization | mg/l | 100 | 250-500 for hydrocarbonate waters 200-400 for chloride-sulfate waters |
1000 |
| Calcium | mg/l | 20 | 40-80 | - |
| Magnesium | mg/l | 10 | 20-30 | -
|
Mineral water is one of the oldest natural medicines used by people. For centuries, hospitals existed near the sources of healing mineral waters, world-famous resorts and sanatoriums were created, and later - factories supplying bottled mineral water throughout the world. What are the benefits of mineral water, do mineral waters retain their properties? medicinal value and today, in an era of abundance of drugs? Where to get these waters, how to use them, how to avoid counterfeits? The questions are answered by the author of the book “Your Own Homeopath: Healing Minerals,” homeopathic physician, allergist and immunologist E. Yu. Zaitseva.
— Elena Yuryevna, how is mineral water useful and why does our body need it? Can't you just accept essential minerals in the form of preparations or dissolve them in the same water?
— The natural beneficial properties of mineral water are unique, because they were formed in the bowels of the earth, in a completely special conditions. They are naturally processed by various rocks, high temperatures, dissolved gases, all kinds of energy fields. These waters carry enormous information in their composition, structure and properties. This is what explains their unique taste and healing qualities. And since it is impossible to artificially recreate the conditions of an underground natural laboratory, no complex of minerals can compare with natural mineral water. By the way, therefore, changing the composition of mineral waters during their extraction, bottling or purification is strictly prohibited.
In addition, clean water in general is now a huge value; it is no coincidence that in stores it is more expensive than gasoline. There are almost no sources of clean water left in Europe, and they don’t drink tap water, only bottled water from wells. And mineral water is clean.
— What types of mineral waters are there? Tell us about the composition of mineral water?
— During the Soviet era, there was a clear division of water into mineral water, that is, extracted from underground sources, and drinking water, which flowed from the tap. In Europe, drinking water is considered to be bottled well water, which is considered or not considered mineral depending on the amount of salts. In our country, mineral waters are usually divided into medicinal, medicinal-table and table waters.
Healing mineral waters - waters with very high concentration salts - more than 8 grams per liter. There are very few such waters, among them are Essentuki No. 17 and Cheboksary No. 1. Medicinal mineral waters were almost never bottled; they were usually drunk at the source. This is very salty water, which cannot simply be drunk; it is used only for medicinal purposes.
Mineral waters with a salt content of 2 to 8 g/l are considered medicinal waters. Such waters are the majority. However, today almost any water that has at least some medicinal effect is classified as medicinal water.
In the USSR, canteen was the name given to water that was used as drinking water, but was extracted from wells and bottled. There was simply no bottled drinking water; we drank water from the tap.
Now we are in complete confusion. You can buy water and read on the label that it is natural, drinking, medicinal, mineral, and all at the same time. It is very difficult to figure out what kind of water it really is, since the word “mineral” does not necessarily mean that this water was extracted from a well, and the word “drinking” does not always indicate that it is tap water: it can also be table water , that is, from the well.
— Which mineral water is the best? What kind of water should I buy?
— Pay attention to the information on the label. The type of water should be indicated there (for example: mineral natural medicinal table water) and a group indicating its chemical composition (say, sulfate-bicarbonate calcium-sodium). The total amount of salts is indicated, and then a detailed explanation of how many and what salts, including microelements, are contained in this water. It can be iodine, zinc, silver, copper, iron...
It is very good if the label contains the well number and the depth from which the water was extracted. This at least somehow confirms that the water is actually extracted from an underground source and is not a fake. Often they put the phrase that the use of water is approved by one or another medical organization for certain diseases. The recommendations of the Research Institute of Balneology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation inspire the greatest confidence.
And yet, you cannot choose water based on the label, unless it is water that you have known since childhood, the quality of which has been tested for decades...
— What kind of mineral waters are there? Can you list their types?
— The most popular types of mineral waters have been known since Soviet times: “Essentuki”, “Slavyanovskaya”, “Smirnovskaya”, “Kislovodskaya”, “Zheleznovodskaya”, “Volzhanka”, “Lipetskaya”, “Izhevskaya”... Now many new names have appeared, telling us nothing. Manufacturers change brands, a source or plant may be resold to another owner, the same water is sold under different names. Try to buy water from old, proven brands. Where a mineral water plant existed and still operates, its composition and name have largely not changed, although, for example, Essentuki water is bottled today by six producers. But, judging by the labels, they all “sit” on the same well, only some bottle water at the source, while others are brought in tanks and bottled at factories.
Better water is the one that is bottled at the source, even if the company is little-known, and the well is located in some village.
There are only two or three mineral waters that say on the label that they are bottled at the source. The most famous is Karachinskaya (bottled in the village of Lake Karachi, Novosibirsk region), the only mineral water awarded 29 medals at international exhibitions. The best healing properties are found in waters spilled from springs on the territory of sanatoriums, and the sanatoriums themselves arose, as a rule, thanks to these healing springs. If you do not have the opportunity to be treated with mineral water directly at the source, then it is best to buy mineral water in pharmacies, in particular homeopathic ones. Mostly highly salty, medicinal waters are sold there, and, unlike in stores, there are practically no fakes.
— Please tell us about treatment with mineral water, how to drink mineral water correctly and for what diseases?
— There are three main groups, or types, of mineral waters in composition: hydrocarbonate, chloride and sulfate.
The benefit of mineral water, water with a high content of bicarbonates, is that it improves blood supply to the mucous membrane of the stomach, intestines, liver, helps with inflammatory and infectious diseases, have a positive effect on all metabolic processes. The only pure hydrocarbonate water of its kind was Borjomi. There are no analogues of such water in Russia. But there are hydrocarbonate-calcium-magnesium waters that contain a significant amount of calcium and magnesium, such as the “Narzan Valley” or “Novoterskaya Healing”. They are recommended for diseases of the cardiovascular system, affect protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism and are very useful for city residents.
Chloride waters (Omskaya, Okhtinskaya, etc.) contain mainly natural table salt. They improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and the secretion of the digestive glands, and improve the absorption of food.
Sulfate waters are characterized by a high content of sulfates, calcium, magnesium and sodium (Kislovodskaya, Spring of Health, etc.). Treatment with such mineral water is most often taken for diseases associated with metabolism: diabetes, obesity, etc. In fact, it is very difficult to separate waters by composition, and all these groups are often written on the labels together: bicarbonate-sulfate-chloride-magnesium-sodium water. Therefore, you need to pay more attention to recommendations for the treatment of specific diseases and consult your doctor.
— How and how much mineral water can you drink per day?
- Water with low mineralization can be drunk unlimitedly - as is your daily fluid requirement. But in order to take mineral water as a remedy, you need to consult your doctor. He will install for you correct mode drinking specific water when you are sick. The course of treatment ranges from 3-4 to 5-6 weeks. Usually drink water three times a day. The average amount per serving is 200g, but it may be slightly less or more depending on your weight.
— Is it good to drink sparkling water?
— Now there are many articles about the dangers of carbonated water. But in the USSR there was a GOST, according to which still water was not allowed to be produced in bottles. The water was always carbonated, because it retained its medicinal qualities during storage (usually 6 months), and the salts did not precipitate. By the way, we have Narzan-type waters with a natural content of carbon dioxide. But in case of some diseases, for example, liver, the gases must be allowed to escape before drinking water.
— What time of day is best to take mineral water?
- Most often they drink it 15-30 minutes before meals. In this case, pure water, entering the body, comes into direct contact with the mucous membrane of the stomach, and then the intestines, and is absorbed faster.
Doctors sometimes prescribe alkaline mineral waters along with food to reduce excessive secretion of gastric juice. And for peptic ulcers and gastritis with high acidity, especially in cases where the disease is accompanied by stool retention and painful heartburn, mineral water should be drunk in small portions after meals.
— Are there any contraindications for drinking mineral water?
— Any acute condition can be a contraindication: acute gastrointestinal diseases, exacerbation inflammatory process in the stomach and intestines, severe pain. And you can’t conduct a course at all drinking cure if food cannot pass freely through digestive tract due to scars, narrowing, etc. There are also contraindications to the use of certain groups of mineral waters. For example, you should not drink hydrocarbonate water when alkaline reaction urine.
