Is My Water Filter Stripping Out Valuable Minerals?
Water filters can remove contaminants such as heavy metals, but may also remove useful nutrients such as magnesium and calcium. Nutrition Diva explains.
Monica Reinagel, MS, LD/N, CNS
Q. “I recently bought a fancy water filter and I now drink filtered water night and day. But I’m wondering if it’s taking out too much. My leg cramps, tingling in extremities started within a week of getting it. How can I test to see how many minerals are in the water?”
Answer. You can buy inexpensive test strips to measure and compare the mineral content of your water. before and after filtering. They are often sold at aquarium or pool supply stores because high levels of minerals (aka “hard water”) can cause problems in fish tanks and pools. Hard water is not, however, a health hazard.
See also: Is Mineral Water Good for You?
But I can think of a simpler way to test your hypothesis. You could simply stop using the filter for a week and see if your symptoms resolve.
How to Choose a Water Filter
There’s a wide range of water filtration technology available and each method has pros and cons. Some remove virtually all contaminant but – in the process – strip all of the valuable minerals as well. Others leave the minerals but also miss important contaminants. Check with your manufacturer for details on what your particular filter does and doesn’t remove.
See also: Do Water Filters Remove Minerals?
The level of water filtration you need depends a lot on the quality of your tap water, so it’s worth looking up your local water quality report to see which substances – if any – are a concern in your local water supply.
See also: Is Your Drinking Water Safe?
Tap water image courtesy of Shutterstock.
About the Author
Monica Reinagel is a board-certified licensed nutritionist, author, and the creator of one of iTunes’ most highly ranked health and fitness podcasts. Her advice is regularly featured on the TODAY show, Dr. Oz, NPR, and in the nation’s leading newspapers, magazines, and websites. Do you have a nutrition question? Call the Nutrition Diva listener line at 443-961-6206. Your question could be featured on the show.