Bottled water is water that meets regulatory standards and is available in a sealed bottle. Here are a few varieties of bottled water:
Mineral water
Mineral water is from a groundwater source. So, it doesn’t contain any coliform bacteria. Manufacturers can add only certain components, such as fluoride, ozone, or carbon dioxide, but not minerals. Mineral water is not treated with chemicals. One difference between mineral and spring water is it has more than 500 parts per million of total dissolved solids.
Spring water
Spring water is also from a groundwater source and not from a public water supply. Also, spring water is the groundwater that naturally flows to the surface. It has 500 parts per million of the total dissolved solids. It is potable at its source.
It has a few more things in common with mineral water. It doesn’t contain any coliform bacteria, too, and manufacturers can add only certain components, such as fluoride, ozone, or carbon dioxide, but not minerals. Just like mineral water, spring water is not treated with chemicals.
Distilled water
Distilled water is treated by vaporization and condensation. Here, first, they boil the water and collect the steam, then condense it to form distilled water. It is free from any microbes and minerals.
Demineralized water
This is the water that is treated by other methods and not by distillation. It ensures the total mineral content is less than 10 parts per million.
Carbonated water
Here the manufacturer treats the water with carbon dioxide.
The manufacturer needs to mention the following things on the label of the bottled water:
- The total amount of salt dissolved in the bottled water and other contents.
- If any components like fluoride or ozone were added.
- The source from where the water was obtained.
- The process of treating the water, whether it is filtered, etc.
Composition Of Bottled Water
Water composition is H2O, with two parts of hydrogen and one part of oxygen. Based on the type of bottled water, it can have various amounts of minerals, such as:
- Fluoride
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Chromium
- Copper
- Iron
- Selenium
- Calcium
- Nitrate
- Bicarbonate
- Sulfate
What is the pH of Bottled Water?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says the pH of bottled water is 7.38 on average.
While pH has no direct effects on consumers, it is essential to monitor it well for the safety of consumers, says an article titled “ Chemical composition of different brands of bottled drinking water sold in Oman as labeled by manufacturers,” published in ResearchGate.
The pH has certain effects on disinfection by chlorine.
While the preferred pH is less than 8, anything that’s below a pH of 4 tastes sour as it’s acidic. Whereas a pH of more than 8.5 makes it taste bitter or more alkaline. The pH of bottled water in the permissible range, which is a pH of 6 to 8, makes it neutral.
Advantages of Bottled Water
Bottled water is an easier option to meet your water needs, especially while you are on the go or while traveling. You may not always have access to safe drinking water when you are traveling. Bottled water comes to your rescue in such places.
On average, we need at least two liters or eight glasses of fluids a day. But, if you weigh more than you should, live in hot weather, or do more physical work, you certainly need to drink more water.
Can Bottled Water Cause Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux is a condition wherein stomach contents come back (regurgitate) through the food pipe (esophagus). It leads to symptoms such as heartburn, burps, or symptoms of indigestion. An article named “Acid Reflux (GER and GERD) in adults,” published in the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, says the same.
Bottled water as such doesn’t cause the symptoms of acid burn, but carbonated water, soft drinks, and other beverages with chemicals or alcohol could cause it. Carbonated water distends your stomach and could cause acid reflux symptoms thereby. Soft drinks that have sugar and chemicals are likely to make your stomach produce excess acid and lead to the symptoms of acid reflux.
Other beverages that have sugar or alcohol and preservatives might work similarly to increase the symptoms. Highly acidic fruit juices might also cause the symptoms. Bottled water that is filtered or in good condition may not cause or increase the symptoms of acid reflux in anyone.
Drinking enough water facilitates digestion and prevents the symptoms of acid reflux. Drinking water also helps in the easy passing of food through the digestive system, thereby reducing the symptoms of acid reflux.
Is Bottled Water Safe to Drink?
Bottled water is generally safe to drink. It is usually purified water. Sometimes bottled water comes with added minerals. They add minerals in the measured amounts to provide the required nutrients to your body.
As long as you know the bottled water is coming from a good manufacturer who maintains standards, the water is usually safe to drink. Make sure you check the expiry date of the product.
Water stored in a plastic bottle for too long may not be advisable. It may release toxins when it comes in contact with drastic environmental changes. Water bottles stored in a carton may be a better option. They stay sealed away from too many weather changes.
Can People with IBS Drink Bottled Water?
Bottled water is safe to drink for those suffering from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome,) says an article named, “Association of consuming tap water or purified water during infancy with irritable bowel syndrome,” published in the journal named Children.
IBS is a condition that affects the large intestine. It leads to symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal cramps, loose, frequent stools (diarrhea), or difficulty passing stools (constipation).
Drinking more than eight glasses of water a day helps to tame the symptoms of IBS, says an article named “Water consumption and prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome among adults” published in PLOS ONE.
Conclusion
Bottled water is usually safe. It does not cause the symptoms of acid reflux. However, be sure to pick a bottle that is stored well and is not expired. You can drink as much bottled water as you wish as long as it is from a trusted source or a manufacturer.
In fact, drinking more water helps you digest food better, helps in the easy passage of food, and prevents the symptoms of acid reflux. You can opt for various options, such as spring water or bottled water with added minerals. Water in glass bottles is also an option worth considering as glass is safer than plastic.
References
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