Mineral water is a natural medicine. Mineral water - the whole truth about the benefits and dangers of mineral water
« Avadhara"- carbonic ferruginous bicarbonate-sodium mineral water of the Borjomi type. Contains arsenic in the amount of 1.2 mg/l. Recommended in the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, urinary tract. It 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 diseases of the stomach and liver. Can also be used as a dining room. The source is located on the banks of the river. Or, I am 165 km from Alma-Ata (Ayak-Kalkan resort).
« Amurskaya"- carbonic ferruginous bicarbonate-calcium magnesium-sodium water. It is similar to the Darasun water, widely known in Transbaikalia, but has a higher mineralization. Good in the treatment of chronic catarrhs of the stomach and intestines, chronic inflammation bladder and renal pelvis. Source (Sour key) - in the Amur region.
« Arzni» - medical and table carbonic chloride bicarbonate-sodium mineral water. It has a pleasant sour taste. Indicated in the treatment of the digestive system, 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". It can also be used as table water. The source is on the territory of the Arshan resort, 220 km from Irkutsk.
« Achaluka"- bicarbonate-sodium mineral water of slightly mineralization with a high content of sulfates. The source is located in Srednie Achaluki, 45 km from Grozny (Chechen-Ingushetia). Pleasant, good thirst-quenching table drink.
« Badamyainskaya» - carbonic bicarbonate sodium-calcium mineral water of low mineralization. Source - 2 km from the village. Badaml (Azerbaijan). It is famous as a wonderful 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 a high content of magnesium sulfate and sodium sulfate, is known as a very effective laxative. Distinguished by its mild action and causes pain. Source - near the station. Inozemtsevo, 9 km Pyatigorsk.
« Berezovskaya"- bicarbonate 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 diseases of the stomach and duodenum, accompanied, as a rule, by increased acidity, disorders of water-salt metabolism. "Borjomi" appoint pr; inflammatory processes of the upper respiratory tract and mucous membrane of the stomach, congestion in the gallbladder and biliary tract.
"Borjomi" is a world-famous mineral water, very pleasant in taste, perfectly quenches thirst. Its source is located in Georgia, on the territory of the Borjomi resort.
« Bukovina» - ferruginous sulfate calcium water little mineralization. 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» - carbonate hydrocarbonate-chloride calcium-sodium mineral water. Nice table drink. Also used for chronic catarrhs 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). It is used in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and biliary tract.
« Valmiera» - sodium-calcium chloride water comes from a deep well on the territory of the Valmiera Meat Processing Plant (Latvia). General mineralization 6.2. It is used in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
« Hot key"- sodium chloride-hydrocarbonate mineral water of medium mineralization from spring No. 58 of the Goryachiy Klyuch resort, located 65 km from Krasnodar. In its composition, it is close to the water of Essentuki No. 4. It is very famous in the Kuban as a good remedy in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and as a table drink.
« Darasun"- carbonic ferruginous bicarbonate-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" (in translation means "Red Water") in its composition is close to the Kislovodsk "Narzan", but differs from it in the almost complete absence of sulfates and less mineralization. Widely known in Transbaikalia as a wonderful refreshing table drink. It is also used for medicinal purposes in catarrhs of the stomach, chronic colitis and cystitis, phosphaturia.
« Jermuk» - carbonate hydrocarbonate sulfate-sodium mineral water. The hot spring is located on the territory of the mountain resort of Jermuk, 175 km from Yerevan (Armenia). It is a fairly close analogue of the well-known waters of the Czechoslovakian 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".
Water "Jermuk" - very effective remedy for the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, bile and urinary tract. It can also be used as table mineral water.
« Dilijan"- carbonic bicarbonate sodium mineral water, similar in chemical composition to Borjomi, but with a lower mineralization. It is used for diseases of the digestive system and urinary tract. It is indicated for catarrh of the stomach, mainly with high acidity.
« Dragovskaya"- carbonic bicarbonate-chloride sodium water of medium mineralization. According to the chemical composition, it 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, mild forms of diabetes.
« Druskininkai» - sodium chloride mineral water. It is used for chronic gastric catarrhs, mainly with low acidity, intestinal catarrhs. 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, the numbering of which is carried out according to the sources of origin, located in the Stavropol Territory, in the resort of Essentuki.
« Essentuki No. 4» - carbonic bicarbonate-chloride-sodium medicinal water of medium mineralization. Recommended for diseases of the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, urinary tract. Favorably affects metabolic processes, causing a shift acid-base balance to the alkaline side.
« Essentuki No. 17» - carbonic bicarbonate-chloride sodium water of increased mineralization. It is used with great success in the same diseases as "Essentuki No. 4" (except for diseases of the urinary tract), and sometimes in conjunction with it.
« Essentuki № 20"- table mineral water, belonging to the type of low-mineralized sulfate hydrocarbonate calcium-magnesium waters. Bitter-salty in taste, with a sour taste of carbonic acid.
« Izhevsk» - sulfate-chloride-sodium-calcium-magnesium mineral water. Recommended in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, as well as metabolic disorders. It 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» - carbonic bicarbonate-chloride sodium water medium; mineralization with a high content of sulfates of the hot spring of the Isti-Su resort, located 25 km from the regional center of Kalbajara (Azerbaijan) at an altitude of 2225 m above sea level.
« Isti-su" refers to the terminal waters and approaches in its 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 water "Isti-Su" - chronic catarrhs and functional disorders of the stomach, intestines, chronic diseases liver, gallbladder, gout, obesity | mild forms of diabetes.
« Karmadon» - sodium chloride thermal mineral water with an increased content of hydrocarbonates. Refers to medicinal, but can] be used as a table drink. It is 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 territory of the Kemeri resort in Latvia. It is a very effective remedy in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
« Kyiv» - table mineral water of hydrocarbonate-calcium magnesium type. Produced by the Kyiv Experimental Plant of Non-Alcoholic Drinks, where water treatment was introduced using a silver ion lonator (0.2 mg / l).
« Chisinau» - low-mineralized sulphate-hydrocarbonate magnesium-sodium-calcium mineral water is a refreshing and thirst-quenching table drink.
« Korneshtskaya"- bicarbonate sodium mineral water of the Kornesht source in Moldova. It belongs to the waters of the "Borjomi" type, 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» - sulfate-calcium mineral water with a high content of magnesium. With their healing features known since the last century. It is very effective in the treatment of diseases of the stomach, liver, urinary tract and metabolic disorders. It can also be used as a table drink.
« Kuyalnik» - sodium chloride-hydrocarbonate 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» - highly mineralized calcium chloride water is unique in its chemical composition. The source is located in the village of Mukhuri in Georgia. Due to the very high content of calcium chloride, use only as directed by a doctor. Indications for treatment: pulmonary tuberculosis and lymph glands, allergic diseases, inflammation of the kidneys with hematuria, as well as diseases for which calcium chloride is usually prescribed.
« Luzhanskaya"- carbonic bicarbonate sodium water of the "Borjomi" type. Contains such biological active substances as boron, fluorine, silicic acid, as well as free carbon dioxide. It has high medicinal properties, it 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 - somewhat different in chemical composition. The source is located in the Svalyavsky district of the Transcarpathian region (Ukraine).
« Lysogorskaya"- sulfate-chloride sodium-magnesium water of increased mineralization, like the mineral water "Batalinskaya", is an effective laxative. The source is located 22 km from the Pyatigorsk resort. In terms of chemical composition, it is close to Batalinskaya, but differs from it in lower mineralization and a significantly higher content of chlorine ions.
« Mashuk number 19» - chloride-hydrocarbonate-sulfate sodium-calcium thermal mineral water of medium mineralization. In composition, it is quite close to the water of the spring of the Karlovy Vary resort in Czechoslovakia. The drilling rig 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 for diseases of the digestive system.
« Mirgorodskaya» - sodium chloride water of low mineralization It has valuable healing properties: increases the secretion and acidity of gastric juice, stimulates the activity of the intestines, improves metabolism. It can also be used as a table drink, it quenches thirst well.
« Nabeglavi"- carbonic bicarbonate sodium mineral in the type of the famous Borjomi water. The source is located on the territory of the Nabeglavi resort. It is used in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
« Narzan» - carbonic bicarbonate-sulfate calcium-magnesium ~ mineral water, which has won world fame An excellent refreshing table drink. It quenches thirst well and promotes a good appetite.
It can be used to treat a number of diseases. Being well saturated with carbon dioxide, "Narzan" enhances the secretory activity of the digestive glands. A 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 sources are located in Kislovodsk.
« Nafshusya» - hydrocarbonate calcium-magnesium medicinal water. Not changeable at urological diseases. Produced under the name "Truskavetskaya" ("Naftusya No. 2"). It contains significantly less organic matter than the water of the main source "Naftusya", located on the territory of the Truskavets resort. 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, known since 1718. Due to the high content of iron, 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 that quenches thirst well. The source is located near St. -Petersburg.
« Polyana Kvasova"- carbonic bicarbonate sodium mineral water with a significant content of carbon dioxide. It surpasses Borjomi in terms of mineralization and hydrocarbonate content. It is successfully used in the treatment of diseases of the stomach, intestines, liver, urinary tract. The source is located in the Transcarpathian region (Ukraine).
« Sairme"- carbonic ferrous hydrocarbonate sodium-caloric mineral water. It is recommended in the treatment of chronic catarrhs of jelly predominantly with high acidity, obesity, mild forms of diabetes, chronic catarrhs and functional disorders intestines, with 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"- carbonic bicarbonate sodium water, known since ancient times. Since 1800 Svalyava has been exported to Vienna and Paris as an exquisite table drink. From biologically active components contains boron. The source is located on the right bank of the Latoritsa River in the village. Svalyava, Transcarpathian region (Ukraine).
« Sergeevna №2"- chloride-hydrocarbrate-sodium water, chemical composition resembles the well-known mineral waters "Arzni", "Dzau-Suar", "Kuyalnik No. 4", "Hot Key". Recommended for peptic ulcer and chronic gastritis.
« Sirabian» - carbonic hydrocarburate sodium 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 in 3 km of Nakhichevan, on the Araks (Azerbaijan).
« Slavyanovskaya» - carbonic hydrocarbonate-sulfate sodium-calcium water of low salinity. Its temperature at the exit to the surface is 38-39°C. 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 Slavyanovsk spring. It differs from it by a higher temperature (55 ° C) and a higher content of 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"- sulfate-chloride sodium 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, liver. When drinking this water, the work of the intestines is regulated, in obese people suffering from a metabolic disorder, weight can decrease under the influence of this water.
« Kharkiv"- the name under which two types of mineral waters are produced from springs near Kharkov (Ukraine).
« Kharkovskaya №1"- bicarbonate calcium-sodium low-mineralized water is similar to Berezovskaya water, it is used as a table drink, as well as in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and metabolism.
« Kharkiv №2» - sulfate-bicarbonate calcium-sodium-magnesium low-mineralized water. This water is a pleasant table drink, refreshing, thirst quenching. It is used for the same diseases as the water "Kharkovskaya No. 1.
« Kherson"- ferruginous low-mineralized chloride-sulfate-hydrocarbonate sodium-calcium-magnesium water. Basically, this is table water, which tastes good and quenches thirst well. How can glandular be useful in different forms anemia and with a general decline in strength.
Mineral waters are natural waters containing salts, gases, organic substances, unlike drinking water, in higher concentrations or having specific physical and other properties - temperature, content of biologically active components (CO 2 , H 2 S, As, etc. .), etc. - and resulting in a therapeutic effect for external and internal use.
By mineralization (total amount of dissolved in 1 liter of water chemical substances) distinguish mineral waters with low mineralization (1-2 g/l), low mineralization (2-5 g/l), medium (5-15 g/l), high (15-35 g/l), brine (35-150 g/l) and strongly brine (over 150 g/l).
According to the ionic composition, mineral waters can be chloride (Cl), bicarbonate (HCO 3), sulfate (SO 4) - sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg).
According to the presence of specific components, mineral waters are divided into carbonic, sulfide (hydrogen sulfide), nitrogen, siliceous, bromine, iodine, ferruginous, arsenic, radioactive (radon), etc.
In the USSR, the following indicators of the content of specific components were adopted, which make it possible to classify water sources as mineral (medicinal).
There are cold mineral waters - up to 20 °, warm - 20-35 °, hot (thermal) - 35-42 °, very hot (high-thermal) - above 42 °.
The reaction of water (the degree of acidity or alkalinity, expressed by the pH value) is important for assessing its therapeutic effect. Acidic mineral waters have pH=3.5-6.8, neutral -6.8-7.2, alkaline -7.2-8.5 and higher.
For the abbreviated designation of the chemical composition of mineral waters, the formula proposed by M. G. Kurlov and E. E. Carstens is used. This formula is currently recommended in following form: biologically active ingredients(g/l); mineralization (g/l); water composition: anions/cations (eq%); pH; T°.
Example. The chemical composition of the Lermontov spring in Pyatigorsk: This formula is read as follows: carbonic hydrogen sulfide chloride-hydrocarbonate-sulfate sodium-calcium high-thermal water with a mineralization of 5.3 g / l, pH = 6.5 and a temperature of 46.6 °.
Mineral waters have natural (springs, springs) and artificial outlets brought to the surface of the earth with the help of boreholes, galleries. For balneological purposes and bottling, only mineral waters from boreholes are used, which ensure a constant flow rate, chemical composition and guarantee water from pollution. To protect mineral water sources from depletion and pollution, sanitary protection zones have been established (see).
For the accumulation, storage, transportation and use of mineral waters, there are appropriate balneological devices: cappings, overcapping structures and borehole heads, reservoirs, pipelines, as well as bath buildings, drinking galleries and pump rooms (for internal use mineral waters), devices for heating and cooling mineral waters.
The internal use (drinking) of mineral waters is also practiced outside the resort. In these cases, imported mineral waters (bottled) are used. The bottling of these waters is carried out at special plants and in the shops of enterprises. Food Industry. Approximately 150 bottles are used for bottling mineral waters. mineral springs with a production of over 1 billion bottles per year. The water poured into bottles is saturated to a concentration of 3-4%, which increases its taste and maintains the stability of its chemical composition. The water in the bottle should be colorless, odorless or tasteless; it is recommended to store bottles in lying position. The effectiveness of non-resort treatment with mineral waters (at home, in the local, hospital,) is greatly enhanced if it is combined with compliance with a certain regimen, diet and the use of other medical measures(, medicinal, hormone therapy etc.).
Mineral waters are natural waters containing certain mineral (much less often organic) components in elevated concentrations and (or) having some physical properties (radioactivity, pH value), due to which they have a therapeutic effect.
A detailed hydrogeological study of the territory of the USSR and an increase in the depth of drilling in recent decades led to the fact that more and more underground mineral waters of various chemical composition are used for medicinal purposes. Surface mineral waters (salt reservoirs) are used for medicinal purposes mainly only in the southern mud resorts of the USSR.
Criteria for assessing mineral waters. Mineral waters have a therapeutic effect on the human body with the whole complex of substances dissolved in them, and the presence in them of specific biologically active components (CO 2 , H 2 S, As, etc.) special properties defines often the methods of their medicinal use. The main criteria for evaluating therapeutic mineral waters in Soviet balneology are the features of their chemical composition and physical properties, which at the same time serve as the most important indicators for their classification.
1. Gas composition. When subdividing and designating mineral waters by gas composition, gases are taken into account that are contained in quantities of more than 10 vol.% of all gases present in the waters in a dissolved and spontaneous state (and in the absence of the latter, only dissolved). The main types of mineral waters in terms of gas composition are nitrogen, methane, carbonic (as well as hydrogen sulfide-nitrogen and hydrogen sulfide-methane).
2. Degree of gas saturation, i.e. general content gases (in ml) in 1 liter of water depends on the composition of gases dissolved in water, and can vary from several tens of ml to 1000-1500 ml or more. It is of particular importance in the assessment of carbon dioxide waters.
3. Ionic composition. When subdividing and designating mineral waters by ionic composition, ions are taken into account that are present in waters in an amount of at least 20 eq.%, respectively, of all anions and cations. The most important mineral waters are: chloride sodium or calcium-sodium, sulfate calcium or magnesium-calcium, chloride-hydrocarbonate sodium, hydrocarbonate magnesium-calcium or sodium. The ionic composition is very important in the evaluation of drinking mineral waters.
4. General mineralization- the sum of all substances dissolved in water (without gases), expressed in g / l. Mineralization of 2 g/l is recommended as the lower limit, which allows classifying waters as mineral. The general mineralization in many cases limits the possibilities of using mineral waters in in kind for internal use (for chloride waters - no more than 10-12 g / l, for hydrocarbonate and chloride-hydrocarbonate - up to 25 g / l), and sometimes for baths (mineralization up to 150 g / l).
5. The content of specific biologically active components. To the components that give water specific features, are: a) important mainly for drinking water (Br, J, As, Fe, Corg); b) important both for drinking water and for water for external use (CO 2 and H 2 SiO 3); c) relevant only for water for external use (H 2 S). All of these components are medicinal value only when they are contained in waters above accepted norms(Table 1).
| Key performance indicators | Name and division of waters | |
| Total mineralization of waters (M), g/l 1 | <2,0 | Weak mineralization |
| 2,0-5,0 | Low mineralization | |
| 5,0-15,0 | Medium mineralization | |
| 15,0-35,0 | High mineralization | |
| 35,0-150,0 | Pickled | |
| >150,0 | Strong brine | |
| The content of free (dissolved) CO 2, g/l 2 | 0,5-1,4 | Low carbonic |
| 1, 4-2,5 | Medium carbonic | |
| >2,5 | strongly carbonic | |
| Content of H 2 S (total: H 2 S + HS), mg/l 3 | 10,0-50,0 | Weak sulfide |
| 50,0-100,0 | Medium sulfide | |
| 100,0-250,0 | Strong sulfide | |
| >250,0 | Very strong sulfide | |
| Arsenic content, mg/l 4 | 0,7-5,0 | Arsenic |
| 5,0-10,0 | Strong arsenic | |
| >10,0 | Very strong arsenic | |
| Iron content (Fe 2+ + Fe 3+), mg/l 5 | 20,0-40,0 | glandular |
| 40,0-100,0 | Strong glandular | |
| >100,0 | Very strong glandular | |
| Bromine content, mg/l 6 | >25 | bromide |
| Content of iodine, mg/l 7 | >5 | Iodine |
| Content of H 2 SiO 2 (+ HSiO 3), mg/l 8 | >50 | Siliceous |
| The content of radon mmkcurie / l / unit. Mahe 9 | 5-40 / 14-110 | Weak boradon |
| 40-200 / 110-550 | Medium radon | |
| >200 / >550 | Strong radon | |
| <3,5 | strongly acidic | |
| Water reaction (pH) | 3,5-5,5 | Sour |
| 5,5-6,8 | Subacid | |
| 6,8-7,2 | Neutral | |
| 7,2-8,5 | Weakly alkaline | |
| >8,5 | alkaline | |
| Temperature, degrees | <20 | Cold |
| 20-35 | Warm | |
| 35-42 | Hot (thermal) | |
| >42 | very hot | |
6. Radioactivity. Radioactive (radon) medicinal waters in the USSR include waters containing elevated concentrations of Rn (more than 5 mCcurie/l, or 14 Mach units). The therapeutic effect of these waters is due to radioactive radiation (mainly α-rays) emitted by Rn and short-lived decay products (RaA, RaB, RaC, etc.). The presence in mineral waters of increased amounts of Ra and U (radium, uranium waters) not only does not give them any medicinal properties, but for drinking mineral waters is generally unacceptable (Table 2).
7. active reaction(the degree of acidity or alkalinity of water, expressed by the pH value) determines the possibility of the existence of various forms of weak acids in the waters (H 2 CO 3 , H 2 S, H 2 SiO 3 and some others) and is important for assessing the therapeutic effect of waters. In mineral waters, the pH value can vary from 2.0-3.5 to 9.5.
8. Temperature determines the possibility of preserving in mineral waters (when they come to the surface) certain amounts of dissolved gases (in particular, CO 2) and the enrichment of waters with some characteristic components (especially H 2 SiO 3). The temperature also determines the technique of using mineral waters, the need for their heating or cooling. By her own heat without the presence of other important medicinal features in mineral waters, it cannot serve as a basis for classifying these waters as medicinal, but it is obligatory sign at any assessments and subdivisions of mineral waters.
Mineral water may also contain trace elements that, at certain concentrations, have a toxic effect on the body. Therefore, for a number of elements present in mineral waters, conditional prohibition criteria are recommended, which are several times higher than the corresponding maximum allowable concentrations for drinking water (Table 2).
* Mineral waters with a higher As content can be used as drinking water with appropriate dosage and control.
Mineral waters are divided depending on their composition, properties and balneological significance into seven groups: 1) waters without "specific" components and properties; 2) carbon dioxide (CO 2); 3) sulfide (H 2 S, HS); 4) ferruginous (Fe), arsenic (As) and with a high content of Mn, Cu, Al, etc.; 5) bromine (Br), iodine (J) and high organic content (Corg); 6) radon (Rn); 7) siliceous terms (H 2 SiO 3, HSiO 3).
Each of these groups of mineral waters, depending on the conditions of their formation, is divided into three subgroups according to the gas composition: a) nitrogen, b) methane (nitrogen-methane) and c) carbonic mineral waters. At the same time, all mineral waters are divided according to the anionic composition into 9 classes and according to the cationic composition into a number of subclasses, and according to the total mineralization into 6 gradations (table 1).
Generally chemical composition mineral waters is determined by the geological conditions of their formation and depends on many natural factors. Their distribution is subject to certain geological regularities, which make it possible to single out five main provinces of mineral waters within the USSR, in which waters of the same type of chemical composition and genesis are formed.
For the abbreviated designation of the chemical composition of mineral waters, the formula proposed by M. G. Kurlov and E. E. Carstenson is used. This formula is currently recommended in the following form:
The formula indicates: as an indicator of general mineralization - the sum of all substances dissolved in water (without gases), in the ionic composition - all ions contained in an amount of at least 20 eq.% (but not less than two anions and two cations), and all biologically active ingredients present in quantities higher than the accepted balneological standards (in g / l, except for Rn, indicated in mmcurie / l).
Example: chemical composition of Matsesta waters (well T-1):
In the USSR with therapeutic purpose, mainly in the form of baths, carbonic, sulfide, radon and nitrogen thermal mineral waters are widely used (see Balneotherapy, Baths). The main resorts with carbonic waters: Arzni, Arshan, Kislovodsk, Polyana, Shivanda, Shmakovka, Yamarovka, etc. Resorts with sulfide waters: Yeysk, Kemeri, Klyuchi, Luben the Great, Mendzhi, Nemirov, Sochi - Matsesta, Sergievsky Mineralnye Vody, Sernovodsk , Bruise, Surakhany, Talgi, Ust-Kachka. Resorts with radon waters: Belokurikha, Mironovka, Molokovka, Uvildy, Urguchan, Khmilnik, Khoja-Obi-Garm. Resorts with nitrogen thermal waters: Alma-Arasan, Goryachinsk, Jalal-Abad, Issyk-Ata, Kuldur, Obi-Garm, Sary-Agach, Talaya.
Hydrocarbonate, chloride, sulfate and complex composition mineral waters of low mineralization are mainly used for drinking treatment for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and biliary tract, for metabolic disorders, some urological and other diseases.
Ferrous waters containing the biologically active Fe ion are mainly used for drinking treatment for chlorosis, anemia, during the period of convalescence after acute illnesses and operations (blood loss), for menstrual dysfunction and a tendency to spontaneous abortion, for neuroses requiring general strengthening treatment. Resorts with ferruginous waters: Marcial Waters, Tsagveri, etc.
Arsenic waters containing trivalent arsenic (As) are predominantly carbonic, chloride or chloride-hydrocarbonate sodium mineral waters. Arsenic-containing waters can be divided into two subtypes: arsenic containing H 3 AsO 4 and arsenic containing H 3 AsO 3 . The waters of the first type are the springs of the Zubi (in the Georgian SSR), the waters of the second type are the Julfa (in the Azerbaijan SSR) and Sinegorsk (on Sakhalin). They are mainly used inside with tablespoons for various anemias, for symptoms of nutritional decline, metabolic disorders, convalescence after acute illnesses, for gastritis with low and normal acidity, chronic hepatitis and colitis. They are used externally for diseases of the circulatory system, skin, etc.
Iodine-bromine waters with medium and high total mineralization (often brines) in terms of chemical composition usually belong to sodium chloride and bicarbonate-chloride-sodium and more complex waters. Iodine-bromine waters (Goryachiy Klyuch, Khadyzhensk, Ust-Kachka, etc.) are used orally and in the form of baths, mainly for atherosclerosis, for heart diseases, for hypertension without pronounced circulatory disorders, with diseases of the joints, nervous system, female diseases, skin diseases, chronic inflammatory processes, etc.
Mineral waters are used in resorts for drinking treatment, in the form of baths, swimming in pools, all kinds of showers, as well as for inhalation and rinsing in diseases of the upper respiratory tract and oral cavity, for irrigation gynecological diseases, for washing the stomach and intestines (enemas, subaqueous baths), with and metabolic disorders.
Methods of application - see Balneotherapy.
Anna Koroleva
Reading time: 6 minutes
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Drinking water is life. Without water, a person cannot live even a week. And mineral water differs from the usual many healing properties.
Where did so many useful substances come from in the water? The fact is that the basis of mineral water is rainwater, which has been accumulating in the bowels of the earth for many centuries. Just imagine how many minerals and other useful substances have dissolved in it during this time!
What is real mineral water: types and composition
The classification of mineral water is based on the difference in composition, level of acidity and radioactivity. There is a separate section of medicine - balneology, and specialists in this field painstakingly study the composition of mineral waters and their benefits for the body.
There are several types of mineral water
Table mineral water. This species is useful for general stimulation of digestion, but does not have healing properties. The taste of table water is pleasant, it is soft to drink and does not have foreign smells and tastes. It is on the basis of table water that many drinks are made. Food should not be cooked on such water.- when boiled, minerals precipitate in the form of a precipitate or form compounds that our body is not able to assimilate.
Therapeutic dining room. This water has healing properties and is very effective when used properly. Should be measured when using medical-table mineral water - oversaturation of the body with minerals can lead to salt imbalance.
Therapeutic. Healing mineral water can not only be drunk, but also used for inhalation and bathing. To achieve a tangible effect, you must follow the correct dosage, diet, and drink water regularly.
Mineral waters can also be classified according to their chemical composition.
Hydrocarbonate. Due to the large amount of mineral salts, this water is able to reduce the level of acidity of gastric juice. It is recommended to drink with heartburn, cystitis and diseases of the urolithiasis.
Chloride. Promotes stimulation metabolic processes in the body, improves the efficiency of the stomach and intestines, so doctors recommend including it in the diet for various disorders of the digestive system.
sulfate mineral water. It restores the functions of the gallbladder and liver, and also cleanses the body of toxins and impurities. Sulphate water should be consumed by patients with hepatitis, diabetes and at various stages of obesity. However, it is contraindicated for children and adolescents, as it can impede the absorption of calcium by the body.
In addition to the above, there are many more varieties of mineral water - sodium, calcium, sulfide, silicon, bromide, radon.
In addition to the composition, mineral water also differs in its temperature - it can be cold, subthermal, thermal and hyperthermal.
What should not be in mineral water?
The requirements for mineral water producers today are very strict, and there should be no additives of unknown origin in it.
The labels must contain the following information:
On a note!
Beware of fakes and buy mineral water in trusted stores or pharmacies. On the shelves are often found artificial analogues of mineral water, obtained by combining simple tap water and salts with carbon dioxide. Such water complies with GOST, but no longer bears any benefit to the body.
By appearance mineral water can also be different - colorless, yellowish or greenish with precipitation of mineral salts at the bottom of the tank.
Benefit and harm
The benefits of mineral water are undeniable - it is a real storehouse of minerals needed by our body. And since each type of water has individual properties, you need to choose mineral water very carefully.
Due to its mixed structure, it is precisely healing mineral water can be considered the best option for many of us.
Regardless of the subspecies, it is useful for the following diseases:
- Chronic hepatitis, diseases of the biliary tract.
- Diabetes and obesity.
- Anemia, diseases thyroid gland.
- Diseases of the liver and gallbladder.
- In addition, mineral water improves blood clotting, strengthens muscles, bones and teeth, and also helps to normalize blood pressure.
Important!
- At overuse any mineral water can harm the body. That is why any mineral water should be consumed in courses, taking breaks.
- Mineral water contains a lot of salts, and its excessive consumption is a threat of urolithiasis and cholelithiasis.
- Never drink mineral water alcoholic drinks- the result will be irreversible disorders in the metabolic system!
- The daily intake of mineral water is no more than half a liter. At various diseases Before taking it is better to consult with your doctor.
- Mineral water, like other products, has an expiration date, so at the time of choosing the coveted bottle, do not leave the bottling date unattended. In glass containers, mineral water can be stored for up to a year, and in plastic - no more than six months.
The whole truth about mineral water - answering readers' questions
You can talk about mineral water, its beneficial properties and the process of obtaining it for a very long time. And here is one of the most frequent questions that buyers themselves ask manufacturers - why is water carbonated?
As a rule, there is no carbon dioxide in natural mineral water - it is added during the bottling process for greater safety. Carbon dioxide with moderate use, it can be useful - it has a beneficial effect on the work of the intestines. And someone just like pinching bubbles in the water.
On a note! It is still better for children to give non-carbonated water, and in order for the gas to come out of the bottle, leave the container open for 15-20 minutes.
At what age can a child drink mineral water?
- From all types of mineral water Babies should only be given table water. top grade. This water is perfect for diluting food mixtures.
- Medical-table mineral water can only be prescribed by a pediatrician children over one year old.
- It is contraindicated to give medicinal mineral water to children, since later it can adversely affect the kidneys and the metabolic system.
On a note! And remember that an opened bottle of mineral water can be stored for no more than two days.
Mineral water in the diet of pregnant and lactating women
Mineral water can enrich the body of a future mother the most useful elements necessary for the healthy development of the child. It works here Golden Rule- it is important to comply with the norm, otherwise unpleasant side effects in the form of heartburn and flatulence. In addition, it is better to use non-carbonated mineral water, since carbon dioxide can harm pregnant women.
A balanced use of mineral water will help strengthen the body before childbirth and cope with the nausea that occurs with toxicosis.
During the period of breastfeeding, one should adhere to the same rules - nutrients along with milk will get to the child, and mineral water will only be useful for a nursing mother.
What mineral water should athletes drink?
Mineral water is the main source of fluid that athletes are recommended to drink. The best choice is bicarbonate mineral table water - it perfectly quenches thirst and compensates for the lack of salt in the body. In addition, it is preferable for athletes to choose non-carbonated mineral water.
Healing properties of mineral water directly for athletes:
- Mineral water helps to store energy in muscle tissue.
- Helps increase physical strength.
- Reduces muscle weakness and spasms.
- Helps to better endure stress and increase endurance.
- It improves metabolism, as a result of which protein is better absorbed, and muscles grow faster.
Rating of mineral water in Russia
Every day, thousands of bottles of mineral water are taken off the shelves of shops. Recently, the number of manufacturers has increased significantly, but time-tested brands enjoy the greatest confidence among buyers.
Perhaps you can call this brand the most popular and recognizable in Russia.
The Borjomi mineral spring is located in Georgia, and its composition has remained unchanged for about a hundred years. So it's safe to say that this brand has stood the test of time.
Essentuki. This well-known brand boasts a large assortment - water is extracted from 20 sources, and the production plant itself is located in the city of the same name.
Narzan. This brand is familiar to many Russians since childhood. Narzan springs are famous for their antiquity - they were mentioned in ancient chronicles as early as the 14th century. And the name in the Kabardian dialect means "drink of heroes." The main difference of this brand from other manufacturers is the natural presence of carbon dioxide in mineral water.
Slavyanovskaya mineral water. Many experts compare this water with the famous Czech springs in Karlovy Vary and consider it just as beneficial.
In shops you can find mineral water from different manufacturers, but the main rule of choice at the time of purchase is an indication that the product is manufactured in accordance with GOST.
5 myths about mineral water
Myth #1. Mineral water is salty. And salt is very harmful to the body.
Many people mistakenly confuse ordinary table salt with minerals. There is a huge difference between the edible salt that we use every day and the salt created by nature. With moderate use mineral salts will only benefit.
Myth #2. The supply of water in wells is not eternal. Surely the water is saturated with minerals artificially.
The production and extraction of mineral waters is carefully controlled and checked. The natural presence of salts and nutrients is the advantage of mineral water.
Mineral water is water saturated with minerals, depending on the different set of content components and concentration, mineral waters are divided into different types.
Sulfate- Acts as a purgative and laxative. It is recommended to use for people with liver problems, gallbladder, obesity and diabetes.
Chloride- favorably affects the work of the intestines, liver and biliary tract. It is strictly forbidden to use people with.
Magnesium- help with stress, but are contraindicated in people who have frequent indigestion.
glandular, etc.
Depending on the gas composition of mineral water and the presence of certain components, mineral waters are divided into:
carbonic;
Hydrosulphuric;
Nitrogen;
Silicon;
bromine;
Iodine;
glandular;
Arsenic;
radioactive;
The division of mineral water depending on its acidity or alkalinity of mineral water compared according to the pH criterion is divided into:
Acidic pH=3.5-6.8
Neutral pH=6.8-7.2
Alkaline pH=7.2-8
BOTTLE OF MINERAL WATER
To preserve the salt composition and medicinal properties of mineral water, they are poured into hermetic vessels, having previously been carbonated with carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide prevents salts from precipitating.
On the label of mineral water, you can usually see the chemical composition of mineral water. However, it is quite difficult for a non-specialist to orientate in the composition of mineral water and for what therapeutic purposes such water is used.
Mineral water has both natural outlets to the surface and artificially created by man, i.e. wells. For bottling, only water from boreholes is used. This ensures the constancy of the chemical composition of mineral water. To protect the source from depletion or pollution, sanitary zones are established.
HEALING PROPERTIES OF MINERAL WATERS
It is necessary to start a treatment course with mineral water only after a comprehensive examination by a doctor and receiving clear recommendations from him.
Sodium chloride water - used for gastritis, which is characterized by low acidity of gastric juice. These waters improve the secretion of the glands, which helps to improve digestion, the absorption of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It is necessary to take such water in 10-15 minutes. before eating, before that a little warming up. Most often, such water is easy to distinguish from the rest by its salty taste.
Not only the type of water is important, but also the temperature. Warm mineral water helps with gastritis with high acidity and with. cold water used for intestinal atony and a tendency to constipation. In other cases, it is necessary to use water with a temperature of 33 to 44 degrees.
The dosage of mineral waters can also vary greatly, because. various diseases require different types of mineral waters with different concentrations, dosages and courses of application.
BENEFIT AND HARM OF MINERAL WATER
Mineral water can be used in the treatment of many diseases. However, this cannot act as the main method of treating the disease, but only as an auxiliary method. Adding a course of mineral water to the treatment course specific disease helps to overcome the disease more easily.
However, mineral water can also be harmful. Carbonic acid in mineral water helps to increase the secretion of gastric juice, which in case of gastritis with high acidity in the stomach can only aggravate the situation.
TABLE WATER
Most of the bottled water found in stores is table water, or it is also called soda water. This is the usual fresh water(mineralization up to 1 g / dm3), which is artificially saturated with carbon dioxide with a slight addition of calcium chloride and magnesium chloride.
By looking at the label of the bottled water offered in the store, you can determine the type of mineral water. Those. having determined whether water is more related to the dining room, thirst quenching water, or still more to medicinal waters. It is necessary to look at the mineral composition of the water, if the concentration of various components is indicated on the label, then this type of water is mostly referred to as medicinal waters. If nothing is indicated on the label, then this is ordinary fresh water for table use.
It makes sense to use table water only to quench thirst and not for medicinal purposes.
The most valuable data on the impact of low concentrations of calcium in drinking water on an entire population of people came from studies conducted in the Soviet city of Shevchenko (now Aktau, Kazakhstan), where desalination plants were used in the city water supply system (water source - the Caspian Sea). In the local population, there was a decrease in the activity of alkaline phosphatase, a decrease in the concentration of calcium and phosphorus in plasma and an increase in decalcification bone tissue. These changes were most noticeable in women, especially pregnant women, and depended on the length of stay in Shevchenko. The need for calcium in drinking water is also supported by a one-year experiment in rats fed a fully adequate diet in terms of nutrients and salts, but fed distilled water supplemented with 400 mg/l calcium-free salts and one of these calcium concentrations: 5 mg/l, 25 mg/l or 50 mg/l. In rats treated with water with 5 mg/l of calcium, a decrease in the functionality of thyroid hormones and other related functions was found compared to the rest of the animals participating in the experiment.
It is believed that general change 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 the well-being almost instantly. Thus, in 2000-2002, residents of the Czech Republic and Slovakia began to actively use reverse osmosis systems in their apartments for post-treatment of city water. Within weeks or months, local physicians were flooded with complaints of acute magnesium (and possibly calcium) deficiency: cardiovascular problems, fatigue, weakness, and muscle cramps.
3. The risk of 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 intake in the body for several reasons. First, the food of many modern people- a rather poor source minerals and micronutrients. In the case of a marginal deficiency of some element, even its relatively low content in the consumed drinking water can play an appropriate protective role. This is due to the fact that the elements are usually present in water as free ions and therefore are 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. So, according to V. A. Kondratyuk, a slight change in the concentration of trace elements 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. The 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 demineralized water, the average content of hemoglobin in erythrocytes was 19% lower compared to rats that were given tap water. Differences in hemoglobin content were even higher compared to animals treated with mineral water.
Recent epidemiological studies in Russia, conducted among population groups living in areas with different salinity water, indicate that low-mineralized drinking water can lead to hypertension and coronary heart disease, gastric and duodenal ulcers, chronic gastritis, goiter, pregnancy complications and a range of complications in newborns and infants, including jaundice, anemia, fractures, and growth failure. However, the researchers note that it remains unclear to them whether it is drinking water that has such an impact on health, or whether it is 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 region 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 mineralization. The water in one of these areas had a total salt content of 134 mg/l, of which 18.7 mg/l of calcium, 4.9 mg/l of magnesium, and 86.4 mg/l of bicarbonates. In another area, the total mineralization of water was 385 mg/l, of which 29.5 mg/l of calcium, 8.3 mg/l of magnesium, and 243.7 mg/l of bicarbonates. The content of sulfates, chlorides, sodium, potassium, copper, zinc, manganese and molybdenum in water was also determined. The population of these two regions did not differ from each other in terms of social and environmental conditions, residence time in the respective regions, and food habits. Among the population of the area with less mineralized water, higher incidence rates of goiter, hypertension, ischemic disease heart, gastric and duodenal ulcers, chronic gastritis, cholecystitis and nephritis. Children living in this area showed slower physical development, a manifestation of growth anomalies. Pregnant women were more likely to suffer from edema and anemia. Newborns in this area were more prone to disease. The most low incidence was noted in areas with hydrocarbonate water with a total mineralization of about 400 mg/l and containing 30-90 mg/l of calcium and 17-35 mg/l of magnesium. The author came to the conclusion that such water can be considered physiologically optimal.
4. Washing out nutrients from food cooked in low-mineralized water.
It was found that when using softened water for cooking, there is a significant loss of food (meat, vegetables, cereals) of micro- and macroelements. Up to 60% magnesium and calcium, 66% copper, 70% manganese, 86% cobalt are washed out of the products. On the other hand, when hard water is used for cooking, the loss of these elements is reduced.
Since most of the nutrients come from food, the use of low-mineralized water for cooking and processing food products can lead to a noticeable deficiency of some important micro and macro elements. Most people's current menu usually does not contain all the necessary elements in sufficient quantities, and therefore any factor that leads to the loss of essential minerals and nutrients during the cooking process, further exacerbates the situation.
5. Possible increase in the intake of toxic substances into the body.
Low-mineralized, and especially demineralized, water is extremely aggressive and is capable of leaching heavy metals and some organic substances from materials with which it comes into contact (pipes, fittings, storage tanks). In addition, calcium and magnesium contained in water have some antitoxic effect. Their absence in drinking water, which also got into your pewter mug through copper pipes, will easily lead to heavy metal poisoning.
Among the eight cases of intoxication drinking water, registered in the USA in 1993-1994, there were three cases of lead poisoning in infants, in the blood of which excess lead was found in 1.5, 3.7 and 4.2 times, respectively. In all three cases, lead was leached from lead-soldered seams in tanks for storing potable reverse osmosis water used to breed baby food.
Calcium and, to a lesser extent, magnesium are known to have antitoxic activity. They prevent the absorption of ions into the blood from the intestines. heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, by competing for binding sites. Although this protective effect is limited, it cannot be discarded. At the same time, other toxic substances can enter into chemical reaction with calcium ions, forming insoluble compounds and thus losing its toxic effect. Populations in areas supplied with low-salinity water may be at increased risk of poisoning from toxic substances compared to populations in areas where ordinary hard water is used.
6. Possible bacterial contamination of low-mineralized water.
This point in the original article is a bit farfetched, but still. Any water is subject to bacterial contamination, which is why the minimum residual concentration of disinfectants, such as chlorine, is kept in pipelines. 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 contain a residual concentration of disinfectant in it to avoid secondary contamination. An illustrative example of an outbreak typhoid fever caused by reverse osmosis water in Saudi Arabia in 1992. They decided to abandon the chlorination of reverse osmosis water, because, in theory, it was deliberately 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 domestic reverse osmosis plants are prone to bacterial overgrowth.
1. According to the 1980 WHO report (Sidorenko, Rakhmanin).Drinking water with low mineral content leads to leaching of salts from the body. Since side effects, such as a violation 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 for WHO recommended to set the lower bar for the total mineralization of drinking water at the level of 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 in 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 dissolved salts with the following ionic composition:
- among all chloride anions 40%, bicarbonate anions 32%, sulfates 28%;
- among all cations sodium 50%, calcium 38%, magnesium 12%.
In addition to the level of total mineralization, this report justifies a minimum calcium content in drinking water of at least 30 mg/l. This requirement was introduced after studying the critical effects resulting from hormonal changes in calcium and phosphorus metabolism and decreased bone mineralization from calcium-deprived water. The report also recommends maintaining a bicarbonate anion content of 30 mg/l to maintain acceptable organoleptic characteristics, reduce corrosiveness and create an equilibrium concentration for the recommended minimum calcium concentration.
More recent research has led to more precise requirements. Thus, one of them studied the effect of drinking water containing various concentrations of hardness salts on the health status of women aged 20 to 49 years in four cities of Southern Siberia. The 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 diseases of the cardiovascular system (data obtained using ECG), higher blood pressure, somatoform autonomic dysfunctions. headache, dizziness and osteoporosis (data obtained by X-ray absorptiometry) compared with those in cities C and D. These results show 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 l (compared to WHO recommendations of 1980).
Based on currently available data, various researchers have come to the following recommendations regarding the optimal hardness of drinking water:
A. magnesium - not less than 10 mg/l, optimally about 20-30 mg/l;
b. calcium - not less than 20 mg/l, optimally 40-80 mg/l;
V. their sum (total hardness) is 4-8 mg-eq / l.
At the same time, magnesium is limited from below in its effect on cardiovascular system and calcium as a component of bones and teeth. The upper limit of the optimal range of stiffness was set based on concerns possible influence hard water for the occurrence of urolithiasis.
The effect of hard water on the formation of kidney stones
The dissolved substances contained in the urine, under certain specific conditions, can crystallize and deposit on the walls of the renal calyces and pelvis, in the bladder, and also in other organs of the urinary system.According to the chemical composition, several types of urinary calculi are distinguished, however, due to the hardness of the water, mainly phosphates and oxalates are of interest. Phosphate stones can form in case of violation of phosphorus-calcium metabolism or in case of vitamin D hypervitaminosis. An increased content of oxalic acid salts in food - oxalates - can lead to the appearance of oxalate stones. Both 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. And oxalates are synthesized by the body.
The effect of water hardness on urinary stone formation is difficult to determine. Most studies evaluating the effect of water hardness on the occurrence and development of urolithiasis (urolithiasis) use data from medical hospitals. In this sense, the study by Schwartz et al. , differs significantly in that all data were collected in outpatient settings, while patients remained in their natural environment and went about their usual activities. This paper presents the largest cohort of patients to date, which makes it possible to evaluate the effect of water hardness on various components of urine.
Scientists have processed extensive material. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provided geo-referenced information on the chemical composition of drinking water in the US. This information was combined with a national database of outpatients with urolithiasis (it contains the patient's zip code, so georeferencing was possible). Thus, 3270 outpatients with calcium stones were identified.
In the minds of most people, increased water hardness is synonymous with an increased risk of developing urolithiasis (kidney stones - special case urolithiasis). The content of minerals, and especially calcium, in drinking water seems to be perceived by many people as a threat to health.
Despite these common concerns about water hardness, no research supports the suggestion that drinking hard water increases the risk of urinary stones.
Sierakowski et al. studied 2302 medical reports from inpatient hospitals scattered throughout the US and found that patients who lived in areas supplied with hard water had a lower risk of kidney stones. Similarly, in the cited work, it was found that the hardness of drinking water is inversely proportional to the incidence of urolithiasis.
In the present study, the number of episodes of urolithiasis was slightly higher in patients living in areas with softer water, which is consistent with the data of other authors, but contradicts public perception. It is known that in some cases, such as those suffering from hypercalciuria, increased oral calcium intake can aggravate the formation of urinary stones. In patients with hyperoxaluric calcium nephrolithiasis, increased oral calcium intake, in contrast, is able to successfully inhibit stone formation by binding oxalic acid salts with calcium in the intestine and thus limiting the entry of oxalates into the urinary system. Drinking water calcium intake has the potential to have an inhibitory effect on the formation of calcium urinary calculi in some patients and promote stone formation in others. This theory was tested by Curhan et al., who evaluated the effect of calcium intake in 505 patients with recurrent stone formation. After 4 years of follow-up, the calcium group had the fewest episodes of urinary stones. The researchers concluded that a high dietary intake of calcium reduces the risk of symptomatic urolithiasis.
Despite public concern about the potential lithogenesis of hard tap water, current scientific evidence suggests that there is no relationship between water hardness and the incidence of urinary stones. There appears to be a correlation between water hardness and urinary levels of calcium, citrate, and magnesium, but the significance of this is unknown.
By the way, the author gives an interesting comparison: the consumption of one glass of milk can be equivalent to two liters of tap water in terms of calcium content. Yes, according to the Ministry Agriculture United States (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 should contain minimum concentrations of certain essential minerals. Unfortunately, useful properties Drinking water has always received too little attention. The main emphasis was on the toxicity of untreated water. The results of recent studies aimed at establishing the optimal mineral composition of drinking water should 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 desalination plants on an industrial scale 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 in terms of the needs of the body. Yes, calcium salts can be added to the water, but it will not contain other necessary trace elements - fluorine, potassium, iodine. In addition, desalinated water is mineralized more for technical reasons - to reduce its corrosive activity, and the importance of substances dissolved in water for human health is usually not thought about. None of the methods used for remineralization of 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 confirmed. There are fears that increased consumption of oxalic acid salts or phosphates together with calcium can lead to crystallization of insoluble calcium salts of phosphoric or oxalic acid in the organs of the urinary system, however, the body healthy person, according to existing scientific data, is not at such risk. Persons suffering from kidney disease, vitamin D hypervitaminosis, disorders of phosphorus-calcium, oxalate, citrate metabolism or eating significant amounts of oxalic acid salts may be at risk. It has been established, for example, that healthy body without any consequences for himself, he is able to process up to 50 mg of oxalates per 100 g of food, however, spinach alone contains 750 mg/100 g of oxalates, so vegetarians may be at risk.
In general, demineralized water is no less harmful than wastewater, and in the 21st century it is high time to move away from the rationing of water quality indicators only from above. Now it is also necessary to establish lower limits for the content of mineral substances in drinking water. Only a narrow corridor of concentrations and composition of drinking water is physiologically optimal. The information currently available on this subject can be presented in the form of a table.
Table 1. Optimal mineralization of drinking water
| Element | Units | 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-sulphate waters |
1000 |
| Calcium | mg/l | 20 | 40-80 | - |
| Magnesium | mg/l | 10 | 20-30 | -
|
