RO is used for clean water, know how many diseases do you embrace?

RO i.e. Reverse Osmosis is a technique in which water is passed through a semi-permeable membrane by applying pressure. This membrane removes bacteria, viruses, heavy metals and other impurities from the water.

RO water purifiers have been installed in almost every house for the purpose of clean drinking water. It is claimed that these purifiers remove bacteria, viruses, heavy metals and other impurities from the water, making the water safe to drink. However, many researches have mentioned the dangers of excessive use of RO water. Let us know which diseases increase the risk of drinking too much RO water?

How is water cleaned with RO?

RO i.e. Reverse Osmosis is a technique in which water is passed through a semi-permeable membrane by applying pressure. This membrane removes bacteria, viruses, heavy metals such as arsenic, lead and other impurities from the water. However, this process also removes 92-99% of essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium from the water. This is the reason why the TDS level in water obtained from RO is very low, which sometimes goes below 50 mg/L. According to WHO, the minimum level of TDS in drinking water should be 100 mg/L, so that essential minerals can be obtained.

Benefits of RO water

There are many arguments in favor of clean water obtained from RO. Delhi's General Physician Dr. Ramesh Sharma says that RO technology is effective in removing harmful pollutants such as lead, arsenic and chlorine from water. In a country like India, heavy metals and microbial pollution in groundwater are common. In such a situation, RO water can prevent many water-borne diseases such as diarrhea, cholera and typhoid. At the same time, the taste of RO water is better because it removes smell and dirt.

Possible disadvantages of RO water

There is no dispute on the purity of RO water, but many researches have mentioned the dangers of its excessive use. WHO said in 2019 that drinking water that does not contain minerals continuously can be harmful for health. This can cause many diseases.

Mineral Deficiency: RO water removes essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are essential for bones, heart and muscles. Delhi-based nutrition expert Dr. Priya Verma says that we get most of the nutrients from food, but the minerals present in water are also important. Continuous drinking of RO water can increase the risk of bone fractures in children, premature delivery in pregnant women and heart disease in the elderly.

Risk of heart disease: Many studies have found a connection between low TDS water and heart disease. In fact, magnesium deficiency can cause high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat.

Weak bones: Calcium deficiency can affect bones. A study has revealed that children who drink RO water may be at a higher risk of bone fractures. At the same time, the slightly acidic nature of RO water (pH 6.0-6.5) can affect the digestive system. Some people complain of acid reflux after drinking RO water.

Disclaimer: Some of the information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, you must consult the concerned expert.