Customer question:
What does distilled water contain? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
Distilled water is water that has been prepared by evaporating it and then condensing it back into a liquid in a separate container. This process removes impurities and contaminants present in the original water source. Distilled water is often used in environments where water purity is critical, such as laboratories, healthcare facilities, and some industrial applications. It is also used in lead-acid batteries and automotive cooling systems.
Where can I buy distilled water?
Distilled water is widely available and can be purchased at various outlets such as supermarkets and grocery stores, pharmacies, auto stores, online stores, home improvement and hardware stores, and electronics stores.
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When buying distilled water, it's a good idea to check the label to make sure it's genuinely distilled and not just purified or filtered water, as the processes and resulting water purity vary significantly. If you require distilled water for a specific application, ensure that the product meets any required standards or specifications.
Is distilled water intended for drinking?
Distilled water can be consumed and is safe to drink, but it is not usually intended as a primary source of drinking water for a few reasons. Distilled water lacks the minerals found in most natural waters. Although this is a topic of debate, there is concern that if distilled water is consumed as the primary form of water, it may leach minerals from the body due to the lack of dissolved minerals. Drinking distilled water could thus cause a mineral imbalance, especially if the individual's diet does not adequately replace these minerals.
Distilled water can absorb carbon dioxide from the air, making it slightly acidic. Although not harmful in small amounts, slightly acidic water may not be ideal as a primary source for drinking. As explained, occasional or moderate drinking of distilled water is completely safe. Some people may choose to drink it because they want to avoid contaminants in tap water.
If you choose to drink distilled water regularly, it is crucial to ensure that your diet is rich in essential minerals. Finally, if you are considering using distilled water for a specific health reason or regimen, it is always a good idea to consult with your doctor, pharmacist, or nutritionist.
Can distilled water be used to clean wounds?
Distilled water is usually not the first choice for cleaning wounds. Instead, the use of sterile saline (salt water) to clean wounds is usually recommended because it is gentle, non-irritating, and mimics natural body fluids. Saline can effectively clean debris and bacteria from the wound without damaging the tissue.
Distilled water has had its impurities removed, so it is pure water. However, just because it's "distilled" doesn't necessarily mean it's "sterile." Sterility ensures the absence of any bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms, while distillation mainly ensures the removal of minerals and contaminants.
In an emergency or if you do not have sterile saline, you can use distilled water to clean the wound, especially if the alternative is to use contaminated or dirty water. Nevertheless, sterile saline remains the preferred choice. If using distilled water, it is essential to ensure that the container and water are clean to reduce the risk of introducing any contaminants or pathogens into the wound.
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