[Article updated on 19/09/2023]
Still or sparkling, mineral waters have a constant mineral composition and are approved by the National Academy of Medicine. First, know that mineral water is of underground origin, is microbiologically healthy and its mineral composition is stable. It can be recognized as having properties favorable to health. For information, spring water has a content of minerals and trace elements which is not always stable.
Before reading on
I’m not an expert in this field, but I am passionate about nutrition and health.
The articles you’ll find on my site are the result of in-depth research that I’d like to share with you. However, I would like to stress that I am not a health professional and that my advice should in no way replace that of a qualified physician. I’m here to guide you, but it’s important that you consult a professional for specific questions or medical concerns. Your well-being is important. So be sure to consult the appropriate experts and take the best possible care of yourself.
Each mineral water has its specificity?
So, yes, each mineral water has its specificity and I will help you see it more clearly:
Waters rich in calcium
They are recommended for bones and teeth, for muscle contraction and for blood coagulation. Calcium is specifically important in children and adolescents, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and the elderly. On the other hand, they are not recommended for people suffering from kidney stones.
Waters rich in sodium
They promote the proper transmission of nerve impulses, good hydration of the body and limit the appearance of muscle cramps. They facilitate digestion after a heavy meal. However, they are not recommended in the event of diet low in salt, if you have water retention or high blood pressure or kidney failure.
Waters rich in magnesium
They participate in correct cardiac activity and the transmission of nerve impulses. They also help fight stress and constipation. On the other hand, excessive consumption of water rich in magnesium can cause diarrhea.
Trick: When your baby or child suffers from constipation, consuming a bottle of water rich in magnesium is exceptionally recommended.
Waters rich in sodium bicarbonates
They help reduce the acidity of the body and reduce muscle fatigue, which makes it recommended water for athletes. And, contrary to popular belief, water rich in sodium bicarbonates is not like water rich in sodium, so no problem even in the case of high blood pressure, for example! The only downside to drinking water rich in sodium bicarbonate is that it is carbonated and can therefore cause you to belch.
Waters rich in fluoride
Fluoride is an essential mineral for the strength of bones and teeth. But be careful, consuming too much fluoride can be responsible for weakening your teeth. Therefore, water rich in fluoride is not recommended for children under 7 years old!
Waters to recommend?
Depending on the profiles, there are waters to recommend more than others:
- If you are sporty, choose water rich in sodium bicarbonate to recover better.
- If you are a postmenopausal woman, mineral water rich in calcium is beneficial because of the risk of osteoporosis.
- If you are someone who is stressed, think about mineral waters rich in magnesium.
Each mineral water really has its interest, it is a “nutrient”; but above all remember that it is important to vary your water and not to consume exclusively mineral water!
Advice : Avoid bottles with the number “1” pictogram if you reuse your plastic bottles because this is bad for your health.
What about tap water?
Concerning tap water, it is treated to comply with drinking standards. Mineral Water is “pure” in origin and should not be treated. The composition of tap water varies depending on the region. For example, in the Paris region, the water is limestone and therefore rather rich in calcium. And we can’t make health claims either.
Remember that tap water is not suitable for preparing infant food.
To sum up
- Waters rich in calcium: interesting for the elderly;
- Waters rich in sodium: useful if you have hypotension;
- Waters rich in magnesium: useful against stress and constipation;
- Waters rich in sodium bicarbonates: interesting for athletes;
- Please note: mineral waters cannot be drunk daily;
- Tap water is not suitable for infants.