What is the difference between mineral water and tap water? How important are minerals to the body and in the hydration process?

Does tap water contain minerals?

In France, tap water is safe to drink. However, many preconceived ideas still circulate about it, which pushes the population to buy bottled mineral water, which is more expensive and less ecological. First, let us remember that the vast majority of tap water in France is free of any microbial contamination thanks to its chlorine content, in quantities that are not harmful to the human body. This chlorine treatment does not alter the mineral content of this type of water, which it has acquired through contact with soil and rocks throughout its natural course. It is therefore a very good source of potassium, magnesium, fluoride, etc.

You can therefore consume this water without fear, especially since it is a very good gesture for the environment: France is among the top 5 countries in the world to generate plastic bottle waste, even though it has running drinking water in almost all of its municipalities. Especially since there are now many ways to improve your experience as a consumer of tap water! For example, you can use glass carafes in which you place ceramic beads to purify your tap water and thus reduce the slight aftertaste it tends to have.

How important are minerals for metabolism?

Minerals are inorganic bodies that are essential for the proper functioning of our body. Among the most important are sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chlorine, phosphorus and sulfur. Their total mass represents more than 4% of a person's total weight! Among other things, they play a role in the constitution of the body, as well as in activating enzymatic reactions. For example, magnesium is involved in energy metabolism, but also in that of calcium and potassium, as well as in the functioning of the nervous and muscular systems.

To properly cover your mineral salt needs, you must ensure that you have a varied diet and are well hydrated on a daily basis . However, their homeostasis can be unbalanced by intense diarrhea or vomiting (mineral loss) or by excessive intake, two situations that can lead to significant health problems. In these cases, it is necessary to consult a doctor in order to remedy them as quickly as possible.

What are the symptoms of not drinking enough?

Water is an element that conditions human survival. Indeed, our body is made up of 65% of it and our different organs and cells need it to function properly. If we forget to drink, or do not take the time to do it properly, many symptoms will appear. At first, we will feel thirsty and dry mouth, sometimes accompanied by headaches, fatigue and cramps. We will then observe concentrated urine, and the ability to concentrate will also be reduced. If more severe dehydration sets in, the symptoms will be much more serious: the kidneys will no longer be able to function properly and eliminate waste from the body. In the event of a loss of water volume greater than 10% of an individual's weight, they risk seeing their vital organs fail and falling into a coma. This is therefore a vital emergency which will have to be treated intravenously in order to restore sufficient circulatory volume.

How can Hydratis help you?

In order to maintain good hydration on a daily basis , you must therefore ensure that you drink regularly and in large quantities: the objective is to consume at least 1.5 liters of water per day! Note that this volume must systematically be increased in the event of high temperatures or moderate to intense sports practice. But that's not all, hydration is also provided by diet! To optimize this part, consume as much fruit and vegetables as you want, which have a very high water content, in addition to the benefits they provide in terms of vitamins and fiber.

Finally, if you feel dehydrated, or if you want to prevent dehydration caused by physical activity or alcohol-filled evenings, you can use commercial rehydration solutions, sold in pharmacies. Among the different options, you can opt for tablets from the different Hydratis ranges, which, added to your water bottle, will help you stock up on essential trace elements and significantly increase water absorption by the body!

In 2022, we tend to forget to drink properly because our daily lives are so hectic. However, good hydration is the basis of a healthy body, and of mental and physical well-being! Don't neglect it anymore!