A sediment has appeared in the mineral water. List of mineral waters

Mineral water: a harmless drink or a medicine that you need to be careful with? The controversy has been going on for a long time, and now we will try to dot the i's and evaluate all the pros and cons.

Mineral water is natural underground water (rarely surface water), which has special physical and chemical properties and contains gases, salts, and organic substances that have a healing effect on the human body.

The main difference between such waters is a higher level of mineralization compared to fresh water (can range from 1 (0.1%) to 50 grams (5%) of solids per 1 liter of water).

Based degree of mineralization, Such waters are divided into:

• low-mineralized (1-2 g/l);
• low mineralization water (2-5 g/l);
• medium mineralization (5-15 g/l);
• high mineralization (15-35 g/l);
• brine water (35-150 g/l);
• strong brine water (more than 150 g/l).

It should be noted that water with a mineralization of 2-20 g/l is suitable for internal use.

The formation of mineral water is a long process. Essentially, it is rainwater that has accumulated in various layers of the earth's rocks for thousands of years. It acquires its special properties thanks to the minerals that dissolve in it. And the degree of purification of mineral water is indicated by the depth of its occurrence: the deeper the water goes into the rock, the higher the degree of purification and the content of carbon dioxide and useful substances in it.

Composition and types of mineral water

In addition to the level of mineralization, the chemical composition plays an important role. Depending on the combinations of six main components (macroelements calcium, magnesium, sodium, as well as chlorine, bicarbonate (HCO 3) and sulfate (SO 4)), mineral waters are:

• sulfate;
• chloride;
• hydrocarbonate;
• calcium;
• magnesium;
• sodium;
• mixed.

The main features of the chemical composition of various mineral waters are, in fact, reflected in the names. So, the main feature sulfate waters– significant presence in their composition (more than 25%) of sulfate anions with the concentration of other anions less than 25%. Included chloride mineral waters are dominated by chlorine anions, hydrocarbonate, accordingly, the content of hydrocarbonate ion (HCO 3) is high. Calcium, sodium and magnesium waters– these are mineral waters with a predominance of the corresponding cations and their inherent qualities.

However, most often the waters are mixed, that is, they have a set of different cations and anions, which ultimately determines their benefit or harm to human health.

Another important component of mineral water is carbon dioxide(or carbonic anhydride), which is formed by the interaction of carbon dioxide with underground rock and contributes to the formation of the beneficial properties of the drink. Carbon dioxide softens the taste and stabilizes the chemical composition, and this helps to quench thirst faster and indicates the benefits of mineral water for human health.

Mineral water can contain all the elements from the periodic table, but in very small quantities. The most significant in quantitative terms are iodine, fluorine, copper, iron, manganese, cobalt, lithium, bromine.

Based on the concentration of mineral salts, they are distinguished:

• table mineral water;
• medical dining room;
• medicinal.

IN table water the lowest salt content (no more than 1 g/l), healthy people can drink it without restrictions and cook food with it (there is no specific taste or smell).

IN medicinal table waters the degree of mineralization is higher (1.5-7 g/l), they are divided into two groups, which differ in the severity of the therapeutic effect. Water of the first group does not have it, but medicinal table water of the second group, on the contrary, is medicinal: it must be used carefully, no more than 0.5-1 l/day, and cannot be subjected to heat treatment.

The highest degree of mineralization is characteristic of medicinal mineral water(from 7 g/l), which contains essential microelements. Only your doctor can prescribe such mineral waters (usually no more than 200 ml per day).

By origin, mineral water can be:

The creation of mineral water by enriching ordinary tap water with the necessary salts, minerals and carbon dioxide is actively practiced. Such a drink, of course, will not harm your health, but there is little benefit from it. Even if it complies with sanitary standards and rules, such water is not an active medium, but only a lifeless solution of salts.

When purchasing natural water, remember: even if all extraction and storage conditions are met, during long-term transportation in mineral water liquid crystals can be destroyed, resulting in loss of beneficial properties.

The benefits of mineral water

High-quality natural mineral water, which has a unique mineral composition, can energize the body and help fight viruses and infections.

Positive properties of mineral water, influence on the human body:

• intake of essential microelements into the body;
• activation of enzymes;
• strengthening body cells;
• strengthening bone tissue and tooth enamel;
• regulation of acid-base balance indicators;
• strengthening the immune system;
• improvement of well-being.

Mineral water brings no less benefit as a means for effective cleansing the body, as it is capable of removing waste and toxins in a short time. It also normalizes metabolism, which helps reduce body weight.

Mineral water helps increasing body tone, and this is very useful under increased physical and mental stress.

In addition, drinking mineral water normalizes blood pressure and strengthens the nervous system. And when heated, this healing drink can become an assistant in the fight against inflammation, pain and stomach cramps.

Mineral water helps liquefying the contents of the gallbladder and the outflow of bile.

If consumed regularly, mineral water will bring tangible benefits to your health!

Sparkling and still water

Obviously, the main difference between carbonated mineral water and still drinking water is the presence of carbon dioxide. Let us remind you: carbonated mineral water It is beneficial if consumed in moderation. It not only quickly copes with thirst, but also promotes faster digestion of food and increased production of gastric juice - feel free to drink carbonated mineral water after meals.

Mineral soda does not cause any harm as such. However, it should be remembered that carbon dioxide increases acidity and flatulence, so people with problems with the gastrointestinal tract, as well as young children, should refrain from drinking water with gas.

Drinking still water Available in first and highest quality categories. Their main difference is that if water of the first category should simply be harmless to human health in terms of radiation, chemical and microbiological indicators, then water of the highest quality category should also be complete in terms of the content of macroelements. Therefore, read labels carefully.

Rules for use without harm to health

• First of all, you need to decide what kind of water to drink. Medicinal and medicinal table mineral water, as stated earlier, should be prescribed by a specialist according to the indications.
• Secondly, you need to decide on the amount of water. The optimal volume of consumption of table mineral water is 500 ml per day. However, this applies to people who do not have problems with joints, gastrointestinal tract and kidneys. The permitted volume of medicinal table and medicinal mineral waters depends, again, on the doctor’s recommendations.
• Thirdly, how long can you drink medicinal waters? The duration of the course depends on the nature of the disease, but the maximum period is 1.5 months. Most often it is recommended to drink mineral water before meals.

Thus, the benefits and harms of drinking mineral water are determined by its quality and quantity. Remember that everything is healthy in moderation. The main thing is to listen to your body.

Possible harm and side effects

Since an excess of minerals entering the human body is no less harmful than its deficiency, you need to be extremely careful.

So, you should not use mineral water as a regular drink. It is justified to use it in hot weather, as it perfectly quenches thirst, and during great physical and mental stress, but in limited quantities. That is, in cases where there is a risk of dehydration and loss of mineral salts.

The use of medicinal mineral waters without the supervision of a doctor is also fraught with overdose; they must be consumed in courses in strict accordance with the instructions.

An increase in salt content in the body due to excessive consumption of mineral water can negatively affect the condition of the kidneys and joints.

It is very important to observe the body's reaction. If after drinking mineral water you notice hand tremors, surges in blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances, insomnia and nervousness, immediately stop taking mineral water and consult a specialist.

For what diseases is drinking mineral water effective?

The benefits of drinking mineral water are determined by its unique chemical composition.

• If the mineral water contains iron, it will be indispensable for people suffering from anemia.
• Water with a high iodine content is recommended for people with diseases. thyroid gland.
• For normalization of blood pressure You can use water containing sodium.
• At urolithiasis The use of hydrocarbonate water is indicated.
• For stimulation of metabolic processes in the body and improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, in the presence of gastritis with low acidity, dyskinesia of the gallbladder, it is advisable to use chloride, chloride sulfate and chloride hydrocarbonate waters (Narzan, Essentuki No. 4 and No. 17).
• At peptic ulcer stomach or duodenum, chronic gastritis with high or normal acidity, hydrocarbonate sulfate waters with a low content of salts and carbon dioxide (Borjomi) are suitable.
• If you suffer from chronic inflammatory diseases of the large and small intestines (enteritis, colitis, enterocolitis) with diarrhea, then you are recommended to drink hydrocarbonate sulfate waters with a significant concentration of calcium salts and an average or low content of carbon dioxide and other salts (Nabeghlavi).
• In cases when in inflammatory diseases of the large and small intestines, peristalsis is sluggish, give preference to chloride and chloride sulfate waters with a high or medium concentration of mineral salts and carbon dioxide (Essentuki No. 17, Druskininkai).
• Hydrocarbonate, hydrocarbonate chloride and hydrocarbonate sulfate waters with medium and low content of mineral salts and carbon dioxide (Nabeglavi, Borjomi, Essentuki No. 4 and No. 17) contribute stimulation of the liver and gallbladder, so they can be drunk for diseases of the biliary tract, chronic hepatitis, obesity, diabetes mellitus, after suffering from Botkin’s disease, cholelithiasis, as well as chronic bronchitis, laryngitis and laryngotracheitis.

It is important to choose your mineral water correctly so that it only benefits your health.

Subscribe to our channel atTelegram, groups in

Mineral water is one of the oldest natural medicines used by people. For centuries, hospitals existed near the sources of healing mineral waters, world-famous resorts and sanatoriums were created, and later - factories supplying bottled mineral water throughout the world. What are the benefits of mineral water? Do mineral waters retain their medicinal value today, in an era of abundance of medicines? Where to get these waters, how to use them, how to avoid counterfeits? The questions are answered by the author of the book “Your Own Homeopath: Healing Minerals,” homeopathic physician, allergist and immunologist E. Yu. Zaitseva.

— Elena Yuryevna, how is mineral water useful and why does our body need it? Isn't it possible to simply take the necessary minerals in the form of preparations or dissolve them in the same water?

— The natural beneficial properties of mineral water are unique, because they were formed in the bowels of the earth, under very special conditions. They undergo natural processing by various rocks, high temperatures, dissolved gases, and all kinds of energy fields. These waters carry enormous information in their composition, structure and properties. This is what explains their unique taste and healing qualities. And since it is impossible to artificially recreate the conditions of an underground natural laboratory, no complex of minerals can compare with natural mineral water. By the way, therefore, changing the composition of mineral waters during their extraction, bottling or purification is strictly prohibited.

In addition, clean water in general is now a huge value; it is no coincidence that in stores it is more expensive than gasoline. There are almost no sources of clean water left in Europe, and they don’t drink tap water, only bottled water from wells. And mineral water is clean.

— What types of mineral waters are there? Tell us about the composition of mineral water?

— During the Soviet era, there was a clear division of water into mineral water, that is, extracted from underground sources, and drinking water, which flowed from the tap. In Europe, drinking water is considered to be bottled well water, which is considered or not considered mineral depending on the amount of salts. In our country, mineral waters are usually divided into medicinal, medicinal-table and table waters.

Healing mineral waters are waters with a very high concentration of salts - more than 8 grams per liter. There are very few such waters, among them are Essentuki No. 17 and Cheboksary No. 1. Medicinal mineral waters were almost never bottled; they were usually drunk at the source. This is very salty water, which cannot simply be drunk; it is used only for medicinal purposes.

Mineral waters with a salt content of 2 to 8 g/l are considered medicinal waters. Such waters are the majority. However, today almost any water that has at least some medicinal effect is classified as medicinal water.

In the USSR, canteen was the name given to water that was used as drinking water, but was extracted from wells and bottled. There was simply no bottled drinking water; we drank water from the tap.

Now we are in complete confusion. You can buy water and read on the label that it is natural, drinking, medicinal, mineral, and all at the same time. It is very difficult to figure out what kind of water it really is, since the word “mineral” does not necessarily mean that this water was extracted from a well, and the word “drinking” does not always indicate that it is tap water: it can also be table water , that is, from the well.

— Which mineral water is the best? What kind of water should I buy?

— Pay attention to the information on the label. The type of water should be indicated there (for example: mineral natural medicinal table water) and a group indicating its chemical composition (say, sulfate-bicarbonate calcium-sodium). The total amount of salts is indicated, and then a detailed explanation of how many and what salts, including microelements, are contained in this water. It can be iodine, zinc, silver, copper, iron...

It is very good if the label contains the well number and the depth from which the water was extracted. This at least somehow confirms that the water is actually extracted from an underground source and is not a fake. Often they put the phrase that the use of water is approved by one or another medical organization for certain diseases. The recommendations of the Research Institute of Balneology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation inspire the greatest confidence.

And yet, you cannot choose water based on the label, unless it is water that you have known since childhood, the quality of which has been tested for decades...

— What kind of mineral waters are there? Can you list their types?

— The most popular types of mineral waters have been known since Soviet times: “Essentuki”, “Slavyanovskaya”, “Smirnovskaya”, “Kislovodskaya”, “Zheleznovodskaya”, “Volzhanka”, “Lipetskaya”, “Izhevskaya”... Now many new names have appeared, telling us nothing. Manufacturers change brands, a source or plant can be resold to another owner, the same water is sold under different names. Try to buy water from old, proven brands. Where a mineral water plant existed and still operates, its composition and name have largely not changed, although, for example, Essentuki water is bottled today by six producers. But, judging by the labels, they all “sit” on the same well, only some bottle water at the source, while others are brought in tanks and bottled at factories.

Better water is the one that is bottled at the source, even if the company is little-known, and the well is located in some village.

There are only two or three mineral waters that say on the label that they are bottled at the source. The most famous is Karachinskaya (bottled in the village of Lake Karachi, Novosibirsk region), the only mineral water awarded 29 medals at international exhibitions. The best healing properties are found in waters spilled from springs on the territory of sanatoriums, and the sanatoriums themselves arose, as a rule, thanks to these healing springs. If you do not have the opportunity to be treated with mineral water directly at the source, then it is best to buy mineral water in pharmacies, in particular homeopathic ones. Mostly highly salty, medicinal waters are sold there, and, unlike in stores, there are practically no fakes.

— Please tell us about treatment with mineral water, how to drink mineral water correctly and for what diseases?

— There are three main groups, or types, of mineral waters in composition: hydrocarbonate, chloride and sulfate.

The benefits of mineral water, water with a high content of bicarbonates, are that they improve blood supply to the mucous membrane of the stomach, intestines, and liver, help with inflammatory and infectious diseases, and have a positive effect on all metabolic processes. The only pure hydrocarbonate water of its kind was Borjomi. There are no analogues of such water in Russia. But there are hydrocarbonate-calcium-magnesium waters that contain a significant amount of calcium and magnesium, such as the “Narzan Valley” or “Novoterskaya Healing”. They are recommended for diseases of the cardiovascular system, affect protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism and are very useful for city residents.

Chloride waters (Omskaya, Okhtinskaya, etc.) contain mainly natural table salt. They improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and the secretion of the digestive glands, and improve the absorption of food.

Sulfate waters are characterized by a high content of sulfates, calcium, magnesium and sodium (Kislovodskaya, Spring of Health, etc.). Treatment with such mineral water is most often taken for diseases associated with metabolism: diabetes, obesity, etc. In fact, it is very difficult to separate waters by composition, and all these groups are often written on the labels together: bicarbonate-sulfate-chloride-magnesium-sodium water. Therefore, you need to pay more attention to recommendations for the treatment of specific diseases and consult your doctor.

— How and how much mineral water can you drink per day?

- Water with low mineralization can be drunk unlimitedly - as is your daily fluid requirement. But in order to take mineral water as a remedy, you need to consult your doctor. He will set you the correct mode of drinking specific water for your illness. The course of treatment ranges from 3-4 to 5-6 weeks. Usually drink water three times a day. The average amount per serving is 200g, but it may be slightly less or more depending on your weight.

— Is it good to drink sparkling water?

— Now there are many articles about the dangers of carbonated water. But in the USSR there was a GOST, according to which still water was not allowed to be produced in bottles. The water was always carbonated, because it retained its medicinal qualities during storage (usually 6 months), and the salts did not precipitate. By the way, we have Narzan-type waters with a natural content of carbon dioxide. But in case of some diseases, for example, liver, the gases must be allowed to escape before drinking water.

— What time of day is best to take mineral water?

- Most often they drink it 15-30 minutes before meals. In this case, pure water, entering the body, comes into direct contact with the mucous membrane of the stomach, and then the intestines, and is absorbed faster.

Doctors sometimes prescribe alkaline mineral waters along with food to reduce excessive secretion of gastric juice. And for peptic ulcers and gastritis with high acidity, especially in cases where the disease is accompanied by stool retention and painful heartburn, mineral water should be drunk in small portions after meals.

— Are there any contraindications for drinking mineral water?

— Any acute condition can be a contraindication: acute gastrointestinal diseases, exacerbation of the inflammatory process in the stomach and intestines, severe pain. And in general, it is impossible to carry out a course of drinking treatment if food cannot pass freely through the digestive tract due to scarring, narrowing, etc. There are also contraindications to the use of certain groups of mineral waters. For example, you should not drink bicarbonate water if your urine is alkaline.

Alkaline mineral water is considered to be water that contains a high percentage of sulfate, lime carbonate and magnesia. The acidity of the salts of such water should be more than seven percent. Water containing this composition has a positive effect on metabolism in the body.

Alkaline mineral water is produced by adding carbon dioxide to the bottle, this is done to prevent the entry of air. Water of this type belongs to medicinal canteens; it should be consumed in doses. It is prohibited to use after the expiration date or for cooking.

Alkaline mineral water. General information

Groups

All alkaline mineral waters can be divided into three groups:

Varieties of alkaline mineral water. List

Nowadays, unfortunately, there are a lot of low-quality products and fake water on the shelves. It is not surprising that under the guise of alkaline mineral water, the buyer is offered water of unknown origin, which not only will not be beneficial, but can cause irreparable harm to the body.

Therefore, if a patient is prescribed to drink alkaline mineral water, you need to carefully study the list of manufacturer names.

Alkaline water from Russian producers

« Luzhanskaya» Alkaline mineral water is recommended for use in cases of frequent bloating, heaviness in the stomach, and heartburn. It is indicated as a mild antacid, in other words, it is used as a means to neutralize high acidity. Patients note an immediate effect when drinking Luzhanskaya mineral water.

Another brand of alkaline mineral water has a deposit in Ukraine " Polyana Kvasova" It consists of almost 100% salts, but unlike the mineral water “Luzhanskaya” and “Polyana Kvasova”, it is more mineralized. Indications for use are diabetes and obesity. It can be taken both before and after meals, but different therapeutic effects are observed.

« Svalyava", another alkaline-mineral water from Ukrainian producers. Has a medium degree of mineralization. A characteristic feature of this brand of mineral water is its high boron content. Water with this content is recommended for patients with diseases of the liver, kidneys and biliary tract.

Thus, we see that brands of alkaline mineral water are good because they have different degrees of mineralization. Therefore, each patient will be able to choose the right one for himself.

In this list we have listed the names of alkaline mineral waters that are the most popular among consumers and have an impeccable reputation.

How to use water

Indications

Alkaline mineral waters have a number of indications for use:

Please note that you should not self-medicate!

When carrying out therapy with alkaline mineral waters, the doctor prescribes water indicated for a specific disease, in addition, the dosage, time and method of administration are strictly prescribed.

Contraindications

Since, in addition to indications for use, there are a number of contraindications:

Rules for taking alkaline mineral water

The most effective and beneficial effect comes from water, which is consumed at special resorts, from a natural well.

But it is possible to get the maximum benefit by drinking alkaline mineral water from the manufacturers listed above in our article at home.

The following general rules must be followed:

The principle of the effect of alkaline mineral water on the body

This water is intended to eliminate the existing deficiency of minerals and beneficial microelements in the body, as well as to restore the acid-base balance.

The principle of operation is that during the interaction of alkali metals with water, hydrogen is released, which is necessary for the cells of the body to perform their functions in the required volume.

How does alkaline mineral water affect the body?

1. With its help, carbohydrate and fat metabolism is regulated.
2. Helps speed up the process of removing waste and toxins from the body.
3. Does not allow the formation of foci of inflammation.
4. Strengthens the immune system.
5. Due to the fact that it contains magnesium, the overall functioning of the brain, memory and heart muscle improves.
6. Enhances the therapeutic effects of certain medications.

In this article we reviewed the most popular types of alkaline mineral water and their beneficial properties. I would also like to note that when drinking this medicinal water, swelling disappears, memory and attention improve, and the aging process slows down.

Water is the cradle of life. About 60% of an adult’s body consists of water, its share in an infant’s body is 75%. Impaired water balance can cause overwork, fatigue, and the loss of 10% of water threatens human health and life. The daily rate of water consumption depends on many factors and is, on average, 1.5 - 3 liters. It turns out that water can not only quench your thirst, but also improve your health.

The healing properties of mineral water have been known and used since ancient times. For example, the name of the famous water Narzan has Abaza roots and means “heroic spring.” It was believed that the water from it restores health, youth and beauty. Therefore, local heroes, when going to war, always drank from this source in order to gain strength before a difficult campaign.

Modern science has proven the positive effect of mineral water on the body. And numerous balneological health resorts in Russia offer services for the treatment of many diseases using the healing properties of water from sources.

Mineral water source No. 23 in Kislovodsk

What is mineral water?

Mineral water differs from fresh water in its increased content of minerals, ranging from 1% to 5%. The water may not contain dry substances, but it is mineral due to iodine, bromine, arsenic, lithium and other medicinal components. Water containing hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide and radon has the greatest effect. There is water that does not contain either minerals or other elements in sufficient quantities, but it still belongs to the mineral category. This is due to the fact that the body is affected by both individual elements and water as a whole.

Classification of mineral waters.

In total, there are 5 types of mineral waters: alkaline, sulfate, nitrate, chloride and combined (mixed). According to the degree of mineralization, they distinguish: low-mineralized water (up to 5 g/l), medium-mineralized (from 5 to 30 g/l) and highly mineralized (over 30 g/l).

There is also a clinical classification, according to which low-mineralized water (up to 1 g/l) is considered table water. This means that it can be consumed as drinking water, bringing only benefits to your body. Water with mineralization from 1 to 10 g/l is called medicinal table water; it has medicinal properties, so you should not get too carried away with its use. Water with a mineralization of more than 30 g/l is considered medicinal. This water can only be drunk on the recommendation of a doctor.

Useful properties of mineral water.

Treatment with mineral waters helps eliminate or reduce the severity of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (acute gastritis, colitis, peptic ulcers), diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract (cholecystitis, pyelonephritis, cholelithiasis), pancreatitis, hepatitis, diseases of the cardiovascular system and respiratory pathways, as well as gynecological diseases and metabolic disorders. At balneological resorts, the therapeutic effect is achieved not only due to the healing properties of mineral waters, but also thanks to a special spa regime, a special diet prescribed by the attending physician, a change of environment and the absence of stress factors. Thus, the most favorable environment for the positive effect of treatment is created.

The most important mistake that people make who want to experience the healing effect of mineral water on themselves is its indefatigable use. In this case, instead of benefit, you can get harm. The first thing you need to do is consult with your doctor, who should determine which mineral water is best to drink, how many times a day, and in what quantity. In addition, there are contraindications for which drinking mineral water is not only undesirable, but also dangerous, for example, many chronic diseases in the acute stage. Therefore, it is best to undergo treatment with mineral waters in specialized balneological sanatoriums.

Mineral water sources.

In Russia and the former CIS countries there are many sources of medicinal mineral waters, known throughout the world. The resorts of the Caucasian Mineral Waters region (Kislovodsk, Zheleznovodsk, Essentuki), as well as Borjomi and Arzni, are famous for their carbonic waters. Sources of hydrogen sulfide waters are located in the Sochi region, Ust-Kachinsk (Perm region), radon waters - in Pyatigorsk, and ferruginous waters - in Truskovets.

Methods of treatment with mineral waters.

Mineral waters in sanatoriums enter the body orally (through the mouth), through the rectum, and also through irrigation and mineral baths.

Sanatorium doctors treat drinking mineral water very responsibly. For each disease, a certain type of water and its daily consumption rate are suitable.

Drinking treatment is the oldest method of obtaining benefits from a mineral spring. For example, the resorts of the Caucasian Mineral Waters began to gain popularity back in the nineteenth century. The main feature of mineral water treatment at that time was the consumption of large amounts of water (up to three liters per day). Then this process became more streamlined, and mineral baths, showers and rain baths were added to it. After some time, mineral waters became available not only at resorts, but also at home, as this medicinal product began to be shipped around the world in large quantities in bottles.

In the Narzan gallery

Drinking treatment.

Most often, mineral water is consumed in its pure form, with the exception of highly concentrated water, which is diluted with plain water so as not to irritate the walls of the stomach. When receiving treatment in sanatoriums that have their own mineral springs, the water is usually drunk directly from there. It has been established that when such water is stored for a long time in an open container, denaturation occurs in its composition, it loses its temperature and gases, salts settle in it, the water becomes cloudy and loses its taste, as well as many medicinal properties.

Water temperature is an important factor that should also be taken into account during treatment. If it exceeds 55 degrees, the water should be cooled, if below 10 degrees, it should be heated. In large resorts, many sources where water is released have mechanical water heating systems installed by steam or mechanical heating. Typically, water with a temperature of 10 to 50 degrees is used for treatment.

The dosage of mineral water is prescribed by the attending physician. It depends on the nature and severity of the disease, on the type of mineral water and its properties, on the condition of the patient. To achieve the greatest healing effect, it is necessary to accurately determine the daily dose and the number of doses per day, as well as the duration of the course. The dosage can vary from 1 tablespoon to 1-2 glasses. You should be very careful when prescribing mineral waters with a pronounced effect on the body. For example, one of the Georgian springs contains a large amount of arsenic, there are waters with high mineralization or a high content of elements such as chlorine and calcium.

Low- and medium-mineralized water is usually prescribed for preventive purposes, 200-250 ml, in two doses with an interval of 10-15 minutes. In general, the dosage, frequency and time of administration directly depends on the individual characteristics of the person and his disease.

For example, for maximum impact on kidney function and metabolism, it is best to take water in the morning, on an empty stomach. This way it enters the intestines faster and in a less altered form than on a full stomach.

In diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, drinking water is associated with meals. It is usually prescribed to be taken three times a day before meals. If gastric secretion is reduced, water should be taken 15-30 minutes before meals; with normal secretion - 45-50 minutes, and with increased secretion - 1.5 hours before meals. Moreover, people with reduced secretion are recommended to drink water slowly, in small sips, in order to increase the time of its effect on the gastric mucosa and enhance its secretion. And with increased secretion and acidity of the stomach, on the contrary, it is necessary to drink mineral water in one gulp so that it quickly enters the intestines, and from there inhibits the production of gastric juice.

For constipation, add a small amount of laxative water (Batalinskaya) or sodium or potassium sulfate (1-2 teaspoons per glass of water) to low-mineralized water. Laxative waters should be drunk quickly so that they reach the intestines faster. Drinking slowly may cause the water to cool down, and if the temperature is not high enough, the effect may be reduced.

To treat diseases of the upper respiratory tract, alkaline or salt-alkaline waters mixed with warm milk are prescribed. Treatment usually occurs at home using bottled mineral water. When using such water, care should be taken to store it properly so as not to lose the healing effect. It should be stored in a cool place, tightly closed, and preferably in a horizontal position.

In case of increased stomach acidity and flatulence, mineral water should first be freed from gases. To do this, you can warm it up or blow it through a straw.

Baths, irrigation and other methods of treatment with mineral waters.

Along with drinking treatment, for special indications, mineral enemas, gastric lavage and irrigation, mineral baths and other procedures are used.

The use of baths and showers with salt waters (sodium chloride) relieves pain, reduces inflammation, strengthens the nervous system and improves skin tone.

Baths with mineral water containing nitrogen lower blood pressure and help normalize the body's hematopoietic functions. This is achieved due to the large number of nitrogen bubbles in the water.

Showers, irrigations and baths with hydrogen sulfide water treat nervous disorders, increase immunity, and also restore the functioning of the thyroid and gonads.

Procedures using carbonated water are usually prescribed to people whose illnesses are severe. This water helps normalize blood circulation, restore respiratory functions and speed up metabolism. Thanks to special equipment, a kind of “cocktail” of oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapor is created.

During such procedures, not only mineral water and its chemical elements influence the body, but also a massage effect that helps saturate tissues with oxygen, improves blood circulation and improves skin tone.

Thus, the use of mineral water has its own characteristics. Thus, some types are indicated for some diseases, but have contraindications for use in other diseases. Therefore, before starting treatment, it is necessary to consult a doctor, preferably a specialist in the field of balneology, which is available in every sanatorium-resort institution specializing in treatment with mineral waters.

All doctors and fitness instructors loudly and in unison say that you need to drink more water. In addition, it will be nice if daily drinking mineral water becomes a habit.

If the body does not have enough fluid, metabolic processes slow down and metabolic products are eliminated worse. And this leads to a variety of nightmares ranging from flaky skin to severe digestive problems. A lack of fluid can even be the cause of edema - the cells “store” it. Therefore, general recommendations, especially relevant for those who want to deal with disordered eating, systematic overeating and excess weight, are as follows: drink 30 grams of water per day per kilogram of body weight (but no more than 2 liters). There is a nuance: we are talking specifically about water (juices, teas, broths, etc. for the body, this is not drink, but food). The only problem is to choose what exactly to drink, since along with toxins and other garbage, the legendary “2 liters per day” flushes out completely unnecessary minerals from the body. The logical solution is to drink mineral water, giving the body what it needs.

Salt to taste

Mineral water has the right to be called a liquid extracted from an officially registered underground source, with the original set of salts preserved. What kind of water is in the bottle should be written on the label. Look for the words "sediment at 180 degrees", "total salinity" or "total salinity" - they all mean the same thing.

Depending on how many chemical elements and other substances can be dissolved in water, it is declared medicinal (10-15 g of salts per liter, drunk only as prescribed by a doctor). You should not overuse medicinal waters - this can lead to salt deposition and other rather unpleasant consequences. Medicinal table waters contain 1-10 g of salts per liter, are used for preventive purposes and are also not suitable for constant use.

Table mineral water contains no more than 1 gram of salts per liter; it can be drunk at any time. And it would be nice if half of those “daily 2 liters” were just such water. You don’t have to worry too much about your choice and focus on your own taste - just drink the mineral water that you find especially pleasant. But if you intend to select a certain pool of mineral waters for constant use, for example, as part of a weight loss program or a maintenance course for any chronic disease, consultation with a specialist is necessary.

Mineral waters are classified according to the salts they contain:

• Bicarbonate ( "Arkhyz"). Recommended for people leading an active lifestyle, infants and patients with cystitis. Harmful for gastritis.
• Sulfate ( "Essentuki No. 20"). Recommended for liver problems; it has a mild laxative effect. Contraindicated in children and adolescents, since sulfates can interfere with calcium absorption, which means bone formation. For the same reason, women over 50 who are at risk for osteoparosis should not drink it.
• Chloride ( "Essentuki No. 4", "Aksu"). Regulates the functioning of the intestines, bile ducts and liver. Harmful for high blood pressure.
• Magnesium ( "Narzan", "Erinskaya"). Helps with constipation and stress, not recommended for people prone to stomach upsets.
• Fluoride ( "Lazarevskaya", "Sochinskaya"). Recommended for pregnant women and people suffering from osteoporosis. Contraindicated for those who have fluoridated tap water at home.
• Glandular ( "Martialnaya", "Polyustrovskaya"). Indicated for iron deficiency anemia. Contraindicated for peptic ulcers.
• Sour ( "Shmakovskaya"). Recommended for low acidity of gastric juice. Harmful for ulcers.
• Sodium ( "Smirnovskaya", "Narzan"). Helps with constipation and poor digestion, not recommended for hypertensive patients and those prescribed a low-salt diet.
• Calcium ( "Smirnovskaya", "Slavyanovskaya"). Recommended for milk intolerance, pregnant women, children and adolescents. May reduce blood pressure. It has no strict contraindications.

Most mineral waters contain a large range of salts and therefore belong to several classes at the same time. For example, “Smirnovskaya” is sodium-calcium, “Narzan” is sodium-magnesium, etc. By the way, there is no need to cook in a “mineral water”, even a dining room one - when boiling, the salts give sediment and can form compounds that are not absorbed by the body.

With or without bubbles?

Mineral water can be carbonated or without gas. If for medical reasons you drink, for example, Essentuki 17, which can only be carbonated, you have no choice. If there are no such strict frameworks, decide for yourself - water “with bubbles” or without. First of all, the gas can be natural or artificially added. The second option seems dubious to gastroenterologists: the “non-native” gas can interfere with the absorption of mineral substances in the water itself. In addition, there is an opinion that in general any carbonated liquid contributes to the appearance of cellulite. By the way, it happens that gas naturally disappears from natural carbonated water. And before bottling it is again, artificially, added to the water. Taking into account all of the above, I would like to stick to water without gas - sin gas or eau naturelle.

If you still choose soda, keep in mind: firstly, no more than 2 glasses a day (otherwise the main effect of use will be a bloated belly). Secondly, in case of chronic gastritis with high acidity and ulcers, mineral water is drunk quickly, almost in one gulp, and in case of normal and low acidity - slowly, in small sips.

Complex issue

Real natural mineral water requires delicate handling from those who bottle it. Of course, the ideal option is to drink water directly from the source. But, since “Narzan” does not flow from every tap, let’s return to bottled mineral water.

Most liquids that are declared “mineral water” are born like this: first, water from an artesian well (well, if not from a water supply) undergoes deep purification. Such filtration not only removes all harmful impurities, but at the same time rids the water of everything useful that accidentally ended up in it. At the second stage, salts and other minerals are added to the water, bringing the chemical composition to any desired state. Of course, with this approach there may be more or less salts than we would like. And even if there is exactly as much “filling” as is needed, for example, for “Essentuki”, it will still not be a “living” environment, but simply a solution of salts. Of course, there is no need to expect a therapeutic effect from drinking such a liquid.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to determine what kind of water is standing in front of you on the supermarket shelf. You should focus on well-known manufacturers and famous sources, glass containers that better preserve the properties of water, and a fairly high price. Another fairly safe option is local mineral water, which is simply not economically profitable to counterfeit. By the way, in the Moscow region there are quite enough decent sources - in Dorokhovo, Monino, Tishkovo, Zvenigorod, Arkhangelsk, Erin, Istra and so on.

If we are talking about a complete (at least safe) product, the following information must be indicated on the label:

• Name of water
• Name and contacts of the manufacturer
• Chemical composition
• Degree and method of mineralization
• Source name
• Storage rules
• Best before date