Reverse Osmosis Water Filters: Any Downsides?

by Eric Bakker N.D.

I had one subscriber report that he was getting symptoms from his reverse osmosis water system. Drinking ample amount of good quality fresh water is a recommendation I make to all my clients. If possible, the water should be fluoride and chlorine-free. Some people don’t like drinking water because it lacks flavor. In those cases, I suggest adding a slice of lemon or lime and perhaps a twig of mint.

If you’re finding yourself feeling unwell after drinking filtered water, make sure the filter is in working order. It may be that you need a new, good quality reverse osmosis filter. I’ve never heard of a working reverse osmosis filter causing symptoms like heartburn or dehydration.

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If you are getting digestive symptoms, it is unlikely to be related to filtered water. I suspect you have an underlying gut problem that needs sorting out. I recommend you get tested for Helicobacter pylori. You will need to do a carbon urea breath test through your doctor. This test is simple and non-invasive. If that test comes back negative, there could other types of bacterial imbalances in your gut that are causing your symptoms. I consider that to be a much more likely explanation than water filtered water causing indigestion.

Also, make sure that you aren’t taking any medications that could be causing your symptoms. You need to drink enough water, but don’t go overboard. I’ve known people who would have thirty to forty glasses of water per day. Drinking that amount of water can be dangerous because it dilutes the minerals in your blood, which can lead to seizures and worse. I suggest that you drink at least six to eight eight-ounce glasses of water each day. Drinking water is much better for you than trying to get your fluid from pop or juice.

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About Eric Bakker N.D.

Eric Bakker ND has completed almost ten years of study and has almost almost 25 years of clinical experience in natural and integrative forms of medicine, and has pursued continuous post-graduate study in Australia, America, India as well as in New Zealand.

Eric is the past Vice President of the NZ Natural Medicine Association and is currently on their editorial advisory board.