Raw waters of diabetes: a nutritionist's perspective»

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If you scroll through feed or hear a conversation about “root water,” you may wonder if it's the next big thing in health trends or another dangerous outbreak.

Raw water advocates claim it is a natural and untreated option with added health benefits, but is it safe, especially for people with diabetes?

Pour it into facts (intentional pun!) and see if raw water is worth the hype, or if it's better to stick to the basics.

What is raw water?

Raw water is untreated, unfiltered, unfired, unequipped water, fed directly from natural springs, lakes, or streams. Advocates of raw water advertise its “living” quality and claim that beneficial minerals, probiotics and other nutrients have been stripped of during the filtration and purification process.

Does it sound refreshing? It's not that fast. Drinking raw water means skipping safety precautions designed to remove harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can make you sick.^1,2

Risk of raw water for everyone – including people with diabetes

1. Potential contaminants: Raw water may contain harmful microorganisms E. coli, Giardiaand Cryptosporidiumcan cause serious gastrointestinal problems and dehydration. For people with diabetes, dehydration can quickly lead to blood sugar spikes and complications.^1,3
2. Lack of regulations: Unlike urban or bottled water, raw water is not regulated or tested for safety. This means you're gambling with every bite.⁴
3. Electrolyte imbalance: If you become ill in raw water, you risk losing essential electrolytes through vomiting and diarrhea. Electrolyte imbalances can make glycemic control even more difficult.³
4. Unknown mineral content: Raw water fans praise the mineral content, but the amounts may vary significantly and may contain harmful levels of heavy metals such as lead and arsenic. There is no guarantee that you are getting “good.”^5,6

Diseases related to drinking raw water

Drinking raw water can expose you to a variety of diseases caused by harmful microorganisms, chemicals and toxins. Here are some examples:

1. Diseases caused by bacteria:
   • Escherichia coli infection: Faecological contamination from humans or animals can lead to diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and kidney complications.¹
   • Salmonella: Contaminated water can cause fever, diarrhea, convulsions and dehydration.³
   • Vibrio cholerae: It is often found in areas with poor hygiene, leading to severe watery diarrhea and dehydration.^1,4
2. Diseases caused by viruses:
   • Hepatitis A: Spreads through contaminated water, causing yellowing, fatigue and abdominal pain.¹
   • Norovirus: It is known for its outbreaks that lead to vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration.³
   • Rotavirus: Common in children and causes severe diarrhea and fever.¹
3. Diseases caused by parasites:
   • Giardiasis (Giardia lamblia): Causes diarrhea, nausea and bloating that are found in lakes and streams.^1,3
   • Cryptosporidium disease (Cryptosporidium): Causes severe diarrhea and stomach pain.¹
   • Amebiasis (Entamoeba histolytica): It leads to diarrhea, convulsions, and liver abscesses.¹
   • Schistosomiasis: Contracts through freshwater contaminated with snails carrying parasites, causing rashes, fever and long-term organ damage.⁴
4. Diseases caused by chemicals or heavy metals:
   • Arsenic poisoning: Groundwater causes the risk of skin lesions, nausea and cancer.⁵
   • Lead poisoning: Old pipes or natural contamination lead to neurological and kidney problems.⁶
   • Pesticide Contamination: Agricultural spills can cause hormonal imbalances and liver damage.^5,6
5. Potential long-term health risks:
   • Kidney damage due to repeated exposure to toxins.⁵
   • Lead or mercury neuropathy.⁶
   • Chronic gastrointestinal problems caused by long-term infections.^1,4

Does raw water offer real benefits?

It is true that some filtration processes can remove trace minerals from tap water, but these minerals are usually present in small quantities. It is best to obtain essential nutrients from a balanced diet or take supplements if necessary.

The claims about raw water probiotics also do not hold much – heme – water. Most healthy gut bacteria come from food rather than your drink, and the risk of harmful bacteria far outweighs the benefits of potential probiotics.^1,2

What is the verdict for diabetics?

Drinking raw water is not worth the risk, especially if you are managing diabetes. Safe hydration is the basis of blood glucose control, and the unpredictable nature of raw water can lead to unnecessary complications in your daily life.

Instead, choose these safe and healthy alternatives.

• Filtered tap water: Most tap water in the US is affordable and accessible. However, there are a few exceptions. Filters can improve taste and remove minor impurities.^1,3
• Mineral water: Bottled mineral water is regulated and provides a reliable source of minerals.⁶
• Electrolyte injection water: Perfect for training and hydration during illness, especially when managing blood sugar levels.³
• Natural spring waterNatural spring water is water collected from protected natural springs, processed to meet safety and purity standards while retaining naturally occurring minerals, and is safe and substituted for raw water. It is an alternative.

Final Thoughts on Raw Water

While raw water trends may sound attractive to the promise of natural benefits, for people with diabetes (and everyone else), the risk far outweighs all perceived benefits.

When it comes to hydration, it's better to stick to proven options that are safe, healthy and thriving. To keep drinking water safe, cleansing and fortress is necessary.

Have you come across a wellness trend that scratched your head? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Share the bottom line on nutrition.

reference

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Waterborne disease. https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/disease/index.html ↩︎
2. World Health Organization (WHO). Drinking water quality guidelines. https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/guidelines/en/ ↩︎
3. Mayo Clinic. Healthy hydration tips. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating ↩︎
4. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Safe drinking water. https://www.epa.gov/safewater
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5. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). Heavy metals and health. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/heavy-metals/index.cfm ↩︎
6. Harvard Chan School of Public Health. Risk of raw water. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu ↩︎