Fact check: Does distilled water leach minerals from your body when consumed?

1. Summary of the results

The claim that distilled water leaches minerals from the body is definitively contradicted by multiple expert sources. In fact, medical professionals including Dr. Bill Misner argue that distilled water actually enhances mineral absorption ^[1]. This position is further supported by Dr. Ron Kennedy and Dr. Norman Walker, who explain that distilled water only helps remove harmful inorganic minerals that have already been rejected by cells, not essential minerals integral to body tissues ^[2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual points are missing from the original question:

• There is a crucial distinction between organic and inorganic minerals. The body preferentially absorbs organic minerals from plant foods, while inorganic minerals found in tap water are poorly absorbed ^[1]
• The body's mineral absorption process is more complex than commonly understood. Dr. George Cromack explicitly identifies the mineral leaching claim as a "myth" ^[3]
• The primary source of minerals should be fruits and vegetables, not water ^[3]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question reflects a common misconception that may benefit several groups:

• Water filtration companies that sell mineral-enhanced water products might benefit from perpetuating fears about distilled water
• Bottled water companies marketing "mineral-rich" water varieties could profit from this misconception
• The question itself contains an implicit bias by suggesting a potentially harmful effect without acknowledging the scientific consensus that distilled water is safe and potentially beneficial for mineral absorption ^{[1] [2]}

The scientific evidence, supported by multiple medical professionals, consistently shows that the mineral-leaching concern is unfounded, and distilled water may actually enhance the body's ability to process and utilize minerals properly ^{[1] [2] [3]}.