Some people do not know the difference between hard water and soft water, and this is understandable since both types look similar when viewed with the naked eye. The main difference between hard water and soft water is the number of minerals or chemicals present in the water, especially calcium and magnesium. Hard water contains high amounts of magnesium and calcium, whereas soft water contains mainly sodium. Drinking hard water is associated with many health benefits because it contains some essential minerals needed by the body. However, hard water may also have several adverse effects on your body and overall health. Here are some of the effects of hard water on the body.
Dry Skin and Hair
Magnesium, calcium, and other chemicals present in hard water result in detergents and other cleaning products not dissolving properly in the water. This failure to dissolve completely makes the products remain attached to your skin even after washing because such water cannot thoroughly rinse them off. As a result, your skin and hair become dry, and you are likely to get an itchy or irritating feeling on your skin. Washing your hair with hard water for a long time is believed to make your hair more dry than usual because the minerals remain attached to the hair after washing.
Skin Problems
Apart from making your skin dry, hard water may also affect the ability of the skin to provide the necessary protection from harmful bacteria and substances. Magnesium and other chemicals found in hard water tend to react with the body’s chemicals and consequently alter your body’s pH balance. Under normal circumstances, the skin maintains an optimal pH value that protects against harmful bacteria that may cause skin problems. However, when the pH balance is affected by the hard water, the ability to protect against these bacteria reduces, leaving your skin susceptible to harmful bacteria. Some studies have suggested that there is a connection between using hard water and eczema. Children who have eczema are particularly likely to be affected by hard water.
Kidney Stones
Although there is no conclusive evidence, several studies suggest that hard water may contribute to developing kidney stones. Kidney stones mainly comprise calcium salts, and the fact that hard water contains these chemicals makes it possible that it could be a potential cause of this condition.
Cardiovascular and Coronary Heart Disease
Some researchers have suggested that magnesium and calcium could potentially cause cardiovascular disorders and coronary heart disease. While calcium and magnesium are vital for enhanced health, excessive or insufficient amounts of these minerals could adversely affect cardiovascular health.
Cancer
Experts associate hard water with several types of cancer, including colon cancer. Several studies indicate that the risk of getting colon cancer is higher in individuals who consume water with high degrees of water hardness.
Conclusion
As discussed above, hard water has numerous health benefits, but at the same time, it may cause skin problems and other health complications. To prevent any health complications arising from the use of hard water, you may consider hiring water softening services from a reputable service provider.
If you would like to steer clear from any of these health effects that hard water can have on your body, call Austin Water Solutions or visit our website! We would be happy to discuss different water filtration options in Austin, Tx.