Softened water is water that has had excess minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, removed from it. This process is typically performed using a water softener, which exchanges the excess minerals in the water with sodium ions. Some people have raised concerns about whether softened water could affect blood pressure, as sodium is a known contributor to high blood pressure. Learn More
There is some evidence to suggest that softened water may indeed have an effect on blood pressure. A study published in the American Journal of Hypertension found that people who drank water that was high in sodium had higher blood pressure than those who drank water that was low in sodium. Another study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that people who drank water that was softened using sodium had higher blood pressure than those who drank untreated water.
However, it is important to note that these studies only looked at the effect of high levels of sodium in the water, and it is not clear whether the levels of sodium found in softened water would be sufficient to cause a significant increase in blood pressure. Additionally, other factors, such as diet, exercise, and genetics, can also affect blood pressure, so it is not possible to attribute any changes in blood pressure solely to the consumption of softened water. Next article
Overall, it is possible that softened water could have an effect on blood pressure, but more research is needed to fully understand the extent of this effect. If you are concerned about the potential impact of softened water on your blood pressure, you may want to consider switching to an alternative water treatment method, such as water conditioning or reverse osmosis, which do not involve the use of sodium ions. You should also talk to your doctor about your blood pressure and any concerns you may have.
