What distinguishes raw water from other types?

Question

Hello doctor,

I want to know the following:

What is raw water, and how is it different from the tap, spring, and other types of water?
What are the perceived benefits and dangers of drinking raw water?
When did this fad start?
Have you ever seen a patient get sick from drinking raw water?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Raw water consumption has become quite a thing recently, particularly in certain parts of the United States and among people depending on or advocating alternative or herbal medicine. It is unprocessed and totally natural water, so it is high in salt content and other constituents that prevent or slow down cellular aging; however, this is just theoretical with no published results. It differs from filtered water and spring water in its high salt content and silica, and lacks chlorine and fluoride, which are usually found in processed water.

Also, the main difference is that it contains many pathogenic organisms, ranging from bacteria to parasites, causing various diseases and serious infections, some of which are life-threatening. Namely, typhoid and paratyphoid fever, leptospirosis, shigellosis, schistosomiasis, cholera, amoebiasis, etc. I have heard of many cases of raw water making people sick. Cases of typhoid, amoebiasis, and cholera, which are water-borne diseases, are quite prevalent in some areas.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.