The Potential Effects of Hard Water on The Body
If you have hard water in your home, it is likely that you are well aware of it. The presence of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals in hard water can wreak havoc on your home. It can cause calcium buildup in your sinks, showers, and bathtubs, and leave mineral deposits on your dishes and shower doors. However, what many homeowners do not realize is that their hard water isn’t just bad for their home; it can also be hard on their body. If you have hard water in your home, here is a look at just a few of the negative effects that exposure to hard water could be having on your body.
Hard Water Dries Out Skin
One of the most obvious effects of hard water on the body that people notice is that it can cause skin irritation. When you have hard water in your home and use it to bathe and wash your hands, your skin is being exposed to the minerals in hard water, which can dry out your skin. This can lead to symptoms such as dry/itchy skin, skin that feels chapped all the time, and new or worsening eczema. Additionally, hard water can make it harder to rinse soap off of your skin properly. Soap residue can then clog your pores, leading to acne. If you have been experiencing any type of skin issue, then you should test your home for hard water as this may be the cause of your problems.
It Can Also Cause Hair Problems
Bathing in hard water is not only bad for your skin, but it can also be devastating for your hair. Not only can the minerals in hard water dry out your hair and make it feel brittle, but it can cause a host of other problems as well. For instance, the minerals in hard water can make your hair more rough and frizzy, making it harder to tame. The presence of magnesium, silica, and calcium in hard water can also lead to breakage and hair thinning. Additionally, regular usage of hard water to wash your hair can actually destroy your hair follicles, causing dandruff or even hair loss. Investing in a water softener if you have hard water in your home can then be a necessity in order to protect your skin and hair.
Hard Water Can Also Affect Your Kidneys
Not only can hard water cause problems on the outside of your body, but if you consume hard water regularly, this can also lead to internal problems. If you primarily drink tap water and there is hard water in your home, this could potentially contribute to the development of kidney stones. While kidney stones can be caused by a variety of factors including genetics, consuming excessive amounts of calcium and magnesium (which are present in hard water) can contribute to the development of kidney stones. If you have hard water in your home, drinking bottled water or investing in a water softener can help to mitigate this risk.
You May Also Be Consuming Too Much Iron
Consuming hard water can also cause you to potentially consume too much iron. While consuming sufficient levels of iron is important in maintaining a healthy body, many people are surprised to learn that you can actually consume too much iron. If there are high levels of iron in your hard water, this can actually contribute to the development of a condition called iron overload. Iron overload can cause a variety of symptoms including nausea/vomiting, fatigue, weight loss, joint pain, and skin problems. If you suspect that you may be experiencing iron overload, it is critical that you seek medical attention, and you should also have your water tested to see if there are high levels of iron in your water supply.
Not only can hard water be a nuisance, but it can actually lead to health problems. If you have hard water in your home, you may want to consider having a water softener installed to mitigate these risks. Contact us to learn more about the benefits of investing in a whole-home water softener.
