Softened water might be better for your plumbing and appliances, but are there any side effects you should be aware of if you plan to drink the water from your softener?
Here, we’ve discussed the possible side effects of drinking softened water, including gastrointestinal effects, effects of increased sodium intake, and effects of reduced mineral intake.
First, you might experience symptoms of gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, constipation, or diarrhea, when you drink softened water for the first time.
How much sodium your body can tolerate depends on factors including your age, weight, and gender, but the RDI for sodium is 2,300mg for a healthy adult.
Soft water only contains traces of sodium and will hardly affect your salt intake, so it’s not something to worry about unless your diet is very high in sodium anyway.