As for electrolytes, usually you need to intake specific foods or liquids that are high in electrolytes (electrolytes are just chemicals that increase electrical conductivity of a solution when dissolved). So while a litre of tap water has more electrolytes than a litre of distilled water, a litre of fruit juice has more (though drinking a litre of fruit juice probably isn't great for you).
As for whether lack of electrolytes is harmful, the answer is yes. Electrolytes are required for your body's electro-chemistry to operate properly and maintain the proper function of your heart, brain, body's fluid-balance, and pH buffer system. When you lose electrolytes (such as through heavy sweating, diarrhea or vomiting) those processes may not work as well.
I would note that when you are dehydrated, hospitals will generally provide you with liquid electrolytes (intravenously if the situation is dire), implying that there is some medical benefit of liquid sources over solid ones (but I might be mistaken). But there are several solid sources of electrolytes.
How much distilled water does it take to cause "harm"?
Since "normal" water can cause loss of electrolytes also, what is the actual difference between the two? (is there any actual data? or do we have to guess?)
A commenter further down says distilled water causes stomach cells to explode and diarrhoea. But since I just found out today that the entire Navy provides only distilled water to it's sailors. (think 3 months under the sea in a submarine with only distilled water) I am really starting to think that the idea that distilled water was ever bad for anyone is a myth.
Read the quote again. I said lack of electrolytes is harmful, because that's what you asked. I don't believe that distilled water is harmful by itself (though if you take it and you don't know that you need to take in minerals from other sources then it could be harmful purely through negligence). I'm just trying to answer your question.
> But since I just found out today that the entire Navy provides only distilled water to it's sailors. (think 3 months under the sea in a submarine with only distilled water)
But sailors are also given vitamin supplements (to prevent scurvy and a variety of other diseases). I'd be surprised if they aren't also given some form of mineral and electrolyte supplements, to combat those problems. I don't know why they'd provide them distilled water though.
> A commenter further down says distilled water causes stomach cells to explode and diarrhoea.
I'm in agreement with you that this comment doesn't make any sense.
I know that is what you said, but we are talking in circles.
Why do you think distilled water robs you of _enough_ electrolytes to cause harm? There must be some real data or proof somewhere?
I've read a lot of comments here claiming this, but not a single source is quoted anywhere. Don't you think it's odd that many believe something, yet it's so hard to find proof of it?
According to this medical doctor distilled water is considered helpful against cancer, specifically stating no added minerals, vitamins or electrolytes. Interview from Rising (web mag?) with Dr. Jason Fung (JF).
>JF ‘When the body senses the temporary absence of nutrients, it must prioritise which cellular parts to keep. The oldest and most worn-out cells get discarded, and amino acids from the broken-down cell parts are delivered to the liver, which uses them to create glucose during gluconeogenesis – a natural process in the body that helps to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Cancer may be a result of what’s called ‘disordered autophagy’. We’re learning that this process plays a role in cancer biology, and products that inhibit this process have been approved by the Food & Drug Administration in the US for the treatment of cancers. Fasting’s role in stimulating autophagy provides an opportunity to prevent cancer. And that’s why Dr Seyfried proposes a yearly seven-day water-only fast.’
RISING Seven days with no food, just water?
JF ‘Distilled water, to be precise. No additives, no vitamins, no minerals. Distilled water and nothing else.’
http://www.therisingman.com/categories/movement-fuel/article...