Another report published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that water softeners can be harmful for some people. If the filter in the water softener is potassium-based, it could contribute to high levels of potassium in the blood. That's a real danger for people with kidney problems, high blood pressure or diabetes. High levels of potassium in the blood can cause irregular heartbeats, weakness in the muscles and heart attacks. Even bottled water isn't all good.
Dentists report a greater rate of cavities in children who drink mostly bottled water.
That's because most city water supplies are fluoridated to protect teeth from cavities. Most bottled waters don't contain fluoride. Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say most people don' t drink enough water of any kind. Other Topics Health Watch is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.