Why are mineral waters harmful? Are they not Nature's healing remedies?

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Mineral Waters

Q. Why are mineral waters harmful? Are they not Nature's healing remedies?

A. Laxative mineral waters are harmful, be­cause they irritate the mucous membrane and in time produce intestinal catarrh. They also expose the liver and kidneys to the harmful ef­fects of overwork. Mineral waters are no more natural healing agencies than are minerals them­selves. No one would think of recommending iron pyrites or limestone as a healing agent; neither are the great salt beds or alkali deposits regarded as natural healing agents. Mineral waters are simply rain water which has been contaminated by coming in contact with various mineral substances while percolating through the earth.

To call mineral waters "Nature's healing remedy" is a great misapplication of terms, and is an error which grows out of a misapprehension of what a natural healing agent is. Nature's healing remedies consist in those forces or agencies which are essential for the maintenance of life, and which are in constant use in carrying forward the ordinary life processes. The curative or therapeutic application of these remedies con­sists in so utilizing them as to intensify or concentrate the effects which they ordinarily exercise upon the body. Mineral waters are in no way beneficial to a healthy man. They may in some instances prove of temporary service in emergencies, but their constant use is now recognized as being highly detrimental. Many European physicians who formerly recommended mineral waters very freely to their patients, now condemn their use for the reasons above stated.

There are many excellent natural waters which are remarkable for their extreme purity or freedom from both mineral contamination and germs or bacteria. Such waters may be used freely, not only without harm, but even with very great safety and advantage.

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