Health benefits of mineral waters - Before talking about the benefits of mineral waters, let's not forget that water itself is magic. Mineral springs, thermal springs, can offer unique health benefits. Medical research, especially in Europe, has proven the benefits of thermal spring waters in the prevention but also in the treatment of many ailments, in so-called "cures spa or spa treatments".
Some results are directly related to the concentration of minerals, many of which are directly absorbed through the skin and then enter the circulation as they are incorporated into the body tissues. Other cures are related to temperature, viscosity, alkalinity or other properties of the water. Sometimes "feeling better" is difficult to quantify scientifically, but it is clear that people throughout history have felt better following spa treatments.
In our country, the mineral springs installations are checked and periodical, detailed laboratory analyses of the physico-chemical-microbiological properties of the water are carried out, as well as recommendations of indications and contraindications for external cures - balneation or drinking cures - are given crenotherapy.
Each spring is unique, so its indication by the medical recovery doctor and balneology varies depending on the temperature of the water, its mineral content and the condition being treated. Treatments also include rest, massage, physiotherapy, physiotherapy, electrotherapy, hydrotherapy, inhalation and specific diets.
The human body is considered to tolerate a narrow range of water temperature for bathing. A generally comfortable range is between temperatures below 36°C (98°F) and a maximum of 41°C (106°F).
As is well known, mineral waters originate in the earth's crust through the dissolving action of groundwater on the rocks with which it comes into contact. The chemical composition of mineral water always reflects the geological structure at the level of groundwater circulation.
Drinking cure or Crenotherapy with mineral waters is indicated in digestive diseases, bile duct disorders, liver, metabolic diseases, diabetes mellitus, obesity, hyperuricemia, hyperuricemia, gout, and the amount ingested in 24 hours should be related to the patient's weight.
The exception is the diuresis cure in kidney and urinary tract diseases: chronic glomerulonephritis, chronic pyelonephritis, renal lithiasis (uric, phosphate, oxalic), chronic inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract where 35-40 ml/kg in 24 hours in 5-6 doses, one in the evening is recommended. The total amount is 2000-2500-3000 ml/24 hours.
The dose must be adapted to the possibilities of urinary elimination, in order to obtain the best diuretic efficiency, compatible with the conditions of absorption, circulation, urinary secretion. The ratio between the quantity of fluid ingested and the quantity of urine eliminated is not fixed. It varies according to extrarenal water loss (respiration, perspiration), climate, diet and physical exertion.
It is indicated in musculoskeletal disorders, disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system, stabilized chronic cardiovascular, dermatological, gynecological, posttraumatic, abarticular diseases and is performed by three factors: thermal, chemical and mechanical.
The chemical factor is the chemical elements that are present in the water. There is a migration of K, Ca, Mg, Fe and sulphate ions from the water into the body, and an important elimination from the body of Na, urea, acid radicals;
The thermal factor is due to the temperature of the water, approximately 36º-37º C in external cures in pools or pools. This has effects on the circulatory system, central and peripheral, on muscles, metabolism.
The mechanical factor is represented in pools and basins by the hydrostatic pressure according to Pascal's principle. And by the pushing force according to Archimedes' law. This has beneficial effects, particularly on the locomotor and cardiovascular systems.
Dr. Gabriela Dogaru
Primary Physician Recovery, Physical Medicine and Balneology Recovery Clinic Hospital Cluj-Napoca
First Vice-President of the Romanian Association of Balneology
References
Constantin Munteanu, Delia Cinteză. Scientific research on natural therapeutic factors. București. Editura Balneară, 2011
Constantin Munteanu.Therapeutic mineral waters. București. Spa Publishing House, 2013
Balneoclimatic cure - indications and contraindications. Ministry of Health, Medical Publishing House, Bucharest, 1986
Primary Doctor Recovery, physical medicine and balneology - Clinical Hospital of Recovery Cluj Napoca, First Vice President Romanian Association of Balneology
