Water therapy - various types of therapeutic water that provide relief for many diseases

Scientific research has confirmed the existence of water with exceptional health-promoting properties. These waters, sourced from underground reservoirs, are free from chemical and microbiological contaminants, exhibit natural variability in physical and chemical characteristics, and have a total mineralization exceeding 1000 mg/dm3. They may contain rare elements or radioactive substances and possess unique features such as temperature or gas content (e.g., radon, nitrogen, methane, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide), which exert beneficial therapeutic effects. In Poland, medicinal waters are found in 72 spa towns, primarily in the southern region, particularly in the Sudetes, Carpathians, and the pre-Carpathian depression. They are used in balneotherapy, bottled water production, and for manufacturing products such as salts, solutions, and sludge.

For water to be classified as medicinal, it must meet at least one criterion for the content of at least one of the listed mineral components. Therefore, we distinguish the following categories of medicinal waters: iron-rich waters with a minimum of 10 mg/dm³ Fe2+; fluoridated waters with a minimum of 2.0 mg/dm³ F; iodine-rich waters with a minimum of 1.0 mg/dm³ J; sulfur-rich waters with a minimum of 1.0 mg/dm³ H2S, HS-, S2-, S2O32- or HSO3-; silica-rich waters with a minimum of 70 mg/dm³ H2SiO3; radon-rich waters with a minimum of 74 Bq/dm³ 222Rn; and carbonated or sparkling waters with a minimum of 250-299 mg/dm³ or 1000 mg/dm³ CO2. Additionally, the diversity of geological structure and hydrogeological conditions leads to significant variability in the chemical composition of medicinal waters. Therefore, we primarily distinguish chemical types such as bicarbonate waters, sulfate waters, chloride waters, and thermal waters.

Hydropathy, also known as drinking therapy, is a therapeutic approach utilizing the healing properties of mineral water, commonly applied in health resorts. It directly affects the digestive system and indirectly influences the entire body. Bottled water is used at home as part of a medically prescribed therapy or as a continuation of a spa treatment. Its chemical composition should match that of water from local sources. Healing waters significantly impact body physiology, regulating digestion, water-electrolyte balance, and supplementing mineral deficiencies. They can also regulate stomach acidity, alter urine pH, and influence its excretion. The correct selection of water based on the condition and recommended dosage is crucial. For instance, carbonated and sulfuric waters are unsuitable for individuals with cardiovascular or kidney issues. They should be avoided in cases of acute inflammation, gastrointestinal bleeding, or after stomach surgeries. Waters rich in magnesium are recommended for those with nervous system disorders, though excessive magnesium can be harmful to kidney patients. Waters high in iron are beneficial for individuals with weakened immune systems but may cause stomach issues in excess. Waters with high calcium content are advised for those at risk of osteoporosis. Healing waters are used in both spa treatments and bottled water production. Despite stringent safety regulations during extraction and bottling, they may contain naturally occurring minerals with potential toxicity.