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Water qaulity an issue?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 7/13/2009 4:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, psychocolon's hubby here. Greetings! :)

I'm wondering if water quality issues could have anything to do with UC.

We have a 500' well that is loaded with dissolved impurities: TDS is around 500 PPM, which boarders on undrinkable according to the EPA. We have a 10 year old whole house water softener and use Potassium Chloride as the recharge medium. We also use a R.O. (Reverse Osmosis) system for drinking water and cooking water, but until recently we have not monitored the TDS of anything, or done any detailed water analysis (we are waiting on the analysis now).

A couple months ago we discovered that iron had fouled the water softener and R.O. system. The water softener and R.O. system were letting through a lot of impurities. It has since been cleared out and all filters changed but we are wondering if high mineral content (mainly iron, calcium and magnesium) in drinking water could cause flareups?

Any info on this? I've done a bit of google research but haven't really seen much on it as it applies to UC.

Coincidentally, the UC started a bit after the well was done. There were other issues that can trigger UC going on at the time but I figured I toss this out and see if anyone had any info.
Posted 7/13/2009 4:17 PM (GMT 0)
was the well done during a time of moving to that new location?

I think the immune system trigger is the key....what triggers it initially is pretty much anyone's guess.

I drank distilled water for 10 years, but that started about 4 years before diagnosis...so....it wasn't the water I don't think.

It is best, however, to make sure your water is as healthy as possible....I've never had a well so I'm not much help in that matter....but some things in the water could possibly add stress to the workings of the body in general possibly adding to the autoimmune response.

Hope you find some answers.

quincy
Posted 7/13/2009 5:06 PM (GMT 0)
No, the deep well was to replace a shallow well that was running dry. The water treatment stuff was put in with the new well as the old one had great water.

I just wonder because of the timing. I believe it was a viral thing that initially triggered the UC, but that was within a year after the new well (I think, the wife will know for sure but shes at work ATM but it was definitely after the new well). Quite probably just coincidence but ya never know..

But I do wonder if higher than normal minerals and such may cause or prolong flares.

We know the water is free of bacteriological contaminants, and city water is typically 200-300 PPM TDS (bottled water is around 70, properly functioning R.O. is very close to zero) but I just figure I would investigate anything that's under our control.

I did come across an article that mentioned high mineral content water can cause gastrointestinal issues but it was in general, not for just for UC. I don't recall what particular minerals (iron?) or amounts, but I'll try to find it again and post it. I think it was an EPA study.

Post Edited (psychocolon) : 7/13/2009 11:10:23 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/13/2009 5:12 PM (GMT 0)
My initial reaction is that it doesn't have much to do with UC, simply because there is a lower incidence of UC in less developed countries, and my guess is that their drinking water isn't all that great. But, maybe get the RO system fixed and see if that helps anything.
Posted 7/13/2009 6:20 PM (GMT 0)
OK just found the links, they are at the EPA site. Not sure if I can post links (I haven't read the stickies yet) but here are a few the non biological substances that can cause problems for UC folks. Obviously, pretty much all biological contaminants cause gastrointestinal problems so I won't list them. There are a few more, when I have the time I'll post what I find.


Substance     Effect
-----------     ------

*Minerals:

Beryllium      Intestinal lesions
Copper        Short term exposure: Gastrointestinal distress  

*Organic Chemicals

Endothall      Stomach and intestinal problems 

Posted 7/13/2009 7:32 PM (GMT 0)
When I was diagnosed almost 7 years ago we had city water, we've had well water for about 3 1/2 years now and I haven't noticed any change in my symptoms between city and well water.
Posted 7/14/2009 1:30 AM (GMT 0)
we have a well, thats all i have ever had my entire life. Well water can have small microogranisms living in them that can trigger stomach troubles. However fi you are exposed to those your whole life they can also boost your immune system.
Iron can def cause stomach problems.
However when i was still sick the only water i could drink without it making my stomach upset was the water from my house.
Posted 7/14/2009 1:42 AM (GMT 0)
Drank well water for 20 years no problems. City water for 3 and developed UC. Don't think the water had anything to do with it though. Maybe wrong though. Wouldn't be the first time, lol.
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