A couple in China, who don't drink alcohol or beer, both developed liver cancer after drinking bottled water in a particular way.

Liver cancer is one of the most dangerous and complex diseases, often linked to unhealthy eating habits and lifestyles. However, the case of a couple born in 1990 in China both developing liver cancer has surprised many people, with the cause traced back to their daily habit of drinking bottled water.

According to the husband, Mr. Zhang, both he and his wife have been concerned about eating healthily from an early age. They rarely drink alcohol or soda, and especially make sure to drink water every day. Because their finances weren't abundant, they believed drinking plenty of water was the healthiest and most cost-effective habit. They thought bottled water was better and cleaner, so they drank it daily for 8 years.

The couple was shocked when they learned that the cause of their liver cancer was the bottled water they drank every day, thinking it was clean.

Why does drinking bottled water lead to liver cancer?

According to the doctors treating the couple, bottled water itself isn't harmful, but they chose the wrong type and drank it incorrectly. Similar to many others, they didn’t pay much attention to the quality and storage method of the bottled water.

To save money, they often bought cheaper bottled water, sometimes without labels or certification, produced in small workshops. They also bought large quantities of water to get discounts, storing it at home for months or even years. They believed bottled water didn't expire. In addition, they often reused the bottles for several days.

Experts, however, warn that even bottled water produced under strict procedures can still cause harm if it is not properly stored or transported. Moreover, bottled water does have an expiration date. After opening, it can only be consumed within 3 to 7 days depending on the type and storage conditions.

Studies have shown that drinking bottled water for extended periods, especially after opening and direct contact with the mouth, leads to an increase in harmful bacteria and microorganisms. A survey by China’s health department found that nearly 30% of randomly tested bottled water samples did not meet safety standards, increasing the risk of harm to the liver.

Bottled water of poor quality, especially when stored for too long or after opening, can harm the liver.

The liver is an essential organ in detoxifying the body. When we consume water containing bacteria, microorganisms, or harmful substances from plastic bottles, the liver has to work overtime to process and remove these toxins. If this continues over time, liver cells may be damaged, leading to hepatitis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer.

Of course, low-quality bottled water (due to both the water and the bottle) that has been stored for too long and contaminated with bacteria can also harm other organs in the body. Other types of water, such as boiled water, repeatedly boiled water, or water from natural sources, are also not safe for health.