Optimal Health Starts with Clean Water

Optimal Health Starts with Clean Water

It is important to think about the total picture when assessing whole body wellness. Yes, eating organic, nutrient-dense food is an essential key to health, vitality and overall wellness, along with movement. However, there is another equally important variable. Did you guess it? Yes, good ‘ol fashion H2O–water! And I mean clean water! Being that our bodies are roughly 70% water, clean water is certainly nothing to take for granted. The Flint, Michigan lead crisis is a recent reminder of this critical issue. In fact, Dr. Batmanghelidj, who wrote “Many Cries for Water: You Are Not Sick, You Are Thirsty,” found that a large number of his patients healed after correcting their severe dehydration. Such diseases included, obesity, ulcers, and even depression. So it seems clean water=optimal health!

According to the Environmental Working Group’s analysis,

Of nearly 20 million drinking water tests conducted by water suppliers nationwide between 2004 and 2009 revealed hundreds of pollutants in U.S. tap water.

More specifically, EWG stated that over 260 contaminants have been found in thousands of samples of tap water, of which include petrochemicals and their byproducts. Half of these contaminants are unregulated. In fact, there is no rule, law or regulation that these petrochemicals need to be listed in water quality reports. More startling, EWG found that 52 of these unchecked toxins are linked to cancer, 41 to reproductive issues, 36 to developmental toxicity and 16 to immune system damage. Finally, for some of these chemicals there have been no health studies ever conducted. (EWG, 2008)

Is Chlorinated Water Healthy?

Chlorine is meant to kill pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoans. While chlorine it is helpful in eliminating pathogens, at the same time, it is harmful to our health. Because the chlorination process has byproducts of its own–trihalomethanes, acrylamide and haloacetic acids–these are showing up in our municipal water too. Even more, a startling 1992 study by The American Journal of Public Health reported a 15% to 35% increase in some types of cancers for individuals who consumed chlorinated water. There is no question, chlorine has helped to reduce waterborne illnesses, however it is still a good idea to choose a filtration system that can reduce the byproducts from the chlorination process as well as the chlorine. (Strand)

The Bottled Water Addiction

Another issue with clean water is our addiction to bottled water. More specifically, the plastic that contains our water. Not only are plastic bottles a huge waste product in our environment, that end up in our oceans, rivers and lakes, but the plastic itself can poison you. Synthetic chemicals like Bisphenol-A (BPA) and Bisphenol-S (BPS)–both found in plastic bottles–have been found to disrupt the endocrine system and mimic the hormone estrogen. Basically, this means with the overload of “estrogen-like” compounds (xenoestrogens) in our bodies, our natural hormones are thrown out-of-balance. Ultimately, this can lead to Estrogen Dominance. Men are not disqualified from these “estrogen-like” compounds, as they also interfere with testosterone balance. (Bauman, 2015) On a positive note, the FDA did ban the use of BPA in infant bottles and sippy cups in 2012 and in general it is being eliminated from the market place. However, BPS is still showing up in baby products.

Do your hormones a favor and get rid of the plastic all together!

How to Ensure Clean Water?

So, how do we ensure the water we are drinking is pure and free of harmful byproducts? The key to clean water is a good water filter. Today our municipal water is filled with toxic pesticides, pathogens, pharmaceuticals, antibiotics, petrochemicals, heavy metals and even hormones, which all greatly contribute to toxic overload in our bodies. Even, the shower water we bathe with, can actually cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to the aforementioned toxins. There are many filters available on the market, and the type of filter you choose is really up to your individual needs.

Water Filter Options

Upon doing my own research and considering all of the variables above, Distilled Water and Whole House Filters are the most superior. They not only filter chlorine and other contaminants, but also fluoride and uranium. If you’re looking to be more cost-effective, I suggest looking for used options of the My Pure Water Distiller on Craigslist, Ebay or OfferUp.

My Favorite Distillation Water Machine

• Produces .8 gallons of 99.9+% pure vapor-distilled water in 3.5 hours
• Uses a removable boiling tank for easy filling and cleaning
• Made-In-The-USA Stainless Steel construction with a Glass jar for water storage
• Double-clad to increase safety and prevent burns
• 15-year warranty on stainless steel & 2-year warranty on electric components
• Find it here and don’t forget to add back in your minerals
• Use discount code “Kristin” at checkout to save $$!
• Distilled Water vs. Reverse Osmosis

Other Helpful Tips

• Have your water tested through a state-certified lab. Call EPA drinking water hotline 1-800-426-4791 (www.epa.gov/safewater/privatewells/labs.html)
• EWG Tap Water Database
• Look up the set standards for water filters at NSF international (www.nsf.org)
• Consider filtering the water you use for showering, since contaminants can be absorbed through the skin and inhaled from the steam
• Carry water in a glass or stainless steel container
• If you must drink bottled water, do not let it sit in the hot sun
• Maintain your filter, ensuring you replace it at the proper time recommended by the manufacturer

The Take Away

Water filtration is the most important long term investment you’ll ever make for your health. Whatever method of filtration you use, just remember how important clean water is for life. Staying away from plastic water bottles and using a filter at home will improve overall wellness for yourself and our environment.

In divine health,

Kristin

References:

http://www.ewg.org/tap-water/reportfindings.php

Bauman, Ed. & Friedlander, J. (2015) “Foundations of Nutrition.” Bauman College: Penngrove , CA.

Strand, C. (n.d.) Introduction. Water warning. Retrieved from http://www.waterwarming.com/intro.htm