Now that we know how valuable being optimally hydrated is, let’s focus on water quality.
Not all water is created equal. As much as we are told our tap water is “perfectly safe” chances are, it is not. Chemicals such as chlorine, bleach and fluorine are added as treatments, which cause adverse effects on our bodies. Aside from that, a growing number of the population is becoming pharmaceutically dependent, and these medications show up in our water systems, harming us and the environment.
Regardless of your level of trust in public water supply, it doesn’t hurt to be cautious. Drinking filtered water is always a good idea. There are many options from which to choose that range from inexpensive to investments. Cheaper options include Brita pitchers or sink mount filters that run about 25 dollars. More expensive investments include the Berkey water reservoir starting around 300 dollars. The most elaborate and expensive option is a reverse-osmosis system that can be installed in your home and ensures all water coming out of your shower heads, taps and appliances are devoid of contaminants. This runs in the thousands to install. Either option you choose, the idea is to improve the quality of your water to truly purified water.
Remember when we talked about getting that nice glass of filtered water where we add some electrolytes by adding a pinch of sea or pink salt, and a squeeze of citrus? Doing so creates a superior, hydrating drink because you’re getting a dose of much needed minerals (such as iodine, selenium, and manganese) that your body needs to thrive.
Purified water is the first step and enriching it with minerals is the next. If you’re not a huge water lover, there are so many ways you can flavor it, naturally! Here are just a few fun options:
· Cleaned & cut strawberry tops for berry essence
· Fresh lemon or lime juice to add tang
· Splash of apple cider vinegar and a dash of cayenne pepper for thrills
· Cucumber and fresh mint leaves for a clean, refreshing taste
If you insist on more substantial flavor, a nutrient dense option is bone broth. It’s a great drink, hot or cold, throughout the day and can help fortify the gut. It’s easier than you think to make. Into a big pot, add leftover chicken or beef bones. Add 1-2 Tbsp. high quality salt and 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar. This will help pull out that awesome collagen in the bones. Then, add whatever you like! Garlic cloves, onions, carrots, celery, parsley, & peppercorns are my favorites. Bring to a boil and then simmer on low for at least 6 hours. Add more water, as needed. This can also be done in a crock pot while you’re at work! The longer you simmer, the richer in collagen and minerals the broth gets. Some simmer for 24-48 hours!
This can be a great way to pack more fluids and nutrients into your day.
Make it a goal to drink plenty of quality, filtered or purified water throughout your day and enjoy better health!
References
Milovac, Thomas (2022 Dec 24) Pharmaceuticals in the Water: The Need for Environmental Bioethics.PubMed Central, NCBI, NIH, National Library of Medicine.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9789304/.
Dec K, Łukomska A, Maciejewska D, Jakubczyk K, Baranowska-Bosiacka I, Chlubek D, Wąsik A, Gutowska I. The Influence of Fluorine on the Disturbances of Homeostasis in the Central Nervous System. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2017 Jun;177(2):224-234. doi: 10.1007/s12011-016-0871-4. Epub 2016 Oct 27. PMID: 27787813; PMCID: PMC5418325. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27787813/.
Schaider LA, Rudel RA, Ackerman JM, Dunagan SC, Brody JG. Pharmaceuticals, perfluorosurfactants, and other organic wastewater compounds in public drinking water wells in a shallow sand and gravel aquifer. Sci Total Environ. 2014 Jan 15;468-469:384-93. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.08.067. Epub 2013 Sep 17. PMID: 24055660. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24055660/.
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