Ever thought your refreshing tap water could be a cocktail of over 300 chemicals? Brace yourself – volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, chlorine, and fluoride are just a few lurking in there!
Normally I talk about herbal solutions to our health challenges, but I think it’s just as vital to talk about the solvents for herbal formulations, as well as the common foundational denominator for our bodily functions: water. We cannot create good delivery systems for herbs without quality water in the mix.
Unfortunately, truly “clean” water is no longer a commodity but a luxury, and we have to consciously make the effort to avoid ubiquitous toxins and pollutants in our water. Not to mention the marketing tactics and ecologic impact of the bottled water industry giants to sell our natural resources back to us in toxic plastic containers.
Let’s dive deeper and see just how many toxins are intentionally, and unintentionally, introduced into our water supply.
The Fluoride & Chlorine Dilemma
Fluoride Fiasco: Initially meant to battle cavities, fluoride’s effectiveness is controversial. Worse, it can accumulate in bones, leading to potential fractures and gastrointestinal issues.
Chlorine Conundrum: While a champion against waterborne diseases, chlorine is not benign. It wipes out both good and bad microorganisms, paving the way for gut problems and dysbiosis.
But Wait, There’s More: A Contaminant Checklist!
- Agricultural run-off: pesticides, herbicides, insecticides
- Nitrate and nitrites: From fertilizer runoff, septic tanks, and urban runoff
- Heavy Metals: Mercury, cadmium, lead, aluminum
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Cancer-causing solvents
- Pharmaceuticals
- Hormones
- And More…
Is Your Water Hiding Secrets? Find Out!
The federal tap water standards haven’t seen an update in ages. Check your water’s health at https://www.ewg.org/tapwater by entering your zip code.
Defend Your Health: The Filtration Fix!
Reverse Osmosis Filtration: Removes 99.9% of contaminants. Ensure a remineralizer adds back essential minerals. Investment: $1000+
Berkey Solid Block Carbon Filters: Affordable and effective. Removes contaminants, bacteria, parasites, chlorine, and fluoride. Prices range from $250 to $350. Annual maintenance: $100 or less. (PS Check out the Black Friday sale they’ve just unveiled!)
Pitcher Filters: Budget-friendly but less effective. Brands like Brita reduce chlorine and some heavy metals. Start here if needed, but plan for an upgrade.
Bottled Water? Not the Solution!
Avoid bottled water – it can leach chemicals and microplastics. Opt for a filtration system instead.
Stay Hydrated, Stay Healthy: Tips to Sip By!
- Aim for 0.5 to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight.
- Start your day with a tall glass of filtered water.
- Jazz up your water with DIY electrolytes (lemon, lime, and cucumber with a pinch of sea salt)
- Sip consciously between meals.
- Fill up a reusable stainless steel or glass bottle with filtered water before you step out.
Your Health, Your Choice!
Whether you choose a top-tier filtration system or a budget-friendly option, taking control of your water quality is non-negotiable. Quality water is not only life-sustaining but essential to our health and longevity, so do not compromise on this!
