Water

Water is the second most important nutrient for human survival after air. Without water our cells shrink and shrivel, our organs shut down, our skin flakes and wrinkles, our eyes lose their sight and we lose energy and ability to thrive. Our bodies are made up of at least 70% water. When we stay optimally hydrated, our cells plump up and start moving smoothly throughout our bloodstreams, our organs function more efficiently, without pain, our skin is softer and more supple, our eyesight can clear up, and our bodies as a whole, have more energy and vitality for daily activities and life in general. But what does water really do on a cellular level? How does it help us detox? Why are you peeing clear when you drink a lot of water? If our bodies need the water so much why do we feel like it is running right through us?

The quality of your water matters. Not all water is equal, and not all water helps you to detox, as it should.

Tap water has been stripped of minerals, held in tanks until it loses its electrical charge and contaminated with chemicals like fluoride and chlorine. According to the Environmental Working Group, there are 315 pollutants found in America’s tap water since 2004. These chemicals are not regulated and are very toxic and damaging to our bodies, which makes our drinking water very inflammatory. Up to 20% bioavailable.

Bottled water is not a healthier option, and it costs significantly more than tap water. In addition to the contaminants found, there are also microscopic pieces of plastic and chemicals from the plastic that we are drinking and get distributed and stored throughout our bodies organs like other toxins. Plastics mimic estrogens, promoting disease and toxicity in the body. Up to 20% bioavailable.

- Reverse Osmosis is a filtering process which may be effective in areas without municipally treated water, and is often used in bottled water plants. Unfortunately, chemicals like herbicides, pesticides and chlorine are molecularly smaller than water and can pass through the filters. Reverse Osmosis filters remove naturally occurring water minerals, which are important for our bodies and health. Also, in this process 2-3 gallons of water are wasted for every gallon of water produced. Up to 20% bioavailable.

Electrolyzed, reduced hydrogen rich water has been proven to be extremely antioxidant, detoxifying, and balancing to the bodies systems. This water also is 80% or more bioavailable to the tissues of the human body, facilitating cellular detoxification and the healing of tissues and processes within the body. When our cells are hydrated at this level, they are able to release toxins easily and uptake nutrients that are vital to our health and healing. Also, transportation of hormones and nutrients to deliver them to the right places in our bodies will happen more successfully.

In addition to these facts, our water has lost its ability to hold its electrical charge. In nature water is mobile, flowing through rivers, streams, falling from clouds. This process of movement in relationship to the earth creates an electrical charge that structures the waters molecules for maximum absorption. In this process, the molecules are in groupings of roughly 7 molecules per group. In the water we have access to, the molecular groupings are closer to 20. Because of this, our water is only about 20% bioavailable to our bodies for absorption. So, how much water are you truly drinking daily? Our microbiome absorbs about 32 ounces of water per day, before our bodies have a chance to absorb any. If we are not drinking close to a gallon per day, what does this leave for us? Fortunately, there are ways to make our water more bioavailable to our tissues and bodies. We should almost never pee clear water. If our water is doing its job, which is detoxing our cells, blood and organs, we will always have tinted pee.

Another thing to think about when choosing what kind of water to drink is homeostasis. Homeostasis is the process of the body to stay in balance, chemically. Different parts of our body must have specific ph balances, depending on the area. Within the digestive system a very low ph is required for optimal digestion, and the production of trillions of microbes and neurons that keep us healthy. If this ph is off our health will decline and disease will set in. The way our bodies stay in homeostasis is through proper nutrition. Minerals balance out our ph if they are abundant and available. When we consume water without minerals, or foods without minerals and vitamins, our bodies will pull the needed nutrients from our bones and tissues to balance the water or food for absorption and utilization. Eating high nutrient foods and drinking quality water gives our bodies back the ability to remain balanced without depleting our bones (osteoporosis) and tissues (ulcerative colitis, crohn’s). 80+% bioavailable.

So, the water we drink matters. Of course if our best source for water is tap water, then it is better to drink that than nothing at all. But in the whole picture of life. It is better to make the effort now to get the best water we can, to create a higher quality of life with longevity and health.