Water is a basic necessity, needed to maintain a healthy body, a
clear mind, and a good balance within your tissues. About 60 percent of
your body is water, and you must constantly replenish the supply, as
it’s used continuously in the processes of life. Many people fail to
drink enough of it. The standard recommendation is to drink at least
eight 8-ounce glasses a day. I’m not sure you need to force that much
down, but do try to drink as much as you can, and more than you think
you need. While you’re doing all this drinking, however, make sure
you’re not adding new toxins to your body.
Drinking Water
I have always recommended drinking high-quality bottled water or, if
possible, getting a water-purification system for your home. However,
before you spend any money on a filtration system, find out what’s in
your water – have your tap water tested for contaminants such as
fecal-coliform bacteria, lead, fluoride, chlorine, arsenic and nitrates,
as well as parasites, other microorganisms, sulfates, herbicides, and
pesticides. (Don’t rely on the free testing offered by companies selling
water purifiers – they’re not thorough enough. Instead, use an
independent lab – you may find you don’t need a home purifying system).
State and local health departments often do free tests for bacterial
contamination, but to find out about toxic substances, you’ll need the
services of a private testing lab. Testing for a range of common
contaminants can cost more than $100, but the investment is certainly
worthwhile it if saves you the cost of a purifying system.
Chlorine and lead are two of the most common contaminants in water.
Chlorine is a strong oxidizing agent that may increase the risk of heart
disease and is linked to certain types of cancer. Water containing more
than 10 parts per billion of lead is a health risk, especially for
infants, children and pregnant women – and probably for everyone else,
as well. Even small amounts may result in organ damage and stunt the
nervous system. If you are using tap water for drinking or cooking, I
suggest that you get in the habit of flushing your kitchen faucet daily
by letting water run for three to five minutes in the morning (or after
periods of disuse).
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