Water: Your Life’s Foundation
Water. Most of us take it for granted, but have you ever taken a moment to stop and think just how important water really is? It is a vital substance for the Earth and the human body. You can go weeks without food but only 5-7days without water. It is involved in almost every bodily function such as circulation, digestion , absorption and elimination of wastes and is a primary component of all bodily fluids such as the blood, lymph, digestive juices, urine, sweat and tears. Water carries electrolytes and mineral salts and also an immense ability to heal. 81% of our blood stream is water and when toxins enter the environment, it makes its way inside our bodies. Without clean water, we cannot experience optimal health. Although water purification plants take steps to minimize toxins, toxic compounds are present at potentially health-damaging levels. Just in the USA alone, over 1,000 potentially toxic compounds have been identified in our water supply. These toxins have been indirectly linked to many chronic degenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, asthma, cancer, infertility, Parkinson's and rheumatoid arthritis to name a few. Below is a list of possible contaminants found in our water supply:
Microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, parasites)
Disinfectants and its bi-products (chlorine, cloramines, bromates, chlorites, to name a few)
Inorganic chemicals (heavy metals, asbestos, nitrates, nitrites)
Organic chemicals (solvents, pesticides, plastics, resins)
Radio nucleotides (radium, uranium)
SOURCE |
PURIFICATION |
||||
CONTENTS |
Tap Water |
Spring Water |
Solid Carbon |
Reverse Osmosis |
Distillation |
Chlorine |
Yes |
No; Unless It Is Treated |
Removed |
Not Removed |
Removed |
Fluoride |
If Added |
Natural or if Treated |
Not Removed |
Removed |
Removed |
Bacteria |
Rare |
Possible |
Likely Removed |
Removed |
Removed |
Parasites |
Possible |
Possible |
Removed |
Removed |
Removed |
Pesticides |
Yes |
Likely |
Removed |
Removed |
Removed |
Solvents |
Likely |
Possible |
Removed |
Not Removed |
Not Removed |
Heavy Metals |
Some |
Likely |
Possibly Removed |
Removed |
Removed |
Basic Minerals |
Some |
Likely |
Not Removed |
Removed |
Removed |
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It is therefore important to choose our drinking water wisely when it comes to health; The best water to drink is from the natural springs or wells, although this is more difficult for us city dwellers and do not have access to source sources. While most of us live in cities with municipal tap water from treatment plants, it is important we find a purification program that is water-efficient and cost effective which will protect us from water pollution. Below is a water system analysis to provide you with a thorough picture of what works and what does not. It appears that the three most common, most effective home treatment systems are solid carbon block filters, reverse osmosis and distillation.