We live in a very toxic world nowadays.  It's no big secret that groundwater supplies are being slowly (but steadily) infected with different types of waste and by-products, including fertilizer run-off, chemicals from factories and production facilities and of course – garbage.

To live long and healthy lives, we need to make sure that the water we drink is pure. By pure, I mean free from chemicals and other undesirable substances.  The body is an amazing machine that can withstand toxic build-up for some years before it wears down; you will not want to wait for that day.

Quick review: benefits of drinking enough water

Water is all the body needs to stay hydrated.  The body was not designed to be dependent on soda, sports drinks and sugar-laden fruit juices.  It just needs clean water (with mineral content, if possible).  Other than this, you really don't need anything else to stay hydrated throughout the day.

While it is true that the body has an efficient way of telling you if it needs more water or not, it won't hurt if you follow the standard six to eight glasses of water per day.  Drink more if the weather is hot, or when you are exercising. Water not only hydrates the body, it cools it down too.

We take special care of our car's radiator because if the engine overheats, the car simply stops working.  The same principle applies to the body.  But if it is properly hydrated, it can withstand a lot of physical activity and stresses throughout the day.  Imagine – you can increase your capacity to handle daily activities by just drinking regular, pure water.

Here are some more benefits of drinking clean, pure water:

• Water helps eliminate toxins that are accumulated by the different organs in the body, including the kidneys and the liver.

• Water is essential for the body's nourishment – it helps in the distribution of nutrients to the different cells of the body.

• Water keeps the tissues in the nose, throat and even the ears moist and healthy.

• Enough water ensures that you have sufficient energy to go about your day with ease.

• Sufficient water also keeps fatigue away – a boon for people who  have physically or mentally taxing professions.

• Water helps break down the food you eat, effectively aiding in the digestion process.

You need to keep yourself hydrated, always (no matter what you are doing). Here are some guidelines for adequate hydration:

• If you plan to exercise for more than an hour, you may need up 600 ml or more of water.  Fluid replacement is also necessary even after you have finished working out.

• Heated indoor environments can cause water to escape from your body at an increased pace, so make sure that you drink water during the winter time, when heaters are in full use most of the time.

• If you have diarrhea or fever, you need to continually replace the water that you lose through liquid and solid waste.  If you fail to rehydrate yourself properly, you may become dehydrated.

• Breastfeeding women may need up to 3.1 liters of purified water everyday to keep up with their breastfeeding duties and to keep their bodies well-hydrated.

• Pregnant women on the other hand, should consume no less than two liters of water everyday.

We're drinking...what?

We know that it's water that's coming out of our taps at home – but what exactly is in our water nowadays?  Here are just some of the stuff that you can find in 'regular' water:

• Chlorine
• Bacteria (Escherichia coli or E. coli bacteria are quite common)
• Heavy metals (like mercury)
• Chemicals (like benzene)

Potable water is sourced from different places, including groundwater sources and surface water sources.  Chlorine is added to clean the water (but not detoxify it).  Some of this chlorine reaches our taps at home and... yes, we eventually ingest small amounts of chlorine if you don't purify your water at home.

Aquasana water filters

I personally recommend that you use Aquasan water filters.  At home, I have Aquasana filters for my sink and shower.  I also use specialized glass bottles from the same company when I want to chill some water.  When I'm on the road, I have a canteen as well so I won't have to use any plastic when I want to drink some water.

Some of you might think: why in the world should I install a water filter in my shower? Well, the body actually absorbs some of the water that the skin comes into contact with.  So whatever hits your skin when you are showering is absorbed by the body.

Basically, the goal is to remove the chlorine that is all too common in tap water.  According to the American Journal of Public Health, this common chemical has been linked to increased incidences of skin problems (allergies from the chemical), asthma and even cancer.

Chlorine also turns to something else when it combines with other compounds present in the air: chloroform.  Another common chemical, regular exposure to chloroform has been associated with fatigue. So instead of being rejuvenated by our daily showers, the chloroform in the air actually increases our fatigue!

Once the chlorine is removed, water would be much kinder to your skin and hair.  The skin also slowly recovers from exposure to chlorine and will begin to look suppler and healthier than before.

As for drinking water, you have several options.  You can install sink filters, under-the-counter filters or even in-line water filters for $50 - $200.  The average price for a good filter is $120.  If you need pure water for cooking, sink  filters are quite practical.

The storage of pure water is important – use only glass and stainless steel in storing your water.  Aquasana also has a nice range of canteens and bottles, many of which have portable insulators for people on the go.

Sources:
mayoclinic.com
mayoclinic.com
mayoclinic.com
safemenopausesolutions.com
aquasana.com
aquasana.com
aquasana.com
aquasana.com