Water Filters For Health: The Only Time Doctors Recommend Drinking More
It makes sense that water filters and health are related. After air, water may
be the most important single thing that we need for life. It's impossible to
live without drinkable water for much more than 100 hours. Water makes up a
significant portion of our bodies, depending on our age and fat content. We must
closely balance the amount of water that enters and leaves our body--just a 2
percent drop in body water can lead to symptoms of dehydration. Mild dehydration
is a common cause of fatigue. Studies estimate 3 out of 4 Americans live with
mild, chronic dehydration.
Out of all the water on earth, we can only use about three tenths of one
percent. The planet's usable water is stored in groundwater aquifers, rivers,
and freshwater lakes. Naturally pure water doesn't really exist. All water
contains dissolved minerals or other solids, and often also contains
microorganisms.
About 85 percent of U.S. residents get their water from public sources. The rest
get their water from private wells or other sources. The tap water in your home
usually contains some level of minerals. Chlorine is added to eliminate
microorganisms and reduce risk of diseases like cholera and dysentery. There is
some risk to your health from the chlorine, but most studies show that its
benefits far outweigh the potential dangers of completely untreated water. Many
municipal water systems add fluoride for dental health, but its benefits and
dangers are controversial.
The perceived connection between water filters and health has led to increased
demand for home water filter systems. Proposed connections between water filters
and health mostly center around the prevention of exposure to cancer-causing
water-borne contaminants.
The most effective water filters for health use a variety of filtering methods.
Activated carbon is an excellent way to remove organic chemicals and pesticides,
but ceramic filter elements are required to remove rust, dirt, and organisms
like Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Viruses in water are more difficult to
eliminate, but they can be killed by exposing them to ultra-violet light. So any
filter system that incorporates these three stages should result in healthier
water.
There is no doubt that drinking greater amounts of water is healthier. Water is
required for the functioning of our organs and many physical systems. Drinking
enough water every day plays a huge role in the prevention of disease. Risk of
several types of cancer is reduced by drinking eight glasses of water a day.
Of course, you don't have to focus on serious diseases like cancer to see the
links between water filters and health. One of the best ways to prevent colds
and flu is to make sure you always replace your bodily fluids. Fluids flush
harmful impurities and toxins. If you do catch a cold, drink extra fluids,
especially water, because a cold will use even more of your bodily fluids.
Dehydration can lead to fever, worsening your cold symptoms.
Anything that promotes greater water consumption will have health benefits.
Home water filters that improve taste and odor will encourage people to drink
more water, and to drink water instead of coffee, tea, alcohol, or soft drinks.
