Many people constantly underestimate the value of water to overall health. The truth is that water is of benefit to your body in many ways. It helps prevent kidney stones, protects the body against disease, regulates body temperature, and is necessary for regular bowel movements. But that’s not all— water also helps prevent urinary-tract infections by keeping the bladder well-flushed, and it’s the best “diet” drink you’ll find (see chapter 4). t
As a matter of fact, water is your body’s most vital nutrient— you can’t survive for more than about 5 days without it. Generally, doctors recommend that you drink eight 8-°unce glasses of water each day. You may need to drink even more water if you live in a hot climate, if you do heavy, physically demanding work or if you exercise regularly.
Is Tap Water Best?
Sometimes the methods used in treating water, so that it is free from harmful
bacteria also leave chlorine and chlorinated hydrocarbons in the water. This can present a health 6a09er because of the association between chlorinated water and the rate of certain cancers- ” is also possible to have your water contaminated between the water treatment facility and vour home. You can remove the contaminants, along with the chemical residue from treatment, by using an activated charcoal filter which attaches to your water tap. One good way to avoid contamination is to drink only high-quality certified-pure spring water.
If you choose bottled over tap water, make sure what you are buying is pure. To help ease the confusion °ver the water you get from your tap, versus the water you buy, here’s a look at the most popular bottled water sources:
1) Bulk water-”"tnis is usually so’d in gallon jugs or large containers, known as carboys Some bulk water is actually processed tap water, while others come from springs and wells.
2) Spring water— this comes from underground. Pure, or “Natural” spring water has not been processed. It is also much less likely to be contaminated than ground water.
3) Mineral water— compared with tap water, mineral water contains significant, but hiqhly variable quantities of mineral. Some advertising claims are misleading in that the minerals in bottled water are no more easily absorbed than other minerals.
4) Distilled water— this is purified by evaporation. Since distilled water contains no minerals it tastes rather flat. It may also contain some of the organic chemicals you sought to avoid by buying bottled water.
5) Soda or Sparkling Water— this includes seltzer, club soda and many soft drinks that have added ingredients, such as caffeine and flavorings. Most straight soda water contains high amounts of sodium.
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