Water

Water, one of the most common substances on earth, is everywhere. Approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water. They say we can survive over three weeks without food, but less than a week without water.

This makes sense when we learn that the average adult body consists of 50-65% water, while the brain and muscle tissue alone are made up of approximately 75%. Water is in the very air we breathe and plays an important role in our bodies and overall health.

What exactly is water?

Water is made up of water molecules. There are billions of water molecules in a single drop of water. A water molecule (also referred to as H2O) contains one oxygen (O) and two hydrogen (H) atoms. The atoms connect by covalent bonds.

Covalent bonds are formed when atoms of a molecule share electrons. The bond formed is strong enough to keep a water molecule together for millions of years. In the cycle of water, water can exist in three different states: as a solid (snow and ice), as a liquid (rainwater and saltwater), and as a gas (water vapour).

What is the importance of water?

The unique properties of water are what make it essential for the Earth as well as the human body. These properties include:

It is the only substance on Earth that is in liquid form at the temperatures commonly found on the surface.
It is a solvent, which means that other substances regularly and easily dissolve into it.
It expands as it freezes, which means that during cold temperatures, frozen water (ice) floats to the surface, protecting and insulating the water underneath.

Because water is a solvent, it is able to carry nutrients to cells in the body, while carrying waste away.

Water’s role in the body

As well as providing the body with energy, water flushes toxins out of our system. We need a constant intake of water to replenish what the body expends in its daily functions. Through perspiration, breathing, and other normal functions, we lose an average of 2.5 litres of water. A person exercising or living in a hotter climate will likely lose more.

The ability to carry nutrients and remove toxins is only one of the many essential functions that water does for the body. Water also serves as a lubricant in digestion, joint and cartilage function, and even eyeball function and regulates body temperature through perspiration and evaporation. This is only a fraction of the diverse roles and functions that water has in the body. Not only does water provide these benefits to humans, it is essential for the survival of all other living organisms, including plants and animals.

Dehydration

Dehydration, or the lack of sufficient water, can lead to muscle and joint pain, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, weakness, poor concentration and memory, and lowered immune system as well as other symptoms. The role that water plays on the entire planet and every organism is vital and complex.

Nature’s purification process

In its true state in nature, water goes through its own filtration and purification process. It is gravity-filtered through the earth’s crust, where bacteria are removed and the water is enriched with minerals. Then the water passes through rivers and streams where it is energized by exposure to the sun.

This process makes the water safer for us to drink by removing unhealthy bacteria while retaining important minerals. The body is able to absorb the water easier and properly flush out toxins, thus improving its health and ability to function. Today’s heavy pollution makes it difficult to find this pure, naturally filtered source of water.

The natural spring water that is hundreds of feet below the earth’s surface is the cleanest and healthiest. In a square foot of area, water passes through layers of dirt, sand and gravel at a rate of 0.1 gallons a minute, or 0.4 liters (1). Natural springs deep below the surface have been known to naturally filter out over 99% of harmful contaminants.

What are the main sources of drinking water?

Since water plays such a significant part in our body, we need to give it the same consideration as food and exercise. Much of today’s water has been affected by pollution. If we drink water that contains any chemicals or bacteria, then we are putting into our body the very toxins that it is trying to get rid of. This constant intake of chemicals and bacteria makes it harder for the body to clean out the system and some of the toxins may not be completely removed. We need to find pure sources of water to give our bodies what it needs.

Since water is critical to our survival and performance, the source of our water is equally important. Only 3% of Earth’s water is fresh and available for consumption by humans, plants and animals. The other 97% is salty and undrinkable, commonly found in oceans and lakes. Polluted and contaminated water can lead to waterborne illnesses and diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, unsafe drinking water, inadequate availability of water for hygiene, and lack of access to sanitation together contribute to about 88% of deaths for diarrheal diseases.

These statistics may be demoralizing. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also states that proper water, sanitation and hygiene has the potential to prevent at least 9.1% of the global disease burden and 6.4% of all deaths. This means that, through taking proper precautions, we have the ability to purify and protect our water, and our health. Three main methods for obtaining water for consumption include tap water, bottled water, and filtered water.

Tap water

Out of these, one of the unhealthiest waters to drink from is that directly from the tap. Tap water runs through extensive piping before reaching your faucet and is often treated with chlorine to remove bacteria.

While adding chlorine to the water supply does destroy harmful bacteria, it has negative consequences on the body. The disinfection by-products (DBPs) of chlorine are highly carcinogenic (cancer causing). It has been linked to various types of cancer, kidney and liver damage, immune system dysfunction, disorders of the nervous system, hardening of the arteries and birth defects.

In addition, chlorine disinfection alone does not remove all dangerous bacteria. Other contaminants that may remain are heavy metals, such as mercury or lead, and fluoride.

Bottled water

The next option is bottled water. A primary issue with bottled water is with the bottle itself and its production and manufacturing. According to the Water Project, “Bottles used to package water take over 1,000 years to biodegrade and if incinerated, they produce toxic fumes. It is estimated that over 80% of all single-use water bottles used in the U.S. simply become ‘litter.’”

The amount of power and pollutants emitted from the manufacturing is detrimental to the ecosystem and, thus, our health. Another issue with bottled water is the source of the water used. According to the findings of a study published by the National Resources Defence Council (NRDC) in 1999, “An estimated 25 percent or more of bottled water is really just tap water in a bottle – sometimes further treated, sometimes not” (2). This means that most bottled water has the same side-effects as tap water. There is no guarantee that it is safer.

You have to be particularly careful what bottled water you buy and that it is also BPA (Bisphenol A) free.

Filtered water

The final option is filtered water. A water filter is a system that removes impurities from water by using a fine physical barrier, a chemical process, or a biological process.

There are a number of different types of water filters, including: pitchers or dispensers, countertop, faucet mounted, under sink, refrigerator, whole house (or point-of-entry), and portable. You can also get filters for showers.

Each type of filter has its benefits and disadvantages. You also need to study the exact brand of filter to see what sort of chemicals or barriers they add. The filter has to be able to effectively remove bacteria without replacing it with toxic chemicals or removing essential minerals.

For instance, charcoal filters are common and easy to set up, but, on their own, they are not able to remove lead or small bacteria and viruses. All filters need to be maintained and replaced every so often to keep them from clogging up and losing their effectiveness.

The heavy pollution and corrosion today makes it difficult to find pure, naturally filtered water. Nevertheless, it is important to keep this natural system in mind as we search for our own water filter.

When looking for a water filter, do not look for the fastest. While quantity is also important, it is the lengthy, many leveled filtration systems that can provide the cleanest, healthiest water. Another important aspect to keep in mind is that the resulting water should be odourless, nearly colourless, and fresh tasting, with no unusual or distinct flavour.

Takeaway

The topic of water is vast. This article only covers a small portion of all that is out there. In order to understand the role that water plays and what steps we need to take to improve the quality of our water, we must continue to research. The water we drink deserves as much attention as we give our diet and our exercise. Without water, we cannot function; we cannot survive. It is key to achieving optimal health. So, next time you grab a glass of water, raise your glass and drink to life!