Every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to function properly. It also plays a vital role in digestion and absorption of nutrients, as well as supports elimination and prevents constipation. [1] Drinking enough water is a basic foundation of health, yet so many Australians aren’t drinking anywhere near enough water.

WHY WATER QUALITY MATTERS

It’s important to note that your gut microbiome is delicate and is sensitive to what you put in and on your body.

There are over 2100 known toxins/contaminants that can find their way into your drinking water, the most commonly talked about are chlorine, lead, rust, bacteria and fluoride. The EPA recognises the benefits of filtered water, especially for individuals with chronic illness, compromised immune systems, as well as those suffering with gastrointestinal and autoimmune conditions.[3]

Fluoride

Exposure to fluoride has been linked to common digestive conditions,[4] and is known to kill beneficial bacteria within the gut.[5]

Chlorine

Adding chlorine to water has defiantly saves many lives and protects us from becoming infected by parasites, bacteria and viruses that can be transferred through untreated water. Though there is one BIG problem, chlorine doesn’t just kill the ‘bad’ bacteria in the drinking water, it also kills the beneficial bacteria living inside us when we drink it. Remember we are mostly made up of bacteria, and when these little guys are disturbed digestive issues and many other health problems arise.

THE WATER FILTER I USE AND RECOMMEND

The water filters I recommend are from Waters Co, I have been using the BIO 500 bench top water filter for nearly 3 years now. I can absolutely taste and feel the difference between regular tap water, bottled water and properly filtered water. Whenever I go out for the day, I fill 2 water bottles with filtered water so I don’t run out.

It has a unique 13 stage system, that filters, sterilises & activates your ordinary tap water into amazing clean tasting, alkalised, energised, magnetised and ionised mineral water. It filters out up to 99% of: Sediment, rust, bacteria, cysts, chlorine, chemicals, heavy metals, fluoride and unpleasant odours.

If you want to find out more about Waters Co water filters click here.

REFERENCES

[1] https://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/water

[2] https://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/water

[3] EPA.gov “Water Health Series: Filtration Facts.” Accessed 5 Mar 2017: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-11/documents/2005_11_17_faq_fs_healthseries_filtration.pdf

[4] Follin-Arbelet, B., & Moum, B. (2016). Fluoride: a risk factor for inflammatory bowel disease?.

Scand J Gastroenterol, 51(9):1019-24. doi: 10.1080/00365521.2016.1177855.

[5] Luo, Q., Cui, H., Peng, X., Fang, J., Zuo, Z., Deng, J., Liu, J., & Deng, Y. (2016). Dietary High Fluorine Alters Intestinal Microbiota in Broiler Chickens. Biol Trace Elem Re,. 173(2), 483-491. doi: 10.1007/s12011-016-0672-9.