How Much Water To Drink? 

And so much more

Our bodies need water, we all know this, but how much?

Our bodies are made up of 60% to 70% water, which is a fair amount of water.  But that is what keeps us healthy, happy humans.

Used in various formats, water has an amazing ability to relax, cleanse, stimulate, lubricate, revive, balance, satiate, exercise, decongest, suspend and mix.  How does this relate to our bodies?

Relax - think of a warm bath and how soothing that is.

Cleansing - well, besides the obvious of keeping our bodies free of dirt, there is the whole internal cleansing part too.  Ever been sick and had that horrible ache in your body ... try drinking more water and flush your system out, getting rid of those nasty toxins roaming around.

Stimulate - constipated??  Drinking water will stimulate your bowels to release - yay for pooping!

Lubricate - between your joints there is fluid. Lubricate your joints well by drinking water.

Revive - tired, hungry, and need a break?  Your body is telling you it needs something. Water is the best way to revive those tired, hungry feelings (remember you do need food too).

Exercise - go for a swim.

Decongest - keep those sticky, snotty-like things moving right along.  Flush them out with tools made for that ... like a nettie pot (not my personal favorite) or any of the other nasal douches out there.  I like the Neil Med one.

Suspend - I use plenty of products suspended with water.  Lotions and creams use water as a dispersal method for nutrients to our skin.  I have my hands in some pretty cool suspended concoctions.

Mix - whisky and water, oh wait, not that!  Our saliva helps to masticate our foods which aids in the absorption of the nutrients obtained from our foods.  This mixing is a vital part of healthy living, so yeah, go ahead and masticate your foods and mix those yummy foods with saliva.

Here's the bottom line, we need water in our system.  It's good for us, it helps us in numerous different ways.

So here's to you my friends!  Drink up.

How much water to drink?

This is a super simple gauge for how much your body needs per day.

Take your body weight, divide that in half.  Take that amount and put it into ounces....that's how much water to drink daily.

Clean Water in yOUR™ World

How to enjoy clean drinking water?

Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration: A Deep Dive

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a highly effective method for purifying water by forcing it through a semipermeable membrane. Let's delve into the science behind this process:

The Magic of the Membrane:

The core of an RO system is a thin-film composite (TFC) membrane. This membrane has microscopic pores that allow water molecules to pass through, but reject most larger contaminants like dissolved solids, minerals, and even bacteria. Imagine it like a selective door - only water molecules get the "VIP pass."

Pressure Makes Perfect:

To push water through the membrane, RO systems apply pressure, typically exceeding normal tap water pressure. This pressure overcomes the natural tendency of water to flow from areas of low concentration (impure) to high concentration (pure). It's like squeezing water through a tiny sieve; pressure helps overcome resistance.

Multi-Stage Purification:

Most RO systems employ multiple stages of filtration before and after the membrane. This ensures comprehensive contaminant removal:

• Pre-filters: These remove sediment, chlorine, and other large particles that could damage the membrane.
• Membrane: The heart of the system, selectively allowing water molecules to pass while rejecting impurities.
• Post-filters: These further polish the water, removing any remaining contaminants or adjusting taste and pH.

What Gets Removed?

RO systems are highly effective at removing a wide range of contaminants, including:

• Dissolved solids: Salts, minerals, and other inorganic substances are significantly reduced.
• Impurities: Lead, arsenic, nitrates, and other harmful chemicals are effectively removed.
• Microorganisms: Bacteria, viruses, and cysts are virtually eliminated, making the water microbiologically safe.

Important Considerations:

• Wastewater: The RO process inevitably produces wastewater, as some water is used to flush out rejected contaminants. The ratio of purified water to wastewater can vary depending on the system.
• Minerals: RO can remove beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium (these are healthy for our bones and muscles). Some systems incorporate remineralization filters to address this.
• Cost: RO systems require upfront investment and ongoing filter replacements.

Overall:

Reverse osmosis is a powerful technology for producing high-quality drinking water. 

Personal Filtration Systems

Personal Water Filtration Systems: The Science Behind Brita and PUR 

I’m going to pop in here with a bit of a divergence too with the morals and ownership of corporations! Brita is owned by Procter and Gamble which also owns Clorox, and PUR is owned by Helen of Troy

While not as comprehensive as reverse osmosis systems, personal water filters like Brita and PUR offer benefits.

Filter Technology:

• Activated Carbon: The primary component of Brita and PUR filters is activated carbon. This highly porous material adsorbs various contaminants through a physical process. It effectively removes:
• Chlorine: Improves taste and odor.
• Organic compounds: Pesticides, herbicides, and some industrial chemicals.
• Certain metals: Lead, copper, and mercury (to varying degrees).
• Ion Exchange Resin: Some filters also contain ion exchange resin. This resin works by exchanging unwanted ions like lead and copper for sodium or potassium ions.

Limitations:

• Dissolved Solids: Unlike RO, these filters don't significantly remove dissolved solids like salts and minerals. This can be beneficial for retaining some essential minerals or maintaining taste, but doesn't address concerns about high sodium or hardness.
• Microorganisms: Brita and PUR filters primarily address chemical contaminants, not microorganisms. If bacteria or viruses are a concern, consider boiling or other disinfection methods.
• Filter Lifespan: Over time, the filter's capacity to adsorb contaminants diminishes. Regular replacement (as per manufacturer's instructions) is crucial for optimal performance.

Scientific Backing:

Several studies have evaluated the effectiveness of Brita and PUR like filters:

• A 2019 study published in the Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A, found that Brita and PUR filters effectively reduced lead and copper levels in tap water exceeding federal guidelines.

Individual reports on various ways to clean water

A great way to find more research on water filtration

Peer reviewed articles

I learned years ago that setting water out and allowing bleach/Clorox/sodium hypochlorite overnight it can help to reduce the amount within the water. Essentially the half-life of the water. I am no chemist so I will leave you more articles to delve into for your own wellbeing.

Here are some places to learn more about sodium hypochlorite

What do I do before adding water to my home use water system? I have a silver water pitcher. I fill that and leave it to sit on the counter before I add it to my system. 1) the smell of the water is less bleachy smelling, and I daily drink from a vintage silver pitcher.

Important to Note:

• The specific contaminants removed and removal efficiency vary depending on the filter model and initial water quality.
• Always refer to the manufacturer's information for specific claims and limitations.

Other Considerations With Water and Health

It is always important to increase your water intake before and after receiving bodywork and any form of exercise.

Are you a coffee drinker? The general rule of thumb is for every cup of coffee, drink two cups of water. This is in addition to the formula listed above.

Book Resources All About Water That I LOVE.

Complete Book of Water Healing
Hidden Message in Water
Your Body's Many Cries For Water

Taking a Bath?

Here are a couple of blogs with some great tips and recipes for you to enjoy!

Bath Therapies

Skin Softening Milk Bath

And something else to think about when it comes to the beauty of water.

Don’t Sell The Water My Friend

Ways to use water to help your body heal from a head cold or a chest cold.

Use common sense when it comes to using water for a healing purpose. Head to your doc if needed.

Agencies that help support clean water around the world:

1. WaterAid: (in the US) WaterAid: (in Australia) This international organization works in 28 countries to provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene to the poorest and most marginalized communities. They have helped over 29 million people gain access to clean water since their founding in 1981.
2. The Water Project: This organization focuses on providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education to communities in Africa. They have helped over 12 million people gain access to clean water since their founding in 2006.
   
   
3. charity: water: This organization uses a unique model to provide clean water to communities in need. They partner with local organizations to build and maintain water projects, and they use innovative fundraising methods to cover the costs. They have helped over 13 million people gain access to clean water since their founding in 2006.

My friends, I hope this is enough information on water. If you have more questions leave a comment.

I am going to go meditate and envision I am sitting in a mountain stream.