Why Clean Water is Essential for Your Health and How to Optimize It
We often hear that water is essential to life, but do we truly understand its importance for our health? Whether we’re talking about preconception, pregnancy, or postpartum recovery, hydration plays a vital role in every stage of life. Not only does it keep our organs functioning properly, but it also supports hormone balance, digestion, and overall well-being. But not all water is created equal—especially when it comes to the quality of the water we drink.
In this post, we’ll dive into why clean water is essential, how to ensure it’s free from contaminants, and why it’s important to add back minerals that may be removed during purification processes like distillation or reverse osmosis.
Why Clean Water is Essential for Your Health
Water is involved in almost every biological process in the body—from digestion and nutrient absorption to cell regeneration and temperature regulation. But when it comes to the quality of water, many tap waters are filled with chemicals, toxins, and heavy metals that can affect our immune system, hormones, and overall health.
Contaminated water can introduce harmful substances like chlorine, fluoride, pesticides, lead, and even pharmaceutical residues into our bodies. These pollutants can disrupt hormonal balance, contribute to digestive issues, and impact skin health. For women trying to conceive, those who are pregnant, or those recovering postpartum, ensuring clean water is critical for optimal health.
What’s Wrong with Tap Water?
While tap water may be treated and deemed “safe,” it can still contain a range of contaminants. For example, chlorine is used to disinfect tap water, but it can irritate the skin, damage the gut microbiome, and disrupt the body’s natural hormone production. Fluoride, added to many municipal water supplies, has been linked to thyroid dysfunction and neurodevelopmental issues in children.
Other potential contaminants, such as heavy metals (like lead, arsenic, and mercury), pesticides, and pharmaceutical residues, may also be present, contributing to hormonal imbalances and a variety of chronic health issues. While municipal water systems work to treat these contaminants, the process isn’t always foolproof, and these pollutants can still find their way into our homes.
The Benefits of Using Distilled or Reverse Osmosis Water
To ensure you’re drinking clean, pure water, distilled or reverse osmosis (RO) water is a great option. These filtration methods are two of the most effective ways to remove contaminants and impurities from your drinking water.
1. Distilled Water
Distilled water is created by boiling water and collecting the steam, which is then condensed back into liquid form. This process removes most minerals, bacteria, and other impurities, leaving behind clean, pure water.
Pros of Distilled Water:
Removes 99% of impurities, including chemicals and heavy metals.
Ideal for pure hydration, especially if you are concerned about contaminants.
Beneficial for detoxification since it helps to flush out toxins from the body.
Cons of Distilled Water:
It is mineral-free, which means that it lacks important trace minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
2. Reverse Osmosis Water
Reverse osmosis (RO) water is produced by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane that removes particles, bacteria, and dissolved solids. The result is clean, purified water with minimal contaminants.
Pros of Reverse Osmosis Water:
Removes a wide range of contaminants, including lead, chlorine, and fluoride.
Offers cleaner, more flavorful water by reducing mineral content that may contribute to off-flavors.
More cost-effective and easy to install in your home.
Cons of Reverse Osmosis Water:
Like distilled water, it can remove beneficial minerals from the water.
Requires regular maintenance and filter replacement.
The Importance of Adding Minerals Back into Your Water
While distilled and reverse osmosis water are excellent at removing harmful toxins, they also strip away beneficial minerals that are essential for hydration and electrolyte balance. Minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium are crucial for muscle function, bone health, and overall hydration. Without these minerals, the water you’re drinking may not hydrate your body as effectively.
How to Re-Mineralize Your Water:
There are several ways to reintroduce healthy minerals back into your water:
Mineral Drops: You can purchase mineral drops that add essential trace minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium back into your water. These drops are an easy and affordable way to re-mineralize your water.
Electrolyte Tablets: Another option is to add electrolyte tablets to your water. These contain a blend of minerals that help to improve hydration and support electrolyte balance.
Mineral-Rich Water Filters: Some RO filters have additional mineralization stages that add beneficial minerals back to the water after it’s been purified.
Other Ways to Ensure Your Water is Safe and Hydrating
Use a High-Quality Water Filter: If you prefer not to use distilled or RO water, a high-quality water filter can also help remove contaminants from tap water. Look for filters that are certified to remove lead, chlorine, and fluoride.
Hydrate Consistently Throughout the Day: While the quality of your water is important, consistent hydration throughout the day is equally crucial. Be sure to drink water regularly to support metabolism, digestion, and immune function.
Add Electrolytes: Adding a pinch of Himalayan salt or electrolyte tablets to your water can enhance hydration by balancing your body's mineral content. This is especially important during pregnancy or postpartum when fluid retention and dehydration are common concerns.
Drink Clean, Hydrate Well
When it comes to hydration, the quality of the water you drink matters as much as the quantity. By choosing distilled or reverse osmosis water and adding back essential minerals, you can ensure that you’re nourishing your body with clean, pure, and hydrating water. Supporting your body with clean water, whether you're preconception, pregnant, or postpartum, can optimize your hormonal health and overall well-being.
At Root Nutrition & Wellness, we believe that holistic wellness starts with the basics—clean water is just the beginning. If you’re ready to transform your health and hormonal balance, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
If you’re looking to optimize your hormonal health and hydration, apply for 1:1 coaching for personalized guidance, or join Balanced & Blooming today for the tools and support you need to thrive.
