Detox Your Water
In staying true to my goals, last week I successfully completed my first ever 5 day cleanse from Living Juice. I felt very alert and had a lot of energy, let’s just say I accomplished a lot! Next on my list was to make my studio free of plastic bottles. I’m happy to report that earlier this week the manager of Mozambique was gracious enough to loan my studio a Kangen water machine for the next six months. This is a superior source of water due to the minerals and hydration it offers. Now my clients can bring in their BPA free containers or glass bottles and leave with alkaline water. Not everyone will have access to Kangen water machines; however, you can find products on the market like Essentia 9.5 and Fiji that are both alkaline.
So what’s wrong with tap water?
Tap water is a healthier option than soft drinks. But according to the Environmental Working Group, there have been 315 pollutants found in America's tap water since 2004, and over half of these pollutants are completely unregulated and can legally exist in any amount.
People still believe today that drinking tap water from faucets and water fountains is safe because it has been treated with certain chemicals that kill bacteria, parasites, and other harmful organisms. Here’s the truth: these very same chemicals that protect us from such microorganisms are ironically linked to more dangerous diseases. Unlike the water in places like Mexico and third world countries, our water’s supply doesn’t hold nearly as many dangerous microorganisms that cause illnesses like Montezuma’s Revenge and others.
However, we do face a new challenge. In water, there are two major chemicals added that qualify as majors threats that must be eliminated. These two chemicals are chlorine and fluoride.
How about reverse osmosis water?
Reverse Osmosis is a filtering process which may be effective in areas that do not receive municipally treated water and is commonly used in bottled water facilities. The problem with this process is that dangerous chemicals like pesticides, herbicides, and chlorine are molecularly smaller than water and can pass freely through the filter. Reverse osmosis removes healthy, naturally occurring water minerals. These minerals not only provide good taste, they also serve a vital function in the body's system. When stripped of these minerals, water can be unhealthy. Also, 2-3 gallons of water are wasted for every gallon of purified water produced.
Solutions
- Healthy toothpaste (without fluoride)
- House filtration
- Individual carbon filters
- Reverse Osmosis (RO) filters
- Distillation
- Shower carbon systems
And bottled water?
This water is better than tap, however remember the section on plastics. Stay away from “natural” spring water because you don’t know what you’re really getting. Instead, go for Essentia 9.5 or Fiji just to name a couple, or distilled water. The big downside is plastic and high costs.
Safe Resources
Compare the top water filters – www.waterfiltercomparisons.net/WaterFilter_Comparison.cfm
American Water Technologies – www.awatertech.com
Advanced Water Filters – www.advancedwaterfilters.com
Why should we find alternatives to plastic bottles?
Bioaccumulation of toxins, including plastics, that is causing the majority of our health problems today. Our plastic bottles are a part of our lives and our environment. All plastics can degrade especially with harsh treatment like dishwashing or microwaving. You may wish to recycle your bottle before it starts breaking down. Check the number on the bottom or go back to old fashioned glass. I have been reusing my glass bottles brining the sanitized ones to my studio to offer to my clients. Water in glass not only looks cleaner, it tastes better!
Plastics with the number 1 on the bottom are safe for single use but very hard to clean. As you clean them, especially with harsh chemicals, the chemicals along with the microbes that naturally occur in our mouths can get in those crevasses t and get transferred back into our mouths. If your bottles are cloudy or have scratches it’s time to throw them away! Do not heat these bottles as the chemical will leach into the fluid.
Plastics with the numbers 3, 6, and 7 on the bottom should never be used. The chemical in these bottle mimics hormones in our bodies, thus can affect them.
Centers for Disease Control study detected BPA in the urine of 95% of adults sampled. Scientists have measured the BPA in the blood of pregnant woman, in umbilical cord blood, and in the placenta at the levels that demonstrated in animals to alter development. Woman and child bearing age are especially susceptible to these chemicals.
What numbers are on your bottles? How are you going to make a safer choice? Safe drinking everyone and have a great week!
Click here to visit Yvonne's website for more information, ideas, and products to help balance your pH.
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Yvonne is the owner of Essence of Health located in Laguna Beach. She graduated from the University of Alberta with her degree in Nutrition and Food Science. Originally from Calgary, this Canadian brings with her over 23 years in the fitness industry working in both corporate and private arenas. She is very passionate about health and loves sharing that passion with everyone around her. Yvonne's complimentary background in fitness AND nutrition enables her to bring the latest phenomenon's in the industry to her clients, making Essence of Health the most unique studio in Laguna. Exercise and nutrition is a partnership and by addressing both you get the best results; KNOWLEDGE + ACTION = RESULTS. Yvonne helps you transform your mindset, body, and life!
