The Majority of Your Body is Made of Water
Without water, life would not exist. Water, composed of oxygen and hydrogen, is the most important and most abundant molecule in the human body and makes up about 50-70% of the total body weight. Classified as a macronutrient, water serves a myriad of vital functions, including but not limited to the transportation of nutrients and waste products, aiding various chemical reactions, helps regulate body temperature, and water is the ultimate solvent and lubricant for all living matter. The average 70 kg man has about 42 liters of water inside his body. Consider this, the density of water is 1 gram/cubic centimeter. The average density of the human body is roughly 1.096 gram/cubic centimeter, depending on the method for measuring body composition (i.e., hydrostatic weighing, skinfold measurements, etc.) and various anthropometrics (i.e., body fatness, lean muscle mass, etc.) (Heymsfield, 1989).
Water balance is distributed by the movement of electrolytes, mainly sodium, chloride and potassium. The concentration of electrolytes must be maintained within certain ranges for cells to function properly. In order to obtain balance, electrolytes (and water) are moved into or out of cells, from an area of high concentration to low concentration (McGuire, Beerman, & William, 2011).
Water balance is distributed by the movement of electrolytes, mainly sodium, chloride and potassium. The concentration of electrolytes must be maintained within certain ranges for cells to function properly. In order to obtain balance, electrolytes (and water) are moved into or out of cells, from an area of high concentration to low concentration (McGuire, Beerman, & William, 2011).
Dehydration
Lack of water can result in serious consequences. Losing as little as 2% of an individual's body weight in water can lead to complications, which may include:
In response to dehydration, the brain releases antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which in turn decreases urine production. ADH is released upon receiving the signal of low blood volume, which stimulates an increase in blood pressure and the kidneys to retain electrolytes, through a series of hormonal reactions. This negative feedback loop increases blood volume, thus helps conserve water (McGuire, Beerman, & William, 2011).
- Mental confusion
- Impaired motor control
- Short- and long-term memory complications
- Decrease attention span
- Inability to regulate body temperature
- Increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Fatigue
In response to dehydration, the brain releases antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which in turn decreases urine production. ADH is released upon receiving the signal of low blood volume, which stimulates an increase in blood pressure and the kidneys to retain electrolytes, through a series of hormonal reactions. This negative feedback loop increases blood volume, thus helps conserve water (McGuire, Beerman, & William, 2011).
Water Recommendations
Water accounts for approximately 70 percent of an adult's body weight. While we get a lot of water from the foods that we eat, it is important to drink plenty of water to replenish any that gets used throughout the day. An easy method to determine your daily water needs, is to drink, at minimum, half of your body weight (pounds) in fluid ounces of water per day, according to Dr. Fereydoon Batmanghelidj. For example, this means that a 160 pound individual would aim to drink 80 fluid ounces of water per day. This number increases if you live in a warm or dry climate, consume any liquid other that water, exercise or elevate metabolism, among other factors.
The Institute of Medicine suggests that women should consume about 90 ounces (2.7 liters or 11 cups) of water daily, and that men should consume 125 ounces (3.7 liters or 16 cups) daily. These amounts include water from all beverages and foods consumed. A small amount of water (300-400 mL/day) is generated from metabolic processes (McGuire, Beerman, & William, 2011). When engaged in physical activity, especially in warm environments, your need for water increases. Very active people living or working in warm environments may have daily water requirements of up to about 240 ounces (7 liters, or 30 cups).
The Institute of Medicine suggests that women should consume about 90 ounces (2.7 liters or 11 cups) of water daily, and that men should consume 125 ounces (3.7 liters or 16 cups) daily. These amounts include water from all beverages and foods consumed. A small amount of water (300-400 mL/day) is generated from metabolic processes (McGuire, Beerman, & William, 2011). When engaged in physical activity, especially in warm environments, your need for water increases. Very active people living or working in warm environments may have daily water requirements of up to about 240 ounces (7 liters, or 30 cups).
Adequate Intakes (AIs) for
Water. The water AI includes drinking water, water in beverages, and water in foods; in general, drinking water and other beverages contribute about 70 to 80%, and foods, the remainder. Conversion factors: 1 L = 33.8 fluid oz; 1 L = 1.06 qt; 1 cup = 8 fluid oz. Adapted from the Dietary Reference Intakes series, National Academies Press.
Fluoridated Water
Researchers continue to confirm what has long been known, that fluoride is a neurotoxin. Fluoride is classified in the same category as arsenic, lead and mercury. Neurotoxins diminish quality of life, reduce academic achievement, and disturb behavior, with profound consequences for the welfare and productivity of entire societies. Children who are exposed to fluoride in drinking water have an seven point average reduction of IQ. Another study found that children, whose mothers were exposed to fluoride during pregnancy, displayed behavioral deficits (increased risks for hyperactivity and aggressive behavior) at 2 years of age (Grandjean & Landrigan, 2014). Fluoride in drinking water has also been linked to various cancers including osteosarcoma (bone cancer) among young males (Bassin, Wypij, Davis, & Mittleman, 2006), bladder and lung cancer (Grandjean, 2004). Several research teams in India and China have reported an increased incidence of mutagenic (an agent that causes genetic mutation) effects in fluoride-exposed humans (Sheth 1994; Meng 1995, 1997; Wu 1995; Joseph 2000). One study even found that primate cells (great apes and humans) are more sensitive to fluoride’s genotoxic effects than rodents (Kishi, 1993). Fluoride is also classified as a endocrine disruptor, which can damage the bones, the brain, the thyroid gland, the pineal gland and blood sugar levels (Committee on Fluoride in Drinking Water, Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology, & Division on Earth and Life Studies, 2006).
For more information on fluoridated water, click the button below to be redirected to the water fluoridation page.
Is Bottled Water Better?
Bottled water is often just tap water that is marked up in price and packaged, although it does not go through any other series of tests. Bottled water is regulated by the FDA, not the EPA. However, bottled water isn’t just tap water, but it also contains plastic that leaches into the bottle, which of course gets into the body. Plastic water bottles are made out of chemicals like BPA and phthalates, which are known hormone disruptors. These hormone disruptors wreck havoc within the endocrine system. The metabolites of these phthalates can be measured in quantifiable amounts within the body. After drinking bottled water (or exposure to chemicals) day, after day, after day, after day, the body burden begins to rise. Body burden is amount of burden your body takes as a result of accumulated toxins from the environment, food, air and water. This effect of accumulation is then combined with all the other toxins in the environment (e.g., personal care products, pesticides, EMFs, heavy metals, drugs, pharmaceuticals, etc.) that one is exposed to in a given day. All these toxins begin to build up and accumulate, and the body absorbing all of them. Very few of these toxins have been tested individually for theirs effect of health. But they certainly they have never been tested in combination with each other.
When Shopping For Water
Below are some terms used when shopping for bottled water:
- Artesian water—Water from a well tapping a confined aquifer in which the water level stands at a specified height above the top of the aquifer. This is among the cleanest water that can be found on the market,
- Mineral water—Water that contains at least 250 parts per million (ppm) total dissolved solids and that originates from a geologically and physically protected underground water source.
- Purified water—Water that is produced by distillation, deionization, reverse osmosis, or other suitable processes. When appropriate, this type of bottled water may also be called “demineralized water,” “deionized water,” “distilled water,” or “reverse osmosis water.”
- Sparkling water—Water that, after treatment and possible replacement of carbon dioxide, contains the same amount of carbon dioxide that it had at emergence from the source.
- Spring water—Water derived from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface of the earth at an identified location.
Find a Spring
Choosing the best drinking water is imperative for optimal health. There's innumerable options and this can create paralysis by analysis. It's become common knowledge that most public tap water has numerous toxicities in them, including chlorine and fluoride, among other chemicals. Given this, it is clear that it is our responsibility to locate and consume clean sources of water. Filters are good at removing most of these compounds, but using filters creates water with no minerals. Mineral-deficient water is not ideal for optimal health, and it's taste and satiety clearly validate this.
Natural spring water created by the earth is the best solution, yet 99.9% of "spring water" on the market has been processed with ultra violet light and ozone gas for shelf stability and cheaper transport. While these sanitation methods destroy pathogenic bacteria, they also destroy healthy, beneficial microbes, or probiotics, which our bodies have biologically adapted to thrive from.
To make matters worse many bottled water companies are purchasing up many of the worlds water sources, drilling and depleting aquifers, which destroys habitats and connected natural springs as well.
Collecting fresh pristine spring water is the perfect option for our health and the health of the planet, as our ancient ancestors have done for the past millennia. When gathering water, if becomes clear we must protect this invaluable resource. Water is a delicate web of life and our purchase decisions effect of this ebb and flow.
It is in each of our best interest to examine how our choices might impact what is down stream. Consider how are water tables impacted by things like chemical fertilizers, pesticides, dyes, and artificial soaps.
Moreover, hot springs have been revered as sacred healing sites for thousands of years. Unfortunately, a substantial amount of hot springs have been shut down, adulterated, or destroyed in recent times. It's our intention to restore the pristine beauty of both hot and cold springs, and protect public access.
Findaspring.org is an independent organization that exists to ensure the Earth's precious waters are appreciated and protected. Some of their key initiatives are to:
Natural spring water created by the earth is the best solution, yet 99.9% of "spring water" on the market has been processed with ultra violet light and ozone gas for shelf stability and cheaper transport. While these sanitation methods destroy pathogenic bacteria, they also destroy healthy, beneficial microbes, or probiotics, which our bodies have biologically adapted to thrive from.
To make matters worse many bottled water companies are purchasing up many of the worlds water sources, drilling and depleting aquifers, which destroys habitats and connected natural springs as well.
Collecting fresh pristine spring water is the perfect option for our health and the health of the planet, as our ancient ancestors have done for the past millennia. When gathering water, if becomes clear we must protect this invaluable resource. Water is a delicate web of life and our purchase decisions effect of this ebb and flow.
It is in each of our best interest to examine how our choices might impact what is down stream. Consider how are water tables impacted by things like chemical fertilizers, pesticides, dyes, and artificial soaps.
Moreover, hot springs have been revered as sacred healing sites for thousands of years. Unfortunately, a substantial amount of hot springs have been shut down, adulterated, or destroyed in recent times. It's our intention to restore the pristine beauty of both hot and cold springs, and protect public access.
Findaspring.org is an independent organization that exists to ensure the Earth's precious waters are appreciated and protected. Some of their key initiatives are to:
- Protect access to public water sources;
- Educate others on practical solutions which restore and protect water quality
- Provide comprehensive data for the world's easily accessible cold and hot springs.
Filtering Water Outdoors
Just because the water you see in lakes, streams, or beaches looks clear and healthy, doesn’t mean it is. You’d need a microscope to see the bacteria and microorganisms that lurk in that seemingly clear water. Sometimes, ingesting even a small amount of contaminated water can make you extremely sick. Here are some organisms that can be found in drinking water and just how dangerous they are.
- Giardia: Humans commonly become infected with this microscopic parasite via drinking water from lakes, streams, or water that hasn’t been properly treated (CDC, 2015). The symptoms aren’t pleasant — they include nausea, stomach cramps and pains, gas, diarrhea, and dehydration. Since this protozoan is fairly big, it can be filtered out of water.
- E. coli: This kind of bacteria can be extracted from water by using water filters. If you’ve ever had or heard of traveler’s diarrhea, you can thank this bad boy for that. Another strain can cause extremely severe diarrhea and can even be fatal (The Water Project, 2020).
- Campylobacter: You’ll typically be able to handle this bacteria spread through contaminated water or undercooked poultry on your own, but you may need medical intervention in some cases. That doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park, though. Expect bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever (CDC, 2019).
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse Osmosis (RO): the process that occurs when back pressure is sufficient to reverse the normal direction of osmosis through membranes; a water treatment process that removes contaminants from water by using pressure to force water molecules through a semipermeable membrane.
Osmosis, a mode of passive transport (does not require energy), being the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane (Urone, Hinrichs, Dirks, & Sharma, 2016). Essentially, reverse osmosis forces water through a membrane, just larger enough for water molecules to pass, that will not pass any pollutants or other precipitates [salt, chlorine, nitrates, pesticides, fluoride, bacteria, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals (arsenic, lead, etc.)]. Water that has been filtered using a reverse osmosis filter is some of the purest water available to purchase. Check your local area for water suppliers that sell reverse osmosis water. Considering that the body is 50-70% composed of water, buying the cleanest water available is a great investment for your long-term health. In the video below, like Dr. Mercola says, "any filter is better than no filter, otherwise your body becomes the filter."
How Does a Reverse Osmosis Membrane Work? Image by ESP Water Products.
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Reverse Osmosis Performance Data. Image by ESP Water Products
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Image from industrialwaterequipment.co.uk
References
Bassin, E., Wypij, D., Davis, R., & Mittleman, M. (2006). Age-specific fluoride exposure in drinking water and osteosarcoma (United States). Cancer causes & control : CCC., 17(4), 421–8. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16596294
Committee on Fluoride in Drinking Water, Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology, & Division on Earth and Life Studies (2006). Fluoride in drinking water: A scientific review of EPA’s standards. Washington, D.C.: National Academies Press.
Grandjean P, Olsen J. (2004). Extended Follow-up of Cancer Incidence in Fluoride-Exposed Workers. Journal of the National Cancer Institute 96: 802-803.
Grandjean, P., & Landrigan, P. J. (2014). Neurobehavioural effects of developmental toxicity. The Lancet Neurology, 13(3), 330–338. doi:10.1016/s1474-4422(13)70278-3
Heymsfield, S., Wang, J., Kehayias, J., Heshka, S., Lichtman, S., Pierson, Jr. (1989). Chemical determination of human body density in vivo: relevance to hydrodensitometry. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 50(6):1282-9. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2596420
Joseph S, Gadhia PK. (2000). Sister chromatid exchange frequency and chromosome aberrations in residents of fluoride endemic regions of South Gujarat. Fluoride 33: 154-158.
McGuire, M., Beerman, K. A., & William, M. (2011). Nutritional sciences: From fundamentals to food (with table of food composition booklet) (3rd ed.). Boston, MA, United States: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Meng Z, et al. (1995). Sister-chromatid exchanges in lymphocytes of workers at a phosphate fertilizer factory. Mutation Research 334(2):243-6.
Meng Z, Zhang B. (1997). Chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei in lymphocytes of workers at a phosphate fertilizer factory. Mutation Research 393: 283-288.
Sheth FJ, et al. (1994). Sister chromatid exchanges: A study in fluorotic individuals of North Gujurat. Fluoride 27: 215-219.
Urone, P., Hinrichs, R., Dirks, K., & Sharma, M. (2016). College physics (1st ed.). Houston, Texas: OpenStax College, Rice University.
Wu DQ, Wu Y. (1995). Micronucleus and Sister Chromatid Exchange Frequency in Endemic Fluorosis. Fluoride 28: 125-127.
Committee on Fluoride in Drinking Water, Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology, & Division on Earth and Life Studies (2006). Fluoride in drinking water: A scientific review of EPA’s standards. Washington, D.C.: National Academies Press.
Grandjean P, Olsen J. (2004). Extended Follow-up of Cancer Incidence in Fluoride-Exposed Workers. Journal of the National Cancer Institute 96: 802-803.
Grandjean, P., & Landrigan, P. J. (2014). Neurobehavioural effects of developmental toxicity. The Lancet Neurology, 13(3), 330–338. doi:10.1016/s1474-4422(13)70278-3
Heymsfield, S., Wang, J., Kehayias, J., Heshka, S., Lichtman, S., Pierson, Jr. (1989). Chemical determination of human body density in vivo: relevance to hydrodensitometry. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 50(6):1282-9. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2596420
Joseph S, Gadhia PK. (2000). Sister chromatid exchange frequency and chromosome aberrations in residents of fluoride endemic regions of South Gujarat. Fluoride 33: 154-158.
McGuire, M., Beerman, K. A., & William, M. (2011). Nutritional sciences: From fundamentals to food (with table of food composition booklet) (3rd ed.). Boston, MA, United States: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Meng Z, et al. (1995). Sister-chromatid exchanges in lymphocytes of workers at a phosphate fertilizer factory. Mutation Research 334(2):243-6.
Meng Z, Zhang B. (1997). Chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei in lymphocytes of workers at a phosphate fertilizer factory. Mutation Research 393: 283-288.
Sheth FJ, et al. (1994). Sister chromatid exchanges: A study in fluorotic individuals of North Gujurat. Fluoride 27: 215-219.
Urone, P., Hinrichs, R., Dirks, K., & Sharma, M. (2016). College physics (1st ed.). Houston, Texas: OpenStax College, Rice University.
Wu DQ, Wu Y. (1995). Micronucleus and Sister Chromatid Exchange Frequency in Endemic Fluorosis. Fluoride 28: 125-127.
