All About Water: Part II
We left our series on water with the question about what kind of water we should consume to maintain optimal hydration. Our first option, tap water, was ruled out due to the contaminants it contains. Our next option, which is very pricey, is reverse osmosis. Sadly, this is another water not recommended, because along with all the impurities, this method also removes all of the very important minerals our body desperately needs and actually causes dehydration. Then there is distilled water. Same issues as with the reverse osmosis water. Please avoid it. That brings us to spring water. The best water for drinking is actually Spring water because it contains the minerals we need for optimum hydration. Again, though, there are many spring waters.
The best spring waters are those that are bottled at the source. Here are some brands I recommend: Mountain Valley Spring Water, Voss, Crystal Gyser, Acqua Panna, San Pellegrino and the 365 brand water from Whole Foods. I also recommend that you purchase in glass containers, versus plastic, whenever possible. The main reason for this is that plastics leach, among others, BPA, a synthetic hormone, which may contribute to hormone disturbances and cancer. BPA also seems to affect brain development in the womb. In 2011, a study found that pregnant women with high levels of BPA in their urine were more likely to have daughters who showed signs of hyperactivity, anxiety, and depression. The symptoms were seen in girls as young as 3.
Now we know which water to drink, but did you know that there are certain times you should limit your water intake? Most people drink a lot of water with their meals. This is actually the wrong time to drink because it dilutes the stomach acid, which helps break down your food for maximum nutrient absorption. So it is best to drink water in between your meals.
Lastly, how much water should we consume daily? The general rule of thumb is to drink about 1 quart per 50 pounds of body weight. So a 150 lbs. person needs about 3 quarts of water. However, if you are a very active person, who works out daily and works up a sweat, you will need to increase your water intake as well. So use common sense and drink up!!
Kirstin Leal
