Nutrition 101 - Drink (clean) water

There is a lot of debate about the best type of water to drink, whether it is plain tap water, bottled water, or filtered water. There is also debate about how much water is best to drink....six glasses, eight glasses, a gallon. There is no debate, however, about the need to drink water. We need it to live.

Our bodies are made up of 83% water!1 Water is the primary ingredient in our muscles and our brains.1 In fact, water is required for every process that takes place in our bodies.1 Sounds pretty important. Here are a number of things that water helps to do in the body, according to Johnny Bowden, author of The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth:

- removes fat and toxins from the body
- increases energy
- improves physical and mental functioning
- aids in digestion
- facilitates absorption of vitamins and other nutrients
- helps to reduce muscle cramping
- protects us from coronary heart disease1

A Loma Linda University study cited in Bowden's book found that, "high daily intakes of water (five or more glasses) were associated with significantly lower risk for fatal coronary heart disease events, even after adjusting for smoking, hypertension, and body mass index."1

Other benefits of water include that it has zero calories, increases metabolism, regulates appetite, reduces daytime fatigue, and moisturizes the skin.2

So how much of this healthy substance should we drink? As much as you want to. The key is to stay hydrated throughout the day, so whether that means six glasses, eight glasses, or a gallon can only be determined by you, your activity level, and how you feel. What feels like the right amount for you? Decide what is right for you and go for it.

We know water is important, but what kind is best? Tap water is often cited as being the best option because it must meet certain safety standards and because it is the least expensive. On the other hand, bottled water is touted as being superior for a variety of reasons. Still, home water filters are often recommend.

The best recommendation I have heard about the subject is to do your own research. Whether you choose to drink tap water or bottled water, learn what is in your water. Are there chemicals and other toxins in the water? How is the water that you are drinking "purified" or cleaned? You can go to the Centers for Disease Control website (cdc.gov) and do a search on "water" to learn about "safe" tap water, "acceptable" levels of toxins, facts about "purified" bottled water, and guidelines for choosing water filters. Knowledge may be your best friend when it comes to choosing which waters to drink. My own research led me to use a carbon faucet filter for some things like cooking and purified bottled water for drinking.

1Bowden, J. 2007. The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth. Fair Winds: Beverly, MA.
2Drink More Water. A Few More Healthy Water Facts. May, 19, 2010. "The Montgomery Gazette."