Health & Wellness by Claire Brinsden Jordan
Over two-thirds of our beautiful planet’s surface is water, the most essential nutrient for life. However, only about 3% of it is freshwater that we can drink. Our bodies are made up of about 60% water, making it the most important thing we consume daily. Perhaps that’s why there is an entire aisle at the grocery store devoted to bottled water in its many forms. Last year in the U.S. consumers spent over $47 billion dollars on bottled water due to its convenience and perceived health benefits. With the confusing array of water choices available, it’s helpful to understand the differences. But first, let’s start with the drinking water you DON’T have to buy at the store.
Tap Water
We are fortunate here in South Pinellas to have tap water that is safe to drink, meeting federal and state standards. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) monitors and tests the public water supply. Last year the Biden administration also set limits on “forever chemicals” called PFAS, reducing them to the lowest levels that can be measured by local water utilities. These substances are linked to liver and heart disease, and cancers. Homeowners who have private well water do not benefit from these regulations and should have their water tested.
While our public tap water is safe to drink, I still use a purifier pitcher that I keep in the fridge for better taste, and an extra layer of protection. Some refrigerators come with a purified water dispenser on the outside. Both require filter purchase and regular replacement, but rather than buying bottled water, this is a relatively inexpensive and convenient way to get cool drinking water. You don’t have to lug heavy bottles home from the grocery store, and it’s easy to fill up a reusable water bottle to take with you on the go.
Plus, plastic bottles contain microplastics that give them shape, transparency, and flexibility. There are studies linking long-term exposure to microplastics with negative effects on the thyroid gland, which regulates growth, development, metabolism, and the reproductive system. I prefer not to use plastic bottles because it’s better for me and the environment. Plastic bottles can take up to 450 years to break down. Fortunately, there are brands like Liquid Death and Open Water that use aluminum cans instead of plastic bottles to distribute their still water. If you need to store water for emergencies, these are an excellent alternative to plastic.
The Bottled Waters A to Z
All bottled water is strictly regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) during production and distribution. The water sources must be protected and tested regularly to prevent contamination.
Alkaline water is altered during the production process to have a higher pH than regular water. There is little health benefit from drinking this more expensive water, as the body does a good job of maintaining its pH in the 7.4 range, regardless of what you consume.
Electrolyte water is mostly for athletes who sweat for prolonged periods of time, especially in the heat, and need to replace sodium, potassium, and other minerals. People who are sedentary, or moderate exercisers, do not need electrolyte water, unless suffering from an illness with vomiting or diarrhea. A good alternative to bottled electrolyte water or sugary sports drinks, is packets of flavored powder electrolytes, like LMNT, which can be added to regular water in a reusable water bottle. These usually contain little or no sugar, and I like the ability to add the desired amount as needed.
Hydrogen water has hydrogen gas added to it. While more research is required, it may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory health benefits and even help with endurance.
Mineral water contains minerals and trace elements that come directly from the water source, including calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. These minerals help with proper hydration and bone health. According to FDA rules, minerals cannot be added later during the production process, so mineral water must contain 250 ppm of dissolved solids at the source.
Purified water undergoes distillation, deionization, or reverse osmosis during the production process to qualify as purified. It is basically the same as purified tap water but comes bottled.
Spring water is filtered naturally by rock and minerals underground. The FDA requires that bottled spring water must have the same quality and composition as its spring source. While spring water may taste better, it doesn’t offer any additional health benefits.
Vitamin water is infused with vitamins and usually sweetened for flavor. Be aware that some brands contain as much as 27 grams of added sugar! As your kidneys excrete water-soluble vitamins your body doesn’t need, you may be flushing those expensive extra vitamins. If you eat a well-balanced diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, you should already be getting the vitamins you need from your food.
Distilled water can also be found on the water aisle at the grocery store and is produced by collecting the steam from boiling water. This process removes impurities like minerals, so although you can drink it, tap water with minerals is better for you. Distilled water is mostly used when you don’t want mineral build-up, like in coffee makers, steam irons, humidifiers, and CPAP machines.
Of course, the best kind of water for you is the one that you like so that you will drink plenty of it. I prefer plain filtered tap water, but my husband likes to add electrolyte flavor to filtered tap water or drink sparkling or seltzer water. The FDA considers these “soft drinks,” along with tonic water and club soda, so they are not regulated the same way as bottled still water.
Staying hydrated is important to your overall health, and many older adults are dehydrated due to a decrease in thirst. Keep in mind that drinking wine and other alcohol dehydrates you. Coffee and tea in moderation are hydrating, but nothing beats water. It is essential to every system in your body, so find the water that’s right for you and drink up!