If you are only going to do one thing, do this
“Water is the driving force of all nature.” -Leonardo Da Vinci
As water sustains all of nature, it sustains our bodies. Water is vital to many biochemical reactions in the body and its importance cannot be overstated.
Aside from general malaise you feel when dehydrated, water helps to regulate the body's temperature through sweating and respiration. Water serves as a medium for transporting nutrients and oxygen to cells and is essential for the absorption of vitamins and minerals. Water aids in the removal of waste products and toxins from the body and ensures that the kidneys function efficiently in filtering out waste. Lastly, water is crucial for a healthy digestive system. It helps to dissolve fats and soluble fiber, allowing these substances to pass through more easily. Adequate water intake also prevents constipation by softening stools and helping to move food through the digestive tract.
Staying hydrated consistently throughout the day is a crucial and easy first step to wellness. Optimal hydration has also been linked to successful weight loss, as it suppresses your appetite, increases the metabolism and improves fat oxidation.
Do I really need to filter my water?
YES! Depending on which part of the world you live in, most tap water is contaminated a whole host of toxins including lead, chlorine and chloramine, pesticides, herbacides, pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals, and pathogenic organisms. Fluoride, commonly added to tap water, can affect healthy thyroid function by displacing iodine.
So if you are not using a water filter, then you are the water filter.
There are many excellent water filtration systems out there, so do your research and find one that is best for your needs. Be aware that not all systems filter our fluoride, and some systems such as reverse osmosis removes beneficial minerals.
Naturally sourced water has trace minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, bicarbonate and zinc which are essential for bone health, electrolyte balance, hydration, and various metabolic processes. Trace minerals are required for your body to actually absorb the water on a cellular level. Therefore, remineralisation is crucial because it adds all the minerals and electrolytes back in that may have been removed by some filtration systems.
You will notice that your water needs to be mineralised if you get muscle cramps, feel fatigued despite adequate rest and your mouth feels dry despite drinking lots of water. Best ways to remineralise the water after include using remineralisation filters, adding humic fulvic acid drops, trace mineral solutions, or pink Himalayan salt.