H2Oh, Water Scam!

The quality of water you drink is of paramount importance. Various names float around us, right from tap water to mineral water, spring water, and sparkling water. How different are they? Have you ever wondered?

TAP WATER- is most commonly used for its availability.  Depending on where your water comes from, it may contain chemicals like chlorine and pesticides or impurities like bacteria and parasites. In some places Fluoride is added to tap water which means it has a high concentration of calcium, magnesium, other minerals and micro-organisms. 

Unfortunately fluoridated water increases the risk of cancer in bones or other body tissues and affects the IQ in children, may cause chronic dental fluorosis and over a long period of time skeletal fluorosis.

If you prefer drinking bottled water, here is a mini glossary to help you understand the differences among a variety of waters.

Bottled Waters

We are faced with the choice of many varieties of bottled water that claim to contain minerals to enhance one's health. Nonetheless the seemingly pure alternative to tap water also has repercussions.

Is all bottled water the same?

No, there are actually different types of water they may be packaged drinking water, mineral water, purified water (water that has been produced by distillation, deionization, reverse osmosis ) or sterile water.

Mineral water

This contains several mineral compounds and comes from natural springs. Mineral water must flow freely from the source and must be bottled at the source. If you drink mineral water exclusively, you might be taking in more minerals than your body needs or can use.  Excess Calcium deposits causes gallstones, kidney stones and UTI (Urinary tract Infection)

Packaged drinking water

...is processed through 4 steps comprising of UV treatment, reverse osmosis, ionization and carbon filtration. Side effects of UV treatment are eczema, psoriasis, redness of skin, itching etc. Reverse osmosis have the same effects that are caused by fluoride (mentioned above)

Spring water

There is no legal definition for spring water and it may not actually come from a spring at all. But real spring water is unprocessed and originates in underground reservoirs that naturally rise to the earth's surface. Spring water is lighter and smooth to taste than tap water. It is better for your health, skin, hair and general well being.

Sparkling water

is water that is either naturally fizzy or water to which carbon dioxide has been added to make it fizzy and many a times sodium. Flavored sparkling water may be made with sugars in addition to the flavoring agent, so always read the label. Sparkling water is of two different varieties; one with gas and the other without gas which is called still water.

Fizzy sparkling waters showed greater dissolution of carbon potential than still waters, but dissolution levels remain low and are of the order of one hundred times less than soft drinks. De-gassing of a sparkling water reduces its carbon dissolution. Intake of carbonated beverages has been associated with increased bone fracture risk. They contain phosphate and sometimes large amount of caffeine which are acidic and interfere with calcium and bone density, causing  excitability , insomnia, nervousness, stomach upset, tremors and extra heart beats. 

SODA

Plain soda is water which has been charged with carbon dioxide. It is also often referred to as Seltzer Water, Sparkling Water, and Club Soda. Soda is by far the most acid-forming of all foods. Soda is not really a food at all, but a collection of acidic chemicals (carbonic acid, phosphoric acid, etc).

One eight-ounce glass of soda is so acid-forming that it requires 30 eight-ounce glasses of water to dilute it and normalize the pH balance in the body.  Soda demineralizes the bones, teeth, and skin. It also causes knee pain and joint pain.

There is also a direct link between tooth decay and soda. The high acid levels in all sodas dissolve the calcium out of the enamel, leaving a softened matrix for bacteria to enter the teeth and cause cavities. In addition, people who drink more soda tend to have decreased calcium intake and poor bone health.

Sodas are also a major source of caffeine. Caffeine is the most widely used psychotropic (mind-altering) drug in the world.

A better option is to exchange the artificial taste of soda for the healthier hydration of water or 100-percent pure fruit juice. In the long run, your body will reap the rewards of quitting the soda habit.

So much about water! And what about the packaging of it in the plastic bottles? Bottles that have been scratched or that are exposed to heat can cause the plastic to leach chemicals like phthalates and bisphenol-A. These are the chemicals that have been linked to cancer and birth defects.Water is instant energy. Choose right! When you are lethargic or tired, a glass of water will bring you back to life.