Spring, Purified, Mineral, or Alkaline: What Is The Best and Healthiest Water to Drink?

,

 / 

healthiest water to drink

When it comes to H2O, what is the healthiest water to drink? Spring, purified, mineral, or alkaline? Let’s explore where the real concern comes into play.

Despite the array of choices, the truth is that water, in its essence, remains just that โ€“ water. Caroline West Passerrello, a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, points out that the pivotal factor is access to safe and affordable hydration.

So,ย What Is The Healthiest Water to Drink?

In the grand scheme of hydration, the type of water plays second fiddle to the volume consumed. West Passerrello emphasizes the crucial importance of adequate intake: for adults, around 100 ounces a day or roughly nine to 13 cups.

While some liquid intake is derived from food and other beverages, a substantial portion should stem from plain water.

Neglecting this could inadvertently lead to dehydration, characterized by a range of symptoms including fatigue, chills, constipation, dizziness, and headaches.

Dehydration’s adverse effects extend to bodily functions like temperature regulation, joint lubrication, spinal cord protection, and even the prevention of chronic illnesses.

However, if specific health objectives are in the spotlight, certain enhanced waters, like those enriched with minerals or electrolytes, can provide a minor boost.

For instance, mineral water often contains extra sodium, potassium, or calcium โ€“ elements that might align with individual dietary goals. Athletes and recovery scenarios can also benefit from electrolyte-rich water.

Notably, the nutrient content in enhanced waters differs, requiring careful scrutiny of the nutrition label.

In the debate between bottled and tap water, the scales tip toward the latter. While the FDA regulates bottled water, the EPA oversees tap water, adhering to standards outlined in the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Despite the variance among municipalities, tap water generally earns the “safe to drink” stamp. When contamination concerns arise, communities promptly notify residents, issuing advisories to boil or avoid tap water.

Nonetheless, the evolving scientific understanding of substances like PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl) complicates matters. These “forever chemicals” โ€“ due to their persistence and potential toxicity โ€“ have been linked to an array of health issues, spanning from cancer to thyroid ailments, high cholesterol, and pregnancy-related conditions.

To encapsulate, the complexity of water choices condenses to a single, compelling truth: the ultimate criterion for selecting water pivots on its safety, accessibility, and affordability.

While the water’s type might hold marginal relevance, water intake volume undeniably reigns supreme. In a world where water’s abundance isn’t universal, appreciating this luxury stands vital.

Share your thoughts about your choice of healthiest water to drink in the comments below!


— Share —

— About the Author —

Leave a Reply

Up Next

New Study Reveals Link Between Depression, Anorexia, and Gut Microbiota

healthiest water to drink

A recent study published in BMC Psychiatry sheds light on a potential connection between major depressive disorder (MDD), anorexia, and gut microbiota. Led by researchers at the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, the study suggests that individuals with both depression and anorexia exhibit distinct patterns in their gut bacteria, particularly involving the presence of a specific bacterium called Blautia.

Depression, characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in daily activities, affects millions worldwide and is often accompanied by a high risk of suicide. Anorexia, marked by reduced appetite and distorted body image, commonly co-occurs with depression, complicating treatment efforts.

Gut Bacteria’s Role in Depression and Anorexia

Up Next

Anxiety Alleviation: Dietitians Recommend 4 Drinks to Lower Anxiety

healthiest water to drink

In a world where stress and anxiety are prevalent, with up to 19% of U.S. adults experiencing prolonged anxiety, the quest for effective coping mechanisms continues.

While traditional treatments like medication and therapy remain pillars of support, emerging research suggests that dietary choices, including hydration, might play a significant role in managing anxiety levels.

Drinks to Lower Anxiety You Must Know About

Here, we delve into the top drinks to lower anxiety recommended by dietitians –

1. Chamomile Tea: Renowned for its calming properties, chamomile tea contains apigenin, a flavonoid compound known for its anti-anxiety effects. Wan Na Chan, M.P.H., RD,

Up Next

Managing Autoimmune Disorders Through Yoga: Effective Practices to Consider

healthiest water to drink

In recent years, the intersection between holistic practices like yoga and conventional medicine has garnered significant attention, particularly in the realm of managing autoimmune disorders.

A burgeoning body of research suggests that incorporating yoga into treatment plans can offer tangible benefits for individuals grappling with autoimmune conditions. From rheumatoid arthritis to lupus, yoga’s gentle yet powerful techniques hold promise in alleviating symptoms and improving overall quality of life.

Yoga, with its emphasis on mindful movement, breathwork, and relaxation, provides a multifaceted approach to managing autoimmune disorders. The practice not only addresses physical symptoms but also targets the underlying stress and inflammation that often exacerbate these conditions.

Up Next

Pregnancy Linked to Accelerated Aging Process in Women, Study Finds

healthiest water to drink

In a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers shed light on a compelling connection between pregnancy and the aging process in women.

The study, led by Calen Ryan, an associate research scientist at the Columbia University Ageing Center, suggests that women who have experienced pregnancy may exhibit more signs of biological aging compared to those who haven’t. Intriguingly, the research also indicates that the aging process may accelerate with multiple pregnancies.

Ryan commented on the findings, stating, “We’re discovering that pregnancy leaves lasting effects on the body. While not all are negative, it appears to heighten the risk of certain diseases and overall mortality.”

Stud

Up Next

Unlocking Hoarding Disorder: Understanding, Support, and Effective Solutions

healthiest water to drink

Hoarding disorder, a mental health condition characterized by persistent difficulty in parting with possessions and accumulating excessive clutter, affects millions of individuals worldwide. Here’s what you need to know about this often misunderstood disorder and how to support those who struggle with it.

Defining Hoarding Disorder:

Hoarding disorder is a complex mental health condition marked by a compulsive urge to accumulate possessions, leading to overwhelming clutter and difficulty discarding items.

According to experts like Brad Schmidt and Gregory Chasson, individuals with hoarding disorder often experience distress at the thought of parting with their belongings and may also have a strong desire to acquire new items.

Up Next

Understanding Cherophobia: Signs, Causes, and Coping Strategies

healthiest water to drink

Cherophobia, a condition characterized by an aversion to happiness, has garnered attention for its impact on mental well-being.

Derived from the Greek word “Chairo,” meaning “I rejoice,” cherophobia manifests as an irrational fear of experiencing joy. Therapist Carolyn Rubenstein explains that this fear often stems from anxious thoughts associated with past trauma or childhood experiences linking happiness to negative outcomes.

Signs of Cherophobia

Recognizing the signs of cherophobia is crucial for identifying individuals who may be struggling with this condition:

Feelings of Guilt and Unworthiness: Those with cherophobia experience guilt and unwor

Up Next

Stress Can Lead to Cortisol Belly: Here’s How to Fix It

healthiest water to drink

Stress can affect our lives in many ways, from our mental health to our relationships, but it can also lead to physical symptoms such as โ€˜cortisol bellyโ€™. Cortisol belly, named after the stress hormone, has been widely discussed on social platforms such as TikTok, with users and experts explaining how it occurs, and theorizing what could be done about it.

While you may not have heard of the term โ€˜cortisol bellyโ€™ before, you might have heard of stubborn belly fat or stress belly, which are essentially the same thing. This is because it refers to the accumulation of visceral adipose tissue around the stomach, which has been linked to prolonged exposure to elevated levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.

What Is Cortisol Belly?

According to dietitian