Q & A on Drinking Clean Water
It’s summertime, we’re having more fun in the sun, sweating, and realizing we need to do a better job staying hydrated- aka, drink water, drink clean water! It is important! The average adult body is approximately 60% water! The percentage does vary due to muscle mass versus fat composition. Did you know muscles hold more water than fat! So, when we’re getting in shape, or just outdoors having fun and sweating, it’s important to stay hydrated. Here are my most common Questions & Answers on water, and putting salt or minerals back into your water! Read all about clean water information below.
Frequently Asked Questions :
Q: I’ve been told I need a reverse osmosis water filter, is this true?
A: No. The ideal fix is a Berkey Water Filter. Pour your tap water in it daily and follow the Berkey instructions for maintenance and upkeep of the water filter unit. (units are sold at the Nutritional Healing Center of Ann Arbor). You can also purchase Berkey water filters for your showerhead!
Q: I’ve been told I need to drink ph balanced water or “alkaline water” is that true?
A: No, the ph primarily affects our mouth, esophagus, and stomach as we drink it. Our stomach ph is the most acidic in the body. There is no reason we need to drink alkaline water to reduce the acidity in our stomach. Ultimately this only serves to impair digestion and reduce mineral breakdown and absorption.
Q: How do I drink the best water and what can I do to change right now?
A:
- Buy a Berkey Water Filter.
- If you don’t have the budget for a Berkey, buy Distilled water.
- Add minerals to your water:
a.) Add Selena’s Naturally Vital Grey Mineral Blend Celtic Sea Salt to EVERY glass of distilled water to add the minerals back to it. Just a pinch will do! It doesn’t need to taste salty!
Or
b.) Buy Spectramin or Spectralyte (liquid mineral supplement) and add that as directed by your practitioner to each glass of water.
Q: Why do I need to add minerals to my water?
A: Water is rehydrating, but it can also strip our body of minerals, especially when it is deficient in minerals and when too much is consumed. The best way to drink water is filtered with a Berkey and add minerals.
Q: How much water should I drink in a day?
A: This varies very much from person to person. An initial goal is 50% of your body weight in ounces. For example, if you weigh 160 lb, you should drink 80 ounces of water per day.
Q: If I drink juice, tea, and coffee, does that count toward my water intake for the day?
A: No. Juice is filled with sugar, coffee and tea are not water although they are steeped in water. All of these modify our hydration and do not hydrate like water with minerals does.
Q: I hate water, I just can’t drink it. Can I do anything to give it a taste?
A: Ideally you learn to drink it. Meanwhile, cut an orange, lemon, lime, strawberry, blueberry or cucumber. Let a slice steep in the water, it will alter the taste and smell which may help you drink it easier.
Q: If I exercise do I need to drink more water?
A: Yes, typically when you exercise, if you are breaking a sweat, you will need to replenish the proper hydration in your body. Summertime is sneaky. If you are doing outdoor activities, you may not notice you are sweating because it may be evaporating off from the sun. Be sure to drink extra water when exercising. Ask your practitioner for help finding out what amount is right for you based on your body size, type, and exercise frequency and duration.
Q: If I drink coffee, tea or other caffeinated products, do I need to drink more water?
A: Yes. For example, if you have a 10-ounce glass of coffee in the morning, you should drink a 20-ounce glass of water with your minerals to offset the dehydrating effects of the coffee.
Q: I don’t ever feel thirsty, does that mean I don’t need water?
A: Typically our body cannot distinguish between thirst and hunger. You may not “feel thirsty” but yes, you still need to rehydrate your body with clean, mineralized water. The human body is approximately 70% water, we need to keep it hydrated for healthy cellular activity, along with healthy elimination and lymphatic cleansing.
Q: Can I drink all my clean water for the day at one time and just get it done with?
A: No. You should drink water regularly all day long. If your goal is to drink 80 ounces of water in a day, you can certainly buy a 20-ounce water bottle, fill it 4 times, and drink it morning, early afternoon, mid-day, and in the evening. But excess amounts of water all at one time are harsh on the body and the kidneys to manage.
Q: Do I need to drink clean water when I’m fasting or during a low carb or ketosis diet?
A: Yes! Insulin effects water retention. You ‘ll notice when you change your diet to lowering carbs, you will urinate more frequently. This happens during a fast as well. Be sure to replenish your water during this time of increased urination.
If you need help understanding how to replenish your minerals when drinking water, schedule a visit with your practitioner today!
Best in health,
Kristen Clore, OTR, Nutrition Response Practitioner®
