water filters & hydration
With the hot, summer months upon us, adequate hydration is more important than ever.
We are 70% water. Water is the nutrient that bathes our cells and provides a medium for the chemical reactions that support life. In addition to the unseen miracles that water constantly provides within and around our cells, it also provides visible changes. Being well-hydrated offers your skin its best chance of looking clear, full, youthful, and vibrant. Dehydration places stress on the entire body and hampers normal metabolic processes. Adequate hydration should be a top priority!
Symptoms of mild dehydration include headaches, fatigue, brain fog constipation, muscle cramps, and dull or dry skin. Feeling thirsty isn't an early sign - it means you are already fairly dehydrated. It's amazing how much better you can feel with sufficient water intake.
You should aim to drink half your body weight in fluid ounces of filtered water per day, more if you exercise or drink caffeine. For example, a 150-pound person should drink 75 ounces of water daily.
For maximum hydration, add a pinch of pink Himalayan salt to all drinking water! This is a cheap, easy way to add minerals to your water and actually allows for better hydration. With the addition of sea salt, your cells are better able to absorb the water, rather than just peeing it all out.
water filters
“But I live in a city, why do I need to filter my water?”
Unfiltered tap water may contain heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic), toxic chemicals (pesticides, herbicides), volatile organic carbons, pharmaceuticals, and carcinogens.
An analysis of the Portland Metro drinking water by the Environmental Working Group found elevated levels of arsenic and two cancer-causing compounds (HAA5 & TTHMs).
Parasites such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium are routinely found in Portland tap water (Portland.gov). The cyst form of Cryptosporidium is super tiny - make sure your water filter is capable of removing these. Opt for reverse osmosis filters or brands that are “NSF-53 or NSF-58 certified for cyst removal.”
Water filter brands I recommend:
For travel:
You'll see that the ever-so-popular Brita filters are not on my list. Brita fails to filter our heavy metals, chlorine, bacteria, parasites, or fungi. If you have a Brita, it's time to upgrade!
Shower filters
Chlorine, an irritant, is found in tap water. We may absorb more chlorine through showering than by drinking. Our skin is highly absorbent and a hot shower will further open the skin’s pores. hot Additionally, hot water can also cause chlorine to vaporize and harm lung tissue.
Chlorine is drying to skin and hair and can harm the skin microbiome. Using a chlorine shower filter is a cheap and effective way to improve the health of your skin, hair, and lungs.
