The chemicals added to sanitize
water have also raised concerns in recent years. These
include chlorine, phosphate, lime, soda ash, and aluminum
phosphate. Chlorine, in particular, has attracted considerable
attention. Studies have shown that chlorine forms carcinogenic
chemicals when interacting with organic matter commonly
found in water. Ingesting small amounts of chlorine
over time has also been shown to drop vitamin E levels
in the body and destroy beneficial intestinal flora.
In the U.S. and Europe, the fluoridation of water
has been another controversial topic. Fluoride is
added to water as a type of medicine for the masses,
with the stated objective of creating stronger teeth
and bones. Opponents of fluoridation, however, make
the following distinction: Chemically derived sodium
fluoride, a by-product of the aluminum industry,
is added to drinking water, not the naturally occurring
calcium fluoride. Studies have shown that
small amounts of calcium fluoride strengthen teeth
and bones. No study has ever proven the same for sodium
fluoride. Certain illnesses, on the other hand, have
been linked to this substance, including, ironically,
tooth decay as well as skeletal fluorosis, a bone
and joint condition. Yet, today, more than half the
cities in the United States fluoridate their water
supplies.
So what is pure water and how can you get it? Water
should be clear and have a refreshing taste and aftertaste.
If you turn on your tap and find cloudy, discolored,
or sediment-laden water, it’s a sign to take
caution. Similarly, if the water tastes metallic or
otherwise “off” in any way, it’s
probably impure. If you’d like to test your
water for harmful substances, a number of private
labs now offer this service. See the Resource section
(page 00) for more information. Your local water company
should also provide free information on chlorine,
fluoride, and mineral levels.
Water filtration is one of the safest and most affordable
options for purifying water today. There are three
primary types of filtration: activated carbon, reverse-osmosis,
and steam distillation. Carbon filters are highly
effective, moderately priced, and available in a variety
of styles, from pitchers to whole-house units. Just
note that filters require frequent changing. Reverse-osmosis
technology is also highly effective. Such countertop
units get rid of more contaminants than carbon filters,
although they also cost more and waste large quantities
of water. Steam distillers are the most thorough purifiers,
but they’re expensive, difficult to maintain,
and strip water of all essential minerals, thus creating
lifeless water.
This raises an important consideration regarding
the mineral content of our drinking water today. Truly
vitalized water spends time deep within the earth
or mountains, collecting minerals and other nutrients.
It then naturally filters through rocks and other
sediments, which aerate, purify, and mineralize the
water. From an Ayurvedic standpoint, such minerals
relate to the greater Earth element at our core.
Most of our drinking water today derives from surface
sources devoid of this natural process. Filtering
water through any of the methods above will further
remove important minerals. If you suspect you have
mineral-depleted water, we recommend adding trace
minerals to your water. These derive from natural
sources, such as saltwater lakes, and are available
at most health food stores. Ayurveda also recommends
placing water in a natural, unglazed clay pot overnight
to help add back minerals. For this to be effective,
it’s important that both sides of the pot are
unglazed.
As awareness of water quality has increased in recent
years, bottled water sales have boomed. Relying solely
on bottled water, however, is more costly and less
environmentally friendly than investing in a quality
filtration system. Chemicals from plastic bottles
can also leach into the water, particularly if bottles
become hot. When you do buy bottled water, always
check the source listed on the bottle. If no source
is listed, the water can legally be tap water. “Natural
Spring Water” and “Artesian Water”
are healthy choices, since they derive from underground
sources and flow naturally to the Earth’s surface.
According to Ayurveda, drinking pure water nourishes
the Water element at our core. Modern nutritional
theory recommends drinking at least 6 to 8 glasses
of water a day. While this quantity is in line with
Ayurveda’s general recommendation, other factors
must also be taken into account. These include an
individual’s doshic make-up, age, and activity
level. Seasonal and geographic factors should also
be considered. For example, an active Pitta type living
in a hot climate will require more water during the
summer months. A busy Vata individual living in a
dry climate will require more water during the fall.
An inactive Kapha type living in a wet climate will
require less water during spring. Since the body naturally
becomes drier with age, all doshic types benefit from
greater hydration during these years. |