Aqua Vitae
Good. You’re exercising and drinking enough water to give your body the fluid it needs to properly conduct virtually every bodily function. But what kind of water are you drinking?
Tap Water
Of course it’s convenient, but what’s in it? Unless you enjoy well water that is tested regularly, you can’t be sure what’s in today’s municipal water supplies. Besides the chemical taste that comes from using chlorine to kill bacteria, the tap water in your home can contain trace amounts of herbicides, pesticides and minute amounts of industrial chemicals.
Bottled Water
Usually of better quality, bottled water comes from many sources. Normally it is labeled as having come from a particular source, such as a spring, glacier, spa or even a filtered and ozonated public water supply. Even though consistent labeling regulations are not in place, read the label.
Mineral Water
This is a type of spring water that means that the mineral content of the water has not been altered. Plus, to be called “natural spring water” it cannot be extracted from a spring, but must flow freely from its source and bottled at that location.
Sparkling Water
This is water with dissolved carbon dioxide, either from its natural source or added during the bottling process. Interestingly, carbon dioxide is a waste product that your body removes with each breath. Carbonated beverages (especially with added sugars!) may taste good, but aren’t very good for you.
Distilled Water
This is the purest form of water that is collected from condensing the steam from boiling water. Most of the minerals and pollutants have been left behind, leaving a tasteless, often acidic, liquid. Absent from distilled water are the important electrolytes that are essential for proper function.
Drinking enough of the right kind is important for good health.
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