We are ninety something percent water! We absolutely must stay hydrated, and we need to make sure that the sources of water we drink from are the very best. The quality of the water we consume daily can have a cumulative effect on our health for good or for bad.
Let’s take a look at sources of drinking water, and then I’ll go into the best times to hydrate.
Can You Drink Tap Water?
Yes and no. It depends on the condition of the reservoirs, how the water is processed, and the thousands of feet of plumbing it must travel to reach you. There are a lot of variables!
You just don’t know what’s coming out of the tap! It is ideal to have known and controlled sources of water. If you’re away from your ideal water supply, there certainly is nothing wrong with grabbling a drink from the tap. Staying hydrated is first and foremost! Once back in control of your water supply, my preferred way is to use a water distiller like my trusty WaterWise distiller.
The book “Water Can Undermine Your Health” by Norman W. Walker (1974) is a very good read on what can really be lurking in an “unknown” water supply.
Bottled Water
As much as I don’t like the proliferation of plastic bottle waste that comes with it, Bottled water can be a better choice than tap water. I feel no guilt about grabbing a few bottles when I’m away and need water in a pinch.
Water Filter Systems
A water filter system can be excellent way to get a much better quality supply of drinking water. No plastic bottle waste to deal with as you’re taking water from the tap and running it through a filter to remove most of the impurities. The only disadvantages are that you have to keep on top of is changing the filters at the recommended intervals. Some systems use proprietary, expensive filter cartridges which can become costly. Also, filters don’t completely remove chlorine and other harmful stuff from the tap water.
Additionally, there are filters you can attach to your shower head to reduce chlorine or other irritants and make your shower much more enjoyable!
Water Distiller
My preferred way is to use a steam distiller. This works by heating tap water in a boiler and directing the steam through a cooling coil. Pure distilled water condenses in the coil and drips out through a spout into a collection container. Most small distillers include a pocket in the spout for an activated charcoal filter to remove any residual tastes or odors.
I like distillation the best since you don’t have to deal with fancy filters. Distilling also gets rid of virtually every impurity in the water. Plus you have a supply water for those applications that need distilled water.
Minerals
Distillation or reverse osmosis removes not only the bad stuff, but also trace minerals that are essential to our bodies. Drinking this water as is can leach minerals from our teeth and bones, too.
When I make a batch of water for drinking, I’ll add mineral drops such as Concentrace to restore minerals and make the water more alkaline (aka “sweet”). I love the taste the Concentrace minerals add.
Best Times To Drink Water
Here’s a rundown of some of the best times to drink a glass or two of water:
- First thing in the morning. I’ll chug down one or two large glasses of water. This kicks the GI tract into action and makes way for breakfast.
- About an hour before eating lunch or dinner, I’ll have a glass full.
- Before and after a long walk.
- Just before bedtime. One or two glasses.
- Anytime you feel thirsty!
- Before and after consuming coffee or alcoholic beverages.
Hydrating before bedtime is important because your body does a lot of detoxing during sleep. A good drink of water helps your body to flush out these toxins effectively.
People tend to complain about having to get up and pee in the middle of the night. This is a very minor inconvenience compared to the benefit of being properly hydrated. I’ll just get up and do my business, have another glass of water, and then go back to bed.
Check your pee – if it’s dark, you’re dehydrated! Drink up now! Your pee-pee should be clear or only a very light yellow.
Water Rich Foods
Another great source of good clean water is directly from fresh raw fruits and vegetables. I emphasize raw because cooked fruits and vegetables or pasteurized juices tend to have a dehydrating effect. Raw foods don’t have this dehydrating effect. I’ve observed this consistently in my own experience.
Most cooked, salty or sweetened, processed foods are dehydrating. That’s why it is important to have a glass or two of water before eating.
Coffee, tea and alcoholic beverages are very dehydrating, too. Either avoid these or make sure to drink additional water to offset the effect of these.
The series of books written by Norman W. Walker go into the many benefits of a raw food diet.
Conclusion
Water is vital! All of the greatest and best superfoods in the world are no good without water. Make sure to drink only the best water you can get to or make, and drink often! If distilled or purified, add trace mineral drops.
Feel free to comment or ask questions below. Wishing you awesome health, and a long happy life!
