Contaminated water causes more deaths per year, including ~500,000 diarrhoeal deaths, than all forms of violence, including war. While tap water in the United States meets relatively high standards, and although it’s convenient to just throw on the tap when we’re feeling thirsty, municipal water supplies may contain heavy metals, bacteria, additives such as fluoride, and other contaminants. While the harm may not always be immediately or readily apparent, consumption of these substances certainly does not improve our health. In combination with a complete diet and adequate physical activity, improving our water quality supports a holistic approach to maintaining our health.

Among several, two methods in which we can purify our tap water are through distillation or filtration. Distillation is a process of turning water into steam by boiling it and causing it to condense in a separate chamber in order to remove any impurities or contaminants. Affordable water distillation machines can be purchased for as little as ~$100. Filtration causes water to pass through a filter such as a sediment filter, activated carbon filter, or reverse osmosis filter to remove impurities. Reverse osmosis filters remove up to 99% of contaminants but should be used in conjunction with a carbon filter, to deal with chlorine.

After our water is purified, it should be stored in a glass or metal (stainless steel, copper) vessel until ready for consumption. Ayurvedic practice suggests using a copper vessel because trace amounts of copper will leach into the water and because copper has anti-microbial properties. Studies suggest that to receive the full benefit of a copper vessel, the water should be left overnight or for 48 hours, but for a few hours minimum before consumption.

For more information, click HERE to read our article discussing a nutritionally complete diet.

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