What's Missing In Our Drinking Water... And How To Get It Back

What's Missing In Our Drinking Water... And How To Get It Back

If you drink municipal tap water, well water or bottled water, it may taste just fine and be perfectly safe. But it's missing at least three things your body needs.

Without them, even gallons of water a day won't quench your thirst or provide the life-enhancing benefits of "real" water. You will feel like you're constantly running on empty with low energy reserves, and your skin will feel prematurely aged and dry. This is what's missing:

1. Minerals

The best drinking water contains minerals like calcium, potassium and magnesium. When delivered to your entire system via the water you drink, these minerals can help heal and detoxify the body, hydrate the skin, and even assist in weight loss.

2. Electrolytes

Electrolytes are created when minerals are dissolved in water. They help regulate your body's hydration, blood pH levels, and nerve and muscle functioning. Sickness or prolonged activity can deplete your electrolytes, leading to weakness, dehydration and even heart problems.

3. pH Balance

High stress levels and a poor diet can turn your pH balance acidic. Disease and illness thrive in acidic environments but can't survive in alkaline conditions. That's why a more alkaline pH balance contributes to good health. To establish an alkaline environment, your system needs a steady supply of minerals like calcium.

So you can see how everything hinges on getting the right minerals into your system.

Tap water and purified water either never had these minerals or they've been taken out and impurities, like chlorine, have been added. The result is the same... you end up drinking something as nutritious as air. No wonder it doesn't quench the thirst.

Where Is "Real" Water Found?

Scientists have discovered mineral-laced water in several places around the world. For example, there are islands in Japan made from coral that lifted up from the sea bed many millenia ago. Rain water percolates down through these calcium-rich corals and becomes part of the drinking water supply. Not only does it contain minerals but is also very alkaline in nature. The remarkable health and longevity of the island residents is a testament to the water quality.

Other cultures around the world are now being studied to determine the reason for their long lives and good health: Pakistan, Tibet, and Armenia to name a few. One thing these communities have in common is that their water comes from melting glaciers. The water holds sediments washed out of crushed rock contained in the glaciers. As a result, it's high in calcium and other essential minerals.

So how do those of us living far away from glaciers and coral islands gain access to water like that?

Building a Better Water

Sports drinks are very popular these days for their electrolyte content. But they also contain high levels of sugars and carbs so are not suitable for children or those concerned about weight gain.

On the other hand, electrolyte drinks help us replenish the water, minerals and salts depleted by exercise, illness and everyday stressors. They come in the form of sachets you add to regular water and steep for a short time.

They accomplish three important health goals: they rehydrate the body; add the necessary minerals and electrolytes; plus raise the pH of the water they're mixed with to create a more alkaline environment in the body to help ward off disease.

So even in the middle of a big city or rural America, it is possible to get the water you need for energy and good health.