Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Alkaline Drinking Water Benefits: Reverse Osmosis Vs. Naturally-Occurring Mineral Waters


By: Brian Johnson

Water is life! Water is the source of life, necessary for the existence of every living thing. Every physiological function in the body requires the presence of water. Surprisingly, in spite the recent focus on the benefits of organic and natural products, the advantages of naturally-occurring drinking waters often go unexamined. Here is an overview of the benefits of high-alkaline, naturally-occurring mineral water.

Water is life! Water is the source of life, necessary for the existence of every living thing. Every physiological function in the body requires the presence of water. Surprisingly, in spite the recent focus on the benefits of organic and natural products, the advantages of naturally-occurring drinking waters often go unexamined. Given its importance, how often do you ask yourself the crucial question, “Is the water I’m drinking really healthy?”

Drinking Water Choices
When it comes to choosing our drinking water, there are many options available. The many, many companies that sell various types of waters are quick to point out their variety of benefits. Some claim that their water is low in contaminants or that it simply tastes better than tap water, which are of course good things. But, those benefits may have to be tempered, depending upon how the water is produced.

Is reverse osmosis a Good Thing?
Reverse osmosis (RO) is one of the most commonly-used methods for decontaminating traditional tap water and some common bottled waters. The advantage of the RO process includes the removal of contaminants such as fluoride, lead, and chlorine (all of which are things we should all avoid as much as possible, to be sure). It is easy to understand why we would think the reverse osmosis process would be healthy. Unfortunately, however, the reverse osmosis process strips the natural water of its minerals constituents, leaving tasteless and (in our opinion) unhealthy drinking water. Here’s the newsflash that America is missing out on: we need minerals in our food and water! Consuming food and water devoid of minerals dilutes your bodily supplies and wreaks havoc on your body in the long run. In addition, the RO method of contaminant-removal also causes the water to become more acidic. Acidic water (i.e., water with a relatively low PH level) causes calcium and other essential minerals to be stripped from our bones and teeth. The basic truth is: to remain healthy, we really need the naturally-occurring minerals found in our food and water.

Alkaline Drinking Water Benefits
A great alternative to drinking reverse-osmosis waters is naturally-occurring mineral waters. Much like the push for locally produced organic foods, we should strive to drink locally, naturally occurring waters. Nature has provided the perfect mix of dissolved solids (minerals) in these natural waters and their essential minerals are more readily utilized by our cells. Here are some of the other specific benefits of naturally-occurring waters:

1. A higher alkalinity that aids in neutralizing acid in the body while providing more oxygen to the tissues. (This benefit is HUGE, considering that most water people drink is acidic in nature and therefore damaging to bodily tissues)
2. The presence of natural Sodium bicarbonate that helps delay the onset of fatigue and assists in the neutralization of lactic acid. (Note that lactic acid is the primary cause of muscle soreness)
3. Providing calcium that helps to stabilize bone structure, teeth and cell membranes that also assists in the prevention of blood clotting.
4. Supplying potassium that aides in the growth of new cells and regulates pressure between the cells.

Each of us is made of over 75% water, so getting it right when it comes to the water we drink is a very important part of achieving long-term, good health. That is why you should consider drinking water sourced from natural wells. People who have followed the suggestion to change over to naturally-sourced water have found significant positive differences in the way they feel. Many have reported better digestion and healthier-looking skin.

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