Water in the News!

Emergency Preparedness in 2012

2012-01-24T09:38:00.000-08:00

In 2011 the Earthproved that it truly is an unpredictable place, from the earthquakes and tsunamiin Japan to the earthquakes in New Zealand. Our hearts go out the family and friendsof the nearly 20,000 lives lost and those left homeless.

Japan’s 9.0 magnitudeearthquake has become the most costly natural disaster ever recorded at 210billion dollars. Natural disasters also extended throughout others areas in theworld in 2011 including Australia, and Southern and Midwestern United States.

Preparation for 2012is the key to ensuring that you and your family are protected through any kindof natural disaster or storm. In some cases the home can be destroyed andindividuals may need to turn to others for help, but for many they can beself-sufficient during times of distress. Therefore ensure that you haveeverything you need including an emergency kit, water filtration system andfood to last you for the days after.

The Santevia Alkaline Gravity Water Filtration System is NSF Standard Certified and requires no electricity or water pressure. Use your Santevia Gravity Water System in your home or store it in your emergency kit. Your Santevia Gravity Water System will never become dated and can supply you with unlimited drinking water. If potable water isn’t available, just follow the disaster instructions, and you can have safe water for your family anytime with the Santevia Gravity Water System.

Reference:

Wall, T. (2011, July 12). Natural Disasters in 2011 Costliest Ever. Retrieved January 13, 2012, from Discovery News: http://news.discovery.com/earth/natural-disasters-in-2011-costliest-ever-110712.html

Magnesium used to treat depression.

2011-11-17T13:13:00.001-08:00

The article, “Rapid recovery from major depression using magnesium treatment” studies the use of magnesium as a treatment for depression. The results of the study were positive, as magnesium was beneficial as a treatment for depression in the patients’ studied.

The study states,
“We have shown efficacy, as have others, in treating depression and some related mental disorders with magnesium. We suggest that magnesium treatment will be found effective in future clinical trials, at least to an extent equivalent to antidepressant drugs, and perhaps more effective.”

The report supports the, “Hypothesis that magnesium is therapeutic for depression and related to mental disorders.” Nonetheless, “It is effectively illegal to market nutrients to treat, cure and prevent diseases in the United States.”

As research continues to support the use of magnesium as a treatment for depression it will be unjustifiable for the naysayers to deny the effects magnesium has on mental disorders such as depression. The future of magnesium as an alternative to pharmaceuticals for treatment of depression is bright. It is always refreshing to find studies supporting natural remedies as a treatment instead of pharmaceutical drugs.

This study is one of many showing the effects and the importance magnesium has on the human body. Magnesium can be found in foods, supplements and the easiest of them all, alkaline mineral water. Hydrating with alkaline mineral water will not only replenish the body but will help you get the nutrients you need, such as magnesium, to maintain a balanced life.

Eby, George A., Karen Eby (2006). " Rapid recovery from major depression using magnesium treatment". Medical Hypotheses Vol. 367 No. 2, pp 362-370

The importance of Calcium

2011-10-17T14:38:00.000-07:00

Calciumis an important mineral for the body as it is helps build and maintain strongbones and teeth. Calcium is also found in blood and soft tissue. Calcium aidswith muscle contractions, nerve transmission, and secretion of hormones likeinsulin, which regulates the functioning of blood glucose levels.

Mineralenriched water is a great source of essential minerals and is especially agreat source of calcium and magnesium. The beneficial effects of mineral wateron bone metabolism are mainly attributed to their calcium content. A high intakeof calcium is also generally considered to be protective for colon cancer. Calcium-rich mineral water is an alternative to dairy products as their bioavailability issimilar or even better. Minerals other than calcium, especially bicarbonate,also have a positive effect on bone metabolism.

Forgetbuying bottled mineral water; bottled mineral water can be costly and is aheavy contributor to landfills throughout the world. Instead create your ownclean, alkaline, mineral water with an Enhanced Gravity Water FiltrationSystem. A Gravity Water System creates healthy, cost-effective,ecofriendly water and requires no electricity. A gravity water filtrationsystem is the perfect fit for any family and is a great source of essentialminerals such as calcium and magnesium.

Lappe, Joan M., Dianne Travers-Gustafson, K Michael Davies Eds (2007).“Vitamin D and calcium supplementation reduces cancer risk: results of arandomized trial^”American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Vol. 85,No. 6, 1586-1591.

Wynn, E, Marc-Antoine Krieg, Jean-Marc Aeschlimann (2009). “Alkaline mineralwater lowers bone resorption even in calcium sufficiency: alkaline mineral water and bone metabolism.” Bone Vol.120, No. 4.

Bottled water, not the answer

2011-09-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

Every second of every day, 1,000 peopleconsume a bottled of plastic water. The United States is the largest consumerof bottled water, consuming more than 30 Billion bottles a year.

According to the Container Recycling Institute,86% of plastic water bottles used in the United States becomes garbage orlitter. Bottled water has a reputation that it is safer to drink, however thisis not necessary true; temperature and duration of storage of bottled water canlead to higher bacteria growth in bottled water than tap water. In the U.S.quality standards for tap water are set by the Environmental Protection Agencyare more heavily governed and are more stringent than the standards set by Foodand Drug Administration’s for bottled water. Roughly 40% of bottled waterbegins as tap water and often no improvements are made to the water beforebottling.

Clean, affordable drinking water isessential for the health of every person, however bottled water is not theanswer. A home water filtration system can provide every family with the waterthey need to sustain healthy living. A home water filtration system can giveyou clean, mineralized water for pennies a glass. Make your own clean, affordable,HEALTHY drinking water by buying a home water filtration system today.

Arnold, Emily (2006)“BOTTLED WATER: Pouring Resources Down the Drain” Earth Policy Institue.

Doria, Miguel F.(2006) “Bottledwater versus tap water: understanding consumers’ preferences” Journal of Waterand Health Vol. 04 Issue 2, pp 271- 275

Hu, Zhihua, Morton,Lois W, Eds (2011) “Bottled Water: United States Consumers and TheirPerceptions of Water Quality” International Journal of Enviormental Researchand Public Health Vol. 08 Issue 2.

Water for weight loss

2011-09-08T10:17:00.000-07:00

Standford A to Z executed a clinical weight loss trial thatexamined the effects drinking water has on promoting weight loss.

The study separated overweight premenopausal woman into fourrandomized groups, each group assigned a popular weight loss diet plan.

The results illustrated each 1% unit ofsweetened calorie beverages replaced with drinking water was associated with a0.030 (0.011) kg weight loss. For 80% units of sweetened caloric beverages replacedwith water, the predicted mean decrease would be 2.4 kg, 2.8 cm, and 1.6%,respectively. The study states, “Absolute and relative increases in drinkingwater were associated with decreases in body weight, waist circumference, andpercent body fat in overweight women assigned to four popular weight lossdiets.”

The study illustrates replacing beveragecalories with water is an observed association between drinking waterconsumption to increase weight loss.

Pharmaceuticals in drinking water

2011-09-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

Pharmaceuticals, personal care products, endocine disruptingcompounds and pesticides are groups of organic micropollutants, which areroutinely detected in surface waters and even in drinking water. Pharmaceuticalshave been detected in wastewater and surface water throughout the world. Theiroccurrence is most often a result of municipal wastewater discharge, aspharmaceuticals are not completely removed during the treatment process. Scientistsand regulators are concerned about what level of risk may be associated withthe presence of pharmaceuticals in drinking water, as many drinking watertreatment plants use source water impacted by wastewater.

The most common pharmaceuticals detected in urban wastewaterare anti-inflammatory drugs, anticonvulsants, antibiotics and lipid regulators.Due to the large numbers of drugs consumed throughout the world, their complexchemical structures pose a potential health hazard via the consumption ofdrinking water. There is a growing interest in understanding the fate ofpharmaceuticals and EDCs during drinking water treatment.

Recent studies have shown reverse osmosis and adsorption ongranular and powered activated carbon are effective methods for removingpharmaceuticals, personal care products and endocine disrupting compounds. Howeverthere can be a downside to using Reverse osmosis filtration systems, as manyreverse osmosis systems on the market produce acidic, de-mineralized water alsoknown as dead water. A reverse osmosis system that re-mineralizes and alkalizesthe water is the perfect partnership of filtration and healthy water.Re-mineralizing Reverse osmosis Systems and Activated Carbon filtration systemsare great for creating clean, healthy water!

Benotti, Mark J., Rebecca A. Trenholm, Brett J. VanderfordEds (2009) “Pharmaceuticals and Endocrine Disrupting Compounds in U.S. DrinkingWater” Environment Science & Technology Journal Vol 43 Issue 3, pp 597-603

Broséusa R., Vincenta S.Eds (2009) “Ozone oxidation ofpharmaceuticals, endocrine disruptors and pesticides during drinking watertreatment” Water Research Volume 43, Issue 18, pp 4707-4717

Loose Weight with Water

2011-08-22T10:55:00.000-07:00

The study on “ Water Consumption Increases Weight Loss during a Hypo-caloric Diet Intervention in Middle-aged and Older Adults” tested the hypothesis that pre-meal water consumption would lead to greater weight loss in older overweight and obese individuals consuming a hypo-caloric diet.

The result of the study indicate that when combined with a hypo-caloric diet, consuming 500ml of water prior to each of the three main daily meals leads to 2 kg greater weight loss over 12 weeks as compared to a hypo-caloric diet alone.

A study conducted by the Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute also studied the effect of water and weight loss. The researchers conducting this study found that those who drank more water had more success in losing weight and maintain the loss than those who did not drink more water.

Water is important for weight-loss, hydration and over all health. Drinking clean water is also just as important as water is the fluid that energizes your body. Clean, mineralized and alkaline water is essential and can be very affordable with a gravity water system. Make your own healthy and clean water right in your own home.

Dennis, Elizabeth A., Ana Laura Dengo & Dana L. Comber Eds (2010) “ Water Consumption Increases Weight Loss During a Hypocaloric Diet Intervention in Middle-aged and Older Adults” Obesity Journal. 300-307.

“Magnesium and Calcium in Drinking water and Death from Acute Myocardial Infraction in Women”

2011-08-04T11:10:00.000-07:00

Recent scientific findings indicate that hard water is a good thing! The study “Magnesium and Calcium in Drinking water and Death from Acute Myocardial Infraction in Women” linked an increase in water hardness to a lower risk of heart disease. Water hardness is determined by the concentration of calcium and magnesium in the water. The study suggests that both magnesium and calcium in drinking water may prevent death from acute myocardial infarction. Epidemiologic studies in the U.S., Canada, South Finland, Sweden and Africa showed that people who died suddenly from ischemic heart disease had lower levels of magnesium compared with people who died from other causes. Luckily making your own mineral water is easy with a home filtration system! A gravity water system will provide you with clean water and add minerals such as magnesium and calcium. A gravity water system creates great tasting, mineralized and alkaline water and is an economical and eco-friendly alternative to bottle water. Get healthy and get yourself a gravity water system!

To read the full article referenced above see:

Rubenowitz, Eva, Gösta & Ragnar Rylander (1999). “Magnesium and Calcium in Drinking Water and Death from Acute Myocardial Infarction in Women” Epidemiology Journal Vol. 10

Effect of a supplement rich in alkaline minerals on acid-base balance in humans

2011-07-18T11:35:00.000-07:00

Homeostasis represents a crucial value of 7.35pH in the human body. When the body is in a state of homeostasis it functions at optimal performance and the body’s immune system works in perfect harmony. Eastern medicines have perfected the balance between acidic and alkaline, however here in the West, our diets mainly consist of acidic foods, creating a harmful imbalance. The research study below summarizes one method that can help offset this acidity and promote harmony within the body.

“Effect of a supplement rich in alkaline minerals on acid-base balance in humans” states western diets are considered acidogenic due to the high amounts of animal protein and an insufficient intake of fruits and vegetables. This is associated with a high dietary acid load and a low intake of base-forming dietary minerals such as potassium, magnesium or calcium.

“Effect of a supplement rich in alkaline minerals on acid-based balances in humans” investigates the effects a mineral supplement rich in alkaline minerals has on acute and chronic regulation of acid-bases balance through surrogate markers of blood, urine, and saliva pH.

The study tested for the effects a mineral supplement taken twice daily has on urinary pH. The main finding of the study was that the intake of this supplement rich in alkaline minerals was associated with a significant increase in blood and urinary pH. The study found an increase in plasma bicarbonate, as well as the return of the slightly negative base excess to zero suggests that the mineral supplement had in fact metabolically influenced acid base balance.

Several other studies have shown that increased dietary intake of alkaline mineral supplementation reduced the risk for several chronic disease conditions.

This study demonstrates the correlation between alkaline and minerals and body pH. To achieve homeostasis in your body, pair a supplement with alkaline mineral water. Drinking plenty of alkaline mineral water throughout the day will assist with the transformation of taking your body from acidic and bringing it back to homeostasis (7.35 body pH).

König, Daniel, Klaus Muser & Hans-Hermann Dickhuth. Eds (2009). “Effect of a supplement rich in alkaline minerals on acid-base balance in humans” Nutrition Journal. 1-8.

Alkaline water and stomach acid

2011-07-08T15:05:00.001-07:00

Alkaline water claims many positive health benefits, but a question that many ask is how is this possible given the hydrochloric acid in your stomach? If the alkaline water comes in contact with your stomach acid (and its pH of around 2.0) doesn’t this make all previous alkalinity from the water obsolete?

The quick answer to this question is no, alkaline water still has many positive health benefits despite your stomach acid’s effects. The reasoning behind this is explained by a simple action-reaction principle: everything that is produced in your body has an associated by-product (for example oxygen and carbon dioxide). This is also true for hydrochloric acid in your stomach. Due to the extreme acidity of hydrochloric acid, it must be produced on demand, so as your body detects an increase in pH in your stomach (as it would when you drink alkaline water), it produces hydrochloric acid to return the pH back to normal. What is interesting about this reaction is its by-product: bicarbonate. So as your body produces more hydrochloric acid, it also produces more bicarbonate which is released in the blood stream. Why is this significant? Because the concentration of bicarbonate is what determines blood pH: the higher the concentration, the higher your pH.

As the majority of us struggle with acidosis (an acidic blood pH) this added bicarbonate due to drinking alkaline water is just what our body needs!

To see some of the science that backs this up check out this paper available on our website:

“Alkaline Water and Stomach Acid” by Sang Whang http://www.santevia.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=129-alkaline-water-and-stomach-acid&catid=48-in-the-news&Itemid=232

For those who would prefer some pure research try: “Effects of a bicarbonate-alkaline mineral water on gastric functions and functional dyspepsia: a pre-clinical and clinical study” by M. Bertoni et al. Pharmacological Research Volume 46, Issue 6, December 2002, Pages 525-531.

Calcium-An Essential Nutrient

2011-06-23T15:56:00.000-07:00

Across the globe, from Third World to First World countries, most people fail to consume the recommended amount of calcium. This is a serious concern as calcium is an essential nutrient that provides structural support for bones and teeth. Calcium is also a critical ion for vascular contraction and vasodilation, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, hormone action, and bone growth and maintenance in the physically active middle-aged adult.

40% of bone weight is comprised of calcium. Bones acts as a reservoir of calcium that can be drawn upon when calcium intake declines. This secretion of calcium from the bones causes the bones to weaken, leading to bone density problems such as osteoporosis.

Milk products are the greatest source of calcium in Western diets however sugar-dense soft drinks and juices are often replacing milk. In 2001 Americans drank roughly 2.5 times more soft drinks than milk. Supplements are a good alternative for individuals lacking the calcium-enriched foods required in their diets. Pairing a mineral supplement with a mineral water gives your body an additional portion of the daily nutrients it requires. And remember supplements and medications are meant to be taken with a hydrated body: drink 8 glasses of mineral water a day.

Allen, L. H, Kerstetter, J.E. (2005). “Encyclopedia of Human Nutrition” Second Edition. 253-259

Driskell, Judy A. (2009) “Nutrition and Exercise Concerns of Middle Age” Section IV- Minerals. 194-200

Summary of “Dietary Components and Immune Function”

2011-06-17T14:58:00.000-07:00

Prevention of chronic diseases and infection is heavily linked to a healthy, well- functioning immune system. Micronutrients such as amino acids, fatty acids, nucleotides, gangliosides and a dose of essential vitamins and minerals (including trace minerals) are all required to maintain a healthy immune system.

Vitamins and minerals are essential active agents required by every living cell for growth and development. Vitamins and minerals are crucial for all metabolic pathways and their well-balanced coordination. Vitamins and minerals are indispensable for maintaining health and life of all living organisms, from bacteria to human. Minerals and trace elements are inorganic substances and have to be obtained through nutrition and diet (food, water and supplements).

Folic acid, vitamin’s such as B6, B12, D, C, E and zinc, copper, iron and selenium contribute to the body’s natural defenses on three levels by supporting physical barriers (skin/mucosa), cellular immunity, and antibody production. The same vitamins listed above and minerals iron, zinc, copper and selenium work in synergy to support the protective activities of the immune cells. These nutrients are also essential for antibody production, inadequate intake of these vitamins and minerals may lead to suppressed immunity, which puts you at risk of infections and aggravates malnutrition.

Watson, Ronald R, Sherma Zibadi & Victor R. Preddy. eds. (2010). “Dietary Components and Immune Function” Nutrition and Health. 227-236.

The Nutrition and Health Journal outlines the correlations among vitamins and minerals, a weekend immune system and chronic diseases and infections. Adding mineral water into your diet can boost your minerals intake of zinc, iron, and copper, as well as other essential minerals such as calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium and manganese.

Dash diet + Mineral water= Weight loss & Healthy living

2011-06-10T10:08:00.000-07:00

The U.S. News and World report declared the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) the best diet in terms of safety, nutrition and its ability to control diabetes and support heart health (NYDailyNews.com). This diet is also supported by the Heart and Stoke foundation of Canada (heartandstroke.on.ca). The DASH diet helps maintain a healthy lifestyle and assists with loosing extra weight gain.

The DASH diet recommends eliminating sugar drinks from your diet, this avoids extra calories. The diet implements low-fat milk and water to replace sugary calories.

For an extra boost in your healthy lifestyle we suggest drinking mineral water. Minerals such as manganese and zinc assist in weight loss. Zinc is a mineral that aids in regulating appetite and manganese is a mineral that regulates metabolism and blood glucose. Magnesium, calcium and potassium are minerals that are also great for health as these minerals that help lower blood pressure.

Mineral water has a great taste and is healthy for you. Buy yourself a system that allows you to make your own clean, affordable, mineral water. Prepare for summer and take control of your weight with the DASH diet and mineral water!!

Pick your water wisely

2011-05-30T09:39:00.000-07:00

Water comes in many variations. There is sparkling water, distilled water, spring water, mineral water, filtered water and tap water. There is another beverage in the water category that has been argued does not belong, Vitaminwater.

Vitaminwater has undergone great review in Canada, US, and Britain for misleading consumers through labeling and advertisements. Health Canada has officially suggested that the company, Coca-Cola (owners of Vitaminwater) should consider qualifying the word “water” in the name of the beverage and that perhaps the word ‘water’ could be put in quotes (The Vancouver Sun). In Britain, Coca-Cola has been banned from advertising Vitaminwater as “nutritious” by Britain’s ad regulator (guardian.co.uk). Coca-Cola is also facing a class action in the US Federal Courts for violating consumer-protections laws with its Vitaminwater brand (time.com).

Vitaminwater contains 32 grams of sugar in a standard 591ml bottle. Compare this to that of Coke that contains 42 grams of sugar in a 355ml can. The American Heart Association recommends 25 grams of sugar a day for women and 37.5 grams for men; Vitaminwater is well above these recommendations. Vitaminwater is not only unhealthy it’s also expensive! And more importantly drinking Vitaminwater does not count towards your daily water intake.

A water filtration system that adds minerals paired with an alkaline energy flask is the perfect solution for healthy, great tasting water when at home and on the go! Energize and get healthy the natural way, your sugar free solution, clean, mineralized, alkaline water – like nature intended!

Pesticides and herbicides- Water filtration Systems

2011-05-04T16:08:00.000-07:00

If you live in an agricultural area or close to agricultural land, a water filtration system is a must. The farming community adopted the practice of using pesticides and herbicides as a way to control and kill unwanted farming pests. Pollutants such as pesticides and herbicides can contaminate fresh water sources as a result of direct application, runoff and atmospheric deposition (epa.gov). Pesticides and herbicides are very serious contaminants that may cause health problems including neurological effects (nrdc.org).

An advanced water filtration system such as a gravity water filtration system or reverse osmosis water filtration system can help reduce pesticide and herbicide contaminates and decrease your health risks from your drinking water. If purchasing a reverse osmosis water filtration system look for one that adds back minerals and raises the pH level as most reverse osmosis water filtration systems produce acidic, dead water.

5 Steps for a better you.

2011-04-27T16:49:00.000-07:00

1.) Stay hydrated
• Studies have shown that drinking water can increase your caloric burn rate. The researchers behind one such study at Franz-Volhard Clinical Research Center in Berlin estimate that sipping six extra 8-ounce glasses a day can burn 17,400 more calories (about 5 pounds of fat) per year. Remember to drink mineral alkaline for optimal health benefits.
2.) A lemon a day keeps the doctor away!
• Lemons are high in alkaline and can be used as a natural detox. Squeeze fresh lemon juice in a glass of clean mineralized alkaline water and drink it first thing in the morning and right before you go to bed.
3.) Make your body sweat
• Sweating is one of the ways your body eliminates acids. Exercising your body to the point of sweating promotes the pumping of the lymphatic system, which removes toxins and acid waste from tissues and fluids of the body and releases them through the skin. Sweating is a very important step in losing weight and maintaining a healthy body. Remember to hydrate before, during and after your workout by drinking plenty of alkaline mineral water.
4.) Pick the right foods
• Rule of thumb: Green is good! Green vegetables are high in minerals and vitamins and are many are high alkaline foods.
5.) Supplement for good health
• Agricultural practices adopted by farmers have exhausted the soil of minerals. Fruits and vegetables are lacking in the nutrients that once flourished in produce. In order to reach your daily mineral and vitamin intake a supplement/multi-vitamin is required. Supplements are meant to be taken with a hydrate body so don’t forget to drink alkaline mineral water throughout the day for best absorption of your supplement.

Hard Water is Good!

2011-04-07T08:57:00.000-07:00

The World Health Organization concludes that hard water is good. The latest report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) titled “Nutrients in Drinking Water” states, “To minimize heart disease risk, the ideal water should contain sufficient calcium and magnesium to be moderately hard.” Also in the report it states, “Hard water is a dietary source of calcium and sometimes magnesium, although the absolute and relative concentrations will vary greatly by source and the water consumption levels. Consumption of moderately hard water containing typical amounts of calcium and magnesium may provide an important incremental percentage of the daily dietary requirement. Inadequate total dietary intakes of calcium and magnesium are common worldwide, therefore, an incremental contribution from drinking water can be an important supplement to approach more ideal total daily intakes.”

Minerals are a CRUCIAL factor of health. Tap water and a western diet do not provide sufficient amounts of minerals as they themselves are lacking in levels of nutrients. Consuming mineral water daily increases your levels of calcium and magnesium intake. Soft water is poor, hard water is better but mineral water is BEST.

Mineral Water for Health

2011-03-30T15:31:00.000-07:00

Mineral water contains dissolved minerals that are naturally found in spring water. Many people enjoy mineral water for the taste however the advantage of consuming mineral water is for the health benefits.

The World Health Organization recommends drinking water with calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, sodium, potassium and zinc. Many of these minerals are found in mineral water.

· Calcium – important in bone health and possibly cardiovascular health

· Magnesium – important in bone and cardiovascular health

· Sodium – an important extracellular electrolyte, lost under conditions of excess sweat

· Potassium is important for a variety of biochemical effects but it is usually not found in natural drinking waters at significant levels.

(WHO, NUTRIENTS IN DRINKING WATER)

Mineral water paired with a mineral supplement is a simple step everyone can incorporate into their lifestyles. Your health and body will benefit as well as your mind and soul.

Make your own mineral water starting today!

Hydrate for protection

2011-03-24T13:49:00.000-07:00

With the meltdown of the nuclear power plant in Japan, radiation has become a concern to citizens globally. A great way to protect yourself from any effects of radiation is to stay hydrated. This recommendation comes from Dr. David Brownstein whom says “the very basics of what we need to do to protect ourselves to the maximum possible from increasing radiation in the environment is to start with hydrating our bodies to the 100 plus level because just like they need to spray down the reactors and spent rod pools with water, we ourselves need to spray down our entire cellular colony within our bodies. Simply put, our cells will burn a lot faster when dehydrated then when fully hydrated especially with purified water with some bicarbonate it in.”

Current concerns of radiation is just another example of why hydration is so important for health. Hydration not only crucial for every function in the human body but it also exudes a protective barrier, shielding the body from harm.

Mineral water with bicarbonate is the first step at protecting yourself from the current concerns of radiations; bicarbonate mineral water is also helpful for day to day health as it contributes to the minerals and alkalinity your body needs.

Clean water- when disaster hits

2011-03-17T15:34:00.000-07:00

With recent events of earthquakes, tsunamis’ and now the nuclear power plant meltdown taking place in Japan; it has us all thinking, am I prepared if disaster struck my nation?

When disaster strikes water is the most important supply needed to pull a country out from under the mud and back to the normalities of life. The hydrating power of water is crucial for fuelling a nation’s recovery. Inaccessibility to clean water in a nation that is already gripped in crisis makes a terrible situation even worse.

A gravity powered water filtration system, that requires no electricity, can store water and filter the water your family needs to get through a crisis and water shortage that most nations face after a natural disaster occurs. A gravity water filtration system should be in every homes survival kit as it can be the link to overcoming the obstacles following a natural disaster. Water is the most valuable resource to life. Water is not only needed to hydrate your body but also for the fact that it will give your body energy and allow your mind to work at its best, all of which are needed to recover from a disaster.

Let’s talk minerals

2011-03-10T16:08:00.000-08:00

First things first, minerals are good and our body needs them to function. Lack of minerals causes fatigue. Exercise, stress and a bad diet depletes minerals; this also causes exhaustion and laziness.

The two minerals I will focus on today are calcium and magnesium. Magnesium is needed for hundreds of biochemical reactions in our bodies; magnesium supports a healthy immune system, maintains normal muscle and nerve function and keeps heart rhythms steady. Calcium is an essential mineral needed for good bone and teeth health. Calcium also insists in controlling muscle movement, blood clotting and nerve impulses.

A simple way to boost your daily mineral intake is by drinking mineral water. Mineral water is great for your health. However bottled mineral water can be quite costly, also it is harmful for the environment; therefore you should make your own mineral water. It’s easier than you think; start making your own mineral water today.

Showering in chlorinated water

2011-03-03T09:59:00.000-08:00

Ever turn on the shower and let the hot water run? Not a very eco-friendly act but it’s a bad habit we all do from time to time; ever notice when the water runs hot the smell of chlorine fills the room. That hot water turns the chlorine into gas vapours which we inhale.

Most of us are aware drinking chlorinated water tastes awful but more importantly it is harmful to our health, however many are still uninformed chlorinated water is more harmful when used for showering than it is drinking. Showering in chlorinated water is harmful because chlorinated water vaporizes into gas particles which are inhaled. A long shower in a poorly ventilated bathroom would result in a concentrated exposure to the chlorine. Also when we shower the heat in the water causes pores to expand and enlarge, resulting in immediate absorption of the chlorine.

To eliminate the potential health effects simply install a shower filter, they are inexpensive and easy to install. Free your health, hair and skin from chlorinated water!

Clean Water

2011-02-24T10:05:00.000-08:00

With a simple turn of a knob, clean water flows through our hands and down the drain. Clean water is a necessity for all humans; however, many of us take clean water for granted.

North America has water treatment plants supplying its citizens with “clean water”. And although this “clean water” is saturated with contaminants, we are still more fortunate than Billions of people that go without clean, safe drinking water. Lack of clean water lead to a child’s death every 20 seconds as they die from a water related disease, and almost two in every three people who needs safe drinking water survives on less than $2 a day and one in three on less than $1 a day (water.org). With statistics like that how can you not feel blessed?

The major contributor to water related deaths is Diarrhoea, it is the leading cause of water related illness and death. 88 per cent of Diarrhoeal deaths are due to a lack of access to sanitation facilities, as well as inadequate availability of water for hygiene and unsafe drinking water (unwater.org). Simple things such as having access to water for washing our hands should humble most. Clean water is not accessible to all and is earth’s most precious resource. Next time you go to wash your hands or brush your teeth, remember to turn off the tap.

Chlorinated Water

2011-02-16T16:06:00.000-08:00

Disinfecting water is an important stage of the water treatment process and is used commonly around the world. Chlorine is a common disinfectant as it effectively prevents the re-growth of bacteria and other pathogens.

However when chlorinated water is ingested it can cause eye, nose and sinus irritations as well as stomach problems. When chlorinated water is used in cooking, the chlorine vaporizes and can quickly infiltrate the air; inhaling this vapour is the leading cause of asthma. Chlorinated water is also harmful when showering as it magnifies the effects of chlorine inhalation as chlorine levels are concentrated.

Chlorine also produces many harmful by-products when combined with water; these by-products include bromate, chlorite, haloacetic acids and trihalomethanes (THMs). When water containing these by-products is ingested the results can be more dangerous than chlorine itself, as many of these by-products have been linked to cancer and many other health problems.

Water Contamination

2011-02-09T16:14:00.000-08:00

In order to understand drinking water contamination and the need for a water filtration system, it is necessary to first understand where drinking water comes. Most urban residents relying upon municipal water systems for access to drinking water; municipal cities get their water from two major sources: groundwater and surface water.

Ground water is water found below the subsurface and other geological forms. It is estimated that 95% of freshwater (drinking water) is ground water. Groundwater is a significant source of water for cities throughout North America. Well water also relies on ground water as its source.
Surface water is water collected in lakes, rivers, streams, or other fresh water sources. The source of most drinking water is groundwater however surface water also represents a large amount.

Water contaminants found in groundwater include pesticide chemicals and nitrate while surface water contains contaminants such as bacteria and other microorganisms. Because of the interconnectedness of groundwater and surface water, these contaminants may be shared between the two sources. Neither water source can ever be entirely free from water contamination. Due to the cycle of water the two sources of drinking water feed each other, sharing contaminants.

Water Filtration systems, your defence for clean water

2011-02-02T16:27:00.000-08:00

When you think of pollution and unhealthy drinking water one would think of a third world country. However this problem is not limited to third world countries; this problem also occurs right here in North America. Citizens in North America can protect themselves against unhealthy water by purchasing a water filtration system; most in third world countries cannot afford this necessity.

Globalization, urbanizations, industrialization, population growth and the lack of concern for the environment has lead us beyond accepting pollutants in our drinking water. Politicians battle for the acceptable amount of contaminants found in the water, rather than fighting against them all together.

Contaminants found in drinking water is a problem that won’t go away; a water filtration system is your greatest defence. If there ever was a need for a water filtration system it would be now. Look for water filtration systems that will let you make your own healthy, clean water in your home.

Bottled water or an eco-friendly water

2011-01-19T17:27:00.000-08:00

Bottled water is expensive and wasteful. Eco-friendly water is the best alternative to bottled water. Every year more than 86% of water bottles will end up in the landfill or ocean. Recycling plastic water bottles is better than throwing them in the garbage but it does not make it eco-friendly water by any means. The U.S. alone consumes over 50 Billion bottles of water a year; globally the numbers are astronomical, reaching over 28 Billion! It takes vast amounts of natural resources to bottle, package and distribute bottled water, to say that all this does not harm the climate or make a global impact would be untruthful. Eco-friendly water, such as water produced with a water filtration system saves you money, time and the environment.

Reverse Osmosis systems and Fluoride

2011-01-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

Reverse osmosis systems remove contaminates found in tap water, it also removes fluoride. Around 40% of Canadian Provinces and most American states have fluorinated city water. In the past fluorinated water was recommended by dental professionals as it prevents tooth decay. However in recent years, science has shown fluorinated water can be harmful to our health. Alzheimer's, genetic damage and cancer are just a few of the health concerns associated with fluoride. A reverse osmosis system can ensure your drinking water is fluoride free. Reverse osmosis systems offer protection against contaminated water that other filtration systems, such as a pitcher filtration system, simply cannot. Reverse osmosis systems are fast, convenient and easy to use.

Protect your family- buy a water filtration system

2011-01-05T16:20:00.000-08:00

A water filtration system can protect your family from harmful contaminants. Most if not all city water in North America is chlorinated; chlorine is used to eliminate microorganisms that can be harmful to the body.

Chlorine produces a by-product called Trihalomethanes (THMs). Several studies on humans have found a link between long-term exposure to high levels of chlorination by-products and a higher risk of cancer. For instance, a recent study showed an increased risk of bladder and possibly colon cancer in people who drank chlorinated water for 35 years or more. (See Drinking Water Chlorination on the Health Canada website for more information)

Water filtration systems are relatively inexpensive and can make the difference for your family’s health. Ensure that your family is drinking clean and healthy water every day!

An alkaline diet for your body

2010-12-29T16:01:00.000-08:00

In order to maintain a healthy body the rule of thumb is to follow the 80/20 rule, meaning 80% of your diet should consist of alkaline foods and the other 20% is made up of acidic foods. Most people in North America have a diet consisting of 80% acidic foods and 20% alkaline foods, as they’ve grown accustomed to convenience and processed foods.

Incorporate alkaline into your diet by eating more: almonds, olive oil, lemons, watermelon and raw spinach. Also remember to drink vegetable juice, herbal teas and drink lots of alkaline water.

Following an alkaline diet full of alkaline food and alkaline water will allow your body to work at an optimal performance, start today and see for yourself!

Pure Water

2010-12-22T14:44:00.000-08:00

The word “Pure Water” is used quite loosely; the definition and various types of pure water on the market are vast. It can be challenging at times understanding which water is truly the best.

One definition of pure water I found defines pure water as: free from tainting or polluting matter; clean; wholesome pure water. Many refer to distilled water and reverse osmosis water as “pure water”, however as mentioned in previous posts distilled water and reverse osmosis water are lacking in minerals and pH and by lacking I mean non-existent. Therefore some would say that the water produced through distillers and reverse osmosis should not be considered “pure water” as it is not wholesome or complete.

The World Health Organization recommends drinking water with calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, sodium, potassium and zinc. As we know city water does not provide us with the purest or cleanest water, consequently one must find other means to access pure water. Therefore when looking for pure water, remember to look for clean, uncontaminated water but also water that is complete with minerals and of a high pH.

Water Filtration Systems

2010-12-15T16:36:00.000-08:00

North American tap water has contaminates such as bacteria, pesticides, herbicides and pharmaceuticals found in it. I’ve composed a brief explanation on the three main types of water filtration systems that can effectively remove these contaminates and more.

Distillation: this type of water filtration system is similar to reverse osmosis. The water filtration process strips the water of salts, metals, bacteria and more. However the water is stripped of all natural trace elements as well. Consumption of the demineralised distilled water over a long period of time can result in mineral deficiencies, therefore making it unhealthy for the body.

Reverse Osmosis: uses a semi-permeable membrane and a carbon filter that removes contaminates from the water. The reverse osmosis water filtration system is able to remove contaminates that are suspended in the water as well as contaminates that are trapped in the water molecule itself, making it a very effective water filtration system. However the reverse osmosis water filtration system produces very acidic, demineralised water, resulting in unhealthy water. Look for a reverse osmosis system that will remineralizes and alkalizes the water, which will make it healthy for drinking.

Activated Carbon and multimedia water filtration systems: are able to remove a large number of contaminates found in tap water. These water filtration systems can remove the small dangerous chemicals such as pesticide and herbicide, while allowing the trace minerals to safely pass though the filter with the water. The preservation of minerals in the water provides a much healthier drinking water.

Home water purifiers- an essential item for any home.

2010-12-08T16:05:00.000-08:00

A home water purifier can make the difference between healthy water and unhealthy water. Although North American tap water is much cleaner than that in many other parts of the world; it does not necessarily mean it is the purest or cleanest water. A good home water purifier can remove many of the contaminants found in North American tap water such as chlorine, herbicides, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals etc.

When shopping for a home water purifier look for something that will re-mineralize and alkalize the water. Remember the water you drink not only has to be clean, it also has to be good for your body.