Which water is better? Comparing 10 types for hydration

Submitted by Metagenics Marketing Team

We all know that hydration is necessary – especially as the weather warms up and spend more time outdoors. But with so many water options available, from TAP to alkaline to vitamins, is it easy to ask yourself: the type of water you drink really matters?

Let’s take a closer look at 10 different types of water to see what they really are to hold.

Understanding different types of water

1. Tap water: Is it safe?

The tap water flows directly from the faucet of your kitchen and is adjusted for safety. However, concerns about infections – including bacteria, pesticides, heavy metals and even glycosozate– They have led many people to explore alternatives.^1.2

If you are curious about the quality of your tap local water, the Group of Environmental Work (EWG) offers reports based on postal codes. But keep in mind that government security limits may be outdated, with some regulations unchanged for over 20 years.^1-4

For those who prefer a safer, more viable option, filtration systems – ranging from simple carbon filters in advanced osmosis reverse systems – can help remove infectious substances.

2. Cleaned water: Extra clean or overcrowded?

Cleanated water begins as a fountain or groundwater, but goes through additional treatment to remove chemicals, bacteria and dirt. This process may include reverse osmosis or ion exchange.⁵

To mark “cleaned”, water must meet EPA RegulationsAllowing no more than 10 ppm (parts per million) solids such as calcium, heavy metals and ammonia and pH should range from 5-7.⁵ The disadvantage is that purified water also removes beneficial minerals such as fluoride, which is usually added to tap water for dental health.

3. Reverse water osmosis: High -tech cleaning

Reverse osmosis water (RO) is cleaned using excellent membranes that remove infectious substances, including microbial pollutants and organic compounds. It is a cost -effective way to ensure water purity. However, like other cleaned options, RO systems also remove the basic minerals from drinking water. In addition, they require regular maintenance to ensure efficiency.^6.7

4. Distilled water: extremely intense but missing minerals

Distilled water is a traditional form of cleaned water, created by boiling water and condensing the steam back into liquid, effectively removing impurities and pollutants. As with other types of purified water, minerals are also removed in the distillation process.⁸ While it is safe to drink, it should not be the only source of hydration, as the lack of minerals may not be ideal for long -term consumption. On the SYN side, since it is so clean, distilled water is a cheap and convenient choice for many uses of households, such as steam iron filling, humidifiers and car batteries.

5. Spring and glacier water: Natural does not always mean clean

Many bottled waters claim that they come from natural sources or glaciers, where groundwater reaches the surface naturally. Depending on the source, these waters may contain healthy minerals – or unwanted bacteria and pollutants.⁹ Glass water may sound clean and clean, but its quality varies. Some sources try over the safe levels of infectious substances, so they are not always as clean as the label indicates.¹⁰

6. Mineral water: The natural choice

Mineral water comes from underground tanks and of course contains at least 250 ppm essential minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium and sodium – nutrients your body needs, but cannot produce on its own.^11.12 Mineral water can also be carbonated or processed to remove infections, but maintains more than the good things your body needs.¹¹

7. Foam water: a faint favorite

If you enjoy a small fizzz, the foam water is injected by carbon dioxide for a bubble texture. It is often sold as soda water, seltzer water or bodies. It is an excellent alternative to low-calorie calories, but be sure to check the labels-some flavored varieties contain additional sugars.¹³

8. Alkaline water: A health tendency worth trying?

Alkaline water has a higher pH (typically 8 or above) compared to regular tap water (PH 6.5-8.5).¹⁴ It also contains alkaline minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium. These minerals give properties of antioxidant alkaline waters.¹⁵Alkaline water tends to have a bitter taste and can cause pipe deposits if tap water is naturally alkaline.¹⁶

Some claim that alkaline water neutralizes the acid in the body, improves hydration and helps digestion. However, research shows that your body already has its own built -in pH regulation system. Over -consumption can even lead to skin irritation, nausea and digestive issues.^17.18

Some small studies indicate an alkaline diet rich may support bone health, blood pressure and oxygen levels, but the elements are limited.¹⁶ Keep in mind that an alkaline diet is not the same as eating alkaline water-other factors, such as vegetable foods, can lead to the benefits.

9. Well: a private source with hidden dangers

About 13 million houses in the US are based on private wells for drinking water. Water is the groundwater that has a drill accessible and then brought to the surface through a pump system. The water is not regulated by homeowners which means that homeowners are responsible for testing and treating their own offer. Since water can contain minerals, bacteria and infectious substances, regular tests are the key to ensuring its safety.¹

10. Vitamins-Purified Water: Healthy or just advertising campaign?

Bottled water injected with vitamins is often available in commerce as a rapid push of nutrients, but not all options are created equal. Many contain additional sugars and the vitamins included may not be what your body needs. If you are already following a balanced diet, you are likely to get sufficient nutrients – so don’t assume that these waters are a “healthier” choice without checking the label.²⁰

Instead, think about types of electrolyte such as the postagonal Endura® Electrolytes PowderIncluding basic vitamins and minerals to support hydration and overall wellness, helping you to make up for liquids and stay activated throughout the day.

The bottom line: Which water is best for your health?

With so many options, choosing the right water is reduced to your health, budget and environmental concerns.

• If convenience is more important, tap water plus a filter is an excellent choice.
• If you prefer extra purity, reverse osmosis or distilled water is very filtered but lacking metals.
• If you want natural minerals, minerals or spring water is your best bet.
• If you are in a well, regular testing and treatment are necessary.
• If you love the miner, foam water can be an excellent alternative to soda.

So the next time you reach a glass or bottle – which you choose?

References

1. Hu z et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2011; 8 (2): 565-578.
2. Azoulay a et al. J Gen Intern Med. 2001; 16 (3): 168-175.
3. Environmental work team. https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/ewg-Ports.php.
4. Disease Control Centers. https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/public/water_treatment.html.
5. Keyashian M. Water Systems for Pharmaceutical Installations, in the fermentation and biochemical engineering manual (third edition). Elsevier Inc. 2014.
6. Yang z et al. Polymers (Reign). 2019; 11 (8): 1252.
7. Dupont rr et al. Reports of the University of Utah. 1982. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewContent.cgi?article=1504&context=water_rep.
8. Fletcher J. https://www.medicalnewstody.com/articles/317698#_noheaderprefixedContent. Access to March 30, 2021.
9. US Geological Survey. https://www.usgs.gov/sple-tospial.
10. Erickson ml et al. Science of the total environment. 2019, 694: 133735.
11. Quattrini s et al. Clin Cases Miner Bone Metab. 2016; 13 (3): 173-180.
12. US Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/bottled-water.
13. Smith A.
14. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/chemicals/ph_revised_2007_clean_version.pdf.
15. Chyki J et al. Biol sport. 2017; 34 (3): 255-261.
16. Macgill M. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/313681.
17. Clinic of Cleveland. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/alkaline-water-dont-believe-the-marketing-Hype/.
18. UCLA Health. https://connect.uclahealth.org/2018/08/31/ask-the-doctors-is-water-with-a-high-ph-safe-to-drink/.
19. The US Environmental Protection Service. https://www.epa.gov/privatewells.
20. Bjarnadottir A. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/5-resons-why-vitaminwater-is-a-bad-idea.