Bottled Water: Full of Health or Full of Hype?

Permission to reproduce given by the ICPA & Kelly Hayford, C.N.C.

Frightening Fact: An estimated 25-40% of bottled water is merely tap water.

With widespread reports of dangerous pathogens, toxic fluoride and chlorine—and yes, even pharmaceutical drugs!—coming out in our tap water, it’s not surprising that bottled water is the fastest growing segment of the overall beverage industry. Sales have tripled in the last decade and now exceed over $15 billion per year. Fifty-four percent of all Americans drink bottled water. But is this often high-priced commodity really the best choice when it comes to fulfilling your daily H2O quota? Or have over half the population fallen prey to yet another marketing extravaganza? Unfortunately, there’s not a simple answer. There are multiple factors to consider.

First, there are a few basic categories or types of bottled water available on the market today. From mineral to artesian water, each usually has one or another purported health benefits associated with it. Whether or not the health benefits associated with these types of water are valid or not is the topic of much debate among health professionals, with no definitive answers.

Regardless of any potential health benefits that may be associated with any given type of bottled water, the most important thing for people to know is that all brands are not created equal. Although there are pure, high-quality bottled waters available, deciphering the good guys from the bad can be tricky. Due to substandard and challenging government regulations, what it says on the label outside the bottle is not always what’s inside.

For example, a study done by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found that an estimated 25% of bottled water tested is really just tap water in a bottle! Other sources claim as much as 40%. Check the label for the words "municipal source" on the ingredients label to know. In another example, 500,000 liters of Coca-Cola’s Dasani brand water was recalled in Britain due to high levels of bromate, a carcinogenic chemical. Pathogens can also be a problem as the NDRC further reports that one-fifth of the bottled waters tested exceeded unenforceable state or industry bacteria guidelines.

Other concerns voiced by those in opposition to this popular industry include: the 1.5 million tons of plastic used for bottling and the toxic chemicals released into the environment during this process; possible consumption of toxic chemicals leached from the plastic bottles; a tremendous amount of plastic added to landfills; and a tremendous amount of resources expended in the overall production, packaging and transportation of bottled water products. All things considered, I recommend water filtered at the source either through a quality in-home filtration system or one available at most natural foods stores, as the safest and usually most economical overall drinking water for daily consumption.

Fruit & vitamin waters: One of the growing trends in bottled water is fruit- and vitamin-enhanced waters. They sound like an easy way to pack in more nutrients, but in actuality don’t provide any true health benefits. The quality of these products is based on the quality of the water and the substances added.

People are better off with a natural mineral water than drinking added synthetic nutrients—not to mention sweeteners and artificial colorings which are also frequently added to these kinds of water. Children especially should avoid artificial colorings as they have been linked to ADD/ADHD and other issues.

Bottled Water: Full of Health or Full of Hype?

Provided by Pathways to Family Wellness magazine, published by ICPA, Inc. For more information visit: www.pathwaystofamilywellness.org and www.icpa4kids.org.

Establishing and Advancing the Chiropractic Family Wellness Lifestyle

Recommended drinking water for daily use: As mentioned, the best choice is a quality in-home filtration system. You can also purchase countertop water filters. Do your research before investing as there are a variety of choices and considerations to take into account. Be sure to look for those that take out as many contaminants as possible, including fluoride.

You can also have pure water delivered to your doorstep. Once again, be sure to research the quality of water available through water delivery companies in your area, as they can vary greatly. The next best choice is to fill your own water jugs at a water dispenser kiosk that uses a reverse osmosis filtration system. It’s the purest water you can get at the most economical price.

For super hydration & special needs: My favorite bottled water is Penta water. Special processing gives this water 16x faster hydration than regular water. Not surprisingly, it’s the preferred water for many Olympic athletes, is a must for those with kidney stones, those undergoing chemotherapy treatment, and more. It also comes in bottles made of safe plastic!

For a refreshing treat: Instead of flavored waters that contain sweeteners or other questionable ingredients, I recommend Metromint water—my other favorite water. The original flavors, peppermint and spearmint, are great for digestion, hot summer days, and even menopausal hot flashes! The new lemon and orange flavors are refreshing and healthful as well. Both Metromint and Penta water are available at most natural foods stores.

Kelly Hayford, C.N.C. is the award-winning author of If It’s Not Food Don’t Eat It! As a former chiropractic assistant and junk-food junkie turned nutrition and health coach, Kelly has helped thousands restore their health, energy and natural weight.

For more information on Eating for Health including a FREE REPORT ~ Secrets to Overcoming Unhealthy Food Cravings, visit: www.kellyhayford.com/report or call 209-815-1444.

Want more holistic insights and empowering resources?

Save 46% off your Pathways subscription when you visit www.pathwaystofamilywellness.org and use code: PATH at checkout.

Eating Healthy When Eating Out

Permission to reproduce given by the ICPA & Kelly Hayford, C.N.C.

How often you eat out or attend food-related social gatherings will determine how selective you need to be
at any given outing. If you eat out virtually every day of the week for example, you’re going to want to be
as prudent as possible, as much as possible, when making food selections. If you only go out to eat once
a month however, you can probably get away with eating whatever you like if you’re consistently eating
well at home.
Since eating outside the home a few times a month or even a few times a week is the case for most
people however, arming yourself with the following tips will help keep your intentions for good eating and
good health on track.
Social Gatherings: For social gatherings with family and friends, you can let your host or hostess know in
advance that you’re following a special diet. If it’s someone close to you and it feels comfortable, you may
like to share more details and even make special requests. You could also suggest bringing a dish to
share that you know you’ll be able to eat, so as not to have to trouble them with your particular needs. For
potlucks, you can similarly bring and eat a dish or two of your own.
Whether you’re planning to eat at a restaurant or attend a social gathering, another wise strategy is to eat
before you go. Doing so is especially helpful when you know you won’t have any control over what will be
served, and know there will be little, if any, healthy food available.
If you eat before you go, you can have a few nibbles when you get there without
causing a lot of damage, or you can just socialize and not eat at all. Either way,
plan in advance how you’ll deal with the situation and you’ll greatly increase your
chances of controlling it, rather than having it control you.
Eating at Restaurants: When it comes to restaurant dining you often have more
control over your food choices. You can patronize establishments that serve only
whole, fresh, natural foods as much as possible, for example. Fortunately, at least
in the more urban areas of the country, they seem to be popping up more and
more. And, whether you’re in a healthy restaurant or not, you can always choose
what to order and how much to eat once it arrives.
Try these tips to help you keep on track:

1.  Order grilled vegetables instead of French fries, or fresh fruit instead of a sugary muffin or toast
2.  Ask that the breadbasket or chips and salsa not be brought to the table as soon as you arrive
3. Or, take a reasonable portion out of the basket and put it on your plate to keep you from mindlessly eating straight from the basket
4. Drink a cup of herbal tea or a large glass of water before your order arrives
5. Avoid appetizers before, and desserts after your meals
6. Order a healthy appetizer or a dish from the children’s menu for your meal
7. Order a main dish and big salad and split it with your dining companion
8. Portion off your plate when it arrives
9. Have your plate removed as soon as you’re satisfied
10. Request that only half your order be brought to the table and have the rest doggie bagged

Don’t be afraid to assert yourself at restaurants. Remember that you’re paying them to serve you. Be pleasant, however. That way you’ll be more likely to get your requests pleasantly fulfilled. Have a ‘Planned Indulgence’ All of this talk about avoiding this, and switching this for that, reminds me of another wise guideline for eating out: on occasion, just go out and eat whatever you want, however much you want! Seriously. you don’t want to completely take the fun from dining out. It’s probably going to happen on occasion anyway, so you might as well give yourself permission rather than beating yourself up about it later. Please note,
however, that I said on occasion, preferably a rare occasion.

Planned indulgences aside, it’s best to limit the amount of time you eat out overall. The inclination to eat low-quality foods and more of them, is just too great when you’re eating out. Preparing foods at home, where you have total control over all ingredients, is always your best choice from a health and well-being standpoint, especially if you’re trying to manage your weight or reverse a health condition. Want more holistic insights and empowering resources?
Save 46% off your Pathways subscription when you visit
www.pathwaystofamilywellness.org and use code: PATH at checkout.
Kelly Hayford, C.N.C. is the award-winning author of If It’s Not Food Don’t Eat It! As
a former chiropractic assistant and junk-food junkie turned nutrition and health coach,
Kelly has helped thousands restore their health, energy and natural weight.
For more information on Eating for Health including a FREE REPORT ~ Secrets to
Overcoming Unhealthy Food Cravings, visit: www.kellyhayford.com/report or call 209-
815-1444.