Could Your Water Be Making You Sick?
I set out to explore if changing my drinking water could have a profound impact on my wellbeing and mind-body healing.
The Power of Water and Mind-Body Healing
As we sip on water, we rarely pause to think about its profound impact on our bodies and minds. Yet, water is the foundation of life, making up nearly 60% of the human body and serving as the medium for every biochemical process in our cells. Its quality can directly influence our health, energy, and even emotions. In this newsletter dive deep into the transformative power of water and explore how you can ensure you’re drinking the best water possible for your cells.
This has been a topic I’ve been passionate about for years, after I saw the power of swapping from tap water to spring water had on my health — I was also using other healing modalities and eating locally sourced, organic food so this was not an isolated variable, but I saw my bloodwork improve and felt more hydrated than ever before. Recent events with the fires causing a ‘Do Not Use’ water alert in multiple districts in Los Angeles [our hearts go out to all of those impacted by these devastating fires] reminded me that all of us should question what’s really in our tap water.
Is Your Water Making You Sick?
Numerous peer-reviewed studies have established that contaminated drinking water can lead to various health issues. Exposure to pollutants such as heavy metals, pathogens, and chemical contaminants in water has been linked to diseases ranging from gastrointestinal illnesses to cancer.
Heavy Metals and Cancer Risk: Research indicates that long-term exposure to heavy metals like arsenic in drinking water is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers. A study published in Frontiers in Environmental Science found that a deterioration in water quality correlated with a 9.3% increase in deaths from digestive cancers. Frontiers
Chemical Contaminants and Chronic Diseases: Chemical pollutants, including disinfection by-products (DBPs) formed during water treatment processes, have been linked to chronic health conditions. An editorial in Environmental Health Insights notes that exposure to chemicals in drinking water may lead to chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, as well as adverse reproductive outcomes. PMC
Pathogens and Gastrointestinal Illnesses: Microbial contamination in water sources can cause acute health effects. A cross-sectional study highlighted in Environmental Health reported that individuals consuming petroleum-contaminated water experienced symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, underscoring the risks associated with pathogen-laden water. Environmental Health Journal
Case Study: The Flint Water Crisis: By this point, maybe everyone has heard about Erin Brokovitch who became involved in The Flint water crisis. This serves as a prominent (and tragic) example of the health consequences of contaminated water. Following a switch in water source, residents were exposed to elevated lead levels, leading to a significant increase in children with elevated blood-lead levels. This exposure has been linked to developmental issues and other long-term health problems. Wikipedia
Emerging Contaminants: PFAS: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals," have been detected in our water supplies and are associated with health risks. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that exposure to certain levels of PFAS may lead to adverse health effects, including developmental issues in infants, cancer, and liver damage. US EPA. The situation in Los Angeles, where residents have been warned against drinking tap water due to contamination, is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in our water systems. Yet, this issue isn’t confined to LA. Across the United States, municipal water often contains a cocktail of pollutants, including chlorine, fluoride, heavy metals, and even traces of pharmaceuticals. This CNN article and study found that over half of all tested tap water in the US has ‘Forever Chemicals’ which may be contributing to the rise of chronic illness.
A 2020 report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) revealed that nearly every state in the U.S. has detectable levels of harmful contaminants like arsenic, lead, and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as “forever chemicals”). These substances can accumulate in our bodies over time, potentially leading to long-term health issues.
While municipal water treatment plants aim to make water "safe" for consumption, their processes often don’t account for emerging contaminants. This raises the question: do any of us really know what’s in our tap water? Testing your water supply through a certified lab can provide clarity, but the results may prompt you to take immediate action to ensure the water you drink is as pure as possible.
These studies underscore the critical importance of ensuring water quality to protect public health. Regular monitoring and treatment of water supplies are essential to mitigate these risks.
Water as a Healing Tool: The Science of Structured Water
Water is more than just H2O; its structure can have profound effects on how it interacts with our cells. Dr. Masaru Emoto, a Japanese researcher, explored the idea that water has a "memory" and responds to external influences, such as sound, intention, and vibration. In his famous experiments, he exposed water to various types of music, spoken words, and even written phrases, then froze the samples and observed their crystalline structures under a microscope. Positive stimuli, like classical music or kind words, produced beautiful, symmetrical crystals, while negative stimuli resulted in chaotic, disordered formations. I particularly love the one the image below that captures how prayer restructures the water [titled: FUJIWARA BEFORE/AFTER PRAYER].
While Emoto’s work has been critiqued for its lack of rigorous scientific methodology, the concept resonates with ongoing studies on the molecular properties of water. Structured water, also known as “exclusion zone (EZ) water,” was identified by Dr. Gerald Pollack at the University of Washington. This type of water forms near hydrophilic (water-loving) surfaces and exhibits unique properties, such as a higher charge and organization. Structured water is believed to enhance cellular hydration and energy, suggesting that the quality of water we consume might influence how well it nourishes our bodies at the cellular level.
The concept of "structured water," also known as "hexagonal water" or "exclusion zone (EZ) water," has garnered interest for its purported unique molecular arrangements and potential health benefits. However, the scientific community has yet to reach a consensus on its existence and implications.
There have been some scientific reviews on the impact of structured water on animal health and productivity. While some studies report positive effects, the evidence is not conclusive, and more rigorous, peer-reviewed research is necessary to validate these claims.
It's important to approach claims about structured water with caution, as the current body of scientific literature does not provide definitive evidence supporting its purported benefits. Further well-designed studies are needed to explore this concept and its potential implications for health and wellness.
Using Water for Religion, Ritual and Rejuvenation
Regardless of whether you buy into structured Water, it’s clear that water is not just a physical necessity; it’s also a profound healer.
Water is a universal symbol of purity, renewal, and life, and its use in rituals spans cultures and spiritual traditions worldwide. In Christianity, baptism involves immersion or sprinkling with water to symbolize spiritual cleansing and rebirth. In Hinduism, bathing in sacred rivers like the Ganges is believed to wash away sins and bring spiritual liberation. Buddhist rituals often include water offerings as acts of devotion and purification, signifying the transient and interconnected nature of existence. In Indigenous traditions, water is revered as a living entity and used in ceremonies to honor its life-sustaining force, such as in sweat lodges for physical and spiritual detoxification. Across these practices, water serves as a bridge between the physical and the sacred, offering a sense of renewal and connection to something greater than ourselves.
Improved Connection to Water in Your Daily Life
In your own daily life, the ritual of drinking water can be a mindful practice, fostering gratitude and intention. Start your day with a glass of room-temperature water, perhaps infused with lemon or a pinch of Himalayan salt, to gently awaken your digestive system and rehydrate your cells. As you sip, take a moment to visualize the water nourishing every part of your body. Many religions and indiginous cultures rely on water — most notably Baptism — to cleanse, clear and restore our energy.
Incorporating water rituals into your daily life—such as bathing in mineral-rich Epsom salts or swimming in natural bodies of water—can further enhance your connection to this life-giving element. Just as water carries the memory of its surroundings, we, too, are influenced by the quality of what we consume and improving our relationship with the water we drink can help us heal in a multitude of ways.
Optimizing Your Water: What You Can Do
DISCLAIMER: These links are for educational purposes, I am not affiliated with any of these providers.
Just to recap some tips for making sure you are drinking the best quality water with some notes about my own experience with each method:
Invest in a High-Quality Water Filter The first step to better water is filtration. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are among the most effective at removing contaminants, including heavy metals, chlorine, and fluoride. However, RO systems also strip water of beneficial minerals, so it’s essential to remineralize your water (more on that below). Activated carbon filters, such as those used in Berkey systems, are another excellent option for removing impurities while retaining minerals. I use the WaterDrop in our home and have my eye on the Jolie to install in our bathroom.
Reintroduce Trace Minerals Many of the minerals essential for our health—magnesium, calcium, potassium—are naturally found in water from springs or wells. However, modern filtration processes often remove these along with harmful contaminants. To restore balance, consider adding trace mineral drops to your filtered water. These supplements can help improve cellular hydration, support enzymatic functions, and maintain electrolyte balance. I have tried using Seawater and TraceMinerals.
Explore Water Restructuring The concept of restructuring water is rooted in both ancient wisdom and modern science. While there are commercial devices marketed as “water structurers,” simple practices like vortexing water (swirling it in a glass) or exposing it to sunlight can enhance its energetic properties. Additionally, adding natural elements like crystals or stirring with a wooden spoon are believed to promote a more harmonious molecular arrangement, inspired by the natural movement of water in rivers and springs. I have not used any water restructuring devices myself, however I hear good things about them. The prices range from this $200 swirling one from Mayu Water and this $2600 amber one from Somavedic. If you have tried any water restructuring tools, please, comment below and let us know. While they may seem gimmicky, they claim to be backed by science with impressive results.
Drink Spring or Artisanal Water: If possible, sourcing water from a natural spring can provide the purest and most mineral-rich hydration. Websites like FindASpring.com can help you locate springs near you. However, always ensure the spring water is tested and safe for consumption. You can test any water source you are consuming with an at home lab, like this one to see exactly what is in your water. I am blessed to live near a Spring where we collect water weekly and swear that it has changed my overall wellbeing. I feel more hydrated, more energized and like I actually want to drink my water and enjoy the taste vs. tap water that I honestly never wanted to drink and would dump in a pack of electrolytes or squeeze a lemon into just to gulp down.
Stay Informed About Local Water Quality Regularly check the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) issued by your local water utility. This annual report provides details about the source of your water, any contaminants found, and how it compares to safety standards. Websites like EWG.org also offer tools to check the quality of your local water supply. We get reports that we check regularly to stay informed.
Taking Action for a Healthier Future
The recent water crisis in Los Angeles underscores the urgent need for greater accountability in how our water is sourced, treated, and distributed.
If you are suffering from a health challenge, please consider how you can incorporate a resource into improving your water. While for most of us, an expensive water filtration or restructuring system is out the question, there are more affordable options like the small, counter-top Berkey as well as free options, like prayer over our water to infuse it with positive energy on a quantum level.
While individual actions like filtering and remineralizing water can significantly improve personal health, systemic changes are needed to address widespread pollution and contamination. Supporting organizations that advocate for clean water initiatives and stricter environmental regulations is one way to contribute to a healthier future for all.
In the meantime, let’s prioritize the quality of what we drink regardless of where you live and what your baseline health is. By filtering, remineralizing, and restructuring our water, we can ensure it serves as the life-enhancing force it was meant to be.