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Writer's pictureAletha Erpenbach

Water, Water, Water

Reducing Environmental Toxins Part: 2


The human body is made up of around 60-70% water! We need to drink about 1/2 of our body weight in pounds in water per day to maintain adequate hydration. The human body requires lots of water to maintain hydration, internal temperature balance, and ultimately healthy cells. We can only survive around 3 days without water. Clean, non-toxic water is vital for all of us to thrive and function at our best!


Unfortunately, throughout the world there are billions of people without access to healthy, clean drinking water. According to the WHO:

Contaminated water and poor sanitation are linked to transmission of diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid and polio. Absent, inadequate, or inappropriately managed water and sanitation services expose individuals to preventable health risks.


Key facts According to WHO regarding the World's water supply:

  • Over 2 billion people live in water-stressed countries, which is expected to be exacerbated in some regions as result of climate change and population growth.

  • Globally, at least 2 billion people use a drinking water source contaminated with feces. Microbial contamination of drinking-water as a result of contamination with feces poses the greatest risk to drinking-water safety.

  • While the most important chemical risks in drinking water arise from arsenic, fluoride or nitrate, emerging contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and microplastics generate public concern.

  • Safe and sufficient water facilitates the practice of hygiene, which is a key measure to prevent not only diarrheal diseases, but acute respiratory infections and numerous neglected tropical diseases.

  • Microbiologically contaminated drinking water can transmit diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid and polio and is estimated to cause 485,000 diarrheal deaths each year.

  • In 2020, 74% of the global population (5.8 billion people) used a safely managed drinking-water service – that is, one located on premises, available when needed, and free from contamination.


In the United States, we are so blessed to have easy access to some of the safest, treated water in the world—just by turning on the tap. We wake up in the morning, take a shower, brush our teeth, grab a cup of coffee and head out for the day. Water is an important part of our daily lives and we use it for a wide variety of purposes. The average American family uses more than 300 gallons of water per day without ever being concerned about our supply running out or our water giving us an acute illness.


As blessed as we are to have such easy access to seemingly clean water at the turn of the tap, a recent study from the USGS (United States Geological Society) found that nearly 45% of our water supply is contaminated with PFAS's (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances). PFAS's are man-made chemicals that accumulate over time in humans and the environment and are often called "forever chemicals" as they take so long to break down that they are extremely persistent in our environments and bodies. These chemicals can cause harm to humans including: liver disease, thyroid disease, obesity, fertility issues, and even cancer.


So, while we are not dealing with as much acute illness from water supplies contaminated with bacteria, those of us in highly industrialized countries are up against another enemy in our water resulting in chronic inflammation and ultimately chronic diseases. It's also very likely that the rise in endocrine and hormonal disorders within the U.S. can be linked to our toxic environmental exposures, one of which is our water supply.


SO....What can we do?


To help improve access to water stressed individuals:

Consider donating to organizations like Neverthirst - This organization is located in Alabama, USA and has great initiatives for serving at risk communities around the world by helping to raise funds for clean water supplies to underserved regions around the globe.



To reduce your exposure to water toxins and PFSA's:

1. Invest in a granular activated carbon and reverse osmosis filter for your water

2. Ditch non-stick cookware

3. Skip microwave popcorn and go for air popped

4.Use glass containers for your leftovers

5.Check your cosmetic and cleaning supply labels, avoid products with PFTE or Perflour

6. Avoid stain protected carpet, upholstery, and clothing


Overall, our goal here at Priority Wellness is to help you implement small, practical changes into your every day life that will make impactful changes for the health and well being of you and your families. Reducing environmental toxin exposure through filtering your water and being aware of the everyday stresses your body encounters is an important step to help you reach your goals!


Reach out to one of our team members today to see how a tailored plan for you can really help you reach your goals!! Stay well!


With Love- Aletha

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