Water is the foundation of all life, as the human body is made up of anywhere between 50 and 80 percent water. As a result, our body really needs clean water to function properly and maintain overall health. With this in mind, you should give some serious thought to the quality of your drinking water.
A study published in 2009 by the nonprofit environmental research organization The Environmental Working Group found that tap water contains 316 contaminants, including industrial solvents, weed killers, refrigerants, and perchlorate, a chemical used to make rocket fuel. None of these contaminants are particularly good for your health, but the one that has gained widespread attention recently due to its connection to cancer is arsenic. This harmful contaminant interferes with your cells’ ability to function, leading to diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
The problem with arsenic in tap water is particularly severe for people drinking water from older, private wells. Over the past 50 years or so, researchers have found that people in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont are more likely to get bladder cancer compared to residents in other states. The common factor discovered in these areas was a high prevalence of private wells that were created in the early 20th century. These old wells contain low to moderate levels of arsenic, which are apparently enough to boost cancer risk significantly.
“Arsenic is an established cause of bladder cancer, largely based on observations from earlier studies in highly exposed populations. However, emerging evidence suggests that low to moderate levels of exposure may also increase risk,” said Debra Silverman, Sc.D., chief of the Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch at the National Cancer Institute and senior author on the study.
Depending on where you live, city or well water, you may want to consider getting a water filter to help reduce your exposure to arsenic and other contaminants. There are a variety of filters available on the market to help purify your water. Carbon filters, for example, are an inexpensive way to reduce the arsenic levels in your tap water. However, for better protection against arsenic, you might want to opt for reverse osmosis, anionic exchange, or iron oxide filters. These filters are more effective at removing arsenic, making them a better option if you’re drinking water from a private well.
Consuming more B12 has been found to help your body excrete arsenic. A diet high in B12-rich foods like fish, eggs, dairy products, and certain fortified cereals can be beneficial for those looking to limit their exposure to arsenic. Additionally, there are cancer-fighting nutrients that you can incorporate into your diet to help protect against potential risks, such as resveratrol and omega-3 fatty acids.
Overall, it is important to be aware of the quality of your drinking water and take steps to ensure that it is as clean and contaminant-free as possible. Investing in a good water filter can provide peace of mind and make a difference in your overall health. Drinking clean water is essential for maintaining a healthy body, so don’t wait any longer to take control of your water quality and protect yourself from potential health risks like cancer.
