What Are The Benefits Of Drinking Filtered Water?
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Water is a daily necessity of the body and is greatly beneficial to one’s health. We consider it a life-sustaining fluid because it is a major factor that makes up bodily fluids. It is also one of the main supporters of life forms.
How Filtered Water Affects Your Health and Well-Being
Filtered water is one of the many types of water that is drinkable. It has its benefits and a variety of methods. Health-wise, filtered water is safe for the body to consume. It also provides better-tasting water absent of foul odors and unpleasant taste.
Not to mention the dangers of consuming tap water which might cause any unwanted diseases caused by the microorganisms in the water.
The quality of water that we consume directly affects the health and well-being of the body. Filtration methods are being used to improve the health of each individual. This way, you can pick one of many types of water filtration systems.
How is Water Filtered?
The most basic principle of filtration is that the water to be filtered passes through filters that are composed of sand, gravel, and charcoal. These components help remove dust particles, bacteria, viruses, and harmful chemicals.
The filtration process of each type of filter will vary depending on what kind of filter you wish to use.
Water filters will also vary based on what method of filtration is used. Disinfectants like chlorine are one of the many chemicals removed from filtration.
Types of Water Filtration System
Water filtration has four major methods; distillation, ion exchange, reverse osmosis, and activated carbon, where activated carbon is commonly used. These methods are helpful when it comes to a variety of choices.
Activated Carbon
Carbon is used to remove contaminants by chemically bonding with the water flowing into the system. Some cases of using activated carbon only remove chlorine which improves the taste and odor.
Some instances activated carbon eliminates more harmful contaminants like mercury and lead. However, it must be noted that not all can be filtered by carbon. Harmful inorganic substances cannot be filtered by the use of activated carbon.
Steam Distillation
Distillation is considered one of the oldest ways of filtration. It vaporizes water by using high-temperature heat which would then condense back into a drinkable liquid. The process of distillation will remove chemicals, minerals, and microorganisms with a high boiling point.
Using distillation has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantage of distillation is that it can filter out harmful substances. However, chlorine and volatile substances cannot be filtered out using distillation.
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis filters contaminants using water pressure. Forcing tap water through a semipermeable membrane that flushes away the contaminants like lead, mercury, and iron. It prevents larger molecules and bacteria from passing through.
The benefits of using reverse osmosis are great. However, it is noted that reverse osmosis cannot remove all contaminants. Some examples are pesticides, along with some solvents and metals.
Ion Exchange
Ion exchange technology uses a resin as a replacement for the harmful ions into less harmful ones. It is often used to soften water due to its ability to replace calcium and magnesium with sodium.
Resins that are being used in ion exchange technology are required to be recharged to work for extended periods. The recharging process includes the replacement of harmful ions.
Health Benefits of Drinking Filtered Water
A total of 80% of the body is made up of water. This is necessary to help the body function since the body relies on the intake of water. This is also because all the body’s chemical processes would take place in water.
Our body needs water for digestion, temperature regulation, absorb nutrients, allow movement, and get rid of wastes. The lack of water in the body would slowly shut the body down.
Reduces the risk of certain cancers
Some studies indicate that the removal of chlorine and byproducts of chlorine in drinking water through filtration greatly reduces the probability of getting certain cancers; colon cancer, bladder cancer, and rectal cancer.
Reduces the risk towards certain diseases
The removal of toxins and parasites that are present in water by filtration can reduce the chances of getting specific diseases like a gastrointestinal disease. Filtered water is safe and will affect directly or indirectly the health of the body.
Improves the immune system
The immune system is the main target of diseases. By drinking filtered water, children will develop a stronger immune system. However, it is not only limited to developing children but also to those with reduced immune systems.
Cleaner air
Filtration of water sources will greatly reduce the chances of chlorine becoming vapor and silently harm you at home. Not only does filtered water remove chlorine, but it will also provide a fresher and cleaner air to breathe.
Dangers of Drinking Tap Water
Using and drinking water straight from the tap may affect your overall health. The use of tap water will not be as safe as filtered water. You might be getting more than you bargained for when it comes to convenience and health and not in a good way.
Tap water has been infested with multiple chemicals that are particularly harmful when it comes to long term use. The water supply being used for drinking has many pathways that can carry a variety of chemicals from other places.
Tap water may be riddled with a brew of pesticides, chlorine, arsenic, mercury, bacteria, and other contaminants. The presence of these chemicals in contaminated tap water will slowly deteriorate the health without warning which is highly toxic and silent.
Final Thoughts on Using a Water Filter
The so-called “clean” source of drinking water may not be so clean after all. The awareness of health issues linked to tap water is getting spread around. This has greatly popularized the use of filtration methods.
The use of filters is now being commercialized for the masses. This not only educates them in the dangers of tap water and bottled water, but it also helps promote the use of filtered water in their daily lives.
The commercializing of filtered water has greatly helped those that wish to lead a healthier life. This has encouraged people to be aware and popularize filtered water over tap water and water in plastic bottles.
