Yes, we all know drinking water is good for us. Drinking water seems simple enough, but with all of the different choices, it seems to be actually complex these days. Here, I’ll answer some frequent questions I get about water!
Can I drink bottled water?
There are all kinds of problems with bottled water – both from a health and an environmental standpoint. Here are a few of the problems.
- Quality: It’s difficult to know what you’re getting with bottled water. Some comes from municipal water sources – in other words, it’s tap water. Other brands may contain fluoride, which has been shown to be toxic to the body. Bottom line – you just don’t know what you’re getting with bottled water.
- Packaging: While most plastic water bottles are recyclable, many people don’t bother to recycle them. One look at information on the Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch and you’ll see why plastics are an environmental problem. Producing them is also an issue, since they are petrochemical products that pollute the environment during production.
- Toxins: PET plastic water bottles may harbor toxins that are hormone disrupters. These toxins can leach into the water. Hard plastic bottles contain bisphenol-a, which is highly toxic, as well.
Instead: Consider a stainless steel water bottle, filled with water from a home filter for your best source of hydration.
What temperature should the water be when I drink it?
I get this question a lot. Here’s the info:
- For pure hydration, there’s nothing better than room temperature water, which is more hydrating than cold water. Why? Because your body has to spend energy to bring cold water to an absorbable temperature, which results in water loss.
- Cold water may cause the blood vessels around your stomach to shrink, slowing hydration.
- When you drink cold beverages, they tend to solidify the fats from the foods we eat as they pass through our systems. This makes those fats much more difficult to digest, and it makes it difficult to remove unwanted fats from the body. Room temperature water and warm herbal teas, on the other hand, keep the fats as liquids, easing digestion and helping move them through our bodies. This not only helps digestion, but can also reduce the risk of clogged arteries.
Can I drink carbonated water?
Yes, but in moderation. Better, not at all, but if you need those bubbles to kick a soda habit, then I’m all for it. Here’s the skinny on carbonated water.
- Carbonated water contains high levels of carbon dioxide and carbonic acid. Because of this, it is more acidifying than pure water and may contribute to certain health problems.
- Carbonated water may cause pressure in the kidneys, leading to more frequent urination. This can cause a diuretic effect that leads to dehydration.
- Some evidence suggests carbonated water promotes the growth of kidney stones. If you suffer from this condition, you need to stay away from it altogether.
- As with other acidic foods, carbonated water changes the body’s pH. In return, your body works to neutralize its pH to a less acidic level, often leaching calcium and other minerals from the bones to do so. This can lead to lowered bone density and osteoporosis.
- Your kidneys are designed to digest pure water, not carbonated water. Drinking carbonated water makes your kidneys have to work harder.
The bottom line: Pure water is better at beautifying and better for your health. It cleanses your system, digests easily, and supports detoxification.
Why do I need to avoid drinking water with meals?
I recommend that you drink water 30 minutes before a meal or 60 minutes after, but not during a meal (other than a few sips as needed.) This is because water dilutes your digestive juices, rendering the process less efficient. If you must drink a little while eating (or ate something super spicy!) sip no more than 1 cup of water during meals.
Do I really need to drink eight 8 oz. glasses of pure water each day?
You don’t necessarily need to drink a set number of glasses of water each day. If you are eating an excellent diet, the foods you eat contain plenty of water, particularly if you have a Glowing Green Smoothie® each day or you eat plenty of raw fruits and vegetables.
On the other hand, don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink. By then, you are already pretty dehydrated. Hydrate well between meals, and consider doing a water cleanse every once in a while to revitalize yourself.
Customize the levels of water you need based on your climate, activity levels and overall diet and always remember to drink your hot water with lemon in the morning!
In love and health,
Kimberly
thanks for the information! it really shed some light on it all!!
Hi Kimberly,
I was JUST trying to google your views on Seltzer water and “poof!” you posted the answer! I have never been a soda or seltzer fan, but occasionally have a naturally flavored seltzer(my husband loves them). So i just cracked one open and suddenly realized they might not be that good for me even though it just says “carbonated water, natural flavors”.
Thanks for the info! you are my go-to girl for all things health and well-being!
Marissa
Kimberly- what kind of filter do you recommend for my home faucet? I’m in the market for one, but don’t know which one is the best bang for the buck!
How can water reduce the risk of clogged arteries? I really don’t believe that fact.
I love your book – just bough it – working may way through it! My question is about the glowing green smoothie – can we freeze it? Will it lose any of its nutritional value?
Hi KIm,
I discovered you and your book about 6 months ago and am now and avide reader, and I buy your book as presents for my friends!
I am curious to hear your feedback on the ideas on this site gut sense.org – it seems to go against everything your saying.
I have struggled with chronic constipation all my life and about two years I moved to a macrobiotic diet. My condition is much better but it’s still all over the place and since incorporating a lot of your suggestions (glowing green smoothie), it’s really gotten worse.
Would appreciate some insight! The whole thing keeps me awake at night with worry. I’m 30, and I’m worried I’m going to end up with bowel cancer and i think constantly about what is going on with my health. it feels so totally out of my control.
Thank you.
Kim, Thanks for the tips.. What about alkaline water? Do you think it is beneficial, harmful, or neutral?
Also, I get my water from a filtration company. Do you recommend reverse osmosis or spring water? I read on their website that they get their water from a spring, but then add chlorine to transport it, then remove the chlorine before they bottle it. They said it does have fluoride in it also. The RO water is straight out of the city water supply that is filtered to remove chemicals/toxins.
You always have the best articles. Thanks for more great information. I’ve been enjoying my journey to better health and love staying updated with your advice. I’m just wondering if you think Brita is helpful or if there is a certain bottled water you reccomend that is known to be safer than others.
Thanks so much!
All my best,
Erin
Been waiting for this article, thanks! Was hoping you would recommend some filtration systems though. Thoughts?
How Do you feel about sparkling mIneral water?
Hi Kimberly,
I was eating low carb but thanks to you switched to gluten free, no agave, and a GGS several times per week. And…I have clearly lost body fat! I am amazed and thrilled.
I know this blog was about water but I have a GGS question. I have been making my GGS with a little iced coffee (decaf water process) and almond milk (plus greens, banana, apple; no lemon). I know that is not ideal but it makes it much more attractive to drink. Does the acid in the coffee counteract the effects of the greens or is it ok? I know you believe in alkaline if possible…thanks
Thanks for the great article.About carbonated Water. In Germany many drink Mineral Water, the water comes from springs many hundreds of feet below the earth Surface.Youi can buy it carbonated and none carbonated.It is good for you and you can mix with Juice.The Water is sold in dark Glass Bottles never in Plastic. It is low in acid and sodium for most brands.Some do have a higher Sodium Content.
How about electrolyte enhanced water? Is it simply a waste of money to drink it everyday?
I like the article in that it warns me about what not to do… but where should I be getting my pure water if not from the tap or from a bottle? I live in the city so no artisan water available 😉
Is “carbonated” the same as “sparkling”??
Thank You for the water post!
Hi, great advice! One more very, very impotant thing though….I know you may not want to endorse one particular water filter or filtration system per say, however I’d really love to know your thoughts, recommendation(s) and advice on filtration systems. I’ve been looking into reverse osmosis but I’ve also heard that the water can be a bit “hard”. I’ve read other counter top filtration devices just don’t filter out the chlorine and/or flouride either.
I’ve seen certain large grocery stores advertise reserve osmosis filtered water, too. Do you have any thoughts on the water these grocers are selling? Is it on the up and up from your standpoint?
Your advice would be much appreciated.
Kim,
Can you give us some names, links, etc. of water filters for the home?
I have well water do i have to buy a special filter instead of a brita or the traditional ones or is bottled water my best option
Hi Kimberly, love your book!! Would like your opinion on a cal-mag supplement I’ve been told is the best magnesium supplement for my condition. It’s a cal-mag citrate effervescent powder. Ingredients: vitamin c (as ascorbic acid) 500mg, calcium (as citrate/ascorbate reacted from calcium carbonate and citric/ascorbic acids 500mg & magnesium (as citrate/ascorbate reacted from magnesium oxide and citric/ascorbic acids) 200mg. I’m taking this twice a day at the moment. I’m concerned about side effects of carbonated drinks you mention in this article, and I have also read that you don’t support taking calcium supplements. I was just wondering if you knew of a good brand of magnesium? If not, do you think this type of supplement could be harmful to my health long term? I’m really not a fan of carbonated drinks and have been working really hard to get my health back on track with being as dedicated as I can to your book.
Thank you xx
Hi Kimberly-
I have a question about one of your suggestions.
I can not find any studies that show drinking cold water will solidify fats or it leading to clogged arteries. I am of a like mind with you, in that I drink water before my meal and then after, only taking sips if needed during a meal, but usually not at all. Since our core temperature is constant and not radically or permanently altered by drinking cold water and since we don’t drink with foods, I am confused how cold water does this and what science we have to back this up.
Thank you for all the great information
Good article! I happen to work for a company that is a vendor for two different types of water coolers and know a little bit about water ;). Just for reference for the readers, I have a few points that can help out when picking out what kind of water to drink!
-Reverse Osmosis & Distillation are the ONLY ways to get water PURE. The EPA says “Pure” water is water with a lack of dissolved solids – lead, mercury, arsenic, chromium, bromide, fecal matter, etc…
-The water bottle itself should say what is used to clean the water. Look for “Distillation” or “Reverse Osmosis”
-Aquafina & Dasani use Reverse Osmosis while Smart Water uses Distillation. You’d be surprised to know that a lot of generic bottles such as Kroger water and Sam’s Choice actually use these processes as well! I buy the generic Kroger Purified water because it’s just like drinking Aquafina- but cheaper!
-Avoid “Spring” water at all costs. That does not purify water.
Just simply check on the bottle and see what they’re using to purify the water!
If you have to drink a bottled water, which brand is best? Thanks!
Kimberly,
I purchased your book & read it in 2 days here is my question I have 2 GI conditions
IBS with boats of diarrhea that goes for 4 days to 2 weeks generally I also have Gastroparesis plus I have been on a Gluten free diet for 9 + years but your really giving some hints on things like food pairing etc. I had thought about question for people like is the raw food issue when I in a boat like I am in right now what do we
do I have been on very little for days I dare not try anything raw foods or the Green smoothie right now I had them a couple weeks ago it was great I do use probiotic
digestive enzymes , any suggestions for people like me .. Thank you so I have told eveyone about your book !!
I have a Kangen water machine which allows me to drink filtered 9.5 alkaline water. I use it to make my GGS shake every morning. Do you agree with this??
Did Kim ever reply to this?
Oh no llona I just looked at that gutsense.org! Kim please help us and tell us he is wrong! I have the same problem… I had a terrible diet my whole life and drank and took mess like birth control and too many antibiotics, I changed my diet completely , quit eating meat, gluten, sugar and dairy and getting colonics and now I am constipated like no other and have to take mag 07 daily or I get really bad brain fog and have trouble going. I really don’t want to go back to eating meat!! I know in the book Kim explains the constipation is from toxins clearing out once you start eating better. I wonder how long this will last though. I think it’s almost been a year that I’ve been constipated and I was so sick until I started taking the mag 07 daily a few months ago. That site made me scared!
hi kim!
i have a question, im gonna be swimming 5 days a week for the next three months starting next month and although im very excited Im also really worried about my hair… it usually gets really damaged when i swim at the pool. and plus my skin get irritated and dry! any tips you can give me?
Thanks for the info, as always! I recently heard of Ionized/Alkaline/hexogonally-structured water and was wondering what your thoughts were on the efficacy of that type of water (such as Kangan)? Are they truly more effective and healthy?
Thank you so much!
Hi – would you know how to know which bottled water brand is the good one? Not tap water bottled. Like Smart, Arrowhead, Aquafina, etc…
Also, what’s your take on Adys Clarity?
Glacier water, spring water, and mineral water are best, if not coal filtered tap water. Water needs to be slightly alkaline. Distilled water should not used for long periods of time, it is fine for a short body detox period but it causes the body to become more acidic, and drinking it results in a rapid loss of electrolytes. It can actually be dangerous to drink for long periods of time. Reverse osmosis water is fine but must be supplemented with minerals, HydroCell water additive or some other mineral additive or supplement.
Forst off I want to say how much i enjoy your site! I Pin everything I can 🙂
However, I hate to sound like the party pooper but I feel that this article is a bit misleading. I am currently in nursing school and while there are studies that show too much water during or after a mean MAY hamper digestive’s juices efficiency, no study is conclusive that water should be avoided during eating.
I do understand that you OK “sips”, but like many women, I find it very hard to get by on a regular meal with only “sips”. I try to be as healthy as the next woman but find it slightly more of a struggle than I’d like to admit 🙁
Hi Kimberly! What are you thoughts on alkaline water? Should I be drinking alkaline water or spring water? If spring water, what brand do you recommend? Thanks in advance!
Unfortunately there is not much research that addresses alkalinized water, since it is a relatively new industry. There is, however, mounds of research that supports the unhealthy repercussions of drinking acidic beverages. Carbonated beverages are thousands of times more acidic than, say, a bottled water. You dont need a degree in nutrition to know that soda pop gives you acid reflux or rots our teeth. With all the evidence against acidic beverages it only begs the question about the possible benefits of alkalinized water.
Maintaining that bottled water is simply “just tap water” is very misleading. Your tap water must only meet the safety requirements at the source. Municipal sources are NOT responsible for the water once it leaves the building and travels through the miles of pipes, that are rarely, if ever, cleaned or maintained, that leach various metals and contaminants before it enters your home and you drink it. I have never drank bottled water that had an odor or tasted metallic like I frequently encounter tap water.
I JUST WANNA ASK THAT WHERE DOES WATER COME FROM AND WHAT IS WATER FILTRATION.
THANK YOU
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In the EU, bottled water may be called mineral water when it is bottled at the source and has undergone no or minimal treatment. Permitted is the removal of iron, manganese, sulphur and arsenic through decantation, filtration or treatment with ozone-enriched air, in so far as this treatment does not alter the composition of the water as regards the essential constituents which give it its properties.”;,,
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Kangan water?
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Carbonated water does not make your kidneys work harder (it is flat by the time it reaches them) and it does not contribute to osteoporosis. What is bad for your kidneys and over works them is drinking more than eight glasses of water a day without the exercise needed to warrant it.