How do we get the best benefit from the water we are drinking?
Apart from filtering our water, we also need to be mindful of the effect of plastic bottles on our health as well as their impact on the environment.
With over a million plastic bottles being sold around the world every minute and less than half of that quantity being properly recycled, many plastic bottles are landing up in landfills and in the ocean where they accumulate and pose a threat to marine life and the environment.
What are the alternatives and why should we consider them?
Bisphenol A or (BPA) is a common chemical that is a building block in resins and certain plastics. These chemicals can act like hormones and can disrupt normal hormone functions. They mimic sex hormones, particularly estrogen, which increases the risk for cancers and fertility problems in men and women alike.
Avoid re-using plastic bottles and do not leave plastic water bottles in a hot car or drink the water from a bottle that’s been left in the car, even if it’s cooled.
BPA-free options are available, but they still release estrogenic chemicals so the ideally water should be stored and drunk from a glass bottle.
The most important thing to remember is that none of these issues stand alone. Whether we drink water from the tap or from plastic bottles, whether it’s filtered or not, it’s always an accumulation of factors that can potentially lead to disease. When we make choices that support health consistently in every area of our lives, we have a much better chance of achieving and maintaining optimal health.
Listen to my interview with Brad Kirsten from Radio Cape Pulpit on 2 July 2020 to learn more.
Listen to my next interview on Thursday at 7.45am