IS TAP WATER SAFE TO DRINK?

Traces of at least 18 potentially, hazardous pollutants were found in more than one-third of U.S. water utilities during a nationwide sampling, as noted in a report by Environmental Health News (EHN). So, the concern as to whether or not your tap water is safe is a major one, and rightfully so.

Scary as it may sound, those findings included such pollutants as herbicides, anti-bacterials, viruses, metals, anti-depressants, pesticides and more. Scientific studies have found that these can cause thyroid disease, endocrine disruption and various types of cancers. They can cause oxidation of your cells, breaking down your immune system, and leaving you vulnerable to disease... scary but true.

You're probably asking yourself right now, is there any good news in all of this?

It's hard to say. Concentrations of these compounds are low, according to a U.S. Geological Survey. The unknown lies in what will long-term exposure of such low-levels do to our bodies?

Further studies also revealed most treatment plants aren't successful in removing all of the compounds that pass through them. They remove some but, not all, and react with others, transforming into a chemical we don't know much about.

What can you do to protect you and your family?

Learn what's in your water. The E.P.A. (Environmental Protection Agency) requires all local utilities to provide a Consumer Confidence Report every year to their customers. It will tell you about the water used by your own municipality. If you have a well you use as your water source, you can call the hotline for the E.P.A. at 800-426-4791 for the name of a state-certified lab to have your water tested.

If, there are traces of compounds found in your tap water, you should install a faucet filtration system for extra protection. Consumer Reports offers great information along with their suggestions and rankings of their top recommended water faucet filters.

Taking probiotics is one of the most important things you can do for better health, because every person needs good bacteria to maintain a healthy digestive system. The presence of good bacteria leaves no room for parasites and other unwanted organisms to attach. A poor lifestyle and simply what we are exposed to, including the water we drink can destroy the good bacteria in our bodies. When that happens, your body is left vulnerable to numerous diseases. Probiotics can help restore the body to its natural state of balance.

By Chuck Hallberg