Striving4Zen

You've just finished a tough workout. You're hot and sweaty so you reach for ... celery?

It's long been known that water-rich fruits and vegetables can contribute to your hydration needs. But recent research shows that beyond contributing to hydration, some fruits and vegetables may hydrate your body twice as effectively as a glass of water.

Water is cool, refreshing and calorie-free, but certain types of produce have a leg up on H2O. Why? Because they provide nutrients like mineral salts, amino acids and vitamins as well as hydration.

When exercising, your body can lose electrolytes through sweat. Replenishing lost electrolytes is the whole premise behind sports drinks. But certain fresh fruits and veggies can replenish your body, too -- without all the artificial colors and flavors.

Some top picks for hydrating foods:

• Watermelon. Rich in vitamin C, beta carotene and lycopene, the appropriately named watermelon is about 92 percent water.
• Cucumber. Cucumbers deliver a high water content as well as calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium.
• Celery. Crunchy celery is actually 96 percent water. It also provides sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, iron and zinc.

But don't ditch your water bottle just yet. It's great to incorporate healthful hydrating foods into your diet -- especially during the warmer months. But a good, old-fashioned glass of water has its place, too. And, let's face it, while a stalk of celery might be more effective for hydration, it just doesn't taste as refreshing as an icy cold glass of water.

Source

Labels: celery, cucumber, exercise, fruits and veggies, hydration, water, watermelon

According to a new study by scientists at Rhode Island Hospital, millions of Americans could be at risk of serious and even fatal diseases because of chemicals used to fertilize and to preserve food. Scientists have found a strong link between increasing levels of nitrates and nitrites in our food supply and increasing death rates from Alzheimer's, diabetes mellitus and Parkinson's disease.

Suzanne de la Monte, MD, MPH, of Rhode Island Hospital, and her research team suggest that the exposure to these chemicals is playing a direct role in the cause, development and effects of the pandemic of these diseases. "Because of the similar trending in nearly all age groups within each disease category, this indicates that these overall trends are not due to an aging population. This relatively short time interval for such dramatic increases in death rates associated with these diseases is more consistent with exposure-related causes rather than genetic changes," Dr. de la Monte explained in a statement to the media. "Moreover, the strikingly higher and climbing mortality rates in older age brackets suggest that aging and/or longer durations of exposure have greater impacts on progression and severity of these diseases."

Nitrites and nitrates belong to a class of chemicals called nitrosamines that are created by a chemical reaction between nitrites or other proteins. They've long been shown to be harmful to both humans and animals. In fact, more than 90% of nitrosamines have been shown in tests to be carcinogens. However, they are allowed to be freely added to the US food supply. In fact, if you pick up a processed food package such as luncheon meat or bacon, certain beers and some cheese products, you are likely to find that they contain these chemicals. In addition, exposure to nitrates and nitrites are widely found in fertilizers, pesticides and cosmetics. Exposure also occurs through the manufacturing and processing of rubber and latex products.

"All of these diseases are associated with increased insulin resistance and DNA damage. Their prevalence rates have all increased radically over the past several decades and show no sign of plateau. Because there has been a relatively short time interval associated with the dramatic shift in disease incidence and prevalence rates, we believe this is due to exposure-related rather than genetic etiologies," Dr. de la Monte stated.

The results show that while nitrogen-containing fertilizer consumption increased by 230% between 1955 and 2005, its usage doubled between 1960 and 1980 -- and that's the time period just before the insulin-resistant epidemics of type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease began. What's more, the investigators also found fast food chain and the meat processing company sales increased more than eight fold from 1970 to 2005, and grain consumption increased five-fold. That means the US population has been exposed to dramatic increase in foods loaded with nitrates and nitrites.

Bottom line: the researchers think the increased prevalence rates of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and diabetes cannot be explained on the basis of gene mutations and, instead, are examples of toxin exposure-related disease. "If this hypothesis is correct, potential solutions include eliminating the use of nitrites and nitrates in food processing, preservation and agriculture; taking steps to prevent the formation of nitrosamines and employing safe and effective measures to detoxify food and water before human consumption," Dr. de la Monte, who is a professor of pathology and lab medicine at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, said in a press statement.

Full article here.

Labels: deli meats, disease, food, nitrates, nitrosamines, study, toxic, toxins, water

The decision whether to add controversial chemical fluoride to water supplies will be made by health chiefs today. Southampton Primary Care Trust says it is the only way to reduce tooth decay in children across the city.

But campaigners fear fluoride has health risks. And they say adding it to tap water amounts to mass medication. And independent experts at York University have concluded there is only limited evidence that adding fluoride to water reduces decay.

And it warns any benefit comes at the cost of increasing the number of children developing mottled teeth from consuming too much fluoride.

The uncertain scientific evidence has led to an angry debate between those for and against fluoride.

"What is this toxin going to do in the body for the next 40 years? It's cumulative. It sits in the tissue and grows.

"Nobody knows what it can do. So I say err on the side of caution and don't put it in the water."

Full article...

Labels: chemicals, fluoride, health and safety, toxic, UK, water

America's latest drinking problem isn't about alcohol.

Concerned about the cost of bottled water -- and its environmental consequences -- many people are turning back to tap water to quench their thirst. But as evidence mounts of contaminants in public systems, unease about the water supply is growing.

Engineers say that U.S. water quality is among the world's best and is regulated by some of the most stringent standards. But as detection technology improves, utilities are finding more contaminants in water systems. Earlier this year, media reports of trace amounts of pharmaceuticals in water across the country drew attention from U.S. senators and environmental groups, who are now pushing for regulation of these substances in water systems.

Of particular concern, experts say, are endocrine-disrupting compounds -- found in birth-control pills, mood-stabilizers and other drugs -- which are linked to birth defects in wildlife. Also alarming are antibiotics, which if present in water systems, even in small amounts, could contribute to the rise of drug-resistant strains of bacteria, or so-called super bugs.

The actual health effects of drugs in water systems are unclear. The levels that have been detected are relatively small compared with those of other regulated contaminants, such as mercury and benzene. A 2008 study funded by the Denver-based Awwa Research Foundation -- a nonprofit research group that was established by the American Water Works Association -- concluded that it is "highly unlikely" that pharmaceuticals will pose a threat to human health.

But many medical experts argue that more studies need to be done -- and note that the amount of drugs in the water matters less than who drinks it. Some drugs, even in small amounts, can be especially harmful to infants, pregnant women or those with chronic health conditions, for example.

Drugs are only one category of contaminants found in tap water. A 2005 study released by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, found that tap water in 42 states is contaminated with more than 140 unregulated chemicals, including MTBE, perchlorate and industrial solvents.

Protesting a Disinfectant

Even chemicals used to clean and disinfect drinking water are causing worry. Citizens' groups in states such as CA, NY and VT are protesting the increasing use of chloramine -- a combination of chlorine and ammonia -- to disinfect drinking water. Utilities are using chloramine because of Environmental Protection Agency limits on chlorine byproducts.

Citizens Concerned About Chloramine in San Francisco, says that hundreds of residents have had reactions, such as rashes and respiratory problems, to the disinfectant. Some byproducts of chloramine can be more toxic than chlorine byproducts, says Michael Plewa, a professor of genetics at the U of Illinois who has studied disinfection byproducts.

The EPA says chloramine is safe in drinking water and has been used for decades.

In the absence of federal regulation of certain chemicals in water systems, some states have stepped in. California, for one, has set standards for various compounds that are not regulated by the EPA, including perchlorate, an ingredient used in rocket fuel that was spilled into groundwater during the Cold War and has been found in many water systems. Massachusetts has set standards for perchlorate and requires that water utilities in the state test for MTBE, a gasoline additive.

Tap Versus Bottled

Health concerns extend to bottled water, says Sarah Janssen, a science fellow at the Natural Resources Defense Council, or NRDC, a nonprofit environmental advocacy group based in NY. "A lot of bottled water is actually tap water, so there is no assurance that what is coming from the bottle is any safer than what is coming from the tap," she says.

In fact, experts say tap water is held to more stringent standards by the EPA, and tested more often, than bottled water, which is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Utilities are required by law to send annual reports to their customers detailing contaminants found in water systems and whether they exceed levels set by the EPA. They're not required to list unregulated contaminants in these reports.

Water that is tested by utilities is generally tested at the plant. It still has to travel through your pipes to get to your tap, so if you have pipes that are a couple of decades old, it may be a good idea to get the water from your tap tested in a lab -- especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have small children, says the NRDC's Dr. Janssen.

Water filters aren't foolproof. Those that are certified by NSF International -- a nonprofit group that tests food and water products -- can get rid of unwanted chemicals to EPA's standards, but consumers should be aware that trace amounts of chemicals may still be left in their water.

Carbon filters, which come in the form of a faucet mount or a pitcher, are the most commonly used and cost about $30, says Rick Andrew, operations manager of the drinking water treatment unit program at NSF. These can be fairly effective in removing many contaminants, but need to be replaced about every two months.

Other options -- such as reverse-osmosis systems, which use a semipermeable membrane to remove contaminants, or ultraviolet light treatment, which prevents micro-organisms from reproducing -- can be more effective, but they cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Some consumers have found the cost is worth it, especially if members of the family have certain health conditions.

Full article....

Labels: bottled water, drinking, EPA, filters, health and safety, reverse osmosis, tap water, toxic, toxins, water

The claim has the ring of a myth. But environmental scientists say it is real.

The reason is that hot water dissolves contaminants more quickly than cold water, and many pipes in homes contain lead that can leach into water. And lead can damage the brain and nervous system, especially in young children.

Lead is rarely found in source water, but can enter it through corroded plumbing. The Environmental Protection Agency says that older homes are more likely to have lead pipes and fixtures, but that even newer plumbing advertised as “lead-free” can still contain as much as 8 percent lead. A study published in The Journal of Environmental Health in 2002 found that tap water represented 14 to 20 percent of total lead exposure.

Scientists emphasize that the risk is small. But to minimize it, the E.P.A. says cold tap water should always be used for preparing baby formula, cooking and drinking. It also warns that boiling water does not remove lead but can actually increase its concentration. More information is at www.epa.gov/lead or (800) 424-5323 (LEAD).

THE BOTTOM LINE
Hot water from the tap should never be used for cooking or drinking.

SOURCE

Labels: environment, leaf, toxic, water

Editors for Scientific American believe recent studies suggest that fluoride raises the risks of disorders affecting teeth, bones, the brain and the thyroid gland, and in general “scientific attitudes” about fluoridation may be shifting.

"Fluoride, the most consumed drug in the USA, is deliberately added to 2/3 of public water supplies theoretically to reduce tooth decay, but with no scientifically-valid evidence proving safety or effectiveness," says lawyer Paul Beeber, president of the New York State Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation. Meanwhile, according to environmental reporter and director of New York University's Science, Health and Environmental Reporting Program Dan Fagin, "There is no universally accepted optimal level for daily intake of fluoride."

After analyzing hundreds of fluoride studies, researchers found that fluoride:
Alters endocrine function, especially in the thyroid
Causes dental fluorosis in young children
May lower IQ
May increase the risk of bone fractures

Because scientific evidence suggests that water fluoridation is ineffective and dangerous to health, over 1,200 professional are now urging Congress to stop water fluoridation.

SOURCE

Labels: chemicals, fight back, fluoride, toxic, water

Twist: We recently discovered a new favorite in the ever-growing flavored water category. Twist is an all-natural beverage containing no preservatives, artificial flavors or sweeteners. But what made it stand out from the rest is its unique organic flavors: Mango Acai, West Indies Lime, Mandarin White Tea and Pomegranate Blueberry.

Rice Works Gourmet Brown Rice Crisps: We are increasingly hearing consumers talking about gluten-free diets, even among those who do not suffer from celiac disease. Maybe it’s due to all the delicious gluten alternatives on the snack shelves these days, like these Rice Crisps made from whole grain brown rice. We devoured the Sweet Chili flavor and can’t wait to try all the others, including Thai Curry and Sesame Soy.

Labels: gluten-free, healthy snacks, water

Snapple Antioxidant Water features seven unique flavors inspired by nature's "superfruits," including pomegranates and acai berries. The antioxidants, vitamins and electrolytes in each flavor provide one of four distinct benefits for the body:

-- The Power to PROTECT: Vitamins A and E, electrolytes and a complete
dose of Vitamin C help protect the body against free radicals.
Available in Tropical Mango and Orange Starfruit flavors.

-- The Power to DEFY: Vitamins A and E, Grape Seed Extract, plus
electrolytes assist in refreshing the body and mind. Available in
Raspberry Acerola and Grape Pomegranate flavors.

-- The Power to AWAKEN: Vitamins A, E and B, Caffeine, Guarana, Ginseng
and Ribose, plus electrolytes will awaken your senses. Available in
Strawberry Acai and Dragonfruit flavors.

-- The Power to RESTORE: Vitamins A and E, plus a double dose of
electrolytes assist in restoring the body after any endurance and
strength activity. Available in Agave Melon flavor.

The LYTeWater introduction complements the Snapple Antioxidant Water line, a mineral enhanced water with electrolytes from magnesium, manganese, calcium and zinc for premium hydration.

Snapple

Labels: Anti-oxidant, beverages, innovative, Snapple, water

A statement asking Congress to end water fluoridation in the United States has been released by the Fluoride Action Network (FAN). Over 600 professionals, including a Nobel Prize winner, officers in the Union that represents Environmental Protection Agency professionals, and members of the National Research Council panel on fluoride's toxicology, have signed the statement.The report urges Congressional members to “recognize that fluoridation is outdated, has serious risks that far outweigh any minor benefits, violates sound medical ethics, and denies freedom of choice.”It cites eight recent events that call for an urgent end to water fluoridation. Among them:
A 500-page review of fluoride’s toxicology by the National Research Council of the National Academies, published in 2006.
Evidence from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that found 32 percent of U.S. children have dental fluorosis, which is caused by fluoride.
The American Dental Association’s 2006 policy change, which recommends not giving fluoridated water to infants for the first 12 months of life.
A Harvard University study that found a five- to seven-fold increased risk of osteosarcoma (bone cancer) among young men who were exposed to fluoride between the ages of 6 and 8.
The CDC’s recognition that fluoride is beneficial in reducing tooth decay when it’s applied topically, not taken systemically.
The statement calls for members of Congress to sponsor a new Congressional Hearing on Fluoridation that requires those who continue to support water fluoridation to provide scientific basis, under oath, for their continued recommendations.According to one of the statement’s signers, Dr. Arvid Carlsson, winner of the 2000 Nobel Prize for Medicine, "Fluoridation is against all principles of modern pharmacology. It's really obsolete."
Fluoride Action Network August 9, 2007
Medical News Today August 10, 2007

Labels: fluoride, toxic, water

I have always heard that NYC has some of the country’s best water – but I, and I’m sure many others - chalked it up to an urban myth. However, my friend was quick to explain to me that our water supply is in fact one of the country’s best.
The Catskill Mountains’ watershed supplies NYC with its drinking water, and as a result of its integrity and undisturbed natural water filtration process, New York is one of only 5 major cities in the US with drinking water pure enough to not require purification by water treatment plants.
But is bottled water better for us than tap water? It depends. Believe it or not many brands of bottled water just slightly purify tap water. Add to that the low stringency in regulation for bottled water versus that for municipal water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates municipal water and requires multiple daily tests for bacteria whose results are available to the public. Bottled water is regulated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), which only requires weekly testing that doesn’t have to be publicly reported.

Labels: bottled or tap, NY, water