When people ask me, ‘what is the one thing I should change?’ my answer is usually ‘get a water filter.’

Drinking plenty of purified water allows nutrients to flood your cells while pushing toxins out. Your body is like a river, as long as the water is flowing, you can dump stuff in there and it will stay clean.

In countries like Australia and America where the water is fluoridated, this is even more important. Fluoride is toxic to children’s growing brains and research suggests that the greater the exposure the lower the child’s IQ. That’s according to a major 2012 review carried out jointly by Harvard and China Medical University. 

In the UK we are lucky in that the majority of water is not currently treated with fluoride, however hormones from the contraceptive pill are a major problem. More than 2.5 million women take birth control pills in the UK. These hormones are excreted and end up in our sewage systems and rivers. Even at very low concentrations, these chemicals have harmful effects on fish.

‘Do we want to wait until we see effects in humans, as we did with thalidomide and BSE, or do we act before harm is done?’ says toxicologist Professor Richard Owen of Exeter University in an article about the issue in The Guardian. 

Then there’s chlorine, ‘Cancer risk among people drinking chlorinated water is up to 93% per cent higher than among those whose water doesn’t contain chlorine according to studies from the US Council of Environmental Quality. 

Which water filter should I buy?

Having experimented with several water filters I believe the best option is Reverse Osmosis (RO). This filtration system removes virtually everything including bacteria, chlorine, fluoride, heavy metals, organic compounds (eg oestrogen) and viruses.

However, it’s worth noting that RO also removes essential minerals so it’s important to remineralise your water. Many RO systems now come with optional remineralising cartridges. Like this one from Vitality4Life.

A more affordable option for those on a budget (or living somewhere less permanent) a countertop filter is a
good second option. I often recommend the Zero water filter to my clients in both Australia and London. For a plastic-free, but pricier, option try the Zero Water Glass Dispenser.