I was asked an interesting question today on the radio, and that was "What is my opinion on drinking steam distilled water or reverse osmosis, instead of spring water." As the person asking the question believed the in-organic minerals in spring water are no good for our bodies. My response was almost reflex. "Distilled" I replied. I have several friends in my field who are passionate about this subject and hold fast to their beliefs, and rightly so. They have personally positive experiences with distilled water. However when it came to providing a great reference in favor of distilled water, it was difficult to find one I could personally stand behind, and the fact that my original answer had not been my opinion! So if you stick with me, I will endeavour to explain why.

First of all, great question! It's definitely a hot topic that seems to have pros and cons and has split opinions that are flying left, and right with no absolutes! I personally can not find any definitive research or conclusive literature willing to say if it is truly good, better, or best!

Let me start by explaining quickly what the term 'reverse osmosis' and 'distilled water' mean for those of you who think all water is created equal. Drum roll please! Apparently not! (I do have an opinion on this and I'll get to it shortly).

REVERSE OSMOSIS: - is, in a nutshell water that has been filtered through a semi permeable membrane in order to remove particles and molecules of dissolved contaminants. The Up-side to this is that it apparently removes all heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, and possibly removes some pharmaceutical contaminants. The Downside to this process is that it's very wasteful. Also all the good minerals, healthy ones included such as magnesium and potassium are lost. The process of filtration does not remove chlorine, pesticides, or herbicides. So far I'm not swayed in favor of this process! So lets move on.

DISTILLED: - is water that is brought to the boil then kept at this temperature while steam is collected and then condensed back into water. So the Positives are it removes all heavy metals, bacteria, and viruses because 'impurities boil at higher temperatures which enables them to be easily collected and therefore removed. The Negatives are that it is again a wasteful process. And again all good minerals including healthy ones are removed as well. Does not remove chlorine, pesticides, and herbicides. http://chetday.com/distilledwater.htm a link I found personally interesting which came from a reputable source.

CARBON FILTERS: - is water which flows through a carbon filter which traps and attracts many impurities. What's good about them is they remove chlorine, improve taste and reduce sediment. Nearly all remove heavy metals and even some remove parasites, pesticides, radon, and even VOC'S (volatile organic compounds). What's not so good is they cannot remove pharmaceuticals, and brands differ so dramatically on which contaminants they can and can't filter. So far this to me is the way to go along with the below mentioned natural spring water.

SPRING WATER: - is gathered from natural springs, and can contain any amount of varying minerals. It can also technically be polluted, but generally that is avoided. Some spring water is even naturally carbonated.

MY OPINION/MY PRACTICE: - I grew up in rural Australia which meant my family was reliant on rain water, and for the past seven years of incorporating water properly into my life style I have not only survived but thrived on both tap, and spring water. I do also cut a lemon up and regularly have one in my daily water consumption to aid in the alkalizing process it's a simple, easy, and natural health solution.

We after all get most of our minerals and vitamins from the food we eat and perhaps our focus should be tuned into eating a more natural and naked balance of fruit and vegetables. In eliminating highly processed foods full of sugars we automatically allow our bodies to function in their correct PH level and reduce their acidity levels (something which distilled water does not).

Instead of making water the issue, I think the real issue with water is that the majority of the worlds population are failing to get their daily requirement which has a far more detrimental affect on a persons health and their bodies ability to function! Water is your bodies' most important nutrient and is involved in every metabolic reaction in your body! So let's focus on getting enough first before we drive ourselves crazy with processing it!

So it is in "my opinion" not worth all the fussing, and so far has not convinced me to change my habits. It has got me thinking though in regards to all the different machines and devices sold in the pursuit of the "purist" water! Is it all scare tactics, and moneymaking? And why is such a natural resource, and a vitally essential, and simplistic health necessity being turned into a chore!

Why worry over water? The fact is we need it! My advice don't turn water into yet another to hard road block in/on your journey to a healthier life style! Are some better than others, as far as I can tell the jury is still out! So I'll keep my rain, tap and spring water consumption going and stick to giving my body the right amount (1/2 my body weight in ounces daily) allowing every cell to do it's job and keeping my blood flowing and pumping through my amazing machine.... my body.