Plastic Water Bottles Affect Your Long-term Health

Many people believe that if they drink store-bought bottled water, they’ll be safe from contaminants. If only it were that simple.

The truth is, very few people know where that bottled water came from. According to a Government Accountability Office report, about 70% of bottled water sold in the U.S. is not subject to Food and Drug Administration regulation.

And even if the water filling a plastic bottle is mostly clean, it can become contaminated over time as plastic leaches into it.

Plastic water bottles can also cause a huge trash problem. And bits of that plastic can enter bodies of water. Which eventually can find their way to your faucets.

Synthetic Particles Invading Water

Some experts say marketers have tricked the public into thinking bottled water is superior. Even though that bottled water might also be coming from a tap. 

A recent Associated Press poll showed that fewer than 50% of the U.S. population is confident in their tap water. 

A study recently reported in Time magazine revealed that 93% of tested bottled water contained “microplastics” (synthetic polymer particles). Samples were taken from 259 bottled waters sold in several countries. 

The author of the study, first published in Frontiers in Chemistry, said some of the particles were large enough to be visible without a magnifying glass or microscope.

Environmental Working Group senior scientist Tasha Stoiber says this. “We don’t recommend using bottled water unless it’s in the case of an emergency. Or something has gone very wrong. Like in the case of Flint, Michigan, where there was no safe water for anyone to drink.” 

Chemicals in Water Cause Health Issues

The chemicals that can leach into bottled water from plastic can cause a number of serious health issues.

In one test conducted at Harvard Medical School, students drank water from stainless steel water bottles one week. The next week they drank from polycarbonate bottles. 

Urine samples demonstrated an increase in BPA levels of 69% during the polycarbonate week. BPA is a chemical found in plastic.

The CDC found BPA in the urine of nearly everyone they tested. This indicates widespread exposure in the U.S. population. Many of whom drink bottled water.

Due to the bad publicity BPA is getting, many companies have removed it from products. But it’s being replaced by other chemicals. Some of which could be equally harmful.

Heat & Long Usage Are Also Factors 

The more a plastic bottle is exposed to heat, the more likely particles will leach into the bottle’s contents.

The same is true when the same plastic water bottle is used over a long period of time. Microplastics are proving to be dangerous for consumption by everyone. Especially children and pregnant women. 

The safer alternative to plastic water bottles is filtering tap water. This is also a much more affordable method of ensuring that your water is safe to drink. 

That filtered water is also better consumed from glass containers and stainless steel bottles than from plastic containers.

Don’t Stop Believin’… in Water

The last thing you want to do if you’re concerned about drinking water from plastic bottles is to cut back on your water consumption. 

Understanding the science behind why it’s important to drink plenty of water each day might influence us to drink more. Here are some things to consider:

• The water inside you, making up about 60% of your body, helps maintain body temperature. And the proper balance of fluids your body needs.  

• Drinking water can lower your calorie intake and reduce your weight. Drink water instead of beverages with calories and eat foods with high water content. 

• Drinking water can energize your muscles. Your cells need a good balance of fluids and electrolytes. It’s especially important to drink plenty of water before and during exercise. 

• Drinking water helps your skin look better. Your skin absorbs the water you drink and acts as a barrier to fluid loss.

• Drinking water helps your kidneys function properly. Your kidneys can do a great job of getting rid of toxins in your body. But only if enough water is flowing through them.

• Drinking water helps your bowels function normally. Without enough fluids, constipation will occur.     

Watch Out for Dehydration 

When you’re thirsty, it’s possible you’re dehydrated. Water can take care of that issue. But we don’t always know when we’re dehydrated. Especially as we age.

If you’re feeling tired or foggy, or are in a bad mood and don’t know why, it could be dehydration. Water transports oxygen and nutrients to our cells. It also helps us digest food and lubricate joints. No wonder we feel “off” when we’re dehydrated. 

One study showed people can become dehydrated if they lose just 2% of their total body weight due to water depletion. Results include light-headedness and headaches. Plus dry mouth, muscle weakness, and dry skin. 

Our brains are also affected. Even by mild dehydration. It can affect short-term memory, alertness, and concentration. Dehydration can also impair physical performance. And, of course, energy levels. 

So, here’s the bottom line. Drink more water. Your muscles, skin, kidneys, and bowels will thank you. But avoid drinking it from plastic water bottles that can do more harm than good.