Let’s talk water.
It sounds simple, right? Just drink more of it. Easy. Except it’s not that simple, because not all water is created equal. And if you’re managing chronic illness, fatigue, inflammation, or just want to feel like a functioning human, then the quality of the water you’re putting into your body really does matter.
So, What’s the Deal with Tap Water?
First things first: in many parts of the world, tap water is technically “safe.”
But “safe” doesn’t always mean ideal.
Depending on where you live, your tap water might contain:
- Chlorine or chloramine (used to disinfect, but not great for gut health)
- Fluoride (still controversial, especially for thyroid and neurological concerns)
- Heavy metals like lead, copper, or mercury from old pipes
- Pesticide or pharmaceutical residue — yep, trace amounts can sneak in
- Microplastics (increasingly showing up in global water supplies)
And if you’re already dealing with an autoimmune condition or chronic fatigue, these things can compound inflammation and contribute to that sluggish, bloated, brain-foggy “ugh” feeling. You’re not imagining it.
Bottled Water: Better… Or Just Expensive Tap?
Don’t let the label fool you.
That “pure” bottled water you’re sipping on? Often just filtered tap water in a pretty bottle. Some brands use reverse osmosis, stripping everything — even the good minerals — and then add synthetic minerals back in (if they add anything at all).
It’s like someone bleaching your dinner and then shaking a multivitamin over it for flavour.
So… What Should You Be Drinking?
Let’s be honest — in an ideal world, we’d all have crystal-clear mountain spring water flowing straight into our kitchens. But back here on Earth, the goal is to drink water that’s as clean, nourishing, and mineral-rich as possible.
If you’re opting for bottled, check the source. Look for naturally filtered mineral water from protected springs or aquifers — not “purified tap water” in disguise.
One solid example? aqua.v, a South African brand that bottles naturally sourced mineral water with care. It’s clean, refreshing, and contains minerals that your body actually needs — without any unnecessary additives. No frills, just good water. The kind you want to drink and the kind that’s good to our environment. Their glass bottles are returned, cleaned, and refilled for use. That’s a BIG plus in my book.
How to Make Your Water More Exciting (Without Going Full Influencer)
Let’s face it, if your water tastes like a chemistry experiment or the inside of a swimming pool, you’re not going to drink enough of it. Here are a few ways to make water more inviting without turning it into a sugar bomb:
- 🍋 Fruit Infusion: Drop in slices of lemon, oranges, or berries for a refreshing twist.
- 🥒 Veggie Mix: Cucumbers and celery add a crisp, clean taste — like a spa day in a glass.
- 🌿 Herbal Kick: Fresh mint, basil, or rosemary can take your water to the next level.
- 🍓 A Splash of Juice: A little natural fruit juice adds sweetness without a sugar overload.
- 🫧 Go Fizzy: Sparkling water is a great alternative if you’re craving bubbles.
- ☕ Herbal Tea Bags: Drop in a caffeine-free tea bag for a subtle flavour hit — hot or cold.
- 🌶️ Spice It Up: Cinnamon or ginger add a warm, comforting twist, especially in cooler months.
These small touches can make hydration feel less like a chore and more like an actual treat.
Final Thoughts
Hydration is one of those foundational things that affects everything: your energy, skin, digestion, brain function, and even your mood. And while we can’t all hike to a spring and bottle our own water (unless you’re living that off-grid fantasy), we can make smarter choices with what we’ve got.
So, if you’re feeling sluggish, foggy, or just “off,” take a look at your water.
It might be the simplest and most overlooked piece of your wellness puzzle.
💬 Got a favourite way to jazz up your water? Or a go-to brand you swear by? Let us know in the comments — or come hang out in the private group where the real talks happen.
