Spring, Distilled, or Alkaline? What’s Really in Your Glass

Wellness Tip of the Week

Spring, Distilled, or Alkaline? What’s Really in Your Glass

Choosing the water that works for your body

By Dr. Carmela Levy

Walk down any grocery aisle and water starts to sound complicated. Spring, purified, distilled, alkaline, mineral, electrolyte. Each bottle promises something. Meanwhile, most of us are still forgetting to drink enough of any kind.

Here is the plain truth. Spring water comes from an underground source and carries natural minerals like calcium and magnesium. Distilled water has been boiled and condensed, so it is very pure but has almost no minerals; it is safe to drink, and it is the right choice for CPAP machines and humidifiers. Alkaline water has a higher pH, but your body keeps its own pH in a tight, steady range, and research on alkaline water’s health benefits is limited.

For most women, filtered tap water is an excellent, low-cost choice. Public tap water in the United States is tested and regulated. If taste or old pipes concern you, a simple pitcher or faucet filter is enough. The best water is the one you will actually drink.

How much? The National Academies suggest about 11 cups of total water a day for women, and that includes the water in food, soup, and tea. Your needs rise with heat, exercise, and some medicines. Steady hydration supports digestion, joint comfort, energy, and focus. Even mild dehydration is associated with headaches and that foggy, mid-afternoon slump.

Make it easy. Keep a bottle you love on your desk. Drink a full glass before your first cup of coffee. Add lemon, cucumber, mint, or a few berries for flavor without sugar. Check in with your body: pale yellow is the goal.

Choose one cue this week and pair it with water. Small sips add up to steadier energy.