Search Podcasts

14 Water Secrets: The Truth About Water, Distilled Water, Reverse Osmosis, and More!

14 Water Secrets: The Truth About Water, Distilled Water, Reverse Osmosis, and More!

Water is critical to our health and the first building block for life. This is why it is one of the five forces in the book SuperLife and the number one topic we get asked about here at SuperLife. Below you’ll find answers to some of the top frequently asked questions (FAQs) on water we receive. Read on to the find the A’s to your Q’s. Still have a question? Comment below!

1.Does it really matter what water you drink?

I’d love to tell you that water is water is water. But it is just not all the same! Drinking just any kind of water often won’t enable the hydration and detoxification you desire in your body for optimal health. Most of our water has been run through water treatment plants, while this creates technically “clean” water and helps prevent waterborne disease (making it a very necessary process in many places), it really creates a whole new “tea” with a long list of chemicals and additives that bring small foreign particles into your body.

In order to fully hydrate your body, switch to drinking a water source that is reverse osmosis (RO) or distilled.

Why? These types of water are like a perfect, blank clean canvas for cleansing and hydrating your body because all the little, invisible particles water treatment added have been removed. Filtered water gets SOME of the particles out, but not all of them. Micron filtration goes even further, filtering water through microscopic holes to remove even more contaminants than standard filters can. But only RO or distilled water are a perfectly clean slate for your body to use.

2. I’ve been told NOT to drink distilled water. Why is that? 

You may have been told not to drink distilled water. It’s because electrolytes are removed through the RO or distilling process. Electrolytes are foundational nutrients of the body, and they must be present to create water that’s accessible for your body and cells. The solution is to add them back to your water through Himalayan crystal salts which add back the electrolytes in a pure form. See No. 3 below for how much salt to add.

3.How much salt do you add to distilled or reverse osmosis water?

Hands down, bar none, this is the MOST ASKED QUESTION. And it is a great one! It is so important to add unprocessed/ unrefined salts to the distilled, structured water or reverse osmosis water you drink. Here are the ratios:

  • Add half a teaspoon of unprocessed/unrefined Himalayan crystal salt to a gallon of water.
  • Add a pinch of salt in a twelve-ounce glass.
  • If you are doing the Reset, add 1/4 tsp. Mineralize to one gallon of distilled water, or 1-to-30 shakes of Mineralize to each 12-to-36oz. glass of distilled water.

4. Why Himalayan Crystal Salt? What’s so special about it? Why not other salts?

Many salts are stripped of minerals and bleached. Himalayan crystal salt is mined from ancient sea beds, so it is pure from modern environmental toxins. It provides 60+ trace minerals, along with your needed electrolytes, plus it has a unique ionic energy that is released when the salt is mixed with water. This means the salt is the right size and proper action of molecules for ideal synergy with your body and cells.

5. I have had distiller water for over 20 years and I’ve never added anything back into it. Do I really need to?

You should definitely consider adding Himalayan crystal salt to your water. Distilled water does not have any minerals, and those minerals are essential for the body to absorb water well and maintain long-term health.

6. What’s your thoughts on the Kangen machine and alkaline water?

I recommend reverse osmosis (RO) or distilled water. Kangen uses some filtration and some electrolysis that structures the water, but it doesn’t get the water clean or filtered enough. The water still has a large amount of total dissolved solids (TDS). Just because the PH is altered does not mean it is safe or good water. There are many factors to consider.

7. How can I make my own distilled water?

Yes! The ideal option is to put a reverse osmosis (RO) or a personal distiller in your home. If you cannot do this, you can buy distilled or RO water and add Himalayan crystal salt to it.

8. Can I just drink purified water?

It depends on what filtration system the “purified” water you are asking about is made from. Just because water is labeled as “purified” doesn’t mean that the water is clean or filtered enough. The water can still have a large amount of total dissolved solids (TDS).

9. What about well water? I live in a rural area and we have our own well.

The best way to find out the quality of your water is to test it. Well water is commonly high in nitrates, arsenic, and lead. Use a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) meter or a pH meter when testing. Testing would let you know if you need to take steps to filter it or change your water supply.

Information About Water

10. Should we be concerned getting our distilled water in plastic containers?

Glass is always best if you can find it. However, distilled water is easiest to find in plastic, which is fine. The cost benefit ratio of getting water that is CLEAN in plastic far outweighs the issue of the plastic.

11. How does one improve hydration on a cellular level? On a whole body level? On a community level? On a planet level?

Drinking enough clean water will impact the cells first, then the whole body, resulting in a healthier and happier person. Someone who is strong from good hydration and awareness can and will naturally be attracted to making positive changes in their community and for the planet. Hydration is essential to all people, regardless of their region, race, ethnicity, religion, or economic class. If every person on Earth was willing and able to be properly hydrated, think of all that we could accomplish!

12. How does swimming pool water affect hydration?

Unfortunately most pools contain chemicals that are harmful for our bodies. Pools containing bromine may interfere with iodine, thyroid, and adrenal reception. Chlorine, commonly found in pools, affects brain. By immersing oneself in these chemicals we force the liver to clean these added toxins. Some people are able to keep a safe, chemical-free pool by using saline or salt water instead of the typical chlorinated cocktail. Some people pump ozone into their pool, which kills unwanted bacteria without harming humans. Being chemical-free does not mean you have to give up your beloved water recreation and sports!

13. I don’t like the taste of water. What should I do?

Pure, simple water is always the best choice for your body. But true hydration does mean drinking a lot of it, so if your taste buds need a break, try infused water. Your  taste buds will love the mix up, and the water will absorb some of the nutrients in the added fresh, organic herbs, fruits, and vegetables. For example, adding a simple organic slice of lemon or cucumber both have an alkalizing effect! Try adding your favorite organic fruit and even a bold kick of ginger! For some simple, refreshing options, check on this blog.

14. Why do you have different things to say when it comes to water than other health practitioners?

Water is a very big topic! The truth is fresh, clean spring water is the absolute best because it is clean, vacant of heavy deposits, energized from the rocks and motion that creates Ionic potential (IP). However because plastic bottles and transportation effect water, the best way for large populations of people to drink water is to first clear it of the debris that can cause problems and lower the TDS and balance the PH. I recommend RO or distilled water because these types of water are like a perfect, blank clean canvas for cleansing and hydrating your body because all the little, invisible particles have been removed. You may have been told not to drink distilled water. It’s because electrolytes are removed through the RO or distilling process. Electrolytes are foundational nutrients of the body, and they must be present to create water that’s accessible for your body and cells. The solution is to add them back to your water through Himalayan crystal salts. You can also re-energize water again by electrolysis or vortation or vortex, check out http://www.superlife.com/project/structured-water/. You can also read more in my book SuperLife where I have a whole chapter on the truth about water in your body.

36 Comments
  • Moms On Top
    Posted at 05:32h, 02 November

    Does Structured Water remove all TDS? Is it alkaline? Does it require adding salt/electrolytes back as distilled water does? I am in the process of determining the BEST and most efficient option. You link to a specific brand of Structured Water products. Is this what you recommend? What do YOU use? 🙂

    • Rachel Marie Richards
      Posted at 11:22h, 01 August

      Go to channelmywellness.com dig around and then explore on Google scholar the role of active hydrogen in the body. Pretty amazing

  • administrator_admin
    Posted at 14:46h, 20 November

    You can avoid the hazards of a swimming pool overloaded with chemicals and chlorine, by completely recycling the water, which also saves 90% of the water (good for the environment and especially now that there is a drought situation). The process is called reverse osmosis. You can find more at http://www.recycleyourpoolwater.com. Have a great day!

  • Jan Shir
    Posted at 06:59h, 17 July

    Read valid, peer-based studies, not this. You need the minerals that all these forms of water destroy. Adding them back into the water doesn’t work. Get something like the Berkey filtration system.

    • Ryan
      Posted at 09:18h, 16 September

      In nature, water is evaporated (reverse osmosis) then rained down, then runs over rocks and dissolves minerals into the water. Tell me how dissolving your own minerals into the water is any different.

  • Andrea Griffin
    Posted at 08:26h, 26 July

    Hi! Does anyone have recommendations for a good Reverse Osmosis system to put in our house?

    • Ryan
      Posted at 07:18h, 15 September

      Aquasana has a R/O system with a re-mineralizer built in.

      • Andrea Griffin
        Posted at 08:17h, 16 September

        Thank you! I’ll check it out!!

  • GtheBarber
    Posted at 08:33h, 26 July

    Awesome facts! I’m doing a water challenge now in hopes to create a new positive habit. Cheers!!

    • Rachel Marie Richards
      Posted at 11:16h, 01 August

      Do your homework. There is a reason other countries offer mineralized water vs water stripped of its minerals. If it’s acidic on a PH test …. It’s unhealthy. You don’t want to drink half your body weight in ounces of acidic water. I displace R/O systems each week. People are very upset when they find out just how unhealthy they can be.

  • Rachel Marie Richards
    Posted at 11:12h, 01 August

    The human cell has a aquaporin that requires the water to be small enough to enter 5-6 molecules. Restructured water allows this as well as the water needing a negative charge to enter that aquaporin. Noble peace prizes have been awarded for this discovery in the 90’s. Reverse osmosis water all has a positive charge and even when you add minerals it maintains a positive charge not entering the cell for cellular hydration (water molecules are too big). Active hydrogen is the strongest antioxidant on the planet. I agree with your need to stress clean water but your limited research on Kangen shows by your Comments… I am a wellness coach that specializes molecular hydration and agrees that filters need to be applied before you restructure the water, that’s why you buy them and place them in the machine before you restructure so you can achieve all three. Small water, clean and filtered water and a negative charge. Please know I am not loyal to Kangan but more the cause I am a Beachbody coach too and love reset. Kangan is the best water on the planet and I have seen lives changed as a result. Please dig in more before saying R/O water is best… It’s not

    • cvc
      Posted at 06:41h, 11 November

      and kangen filter filters fluor, right?

  • Judy Atkinson
    Posted at 09:18h, 21 February

    Hello
    My question is… I drink a lot of water. If i add Himalayan Crystal Salt to a gallon of Distilled Water (1/2 tsp per gallon) how much of this water should I drink daily.

    Judy Atkinson

  • Pingback:Stop Dead Water – wokecast
    Posted at 16:22h, 25 February

    […] Information from Darin’s website SuperLife: […]

  • everyday life
    Posted at 10:34h, 04 November

    I comment whenever I appeciate a post on a
    blog or I have somethin to valuable to contribute to the conversation. Usually it’s
    a result off the fire communicated in the post I browsed.

    And on this article The Truth About Water.
    I was actually excited enoug to leave a comment 😉 I do havfe a
    couple oof questions for you if it’s okay.

    Could it be just me or do a few of the remarks
    appear like they are written bby brain dead visitors? 😛 And, if you are posting oon other online sites,
    I’d like too keep up with you. Would you make a list the complete urls of all your community
    pages like your twitter feed, Facebook page or linkedin profile?

  • daily routine
    Posted at 23:22h, 08 November

    I used to be suggested this website by means of my cousin. I’m
    noot certain whether tthis publish iis written by means of him as nobody else
    understand such dedsignated approximately my trouble.
    You’re wonderful! Thank you!

  • actually sound good
    Posted at 22:17h, 15 December

    I used to be recommended this blog by way off my cousin. I am not sure whether or not this publish is written byy him ass no one else understand such certain about my difficulty.
    You’re incredible! Thanks!

  • Tristan
    Posted at 12:32h, 25 March

    Hey there! Quick question that’s completely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile
    friendly? My site looks weird when browsing from my iphone4.
    I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to correct this issue.
    If you have any suggestions, please share. Cheers!

  • suba suba
    Posted at 17:11h, 25 March

    BYYFFm Just Browsing While I was surfing yesterday I saw a excellent post concerning

  • keluaran hk
    Posted at 13:23h, 11 June

    Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate
    you penning this write-up plus the rest of the site is really good.

  • Jonah Fernatt
    Posted at 20:50h, 05 July

    I just want to tell you that I’m all new to weblog and definitely loved you’re web site. More than likely I’m want to bookmark your blog post . You certainly come with wonderful writings. Kudos for sharing your webpage.

  • Maggie Edris
    Posted at 15:22h, 15 July

    Just want to say your article is as astonishing. The clarity in your post is simply spectacular and i could assume you’re an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the enjoyable work. Here is my Superlife book review: https://www.no1geekfun.com/superlife-book-review/ Thanks

  • Ezra Bilbo
    Posted at 18:34h, 15 July

    fantastic post, very informative. I wonder why the other specialists of this sector do not notice this. You must continue your writing. I’m sure, you have a great readers’ base already! Here is my Superlife book review: https://www.no1geekfun.com/superlife-book-review/ Thanks

  • Mike Turkalj
    Posted at 14:42h, 16 July

    I watched the “Down to Earth” episode on water last night and the FAQs above don’t align with what it seems was laid-out in that episode, specifically around what the “water sommelier” says. I am specifically referring to his disdain for distilled and “purified” water (which appears to contradict the FAQ) and that he is a proponent of TDS levels (whereas the FAQ above seems to be against them). I understand that Darin’s thoughts may have changed since this FAQ was published. I am just curious if that is the case.

  • Diana
    Posted at 03:38h, 20 July

    Thank you for your passion for a SUPERLIFE. I recently purchased your audio book and it claims some PDF information, which I would like for reference . On the site it has no link. I’m inspired by your journey and I am currently on a juice cleanse boost to start my re-lationship with my food and health. I know from a previous experience that plant based Whole Foods and Super Foods are the key to a healthy lifestyle… I’m back! I am currently watching your colab with Zac on Netflix! What great information!!!

  • Darlene Giol
    Posted at 01:03h, 30 July

    In the Netflix show where they discuss water, they are saying that it’s important that the TDS is higher like in a still mineral water. That those kind of waters were better. That is contradictory to this article. Can you clarify?

  • Dave Jones
    Posted at 18:37h, 26 August

    Where did you get the refillable water bottle you used in the Nextflix show (Paris)? Thans

  • Phil Schilmann
    Posted at 17:08h, 03 September

    What about salt and heart/blood pressure issues? Will adding salt to my water not be a bad choice if i have elevated blood pressure?

  • Rachelle Ann Nash
    Posted at 13:34h, 04 September

    Darin,

    I’ve been following your work for a while. I enjoy Baruka’s often and listening to your wisdom on RRP. I just finished listening to the last episode:) When you described your home water filtration you explained a step where hydrogen is added, it made me smile! I’ve gone back and forth on RO, but decided against as I’ve heard it is a wasteful process, and it’s been termed “dead” at this point. I personally use a 3 stage filter attached to a medical-grade unit that adds Hydrogen. Some people will use RO to then filter through this home system. This water is termed “Electrolyzed Reduced Water” which has MANY articles published on PubMed.

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=electrolyzed+reduced+water

    I highly encourage you to further look into the 40+-year-old company Enagic as they have truly done an incredible job at bringing water “back to its origin”- or in the Japanese term- “KANGEN”. I think it will hit some important points for you when it comes to water quality, affordability, and sustainability for the everyday user. What you describe in your beautiful home sounds incredible, but for many, it’s not feasible if we opt to live in cities. I couldn’t agree more with you that changing the quality of your water will and can profoundly change our health. It 1000x has for me!

    Best!

  • Dylan Ellis
    Posted at 15:34h, 09 September

    Any recommendations for a cost effective under the sink RO system?

  • Dylan Ellis
    Posted at 19:51h, 10 September

    Has anyone used or have an opinion on the Hydroviv filter?

  • Haley
    Posted at 17:54h, 19 September

    What water (brand) do you suggest to drink?

  • Kellibarr
    Posted at 08:34h, 12 October

    If its not labled as unprocessed how do u know if the himalyan sea salt is refined and unprocessed? I bought mine from Wal-Mart… Also I thought spring water was suggested by Darren too? If bottles (glass or plastic) are labeled as sorced from — springs, are those labels trustworthy?

  • Tierney
    Posted at 21:43h, 18 October

    My family is big on the Berkey water filters with the fluoride filter. Are you familiar with this filter? Is it something that you would recommend?

  • Leah Johnson
    Posted at 16:11h, 01 May

    The “water sommelier” (France episode of Down To Earth on Netflix) said that the higher the TDS is in water, the more medicinal it is. Now I understand that certain chemicals and metals are unwanted in the water we consume, but why is this FAQ saying that you want lower TDS? Which level is best for us?