Drinking Water
In rural areas, groundwater contains several contaminants – nitrate included. This particular contaminant is controlled in drinking water mainly for the fact that high levels can result to “baby blue” syndrome or what is known in the medical book as methemoglobinemia.
Infants, especially those who are below six months, are more likely to be poisoned by the nitrates in water. Although some infants may be more susceptible than others, those who are observed to be suffering from the “blue baby” disease should be given medical attention right away, as this can result to coma or death.
While the presence of high levels of nitrate may not suggest definite threats in adults and older children, they still indicate the presence of more harmful environmental contaminants like pesticides and/or bacteria. To prevent health risks associated with nitrate, have your drinking water checked for level nitrate content.
Breastfeeding mothers who drink water containing nitrate may increase the level of nitrate in their breast milk. Although there were no conclusive studies that showed the risks of breast milk nitrate, it is highly recommended that the drinking water for nursing mothers should only have 50 milligrams maximum per liter.
Some studies also found out that pregnant women who ingest nitrate-contaminated drinking water are likely to bear babies with birth defects. Nitrates in the water lessens the oxygen amount received by the fetus.
People who are suffering from certain medical conditions such as lung disease, or heart ailments may be more vulnerable to the harmful effects of nitrate. Furthermore, some studies insist that long term drinking of water containing high levels of nitrate can heighten the risk of some cancer types, including breast cancer.
There are other contaminants that cause health hazards. Drinking water that has been contaminated by wastewater can be a possible source of mammary carcinogens, as well as endocrine destroying compounds. Such contaminants are known to increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer.
How much water should a person drink every day? This is one of the most common question that do not have any simple answers. Various studies have revealed different recommendations. However, there is really no definite amount for all persons. An individual’s water need is based on several aspects such as his health condition, his environment, and his level of activity.
There are a lot of health benefits of drinking water. Since water makes up 60% of a person’s weight, each system of his body is dependent on it. Water works to flush out toxins, transmits nutrients to the cells, and sets the right atmosphere for the nose, ear, and throat. The importance of drinking water cannot be questioned. It is essential in eradicating garbage out of the body through the lymphatic system to prevent breast cancer. But in order to do this effectively, the body should be well-dehydrated. Some people think that any type of fluid will serve the same purpose as water. However, coffee, milk, beer, soda, juice, and other favorite water alternatives do not function as efficiently as water does.
Most experts say that each adult should drink eight glasses (or more) of water everyday. But in reality, only some of us are able to reach such goal. Since we all know that toxins, which are cancer-causing, can be eliminated through drinking water in the appropriate amounts. So because we lose water when we perspire, breath, urinate, and defecate, we should make sure that we have replenished more than the amount of water lost.
Moreover, while it is advisable to consume as much water as possible, we must ensure that our drinking water is free from toxic chemicals like organochlorines, which are believed to increase breast cancer risks. Water is an indulgence that does not have the guilt.