Dr. Sophie and Fiona discuss:

• Media stories about water quality in the UK • An idiot’s guide to how tap water is cleaned • The chemicals water boards use to clean and filter water • Chlorine • Fluoride • The issue with microplastics and nanoplastics • BPA (bisphenol A) • ‘Forever chemicals’ - phthalates / PFAS • Drugs and chemicals that make their way into the water system • Pesticides and herbicides and their impact on health • Chemical fertilisers and their impact on health • Heavy metals and their impact on health • How to filter our water effectively • Retaining water’s calcium, magnesium, and potassium • The process of remineralising • Reverse osmosis filters • Alkaline water filters • Activated carbon filters • Different brands and recommendations • Wellness water • Hydrogen water – is there any data? • What’s hard water? • Understanding bottled water • Re-usable / non plastic water bottles • Travel water bottles / drinking water abroad • Tips, advice • Water testing kits

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This podcast was produced by https://thepodcastpeople.co/ Co-host: https://fionamattesini.co.uk/

Dr Sophie mentions a few studies and ideas – see below and press ‘episode website’ for the full list:

Most UK water companies use chlorine or chloramine (a compound of chlorine and ammonia) as a disinfectant. While chlorine does disinfect water, it can also react with various organic matter in the water and this forms these disinfection by-products such as trihalomethanes, and these have been linked to various health concerns. Read more here: https://jech.bmj.com/content/57/3/166

Excess amounts fluoride has been linked to arthritis, bone damage, osteoporosis, muscular damage, fatigue, and joint-related problems. Read more here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34597567/

The World Health Organisation has regulated 1.5mg fluoride per litre as the upper limit.

BPA, phthalates and PFAs can mimic human hormones, and exposure to these has been shown to increase the risk of cancer, thyroid disease, autoimmune conditions and fertility problems.

Dr Sophie mentioned:

• Tracey Woodruff, a microplastic researcher
• Evolve, a 'plastic negative' beauty brand
• The Prevented Ocean Plastic (POP) scheme

37% of water courses tested in England and Wales contain medium or high-risk levels of two types of forever chemicals. Read more here: https://www.rsc.org/policy-evidence-campaigns/environmental-sustainability/sustainability-reports-surveys-and-campaigns/cleaning-up-uk-drinking-water/

Tests in London showed levels of PFAS at 1.4 times the maximum limit. Read more here: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/london-tap-contaminated-chemicals-b2514829.html

Here’s the interactive map so people can check for PFAS levels in their area: https://www.envirotech-online.com/news/pfas-analysis/105/international-environmental-technology/take-a-look-at-this-map-of-pfas-pollution-across-the-uk-and-europe/59840

Researchers from Jinan University in China have discovered that boiling water then filtering it with a coffee filter was able to remove almost 90% of harmful plastics.

Dr Sophie mentioned various systems including:

https://www.uk-water-filters.co.uk/products/reverse_osmosis_system_with_pump

The Aqua system or the Phox system

https://healf.com/collections/aarke

The British Berkefeld Water Filter system

Water2

Brita

The Jolie Filtered Showerhead

Aquathin's Whole Home Filtration system

Here’s one article with reviews: https://www.standard.co.uk/shopping/esbest/home-garden/kitchen/best-under-sink-water-filters-b1160992.html

Harvey Water Softeners have good reviews.

Hydrogen water is said to decrease inflammation, boost athletic performance, and even potentially slows the ageing process. But research is very limited. Try Hydro Water as a brand.

Here’s a review on re-usable water bottles:

https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/gallery/best-reusable-water-bottles

Dr Sophie uses a Stanley Cup.

Dr Sophie mentioned Grayl travel bottles as well as the Sawyer Mini.

Dr Sophie mentioned the drinking water inspectorate website – and mentioned you can also view the water quality for your area via your water board’s website.

The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast.