We turn on the tap, fill our glasses, and assume we're making a healthy choice. But have you ever wondered about the true impact of chlorinated water on our well-being?
Let's consider 5 reasons to stop filling up our glasses with chlorinated water.
Microbiome Disruption:
Chlorinated water may disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, leading to a decrease in microbiome diversity.
Digestive System Irritation:
Consumption of chlorinated water has been linked to irritation in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially causing discomfort and digestive issues.
Altered Nutrient Absorption:
Chlorine in water may interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients in the gut, affecting the body's ability to derive maximum nutritional benefit from food.
Weakened Immune Response:
Changes in the gut microbiome due to chlorination may impact the immune system, potentially weakening its ability to defend against infections and diseases.
Inflammatory Responses:
Chlorine exposure has been associated with an increase in inflammatory markers in the gut, contributing to a pro-inflammatory environment that may be detrimental to overall gut health.
Resources
Effect of Chlorine Water Consumption on Phenotypic and Microbiome Development
Drinking water chlorination has minor effects on the intestinal flora and resistomes of Bangladeshi children
Nadimpalli ML, Lanza VF, Montealegre MC, Sultana S, Fuhrmeister ER, Worby CJ, Teichmann L, Caduff L, Swarthout JM, Crider YS, Earl AM, Brown J, Luby SP, Islam MA, Julian TR, Pickering AJ. Drinking water chlorination has minor effects on the intestinal flora and resistomes of Bangladeshi children. Nat Microbiol. 2022 May;7(5):620-629. doi: 10.1038/s41564-022-01101-3. Epub 2022 Apr 14. PMID: 35422497; PMCID: PMC9249080.
Drinking Water Source, Chlorinated Water, and Colorectal Cancer: A Matched Case-Control Study in Ethiopia
Tafesse N, Porcelli M, Robele Gari S, Ambelu A. Drinking Water Source, Chlorinated Water, and Colorectal Cancer: A Matched Case-Control Study in Ethiopia. Environ Health Insights. 2022 Jan 6;16:11786302211064432. doi: 10.1177/11786302211064432. PMID: 35023924; PMCID: PMC8743978.
