What are water softeners?

Environmental Working Group (EWG)

Water softeners are used as a common water filtration technology. Water softeners typically use an ion exchange process to lower levels of calcium and magnesium (which can build up in plumbing and fixtures) as well barium and certain forms of radium. They do not remove most other contaminants.

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Tap Water vs. Bottled—What Should You Drink?

Glug, glug, glug. That's the sound a ginormous number of us make as we drink bottled water in our cars, at the gym and behind our desks. The sound yo...

Environmental Working Group (EWG)

Reverse osmosis can remove many contaminants not removed by activated carbon, including arsenic, flu...

Karen L. Gorton, PhD, MS, RN

To determine the best tap water filtration system, you should have your unfiltered tap water analyze...

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Water

Plenty of water in your diet helps digestion, skin, and muscle tone. It can help prevent cramping during exercise and even relive stress. Many times we are low on water - dehydrated, and don't realize it. Being dehydrated can manifest with symptoms like fatigue and depression. In fact, by the time we are feeling thirsty, we're already slightly dehydrated. That's one reason that we hear the recommendation to drink eight standard glasses of water daily. Adequate water helps you digest food an helps your body get rid of wastes. Your kidneys need to process water for you to eliminate waste by urination, and getting enough water ensures that these wastes are diluted. Not getting enough water can encourage the formation of painful kidney stones.

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