Desert Health News July-August 2024

. Gone are the days we could drink directly from a clear stream. Today, the clean water flowing from our faucets - and even bottled water - can harbor hidden pollutants. However, thanks to advances in technology, many modern-day contaminants can be filtered out; we just need to know what to look for. Water companiesworkhardtocomplywith federal andstate regulationsandalthough California does have some of the highest water quality standards in the world, they still fall short of the more protective Water Quality Standards set by the Environmental WorkingGroup (EWG). This respected non-profit organization is dedicated to protecting human health and the environment, erring on the side of caution when it comes to water quality. Install water filters. In theCoachella Valley, contaminants including arsenic, hexavalent chromium and radon have been found in local water supplies at levels exceeding EWG health guidelines. These contaminants mainly come from industrial, agricultural and urban run-off and discharges. The EWG (ewg.org) provides charts that show what kinds of filters are effective at removing these contaminants, helping reduce long-term exposure to these substances which can lead to health issues including developmental delays in children. Investing in a high-quality filter is a positive step towards protecting your health and is significantly more cost-effective in the long run than buying bottled water making it a financially savvy choice for most families. Use glass andmetal water containers. Many turn to bottled water believing it is safer than tap water, however, bottled water is often subject to less stringent testing and regulation compared to the municipal water supply. Additionally, plastic bottles can leach harmful chemicals, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates into the water they contain, especially when exposed to heat. A particularly concerning group of contaminants found in both tap and bottled water is per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals." These substances, used in products like non-stick cookware and some plastic bottles, do not break down in the environment and thus may accumulate in the human body over time. Research links PFAS exposure to liver damage, thyroid disease, decreased fertility, increased cholesterol levels and cancer. Thankfully, some filters can also trap and remove these forever chemicals. Stay informed. Regularly check your local water utility quality reports and compare them to EWG standards. Awareness is the first step toward addressing the issue. Support policies and initiatives for stricter water quality regulations and engage with local representatives and organizations working to improve water safety standards. Making mindful choices contributes to our overall well-being and supports a healthier planet. Dr. Annissa Ceja is a primary care naturopathic doctor and resident at Live Well Clinic in La Quinta and can be reached at (760) 771.5970 or visit www.livewellclinic.org. Sources available upon request. www.DesertHealthNews.com July/August 2024 Natural Options The Valley ' s Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 11 Different filters are available to help purify water with a variety of contaminates. www.livewellclinic.org 760.771.5970 78900 Ave. 47, Suite 102 • La Quinta info@livewellclinic.org • www.livewellclinic.org Live Happy, Live Well @LiveWellClinicLaQuinta @LiveWellClinic Offering Telemedicine Naturopathic Primary Care ProLon FMD (Intermittent Fasting Diet) Photodynamic Therapy Sound Baths Last Wednesday of each month • $30/person Delaney Quick, ND Naturopathic Resident Annissa Ceja, ND Naturopathic Resident Sonja Fung, ND Naturopathic Doctor Medical Director www.humineral.com It's your birthday. Here it comes…"How old are you?" Mmm, does it really matter? After all, age is just a number. What really matters is your body’s state of health which will determine how you age and what your future birthdays will look like. Some age-related changes are benign, such as graying hair or fine lines. We’ll take those over a decline in functionality and the ability to perform regular activities of daily life. It’s important to remember that advancing age is not what puts us at risk for chronic disease in our later years; its declining health as we age, much of which is preventable. Our bodies are made up of water, oxygen and minerals which are simple building blocks of healthy cells, healthy life and healthy aging. These elements may not be top of mind, but should be. With age, we sometimes lose our sense of thirst, so be sure to drink water throughout the day whether you’re thirsty or not. Staying hydrated helps your cells function at full capacity. Every tissue and cell in the body also needs a constant supply of oxygen to perform properly, so don’t forget to consciously breathe deeply and fully. Oxygen gets into our cells and tissues via our lungs then pass into the bloodstream. A typical blood oxygen level for ahealthyperson rangesbetween95 - 100%.What canwedo tohelp theprocess? MOVE. There is no substitute for movement to accelerate natural oxygenation. Our bodies are walking mineral banks and, with nutrients severely lacking in our foods today, supplementation can be a game changer. Minerals not only replenish our bodies but also act as antioxidants to combat oxidative stress, a primary contributor to the signs of aging. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between your body’s antioxidant defenses and the production of free radicals, which can potentially damage your cells. So, be sure to consume plenty of antioxidant foods including berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries), leafy greens like spinach, cabbage and kale, citrus fruits (lemons, oranges, tangerines, grapefruit), avocados, legumes, green tea and dark chocolate, to name a few. Of course, a healthy diet is an important part of the equation aiding all the building blocks. Want to look good, feel good and radiate health at every age? Stay hydrated, oxygenated, mineralized and antioxidized, my friends. Candice Nicole is a health advocate and founder of HUmineral food derived mineral nutrients. She can be reached at info@HUmineral.com or (818) 400.7657. For more information, visit www.HUmineral.com . Sources: 1) https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/oxidative-stress ; 2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC5551541/#:~:text=Oxidative%20stress%20and%20free%20radicals,ranging%20from%20CVD%20to%20cancer; 3) https://www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11031144; 4) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7276162/ Water, Oxygen, Minerals and Antioxidants The basic building blocks of healthy aging By Candice Nicole Ensuring Quality Drinking Water By Annissa Ceja, ND