Concerns About Tap Water: The Hidden Dangers of Oestrogen
Written on
Chapter 1: Understanding Tap Water Contaminants
When consuming tap water, we often overlook the variety of chemicals it may contain. Most of the water we utilize has undergone multiple cycles of recycling, particularly the tap water we drink, which is subjected to this process repeatedly.
For instance, consider the water that drains away after someone showers; this water is not disposed of but is instead recycled and treated. Regrettably, water treatment facilities are unable to fully eliminate all contaminants, and some substances, such as oestrogen, may persist.
Chapter 2: What Is Oestrogen?
Oestrogen is primarily recognized as a female sex hormone, playing essential roles in the body, such as facilitating breast development, ovulation, and hair growth. Interestingly, while testosterone is classified as a male hormone, women also produce it, albeit in smaller quantities. Elevated levels of oestrogen can trigger various side effects for both genders, including:
- Depression
- Acne
- Osteoporosis
- Reduced libido
In severe instances, heightened oestrogen levels may increase the risk of breast or urinary cancers.
Chapter 3: Sources of Oestrogen in Water
So, what causes the presence of oestrogen in our water supply? A significant contributor is oestradiol, a chemical that originates from birth control pills. When women excrete after taking these medications, oestradiol is released into the water system. Unfortunately, water treatment plants do not specifically target the removal of this hormone, leading to its persistence in tap water. Their primary focus is on making sewage water potable by adding minerals like magnesium, calcium, and fluoride.
Chapter 4: Additional Sources of Oestrogen
While the majority of oestrogen in the water supply stems from birth control, dairy products also contribute. All types of milk, whether from cows, goats, or humans, contain trace amounts of hormones, including oestrogen and progesterone. Full-fat milk generally has higher hormone levels compared to skim milk due to the fat-soluble nature of these hormones.
Chapter 5: Strategies to Reduce Oestrogen Levels
To mitigate unwanted oestrogen exposure, consider the following remedies:
- Enjoy warm baths or sauna sessions once or twice a week to promote sweating.
- Engage in regular exercise that induces sweating.
- Opt for bottled water, which is less likely to contain high levels of oestrogen or fluoride.
- Invest in a tap water filter to eliminate unwanted chemicals, making tap water safer to drink—this is often the most economical and accessible solution.
Chapter 6: Additional Insights on Tap Water Safety
In the first video, "How Bad Is Tap Water for Health? | Dr. Andrew Huberman," the discussion revolves around the potential health impacts of tap water and the chemicals it may contain.
The second video, "Think Twice About Drinking Tap Water," delves into the reasons why we should reconsider our reliance on tap water for drinking.