by Christine Tucker

Dr. David Pollack, of Pollack Wellness Institute in Commack, NY, realizes that many of us seek shortcuts when it comes to improving our health. We’re often lured into buying products based on slick marketing campaigns versus verifiable data that whatever product in the spotlight is truly going to offer the health boosting properties touted. 

Lately, special waters have become all the rage—and for good cause. We all know that drinking safe, clean water is of the utmost importance in maintaining and improving our health and well-being. From “smart” waters and coconut waters, to alkaline, reverse osmosis, steam distilled and filtered waters, there is no shortage of drinking waters to choose from. However, asks Pollack, “Do any of these waters have realistic effects or are they full of smoke and mirrors?” 

“Smart, or electrolyte-added waters, are generally purified municipal tap waters with a variety of salts added back to the water,” explains Pollack. “Often, terms such as ‘balanced’ or ‘hydration’ will be on the label evoking thoughts of a superior water. Most of the ingredients would be present in tap water to begin with. Yes, the filtration would remove many of the toxins present in tap water, which is a good thing, but that is where it ends. If you look really closely at these electrolyte waters, you will often notice a sentence required by the FDA suggesting the salts are just added for taste. In other words, no harm but no real benefit.”

When it comes to alkaline water, Pollack shares that some suggest that high alkaline water will help to alkalize the body. “Believers in alkalizing the body say that disease only exists in an acidic body,” he shares. “While most disease is consistent with an acidic body, is the acidity creating the disease or the disease creating the acid?” The biggest issue, according to Pollack, is the extreme alkalinity offered for most alkaline waters. “Alkaline water acts like an antacid, neutralizing the stomach acid and inactivating it. This means digestion will be compromised, particularly protein digestion. This is not a good thing.” 

Pollack asserts that the healthiest waters to drink include lemon water, coconut water and filtered water. “Drinking lemon water is probably the most alkalizing thing you can do,” he says. “Acidic lemon water makes the body alkaline. Lemon juice emulsifies fat, which can both assist in the function of the gallbladder and cleanse it—both aiding digestion. This leads to better function of the body overall.”

Pollack advocates for drinking coconut water because “it contains a variety of minerals, including potassium and vitamins, that provide great nutrition for the body.” Additionally, he shares that filtered water is beneficial to maintain purity. “Carbon, fiber, KDF, reverse osmosis and other media filters are used to remove a variety of compounds from water,” says Pollack. “Multi-stage filtration systems are the most efficient and effective—generally using a less expensive filter as the first stage to remove the larger particles.”

Pollack affirms that when it comes to water choices—keep it simple.  “Stick to high-quality filtered water—with or without organic lemon added—along with the moderate use of coconut water and you’ll be drinking the healthiest water for a healthier you.” 

Dr. David Pollack is the founder of Pollack Wellness Institute located at 66 Commack Rd. in Commack. For more information, call 631-462-0801 or visit CreatingWellnessLI.com.