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When we think about the importance of water, most of
us think only about our drinking water. It's true that quality drinking
water is a very important component to our well being. However, what about
those steamy hot showers some of us like to take? Are the effects of
bacteria-killing chlorine in our water making our daily showers safer or are
we endangering our health?
A look at Skin
Remember in school how we would jokingly tell our classmates that their
epidermis was showing? We learned that the skin is the body's largest organ.
In fact, the skin is the largest eliminatory organ in our body, helping us
to get rid of toxins through perspiration.
While most of us are familiar with this aspect of the skin, in recent years,
we've gained more understanding of the skin's role in overall health. Our
skin is a two-way organ. Along with eliminating toxins, the skin absorbs and
transports nutrients to various places in the body. Liquids are absorbed
through our hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Every inch of your skin has
about 65 hair follicles, more than 600 sweat glands and approximately 100
sebaceous glands.
In the shower, your epidermis isn't only showing- it's absorbing- every
square inch of it. In fact, experts say that 60% of everything you use on
your skin gets absorbed into your circulation, from water to lotions and
other cosmetics.
Chlorinated Water and THMs
Since the early 1900's chlorine has been added to our water to get rid of
harmful bacteria. For over 25 years researchers have been looking into
chlorine and the by-products that chlorinated water produces. While most
studies have concentrated on drinking water, more and more studies are
pointing to the dangers of showering with water that is highly chlorinated.
Why is absorbing chlorine through the skin thought to be so dangerous? When
you swallow water, you can count on the liver to filter out many toxins- but
when something gets absorbed through your skin, it goes straight into the
circulatory system.
Scientists have recently concluded that Trihalomethanes (THMs) --
by-products of chlorinated water -- are absorbed through the skin and
accumulate in the bladder. THMs have long been suspected of increasing the
risk of bladder cancer. Now, it seems suspicions are being confirmed. What's
more, Dr. Christina Villenueva, a leading researcher in chlorine exposure,
says that "Inhaling or absorbing THMs may lead to a higher concentration in
target organs, such as the kidney, bladder and colon."
Much of the problem comes from inhaling the steam from a hot shower -- but
most of us don't enjoy taking a cold shower!!
Not only does showering with chlorinated water appear to increase the risks
of bladder and other cancers- it can make you look old. Most of us can
attest to how it strips natural oils from our skin and hair. Just ask any
avid swimmer how damaging chlorine can be to hair.
Shower Filters
A shower filter is becoming one of the best health investments you can make.
Here's why:
--The best shower filters --particularly those utilizing vitamin C -- will
remove 99% of the chlorine from the water before it touches your skin.
--They are easy to install and are effective at high temperatures.
--Without chlorine in the water, soaps and shampoos lather up much better.
Many who've suffered from dry, flaking and itchy skin, notice immediate
relief after showering with a filter. And many more find that color-treated
hair fades more slowly.
Luckily, you don't have to give up those hot steamy showers, after
all. (That goes for singing in the shower, too!)
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