🚰 Tap into the benefits of filtered water (giveaway time!)

Common water contaminants, plus your chance to win the new Brita Hub filter.

IN a nutshell Hey there, friends, and happy Monday! Did you know it's National Kidney Month? Our kidneys are pretty impressive at filtering stuff, but our chemical-laden drinking water could use an extra filtration boost, especially if you live in the U.S. So, let's chat about how to clean your supply and keep your bean-shaped organs healthy by drinking safer, cleaner H2O. We're discussing more filter-related topics today, too, like: • my review of the new Brita Hub, plus your chance to win one! 🎁 • how to keep your kidneys healthy • can cranberry juice help you pass kidney stones? Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Morgan Mandriota March 6, 2023 • 5 min read

what's got us buzzing What's really floating around in your water? Fun fact: Our bodies are up to 60% water. Not-so-fun fact: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sewer overflows, fertilizers, pesticides, and other yucky pollutants may be contaminating U.S. tap water. 🤢 The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates about 90 contaminants in tap water, but many others go unchecked. In an attempt to explore the potential risks of unfiltered tap water in the United States, a 2019 study found that 22 cancer-causing contaminants were found in varying levels in 48,363 community water systems, which were estimated to lead to more than 100,000 related cases of cancer. *gulp* (Need we remind you of the lead-tainted water crisis in Flint, Michigan, that's still ongoing?) Scary? Yes, but we're not necessarily doomed, because there are several ways to clean your water to remove those germs and chemicals. Filtering your drinking water can eliminate common contaminants and make it taste better. Here are some tips to start today for no to low cost: Boil it: Heating water at a rolling boil for 1 minute makes it safe to drink. If you're at an elevation above 6,500 feet, boil for 3 minutes. Add drops or tablets: Disinfecting tablets can help purify your water. Try sodium dichloroisocyanurate, chlorine dioxide, or tetraglycine hydroperiodide, paying close attention to safety instructions. Use activated charcoal: Put it in a sock or cloth bag, then pour water through to filter. (Disclaimer: This method isn't very effective at ridding water of bacteria or viruses.) Buy a water filter: There are plenty of budget-friendly options that sit on your countertop or attach to faucets for easy filtering. tl;dr: Tap water in the United States is often polluted with bacteria, viruses, hard minerals, chemicals, and other contaminants. You can purify your water at home so it's safer and healthier to drink in many ways. To learn more about how to filter your water, click here.

great finds Editor faves with health perks You know those great finds you just *have* to tell your friends about? That's how we feel about the products we recommend here. Every pick has been vetted by our editorial team, and we genuinely think it'll make your life better.       Brita Hub I'd been using a ZeroWater pitcher and drinking Essentia water bottles for the last few years. Then I started using the new Brita Hub countertop water filter, and now there's no turning back for me. The Brita Hub filters more than 70 tap water contaminants, including lead, PFOA/PFOS, chlorine, certain pesticides, and more. You can really taste the difference, too. (Spoiler alert: There is no taste.) It's super easy to assemble and use, and switching to this countertop water filter will replace (and save the environment from) 1,800 single-use plastic water bottles! It also looks really nice on the counter. Interested in owning one? Enter our giveaway! Email us at wellnesswire@healthline.com to share how much water you drink per day and how you prefer to filter your H2O. We'll email one lucky winner on Monday, March 13. Good luck! Shop now

Monday Kick Start Tips to keep your kidneys in tip-top shape Our kidneys do a ton of important work to help keep our health in check. They filter out waste, excess water, and blood impurities; produce hormones and red blood cells; and even regulate our pH, sodium, and potassium levels. Shout out to our kidneys for doing the most! Poor kidney health can lead to kidney disease or damage, which will ultimately affect all of these vital body processes. So, how do we take care of this powerful pair? By maintaining an active lifestyle and eating a nutritious diet, among other things. Here are five quick tips to keep your kidneys in tip-top shape: 1. Manage your blood sugar levels. 2. Monitor your blood pressure. 3. Be mindful of how often you use over-the-counter meds. 4. Drink plenty of fluids. (But some people should go easy on the coffee.) 5. Test your kidneys, especially if you have a high risk of kidney disease. But wait, there's more! To keep reading about the importance of kidney health and learn more tips to keep your kidneys healthy, click here.

Health Hype Can cranberry juice help you pass kidney stones? (Find the answer at the end of this email)

health stories you need What we're reading next 🏃 11 to 20 minutes of daily exercise is seriously beneficial. A recent study found that it may lower your risk of stroke, heart disease, cancer, and other health conditions. ❤️ What causes heart attacks in young people? Smoking cigarettes and misusing substances are two common causes. Check this list to read more. 🍦 Ice cream recipes (no need for fancy equipment). Leave the endless churning to the pros and get the scoop on these nine DIY healthy, five-ingredient ice creams.

Health Hype Answer Can cranberry juice help you pass kidney stones? No! Myth: Consuming cranberry juice can relieve urinary tract infection symptoms and kidney stones. Truth: That myth is just a myth. In fact, drinking cranberry juice can actually do the opposite and create even more kidney stones. This is partly because it's high in oxalates, which can increase your risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones. (How many times can we say kidney stones in one paragraph?) Want to learn more facts about this cranberry juice myth? Click here.

Thanks for reading! Don't forget to enter our Brita Hub giveaway if you haven't already. We'll be back in your inbox on Wednesday with more health stories you need.

Until next time, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon!     This edition was powered by clean drinking water, thanks to Brita.   View in browser Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe here. To see all newsletters, click here. Privacy    |    Unsubscribe © 2023 Healthline Media LLC 275 7th Ave., 24th Floor New York, NY 10001