Macrobiotic theory has a very clear stance concerning water, whether it is used for drinking, bathing, or cooking. When we are helping our bodies to heal, or when we are focused on preventive care, the quality of the water we consume is critical.
Environmental studies have revealed that much of the nation’s public drinking water is contaminated by traces of hormones, toxins, and pharmaceutical drugs. Some cities have better water than others, but it’s an issue that concerns all of us.
Macrobiotics recommends the use of high quality spring, well, or filtered water, depending on where you live. Some practitioners recommend distilled water, because it is likely to be more pure than spring water, and is a good carrier for healing protocols. There is conflicting information about consuming only distilled water, since all minerals and solid particles have been removed from it, but for short-term health-specific protocols I think it can be very useful.
Someone living near a water table will likely have excellent, clean water. Cities near the ocean often have very saline water, which isn’t recommended for consumption, so the purchase of water filters is strongly advised. New York City tap water is purported to be some of the best municipal water in the country, but we still use a filter, and if I’m following a specific healing protocol, I’ll use distilled water.
Wherever you live, take care with the water you and your family drink, and rather than buying small plastic bottles, which amount to 60 million pieces of garbage per day in the U.S. alone, invest in reusable water bottles and help reduce our carbon footprint.
