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The perception in most people’s minds is that pure water
equals healthy water. So synonymous has the idea of pure water i.e.;
H2O with no minerals whatsoever, become that it is immediately
equated with healthy water. Raising any doubts or concerns quickly
attracts disbelief. However, it is only now being found that pure
water is not necessarily healthy water. In fact, water that is too
pure has now been shown to create its own health problems.
Reverse Osmosis
R/O was originally developed in the 1950's and has been considered
the ultimate water filtration technology. A semi-permeable membrane
essentially passes some atoms or molecules but not others. Tap water
is put on one side of the membrane and pressure is applied to pass
water, but not dissolved solids through the membrane and on to
drinking. It generally takes a lot of pressure and is fairly slow,
but it works.
The biggest challenges to R/O systems have been:
Time: Traditional R/O systems are very slow to produce water
Waste: R/O typically wastes of 75% of treated water
Chlorine Oxidation: Exposure to chlorine escaping from poor quality
carbon pre-filters can significantly shortens membrane life
However, these problems have now been overcome with the introduction
of the NEW Wellness R/O booster system. See here for details
Water Distillers
Distillers work by condensing water from steam (much like the
evaporative cycle) leaving contaminants behind. This system results
in very pure water, with approximately 99.99% of total dissolved
salts removed. One disadvantage is that distillation also removes
free oxygen from the water, resulting in water that is lifeless,
acidic and toxic to life. Witness the quick death of goldfish when
placed in distilled water.
Despite what many people genuinely believe, water distillers are
ineffective at removing volatile organic chemicals. Most home
distillers are of low cost design and can actually concentrate the
chemicals they were designed to remove! Because of variations in
steam pressure they also suffer from inconsistent performance.
The only effective distillers are found in scientific laboratories.
Unfortunately, these units are well beyond the reach of the average
home user, retailing at over $8,000.00 per unit.
Electrical Water Ionizers
A quick search of the internet for 'water ionizer' reveals a number
of sites promoting the use of alkaline water from electrical ionizer
(sic) devices. These machines are manufactured mainly in Korean and
unlike Wellness all use electricity to 'ionize' (ionize) water.
Many consumers and healthcare professionals ask us how these
‘alkaline water’ ionizers compare to the Wellness Filter. Beside the
obvious Wellness advantage of ionizing water naturally there are
some key health issues that need to be revealed about the scam that
is alkaline ionized water.
Nowhere in Nature
Electrical ionization produces a synthetic water that has no
equivalent in the natural world. Using a process known as
electrolysis, ionizers induce a chemical reaction that splits water
into two separate streams of high pH (>7.0) and low pH (<7.0) water.
The low pH water is sent down the drain, wasting over half the water
produced while the high pH water is promoted as a miracle health
drinking water that will help to 'alkalize' an acidic body and cure
all manner of ills from cancer to gout.
“I have seen a lot of advertisements urging me to buy water that is
electrically charged. My only comment on this issue is that I have
never seen a stream attached to an electric plug. I prefer my water
to be cleaned and charged naturally, just as it is in Nature.
Ron Gellatley – Health Author and Nutritional Doctor,
September 2001
The Myth of Alkaline Water
It has been claimed there are significant health benefits to be
derived from drinking this chemically manufactured alkaline water on
the basis that it will alkalize the body and help fight against
disease. The world renowned Dr Andrew Weil (
www.drweil.com
), director of the Program in Integrative Medicine at the University
of Arizona, makes these highly pertinent comments;
“Home water ionizers, which I’ve seen offered for sale on the
Internet, are just the latest twist in the ongoing effort to promote
the notion that alkaline water is somehow protective of your health.
The underlying idea is that you can prevent disease by balancing
your body’s pH. …None of these claims are true. Furthermore, your
body needs absolutely no help in adjusting its pH. Normally, the pH
of blood and most body fluids is near 7, which is close to neutral.
This is under very tight biological control because all of the
chemical reactions that maintain life depend on it. … The health
claims for [electrical] water ionizers and for alkaline water are
bogus. Save your money.”
Source:
http://www.drweil.com 04/09/2002
"Rumors are circulating on the Internet and elsewhere that drinking
alkaline water is beneficial to health and can miraculously cure
everything from obesity and high blood pressure to breast cancer.
Alkaline water purportedly "neutralizes" the "acidic wastes" in the
body. These "wastes" are said to include malignant cells and acid
"accumulations." This theory seems very well developed and may sound
plausible to some, but it is absolutely untrue. I get a lot of
questions about alkalinity and acidity and whether eating alkaline
foods (or acidic ones) influences the body's pH in a healthful
direction. There is no scientific research supporting this line of
thinking.... It sounds to me as if your friend was sold a bill of
goods by an uninformed health food store clerk. Chalk this one up as
a scam, and tell your friend to save her money."
Source:
http://www.drweil.com 04/09/2002
Unfortunately, up until now the long-term health effects of drinking
this highly artificial, alkaline water has been poorly understood,
even by its proponents. However, there is now conclusive clinical
and scientific data showing just how dangerous electrically ionized
water is.
HEALTH WARNING – Electrical
Water Ionizers Cause Pathological Changes
Recently published medical studies into the health effects of
drinking alkaline ionized have shown that it can actually induce
pathological (ie; life threatening) changes in the heart muscles of
rats, a strong indicator of its likely effect on humans.
“Hyperkalemia was observed in males and females given AKW
[electrically ionized water] at 15 weeks. Especially in males,
pathological changes of necrosis in myocardiac muscle were
observed.”1
Hyperkalemia is actually a potentially life-threatening illness that
can lead to sudden death from cardiac arrhythmias ie; heart attack
“These results indicate that increases in actomyosin ATPase activity
and myosin ATPase activity, plus the decrease in CK activity caused
the disorder of coupled reaction in male rats given AKW
[electrically ionized water] at 15 weeks-old. It is concluded that
this disorder of coupled reaction may cause marked myocardiac
necrosis and fibrosis in rats given Alkaline Water.”2
These findings are from the US National Library of Medicine. More
disturbing findings on the dangers of Alkaline Water can be found
here. Simply type in AKW - Alkaline Water - at the search window.
Not Tested for Safety
These findings, coupled with the fact that no electrically ionizers
currently sold in Australia or New Zealand have passed mandatory
product safety testing and certification, show with absolute
certainty that drinking electrically ionized water is simply not a
viable option for those seeking a long-term water filtration and
ionization solution. Not to mention for those people who value their
health!
1. Influences of alkaline ionized water on milk electrolyte
concentrations in maternal rats.J Toxicol Sci. 2000
Dec;25(5):417-22. Auth. Watanabe T, Kamata H, Fukuda Y, Murasugi E,
Sato T, Uwatoko K, Pan IJ.
2. Degradation of myocardiac myosin and creatine kinase in rats
given alkaline ionized water. Auth. Watanabe T, Kishikawa Y. J Vet
Med Sci. 1998 Feb;60(2):245-50.
Unique Health
Benefits Of Wellness Filter Water
Just why is this unique
water filter so beneficial to your health? After all, "it's just
water." Those who still believe this last comment have not yet
studied the underlying benefits clean and energized water can have
on their health. Many doctors have begun to realize the first step
to an increased state of health is a good source of water. Below,
you will see some of the Wellness Filter's
unique benefits...
Unique Features
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Unique Benefits
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- ...removing
from 95 to 100% of all known carcinogens,
heavy metals and other harmful contaminants
and eliminates 100% of all bacteria,
chlorine and viruses.
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...saving you an
average of $5,000 to $30,000 in replacement
cartridges, membranes, softeners and
associated costs over the life of one
filter.
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...re-structures, balances and energises
water, unlike any other filter, creating a
superior, health enhancing, LivingWater™
shown to have many unique and surprising
health benefits - please see
Medical Disclaimer.
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...installed in
thousands of hospitals, medical spas,
surgeries, health clubs, supermarkets and
clinics and in daily use by thousands of
satisfied customers around the world.
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...Countertop, Shower, Home, Undersink*,
Pool/Spa*, Portable*, Terracotta* ,
Clinical and Commercial
* These models
coming soon
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Hot water
While all other filters use synthetic materials such as plastic,
nylon, paper, and polymers that are damaged by hot water, the
Wellness Filter®
is made from all natural media that can filter both hot and cold
water.
This feature not only increases the efficiency of the backwashing
process but allows us to offer you the unique pleasure and benefits
that are experienced only by bathing or showering in
Wellness
water. Did you know you will absorb and inhale more toxins in a 3
minute shower than you would from drinking over 12 litres of
unfiltered water? Find out why, for perfect health, you should
always use a shower or bath filter to remove chlorines and other
contaminants.
Most physicians agree that the most important prescription for good
health and nutrition is to properly hydrate the body with pure,
clean water. Water is the essence of life on Earth and sufficient
hydration is essential for the proper functioning of all life as we
know it. Along with the thousands of doctors who use and recommend
the Wellness Filter® in Japan, several hospitals have outfitted
their entire facilities with commercial sized Wellness Filters® (Appendix
D – Installations). The Wellness FilterŅ has been
measured to change the physical characteristics of the water (e.g.,
surface tension, reduction-oxidation potential, and solubility).
The result is a fresh, enhanced water that is engineered to emulate
the famous Hunza water in Pakistan.
After over seventeen years of use and testing in Japan, there is a
substantial accumulation of reports, data, studies and experience
regarding the benefits and observed effects of water treated by the
Wellness Filter®. The health benefits and observations referenced
were obtained by drinking Wellness Filter® water and/or from
external bathing/washing. The maximum benefits were obtained when
patients followed a specific drinking protocol, which immediately
follows this section.
Drinking Protocol
– After several years of hydration studies, which included the
optimum amount of water to ingest and the schedule for ingestion, a
specific protocol was developed. This protocol involved drinking
approximately 12 ounces of freshly prepared water immediately upon
rising and thirty (30) minutes before each meal (as opposed to
drinking it with their meal). Subjects were directed to drink 2 to
3 additional 12 ounce portions of water between breakfast and lunch
and then again between lunch and dinner. A final portion of treated
water was ingested approximately 2 hours after the last meal of the
day. Water temperature (i.e., room temperature versus iced) was
left to the individual taste of the subject.
Bathing/Washing Protocol
–
When studying the effects of the water on specific dermatological
conditions such as eczema and acne, maximum effect was observed when
the subject washed the affected area with a mild cleansing soap and
treated water two times per day and just prior to bedtime. Severely
affected areas were treated with a compress of warm treated water
for approximately 15 minutes twice per day or by soaking in a bath
for 15 minutes.
Summary
of Japanese Studies:
The Wellness Filter® and the beneficial effect it has on water have
been studied by the Japanese Ministry of Health, several US and
Japanese universities, and by independent physicians during the past
several years. Most studies have focused on either the observed
effect of a specific hydration schedule (i.e.,drinking) or on the
dermatological effects of bathing/washing with treated water.
Although controlled clinical studies have been less frequent, there
have been numerous case studies performed in the area of: cancer
research, diabetes, gastroenterology, dermatology, nutrition and
internal medicine. In addition, the filter has been evaluated in
weight loss and fitness training programs. A number of beneficial
results have been observed, some of which were directly measurable
such as the reduction of certain immune disorders while others were
more subjective such as an increase in personal energy, endurance
and a heightened sense of well being. Results were the most
reproducible when a specific ingestion or bathing protocol was
followed.
Observed effects resulting from drinking and/or bathing in Wellness
Filter® water can be summarized into several categories:
¤
Digestion & assimilation of nutrients
–
Users of the treated water were observed to digest their food more
quickly and thoroughly than subjects using untreated water. Treated
water has been shown to assist the body in achieving a natural
alkaline state. Nutritional supplements have been shown to be
transported into the blood stream faster than with untreated water.
At the cellular level, osmotic pressure is reduced and the transport
of biochemical reactants across cell membranes is increased.[1][1]
¤
Waste elimination
– virtually all subjects were observed to adjust to a more frequent
waste elimination schedule and that bowel movements were easy
without experiencing diarrhea. Stool
specimens were observed to be significantly more digested than
subjects consuming untreated water.
¤
Gastrointestinal disorders
– Subjects ingesting the
treated water were observed to reduce complaints of gastric reflux,
heartburn and indigestion by more than 80%. Subjects who suffered
from peptic ulcers showed a 60% reduction in complaints of pain.
All subjects reported less intestinal cramping and gas.[2][2]
[3][3]
¤
Dermatological conditions
– Subjects who suffered from
acute acne were observed to experience a greater than 90% reduction
in episodes and severity when following the daily washing protocol
for four weeks or longer. Subjects suffering from eczema and other
chronic skin conditions showed a greater than 90% reduction after
daily bathing and soaking in the treated water for three to four
months. This is believed to be the synergistic result of the
antibacterial qualities of Taicho (which reduces acne forming
bacteria) and the antioxidant properties induced by the far-infrared
ceramic.
[4][4]
¤
Cancer treatment & prevention
– Wellness FilterŅ treated water is part of a long-term 300-patient
study in cancer treatment in Japan. Final clincial studies are
expected in the spring of 2002 but preliminary test results in
comparative studies show 75% remission rate with patients following
a restricted diet and drinking 14 glasses of treated water per day.
In cancer prevention studies, it was observed that reduced ions in
the water reduced the presence of free radicals and the subsequent
reduction in damage to DNA.[5][5]
[6][6]
[7][7]
¤
Diabetes treatment and prevention
– The Japanese report that Wellness Filter® water helps normalize
blood sugar levels for diabetics – both type I and type II. This
normalization effect (i.e., reducing the highs and lows of blood
sugar by approximately 50%) was observed after approximately 11 to
12 weeks of hydration. The Japanese report that Wellness FilterŅ
water also reduces oxidative stress to the pancreas and liver.
Insulin dependent diabetics were seen to reduce their daily intake
of insulin by 25% to 40% after approximately 12 weeks of daily
usage.
¤
Migraine headaches
– Patients were treated with a specific protocol for
migraines. Patients were given 12 ounces of treated water
immediately upon the onset of a migraine. The patients were asked
to wait 20 minutes and consume a second 12-ounce portion of the
water. Twenty minutes later a third aliquot of water was
administered. Eighty percent (80%) of the patients experienced a
significant reduction or the complete elimination of the headache by
the time the third aliquot was consumed.
¤
Urinary tract infections
– Physicians’ studies have shown that patients who are
prone to recurring urinary tract infections experience a significant
reduction (greater than 90%) in the incidence of urinary tract
infection when the standard drinking protocol previously referenced
is followed.
¤
Kidney stones
– Patients with a history of kidney stones experienced a
reduction in incidence by more than 70% when drinking the Wellness
Filter® water. In a small,
statistically insignificant population, patients suffering from
kidney stones were able in 100% of the test subjects to reduce the
size of the stone and successfully pass it after following the
drinking protocol.
¤
Kidney dialysis
– In a sample population of ten kidney patients who were
confined to regular dialysis treatment, four of the patients were
able to eliminate dialysis after four months of following a strict
drinking protocol of four liters of Wellness FilterŅ water per day.
¤
Weight
loss and fitness training –
Subjects who drank the prescribed amount of treated water and who
participated in several different diet programs were observed to
lose more weight (16% to 24%) and keep the weight off longer.
Fitness trainers using the water were observed to develop
significantly more lean muscle mass (8% to 12%).
[8][8]
¤
Dental hygiene
– Clinical studies at USC Dental School and in Sweden have shown
that daily brushing and rinsing with treated water produced a 46%
reduction in plaque when compared to the same amount of brushing and
rinsing with regular tap water regardless of the brand of tooth
paste used. This study further showed a 42% reduction in the
incidence of gingivitis - one of the principal causes of gum
disease.[9][9]
[10][10]
Summary of US Studies:
Because of the recent arrival of the Wellness Filter to the US, most
human studies are just getting organized. However, there are two
notable human studies, one animal study, and one major biology study
to report. These are summarized below:
¤
Hippocrates Health Institute
–
Hippocrates is a Florida based medical spa specializing in the
treatment of cancer and heart disease by a specialty program of diet
and nutrition. Recently rated by Spa Magazine as the number
one such institute in the world, the Institute conducted a seven
month study of the effect of Wellness Filter® water on their
patients (approximately 600 patients). Patient blood samples were
taken upon entering the Institute and upon leaving 21 days later.
Blood samples were given a comprehensive blood chemistry analysis by
an outside laboratory and were examined at the Institute by dark
field microscopy. The Institute reported a statically significant
increase in hemoglobin and blood alkalinity in virtually all
patients during the 21 day test period. This increase was above and
beyond the increase that has been historically reported with their
program. Dark field microscopy showed an increase in blood cell
elasticity and mobility…indicators of improved immune function. The
Institute has since converted their entire facilities over to
Wellness FilterŅ water.
¤
In-house
diabetes studies
– Wellness Enterprises is currently conducting its own long term
study of diabetic reaction to Wellness Filter® water. After three
months and in a small sample population of type I diabetics, 100% of
the subjects have observed a reduction in blood sugar swings and one
subject has reported a 50% reduction in insulin requirement.
Other Notable Benefits:
The filter removes or reduces all harmful contaminants but unlike
distillation systems and reverse osmosis systems, provides a
stabilized water which will not leach calcium or other precious
minerals from the body tissue and bones. In addition to removing
suspended and dissolved contaminants, the Wellness Filter® has also
been shown to alter the physical and chemical properties of water as
it passes through the filter’s media. Specifically, treated water
can be measured to have a lower surface tension, increased
solubility, and lower viscosity. It also produces a negative ORP and
produces a substantial anti-fungal effect.[11][11]
As a direct result of these changes, treated water can be observed
to more readily wet surfaces, dissolve salts, transport a higher
concentration of dissolved minerals, and penetrate membranes at a
faster rate than untreated water. These features yield a benign “
purified and enhanced water” that produces other desirable physical
results (documented in footnotes and Appendix D –Installations):
¤
Retardation of bacteria and fungus
–
treated water resists the growth of bacteria and fungus whether in
standing containers such as toilets or ponds, on the surfaces of
fruits and vegetables or in the filter housing itself.
¤
Enhanced cleaning
– treated water can be observed to more effectively remove unwanted
residues (i.e., chemicals, pesticides, bacteria, etc.) and dirt from
surfaces such as fruits and vegetables, floors, dishes, laboratory
glassware, cooking utensils, clothes and the like. Glass and
stainless steel surfaces that are washed in the water exhibit less
spotting than untreated water does.
¤
Enhanced flavor of food & beverages
–
food and beverages prepared with treated water have no
intruding taste (i.e., from chlorine or sulfide in the raw water)
and appear to have a richer taste due to the higher solubility of
taste producing compounds per unit volume of the treated water.
¤
Deodorizing and
freshening
–
treated water can be observed to remove odors from surfaces and from
the air by simply spraying a mist of water on the surface or by
leaving open containers of the treated water in refrigerators --
much like the effect observed with baking soda.
¤
Conditioning
–
although the filter does not remove dissolved calcium and magnesium,
treated water behaves as if it has been softened, i.e., it dissolves
soap more readily and does not leave deposits on surfaces including
the body.
[12][[1]1]Research
observations and discussions to be presented at the 13th
International Meeting of Japanese Association for Animal Cell
Technology, Fukuoka, Japan, November 17-21, 2000, Sanetaka Shirahata
[13][2]
Unpublished studies, Tobioka Internal Medicine Takashi Tobioka, MD,
Okayama, Japan, 1997.
[14][3]
Your Body’s Many Cries for Water, F. Batmanghelidj, MD, July 1995,
Second Edition.
[15][4]
“Two hundred patient dermatological studies using naturally ionized
water”, Tadahiro Hotta, MD, Kyoto, Japan 1997.
[16][5]
“Electrolyzed-Reduced Water Scavenges Active Oxygen Species and
Protects DNA from Oxidative Damage”, Sanetaka Shirahata, et. al.,
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, V234/1 pp
269-274 (1997), Academic Press.
[17][6]
Unpublished research observations and discussions, Sanetaka
Shirahata, 1999-2000.
[18][7]
Water, The Chemistry of Life,
Hidemitsu Hayashi, MD, Volume 6, Nos. 2-5, 1995.
[19][8]
Unpublished fitness training studies, Gainesville, FL, 2000
[20][9]
“The Effect of oral irrigation with a magnetic water treatment
device on plaque and calculus”, J. Clinical Periodontal,
1993: 20: 314-317.
[21][10]
Hibben, S.O. (1973) “Magnetic treatment of water”, National
Technical Information Service, no. 1622-4. Krasse, B. (1977)
“Adherence of bacteria to tooth surfaces”. Swedish Dental Journal
I, 253-259.
[22][11]
Laboratory studies on the effect of water treated by the Wellness
Filter on specific biological species. Nelson Laboratories, Inc.,
Salt Lake City, UT, Sept. 2000
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