In every moment, our personal body is exchanging millions of molecules of information and energy with the extended body of our environment, taking in the nutrition and intelligence that create our cells, tissues, and even our mind. If we want to experience vibrant health and energy, it is essential that we nourish ourselves with healing foods and substances, including not only the water we drink but also the water we absorb through our skin every day.

When we shower or bathe, we are exposed to whatever chemicals are in the water. We breathe them in and absorb them through the entire surface of the skin. In fact, some scientific studies show that the body takes in more chemicals during a ten-minute shower than from drinking a gallon of the same water. Here is why:

• Hot water opens the pores of our skin, increasing the rate of chemical absorption.
• Many chemicals, including chlorine, vaporize at a faster rate than water. The steam in a bath or shower therefore contains a higher concentration of chemicals. As we inhale these toxins, they enter our blood stream almost immediately.
• As chlorine evaporates, it enters the air. Since most energy-efficient homes are designed so that the indoor air is re-circulated but not replaced with fresh air, chlorine gets trapped indoors, where it may combine with other substances to create further toxic risks.

The absorption and inhalation of chlorine and other chemicals while showering has now been linked to breast, colon, and bladder cancer. A recent report by the National Breast Cancer Fund states that women diagnosed with breast cancer were found to have levels of chlorine by-products in their breast tissue that were 50 to 60 percent higher than those found in healthy women. Medical research reveals that chlorine exposure also aggravates asthma, bronchitis, eczema, and other skin disorders.

Chlorine is just one of the toxic chemicals that may be contained in your tap water. Depending on your regional water supply, the water flowing into your home may also contain cadmium, chromium and selenium sulfide, nitrites, nitrates, lead, arsenic, iron, mercury, and other toxins. Click here to for more information on water contaminants and their health risks.

Shower filters are an effective way to avoid exposure to chemicals in your tap water. You can choose a model that attaches directly to your existing shower head, or purchase a unit that already has a shower head attached. Shower filters are relatively inexpensive and only need to be replaced about once a year or less, depending on your water usage. Read the labels carefully to make sure that the filter you choose eliminates all of the specific chemicals you want to avoid.