How Tap Water Can Affect Your Mood
Next time you’re at a restaurant or get your water from the tap or your fridge, take a moment to smell your water before you drink it. Does is smell like a swimming pool? That’s because it contains chlorine. Lots of it. This is beyond dangerous to ingest and can have an impact on your physical AND mental health. Yes, chlorine has the ability to negatively impact your mental health.
Here’s how…
Chlorine is added to water to kill any bacteria which is present in all natural sources and potentially some public sources. Your gut, is full of bacteria. Good bacteria, but bacteria none the less. When we ingest chlorine in the form of chlorine-treated water we are disrupting our bodies ability to produce serotonin. Ninety to ninety five percent of which, is produced in our gut.
Here’s the facts:
Gut Microbiome Disruption – Since about 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut, anything that disrupts gut health can impact serotonin levels. Chlorinated water can alter gut bacteria, potentially affecting serotonin synthesis.
Oxidative Stress & Neuroinflammation – Chlorine exposure, especially from inhaling chlorine gas or consuming high levels of chlorinated water, can contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation, which have been linked to lower serotonin levels and mood disorders.
Thyroid Disruption – Chlorine can interfere with iodine absorption, potentially leading to thyroid dysfunction. Since thyroid hormones influence brain function, including serotonin regulation, this could indirectly impact mood and mental health.
Tryptophan Depletion – Chlorine exposure may contribute to the depletion of tryptophan, the amino acid precursor to serotonin, making it harder for the body to produce sufficient levels.
Ready to improve your gut health by eliminating chlorine from your daily water intake? We can help.
