Can a Water Filter Relieve Constipation?

Popular water filters reduce the amount of heavy metals (lead, copper, mercury, et…) as well as chlorine (which can cause constipation) in the water that they filter. While this is generally good for health, the question arises as to whether a water filter can help relieve constipation? For more background on why the public water supply can cause constipation and other problems, review the article: Is Your Drinking Water Contributing to chronic constipation?

Chlorinated Water and Constipation

Chronic health problems can arise from chlorinated water, as outlined in the article above. DBP’s (chlorination by-products) have been associated with spontaneous abortion as well as a variety of cancers. But when looking to relieve constipation, the relevant factor is the chlorine. Chlorine is an anti-bacterial chemical that kills all bacteria in water during its passage through underground pipes to our homes. The problem with this is that once the chlorine hits the digestive tract, it kills not only harmful bacteria, but also the beneficial bacteria in the stomach that gives the colon the fuel it needs to pass regular bowel movements.

So does a water filter relieve constipation by filtering chlorine?

The answer is yes and no. Water filters do filter out chlorine, which in turn will help support the beneficial bacteria in your stomach and can relieve constipation. But water filters do not filter out the DBPs that cause cancer and other problems. The most studied DBPs are the trihalomethanes or THMs and a typical water filter does not filter these out. But there is good news – both chlorine and THMs evaporate after sitting for a few hours. So by simply using a water pitcher (filtered or not) and allowing your water to sit for a while before drinking you can avoid most chlorine and THMs.

But water filters must be used properly if looking to relieve constipation or the problem can get worse. This is because the standard “pitcher style” water filter does not kill bacteria – it just traps it for eventual disposal. If not changed regularly, an unchanged filter can actually add bacteria, which had been killed by chlorine on its way to you, back into your water.

Fat Soluble Chemicals & Natural Constipation Relief

The sobering news about this whole question is the fact that chlorine and the THMs are fat soluble chemicals. This means that when contained in water, they need to find fat tissue to absorb them. So taking a shower without a specific filter leaves one open to both chlorine and THMs. For the purposes of a constipation remedy, taking a probiotic supplement (like the one contained in Stay Regular) can help prevent the harmful effects this skin absorbed chlorine has on your digestive tract, but without specific filtration through the shower your are still susceptible to harmful DBPs (which include THMs).