What’s in Your Water Bottle? Not all water is created equal

Everywhere you look these days, someone is carrying a water bottle. Whether it’s a Stanley, a Yeti, or another favorite brand, we’re all taking hydration seriously—toting water to work, school, the gym, and everywhere in between. But here’s the real question: What’s actually inside those bottles?

Because not all water is created equal.

In the ever-evolving landscape of health and wellness, water—a seemingly simple necessity—has become a complex topic. From filtered and spring water to mineral, hydrogen, and structured water, the choices can be overwhelming. At the Modern Stone Age Kitchen (MSAK), our commitment is to provide the most nourishing options to our community, and that includes the water we serve.

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Understanding the Waters

Grace filling our Berkey

• Filtered Water
  Water passed through a filtration system to remove chlorine, heavy metals, bacteria, and other impurities. Quality depends on the type and maintenance of the filter. Our new Berkey system is one of the best gravity-fed options on the market.

• Spring Water
  Collected from protected underground sources, this water is naturally rich in minerals. However, the actual mineral content varies widely depending on the source.

• Mineral Water
  Contains naturally occurring minerals like magnesium, calcium, and sodium. Can support electrolyte balance and hydration but may not be appropriate for all dietary needs (e.g., low-sodium diets).

• Hydrogen Water
  Water infused with molecular hydrogen gas. Research suggests it may reduce oxidative stress, support mitochondrial health, and promote better recovery. Biohacker Gary Brecka has been a vocal advocate of its benefits.
  (I gifted Christina a hydrogen water bottle for Mother’s Day, and she’s been using it daily. Here’s a link to the model we purchased.)
  

• Structured Water
  Sometimes referred to as “EZ water” or “fourth phase water,” this type has a theorized molecular structure that allows it to interact more effectively with cells.
  Dr. Stephen Hussey offers compelling explanations of how this type of water may play a role in cardiovascular health.

The Hidden Dangers of "Enhanced" Waters

While clean water is essential, not all water on the market today is truly nourishing. In fact, many water-based products are doing more harm than good.

• Flavored Water & “Natural Flavors”
  Many flavored waters—especially those labeled with “natural flavorings”—are anything but natural. These additives often contain hundreds of unregulated chemical compounds used to mimic taste and scent. They can also disrupt hormones, alter your palate, and interfere with your body’s natural hunger and thirst cues.

• Electrolyte Powders & Water Additives
  Electrolyte replenishment is important—especially after intense activity or in hot weather—but not all powders are created equal. Many contain artificial sweeteners (like sucralose or aspartame), synthetic vitamins, food dyes, or isolated minerals that can create imbalances in the body.
  If you're using electrolyte boosters, look for options made with whole-food-based mineral sources, natural sea salt, and no added sugars or chemicals.

• Alkaline Water & Overprocessing
  While some claim benefits from drinking alkaline water, excessively processed versions can disrupt the stomach’s natural pH, potentially affecting digestion and nutrient absorption. Always prioritize naturally alkaline water (like some spring waters) over artificially manipulated versions.

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Our Commitment to Water Quality at MSAK

We’ve always believed that every bite—and every sip—should nourish. That’s why we recently installed a Berkey water filtration system at the Modern Stone Age Kitchen. It’s our way of ensuring the free water we offer aligns with our food philosophy: clean, nutrient-dense, and safe.

We invested in the largest model available and upgraded it with additional filters to increase output, but demand remains high. To help us keep up, we kindly ask that our filtered water be used only to fill our metal glasses during your meal. If you’d like water to go, we offer a variety of nourishing bottled options in our reach-in cooler.

Our Berkel, metal cups, and Christina’s Stanley with MSAK sticker!

Let’s Explore Hydrogen Water Together

We’re also considering stocking hydrogen tablets at MSAK. Would you be interested in trying them out? Let us know—your feedback will help us decide!