Water is one of the most important substances for our health. We drink it every day, yet it’s often overlooked.
This is not about how much you should drink – but what type of water you should drink.
Huberman dedicated an entire episode of his podcast to the subject of water intake and health. He covered the science of water and how different types of water and filters can impact our bodies.
In this article, I’ll summarize Huberman’s main recommendations on water filters – why they’re important for health, the pros and cons of different types, and the specific filters he suggests based on your budget and needs.
Why Filter Your Water?
According to Andrew Huberman, most tap water contains concerning levels of contaminants like fluoride, hormone disruptors, pesticides, lead, and heavy metals.
Over time, chronic exposure to these contaminants can negatively impact our health in numerous ways:
- Fluoride – Associated with reduced IQ and thyroid dysfunction at levels commonly found in tap water.1Thyroid function, intelligence, and low-moderate fluoride exposure among Chinese school-age children | Wang et al. | 2020 | Environment International Huberman recommends keeping fluoride under 0.5 mg/L based on health data.2 Impact of Drinking Water Fluoride on Human Thyroid Hormones: A Case- Control Study | Ehrampoush et al. | 2018 | Scientific Reports
- Hormone Disruptors – Compounds like BPA and phthalates found in plastics can contaminate tap water.3Monitoring endocrine disrupting compounds and estrogenic activity in tap water from Central Spain | Valcárcel | 2014 | Environmental Science and Pollution Research These can interfere with our endocrine system and hormone signaling.4Bisphenol A: An endocrine disruptor with widespread exposure and multiple effects | Rubin | 2011 | The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Pesticides/Herbicides – Residues from agricultural chemicals like glyphosate are frequently detected in tap water.5 The evidence of human exposure to glyphosate: a review | Taioli et al. | 2019 | Environmental Health Chronic exposure is linked to higher cancer risks.6 Glyphosate exposure, cardiovascular diseases and cancer risks | Paumgartten | 2017 | Journal of Public Health and Emergency
- Lead – A neurotoxic heavy metal that can accumulate in the body. Lead is not safe at any exposure level.7 Neurotoxic Effect of Lead: A Review | Singh, Shekhar & Singh | 2023 | Lead Toxicity: Challenges and Solution
- Chlorine Disinfection Byproducts – Created when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water. Associated with increased cancer risk and birth defects.8 Chlorination disinfection byproducts in water and their association with adverse reproductive outcomes: a review | Nieuwenhuijsen et al. | 2000 | Occupational and Environmental Medicine
An individual holds a lead pipe, a steel pipe and a lead pipe treated with protective orthophosphate – source.
Moreover, as Huberman discusses, there is concerning research showing that disinfection byproducts (DBPs) commonly found in tap water can negatively impact fertility and reproductive health.
Specifically, he refers to a 2020 review paper titled “Endocrine Disruptors in Water and Their Effects on the Reproductive System.”
The authors found that, even at the low levels detected in tap water, these DBPs have been shown to disrupt ovarian function, sperm generation, and fertility outcomes.9Endocrine Disruptors in Water and Their Effects on the Reproductive System| Gonsioroski et al. | 2020 | International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Huberman says he’s not aware of a “single source” for checking the quality of your water. That said, a good place to start for Americans is the EWG site, where you can input your zip code to get more info.
Considering the potential harm of these contaminants, Huberman recommends filtering tap water for improved health, especially for those with existing health conditions.
Types of Water Filters
Huberman mentions several types of water filters, which we’ll look at below, for home use in his episode. He adds: “Ideally, everybody is filtering their drinking water.”
Water Filter Pitchers
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Pitcher-style filters like Brita are inexpensive and convenient options, Huberman says. These filters use activated carbon filters to remove chlorine, sediments and some heavy metals.
Pros:
- Inexpensive (generally under $100)
- Easy to use – just fill and pour
- Reduce chlorine, particulates, lead, copper
Cons:
- They often don’t remove fluoride
- Need frequent cartridge replacement
- Limited filtration capacity
An affordable pitcher Huberman mentions is the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher with ion exchange filtration that allegedly removes more than 365 types of contaminants, including fluoride, lead, and BPA.
While helpful for some contaminants, pitcher filters often have limitations, as Huberman states.
Berkey Style Water Filters
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Berkey systems are popular countertop gravity filters that use carbon and ion exchange media. They can filter higher volumes of water than pitchers.
Pros:
- Effectively reduce chlorine, heavy metals and fluoride (provided you buy the fluoride filter add-on)
- Higher capacity than pitchers
- Countertop convenience
- Allows access to filtered water essentially anytime.
Cons:
- More expensive ($200-$500 range)
Berkey is one of the most popular brands in this category that Huberman recommends.
They make systems in different sizes, like the Big Berkey and Royal Berkey, to meet different household needs. The filters last around 2-5 years with regular use before needing replacement.
A Berkey water filter may last up to ten years when properly cared for and when high-quality water source is used.
Whole House Water Filters
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Whole house systems filter all water entering your home. They’re installed on the main water line, usually near the home’s entrance.
Pros:
- Filter all water used in the house
- Convenient access to filtered water
Cons:
- Most expensive option ($2000+)
- Installation complexity
- Ongoing filter replacements
While whole house systems are ideal for maximizing filtration, Huberman notes their high upfront and maintenance costs make them prohibitive for many households.
Brands like Aquasana and AquaOx offer various whole-house filter options.
Recommendation Roundup
Huberman realizes families and households have a range of budgets for water filtration.
His general guidance based on your situation is:
If budget is a limitation: Start with an affordable pitcher filter like the Clearly Filtered pitcher to remove some contaminants like chlorine and heavy metals.
If you can invest more: Consider a Berkey gravity-fed filter system for more thorough filtration, including fluoride removal. Go for the largest system your budget allows to filter higher volumes.
If cost is no concern: Install a whole house filtration system for maximum filtering of all household water. This is the most convenient but expensive option.
No matter which filtration type you choose, Huberman emphasizes picking a system that’s certified to remove fluoride and other contaminants of concern.
He also strongly recommends changing filters regularly because he’s found that a lot of residue and contaminants stay on filters.
He adds an amusing anecdote that he had never thought to examine his tap’s mesh filter before researching water purity. Upon inspection, he found the mesh completely covered in residue and dirt.
Huberman also thinks that many cheap water filters only partially reduce some contaminants while missing others. So, picking the right one for your budget and needs is important.
He also suggests supplementing your home filter with other strategies:
- Drink primarily filtered water, especially when cooking.
- Avoid unfiltered tap water when possible.
- Shower with a filtration shower head.
- If tap water safety is uncertain, consider bottled spring water for drinking.
Further Reading
Hopefully, this article was of interest. If you’d like to read more Andrew Huberman content, see these articles:
- Andrew Huberman Supplements List – What he takes & why
- Andrew Huberman – Supplements for Eye Health
- Andrew Huberman’s Diet & Routine – What He Eats & Why
- Andrew Huberman Book Recommendations – 26 He Recommends & Why
References
- 1Thyroid function, intelligence, and low-moderate fluoride exposure among Chinese school-age children | Wang et al. | 2020 | Environment International
- 2Impact of Drinking Water Fluoride on Human Thyroid Hormones: A Case- Control Study | Ehrampoush et al. | 2018 | Scientific Reports
- 3Monitoring endocrine disrupting compounds and estrogenic activity in tap water from Central Spain | Valcárcel | 2014 | Environmental Science and Pollution Research
- 4Bisphenol A: An endocrine disruptor with widespread exposure and multiple effects | Rubin | 2011 | The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- 5The evidence of human exposure to glyphosate: a review | Taioli et al. | 2019 | Environmental Health
- 6Glyphosate exposure, cardiovascular diseases and cancer risks | Paumgartten | 2017 | Journal of Public Health and Emergency
- 7Neurotoxic Effect of Lead: A Review | Singh, Shekhar & Singh | 2023 | Lead Toxicity: Challenges and Solution
- 8Chlorination disinfection byproducts in water and their association with adverse reproductive outcomes: a review | Nieuwenhuijsen et al. | 2000 | Occupational and Environmental Medicine
- 9Endocrine Disruptors in Water and Their Effects on the Reproductive System| Gonsioroski et al. | 2020 | International Journal of Molecular Sciences
