023: Why Water Deserves More Attention: Shashank Varma on Healing, Hydration, and Home Environments
What’s really in your water? Discover why the water in your home might not be as safe as you think. Shashank Varma, founder of Viven, explains hidden contaminants, water’s impact on health, and why it deserves a place in your wellness routine.
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Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
U.S. water isn’t as safe as it looks. Trace contaminants like PFAS, microplastics, and heavy metals are common.
Even “treated” tap water has trade-offs. Chlorine kills bacteria but can react with organic material to form harmful byproducts.
Aging infrastructure adds risk. Old lead, brass, or copper pipes can leach metals into drinking water.
Water is a core wellness input. Hydration impacts fertility, brain health, energy, skin, detox, and long-term disease risk.
Behavior and habit matter. Fear, taste, and convenience shape how people hydrate and whether they filter water at home.
Episode Summary
In Part 1 of our conversation with Shashank Varma, founder of Viven and author of MrWaterGeek.com, we dive into the unseen world of water quality.
From his journey at Kohler to starting a family, Shashank’s research revealed how PFAS, microplastics, lead, and other contaminants silently enter our homes and bodies. He explains how aging infrastructure, limited regulations, and daily habits make water both a hidden risk and an untapped wellness tool.
If you’ve ever assumed that clear water = clean water, this episode will change your perspective.
FAQs
Q: Why isn’t U.S. tap water always safe?
A: While treatment plants remove bacteria and viruses, many chemical contaminants remain, including PFAS, microplastics, and trace pharmaceuticals.
Q: What are PFAS and why are they harmful?
A: PFAS (“forever chemicals”) are synthetic compounds that persist in the environment and human body. They can disrupt hormones, fertility, and long-term health.
Q: How do pipes affect water quality?
A: Aging lead, brass, and copper pipes can leach metals into water. Even pure water is corrosive and can break down plumbing materials over time.
Q: Is bottled water safer than tap water?
A: Not necessarily. Plastic bottles can leach microplastics and PFAS, and even glass bottles often have plastic-lined caps that shed particles.
Q: Why does water deserve more focus in wellness?
A: Water is 60–70% of our body and supports digestion, detoxification, cognition, skin health, and energy. Contaminated water compounds health risks over time.
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