What if you could supercharge your water to improve gut health, clear brain fog and increase your energy? Liz talks about fascinating new longevity research into structured water – what is it, and how is it better for us?
Plus: natural remedies to boost low mood in midlife, tips for improving bone health, whether broken sleep still counts, and a guide to peptides and their safety.
Stream the episode below, or download the recording via Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Structured water: what is it, and should you try it?
We’re all familiar with the importance of hydration for plump skin, smooth digestion and staying energised and alert. But a growing area of longevity science suggests it may not just be how much water we drink that matters, but how that water behaves inside the body.
Structured water is an emerging concept in longevity research that’s gaining attention for what it might mean for how our cells actually use the water we drink. As Liz says, “I think our body is far more intelligent and interconnected than perhaps we ever thought.”
What exactly is it?
Most of us learned in school that water exists in three forms – solid, liquid and gas. But emerging research suggests there may be a fourth. This ‘structured’ phase forms organised patterns that appear to carry an electrical charge. Scientists believe the water inside our cells is naturally structured – and this may play a role in how our cells produce energy, move nutrients and remove waste.
“Rather than hydration being just about how much water we can drink,” says Liz, “this perspective suggests it’s how well that water functions inside us – and how we can structure it more effectively.”
Why might it matter as we age?
As we move through midlife, energy production, cellular repair and mitochondrial function naturally begin to slow. The thinking is that if we can support how water functions at a cellular level, the knock-on effects could include steadier energy, clearer thinking and better overall vitality. “Structured water is carrying energy and information, and doing something really clever inside the body,” says Liz. While the science is still developing, it taps into a growing understanding that ageing well starts from within – at a cellular level.
5 ways you can naturally structure your water
The good news? You don’t need expensive gadgets or supplements to give it a go.
Eat more water-rich foods
Cucumber, melon, grapes, leafy greens and watermelon contain water that’s already naturally structured, says Liz. It’s thought to be one reason whole foods can feel more hydrating than water alone.
Embrace morning light
Taking a morning stroll may support far more than mood and circadian rhythm. Natural daylight contains infrared wavelengths that are thought to help structure water within our cells.
Move your body regularly
Sedentary bodies simply don’t hydrate as efficiently as active ones. Liz recommends regular gentle movement to keep circulation flowing – and help your cells make better use of the water you’re drinking.
Treat yourself to a sauna session
Increasingly popular in wellness circles, infrared saunas may help to structure water within the body.
Experiment with sunlight and swirling
If you want to go a step further, many biohackers leave their water in sunlight to ‘charge’ it and improve its structure. You’ll also find specialised crystal wands designed to structure water by adding a positive charge and mimicking the way water moves in nature. These practices sit at the more experimental end of wellness – but they tap into the same emerging science about how water behaves inside our cells.
Should you try it?
Structured water isn’t mainstream science just yet, and more robust research is needed before strong health claims can be made. But it could be an interesting addition to your pro-ageing toolkit.
At the very least, it encourages habits we already know are beneficial: eating whole foods, spending time outdoors, moving daily and connecting with nature.
Also in this episode:
- What is structured water and what are the health benefits?
- Improving bone health with diet and exercise
- Explaining peptides and how safe they are
- Natural remedies to lift a low mood
- Does broken sleep count towards the recommended amount?
Links mentioned in the episode:
- Sleep Cycle app
- Balance Menopause app
- The Naked Pharmacy Saffrosun Calm
- Podcast with Professor Matthew Walker on longevity and sleep
Get in touch with a question for Liz:
- Email: [email protected]
- WhatsApp: 07518 471 846
More from Liz:
- Order Liz’s new book – How to Age
- A Better Second Half
- Follow Liz on Instagram
- Follow Liz Earle Wellbeing on Instagram
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