Water Protocol

Reverse Osmosis, Deionization, and Remineralization

Water is a foundational input for optimal health, alongside nutrients, light, and sleep.
For those consuming 100+ ounces daily, water quality becomes a significant factor in long-term health outcomes.
The protocol focuses on removing contaminants first, then adding back essential minerals.

The system uses multi-stage purification including reverse osmosis (RO), carbon filtration, deionization, and remineralization.

Why Advanced Filtration Matters

Research has identified concerning contaminants in municipal and bottled water:

Microplastics - Found in 83% of tap water samples globally and shed from plastic bottles
Heavy metals - Lead, arsenic, and mercury from aging infrastructure
Industrial chemicals (PFAS, VOCs) - Persistent compounds linked to health concerns
Disinfection byproducts - Formed during municipal water treatment processes

Since water is consumed daily in high volumes, the cumulative exposure to these contaminants can be significant over time.

The Core Technology: Reverse Osmosis (RO)

Reverse osmosis is the foundation of this water protocol.
It forces water through a semi-permeable membrane that removes:

Dissolved solids
Contaminants down to molecular levels
Microplastics
Most heavy metals
Chlorine and chloramine (via pre-carbon filters)

RO produces extremely low-TDS water, similar in purity to laboratory-grade water.

A comprehensive system includes:

Carbon block filtration to remove VOCs, chlorine, and major chemicals
Reverse osmosis membrane to remove the majority of dissolved impurities
Mixed-bed deionization (DI) to further polish the water to near-zero TDS

This multi-stage approach delivers clean baseline water with minimal contaminants.

Why Remineralization Is Essential

Pure RO water has nearly all minerals removed.
Research suggests remineralization is important because:

Mineral balance influences cellular hydration efficiency
Demineralized water lacks electrolytes needed for optimal function
Long-term consumption of mineral-depleted water may affect mineral status
Minerals improve taste and palatability

The remineralization stage adds back:

Magnesium
Calcium
Alkalizing minerals
Trace electrolytes

The principle: Remove all contaminants, then add back essential minerals in controlled amounts.

This yields water that is both pure and biologically functional.

Why Not Just Drink Tap or Bottled Water?

Research has identified limitations with both options:

Tap Water

Even in developed cities, municipal water may contain:

Residual PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)
Heavy metals from aging infrastructure
Microplastics from environmental contamination
Disinfection byproducts from treatment processes

Bottled Water

Studies have found issues including:

Microplastic particles shed from plastic bottles (up to 240,000 particles per liter)
Higher environmental footprint
Inconsistent filtration standards across brands
Variable mineral content

This protocol aims for controlled, repeatable purity, independent of source water quality.

Equipment and Implementation

High-quality multi-stage systems typically range from $1,000-$1,500 and include:

RO membrane
Carbon filtration
DI resin
Alkaline & remineralization cartridge
Post-carbon taste filter

These systems are designed for lab-grade purification adapted for home use.

Budget-Friendly Option

For those looking for a more affordable entry point, NSF-certified 6-stage reverse osmosis systems are available starting around $200-300. These systems include the core filtration stages (sediment, carbon, RO membrane, and remineralization) needed for effective water purification.

Recommended: NSF Certified 6-Stage RO System - Budget-friendly option with all essential filtration stages

DIY Installation Tips

Most under-sink RO systems can be installed in 2-3 hours with no prior plumbing experience. The systems use simple push-to-connect fittings and come with all necessary components.

Key Points

Only permanent modification: Small hole (1/4") drilled in drain pipe for waste water line
Renter-friendly: Drill the hole on the back side of the drain pipe. When moving out, cover it with duct tape or electrical tape
No special tools needed: Basic drill, adjustable wrench, and screwdriver
Initial flush: Run 2-3 full tanks through the system before drinking to remove carbon fines
Maintenance: Replace pre-filters every 6-12 months, RO membrane every 2-3 years

The installation is fully reversible except for the small drain hole, making it practical for both renters and homeowners.

Hydration Timing: Evening Cutoff

The protocol includes stopping liquid intake after 4 PM to protect sleep quality.
Research shows that nighttime fluid intake can disrupt sleep through:

Increased nighttime urination (nocturia)
Sleep fragmentation and reduced sleep efficiency
Decreased deep sleep phases

By front-loading hydration earlier in the day, optimal fluid balance is maintained without compromising sleep architecture.

The Blueprint Approach to Water

This water protocol fits into a broader optimization framework:

Eliminate harmful inputs - Remove contaminants and microplastics through multi-stage filtration
Optimize beneficial inputs - Add back essential minerals in controlled amounts
Apply compounding logic - Daily exposures accumulate over time, making quality critical
Design for consistency - Use systems that deliver repeatable results

Since water is consumed daily in high volumes, its quality represents one of the most frequent health inputs under direct control.