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Best to drink, other than water?

Page last modified on: October 1, 2008
Question from shel: Other than water, what is the best to drink?
Answers —David Grotto, R.D., L.D.: Besides water, there are a variety of fluids we recommend. We encourage people to drink a variety of herbal teas, preferably caffeine-free, diluted fruit juices (diluted with a non-sodium sparkling water, if you like). A variety of sodas are available that are fruit-juice sweetened. More likely health-food stores would have these, but you may be able to find them at your local grocery store as well.
Judith Sachs, moderator: Can you talk a bit about water? Should it be filtered, store bought, etc.?
David Grotto, R.D., L.D.: We prefer our patients drink filtered water. There is a variety of different filters on the market. We encourage them to use filters that remove volatile organic chemicals, which are harmful contaminants that have been linked to increased risk for cancer. So beyond removing bad odor, taste, and chlorine, we think it's important to remove nitrates and also harmful organisms, such as cryptosporidium and giardia. As for well water, have it tested first to see what issues are with that water. There are companies that make filtration systems for well water. One of the big concerns we would have is high iron content of water.
Penny Block, M.A.: Also check for lead levels in well water. David mentioned correctly that this testing needs to be done on an ongoing basis. Some people though, tend to use the plastic water bottles and reuse them. There is some evidence suggesting harmful effects from the plastic in the bottles. There is one kind, Nalgene, that does not leach the harmful properties of the plastic into the water.

On Wednesday, July 20, 2005, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Buying Healthy Food and Drink.  Penny B. Block, M.A., David W. Grotto, R.D., L.D., and moderator Judith Sachs answered your questions about finding, buying, and preparing the healthiest food and drink for people with breast cancer and their families.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Penny Block, M.A. is the co-founder and executive director of the Block Center and is a leader in designing and implementing complementary care in a medical setting.

David Grotto, R.D., L.D. is a registered dietician and has served as the director of nutrition education at the Block Center for the past 10 years overseeing all nutrition services provided at the Center.

Judith SachsJudith Sachs is a health educator, writer, speaker, and former member of the Breastcancer.org editorial team.

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