Real Water, Real Hydration
- Ryan Fernando

- Dec 2, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 5
We talk endlessly about diets. We obsess over supplements. We spend thousands on doctors, trainers, diagnostics, and therapies.
Yet almost none of us question the one thing that enters every single cell of our body—water.
Not how clean it is.
Not whether it’s filtered.
But whether it actually hydrates you.
In my latest podcast episode, I had one of the most eye-opening conversations of my career. This episode is not about drinking more water. It’s about drinking the right water.
My guest, Srinivasan Vitoba, is one of the co-founders of Jiva Water, a venture born from decades of research into the molecular behavior of water.
What we discussed will seriously challenge what you’ve been told about hydration, bottled water, RO systems, and even so-called “alkaline” water.
Why Drinking Water Doesn’t Always Mean Hydration
One of the most confronting truths from this episode is simple:
Hydration is not about how much water you drink. Hydration is about whether your cells can absorb it.
Most people never ask this question.
You can drink liters of water every day and still experience:
Fatigue
Brain fog
Poor digestion
Inflammation
Slow recovery
This is because cellular hydration depends on how water behaves inside the body—not just how pure it looks on paper.
Clean Water vs Working Water
We often assume that cleaner water is better water. But excessive purification may come at a cost.
In this episode, we explored:
The difference between “clean water” and “working water”
What happens when water becomes energetically depleted
Why overly processed water may struggle to enter cells
How this impacts gut health, inflammation, and nutrient absorption
Ironically, in our attempt to make water “safe,” we may have stripped it of the very qualities that made it life-giving.
How Water Affects Gut Health, Energy & Aging
Water is not just a thirst quencher. It plays a critical role in:
Digestive enzyme function
Absorption of food, supplements, and medications
Cellular energy production
Skin health and aging
Muscle recovery and inflammation control
If hydration is compromised, no diet or supplement can work optimally.
This explains why many people:
Eat well but feel “off”
Take supplements but see slow results
Exercise regularly but struggle with recovery
What Our Grandparents Got Right About Water
One of the most fascinating parts of this conversation was a simple observation:
Our grandparents drank water from wells and ponds and thrived. Today, we drink purified water—and struggle with chronic fatigue and gut issues.
This doesn’t mean we should abandon safety.
It means we need to rethink what true hydration really means.
A Question That Changes Everything
This episode will challenge your assumptions. It will make you uncomfortable. And it will force one powerful question:
Are you truly hydrated… Or are you just drinking liquid?
If you care about:
Your energy
Your digestion
Your aging
Your performance
Your family’s long-term health
This is a conversation you should not postpone.
Because we may have cleaned water so much…That we unknowingly killed what made it life-giving.
Then this episode is for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is the difference between clean water and real hydration? Clean water refers to water free from visible contaminants, while real hydration depends on whether water can be absorbed at a cellular level to support bodily functions.
Q2. Why do I feel tired even though I drink enough water?
Fatigue can occur when water is not effectively absorbed by cells, leading to poor nutrient transport, digestion issues, and low cellular energy.
Q3. Can purified or RO water cause hydration problems?
Excessive purification may remove essential properties that help water interact efficiently with cells, potentially affecting hydration quality.
Q4. How does water impact gut health?
Water plays a crucial role in digestion, enzyme activation, and nutrient absorption. Poor hydration can contribute to bloating, inflammation, and sluggish digestion.
Q5. Is hydration linked to aging and skin health?
Yes. Proper cellular hydration supports skin elasticity, detoxification, and recovery, all of which influence aging and overall vitality.
Q6. How can I improve hydration beyond drinking more water?
Focus on water quality, mineral balance, gut health, and lifestyle factors that support cellular absorption—not just quantity.




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