Eat Your Water: Structured Water, H3O2 and the Water Inside Fruit

Not all water may be the same. The water inside a fresh cucumber, a juicy orange or a slice of watermelon is held within living plant cells, wrapped around fibers, minerals and natural sugars. Some researchers believe much of the water in living cells is organized, or structured, in a way that differs from the water in a glass. University of Washington bioengineer Dr. Gerald Pollack calls it the "fourth phase of water," describes it with the formula H3O2, and suggests it is the kind of water life itself is built around. The simple teaching that follows from this is beautiful: eat your water. Fruits and vegetables do not only feed you. They hydrate you.

Whatever the final science says about structured water, the practice of drinking pure water and eating water-rich, living foods is one almost every tradition agrees on.

What is the "fourth phase" of water?

We learn that water has three phases: solid ice, liquid water and vapor. In his book The Fourth Phase of Water (2013), Dr. Pollack describes experiments showing that next to certain water-loving surfaces, like the gels inside cells, water forms a layer that behaves differently from ordinary liquid water. He calls it the exclusion zone or EZ water, because this layer pushes away particles and solutes.

According to his research, EZ water:

• Is more ordered, arranged in sheets of hexagonal patterns, a bit like honeycomb
• Carries a negative charge, while the water just beyond it carries a positive charge, a little like a battery
• Is described by the formula H3O2 rather than H2O
• Grows when exposed to light, especially infrared light, which is all around us, including from the sun and the warmth of our own bodies

Is it proven?

Dr. Pollack's work has been published in scientific journals and has inspired a lot of interest, and it is also debated. Some scientists question the interpretation of the experiments and the H3O2 formula. We share it as fascinating research and a beautiful way of seeing water, not as settled fact. Please be cautious with expensive products that claim to "structure" your water with dramatic health promises.

Why water in food may hydrate differently

Whether or not EZ water turns out to be the full explanation, there are practical reasons water-rich foods are wonderful for hydration:

• They come with electrolytes. Fruits and vegetables carry potassium, magnesium and other minerals that help your body use water.
• They release water slowly. Water bound in fiber is released gradually during digestion.
• They bring natural sugars and salts that help water move into cells.
• Health authorities estimate that about 20% of our daily water typically comes from food.

The best foods to "eat your water"

• Cucumber, celery, lettuce, zucchini and tomatoes, all over 90% water
• Watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe and peaches
• Oranges, grapefruit and other citrus
• Coconut water, nature's electrolyte drink
• Soups and broths
• Chia seeds soaked in water, which form a gel

Simple ways to bring living water into your day

1. Start the day with fruit after your first glass of water.
2. Add a water-rich food to every meal: a salad, sliced cucumber, tomatoes or berries.
3. Snack on fruit instead of dry crackers.
4. Get sunlight on your skin in the morning. Pollack's research suggests light helps build structured water, and morning sun is good for your rhythms anyway.
5. Bless your water. Many traditions hold that intention and prayer affect water. Hold your glass and say thank you before you drink.
6. Choose clean water. Read Tap Water and Fluoride for filtering ideas.

From the Infused Lights crystal shop

A crystal water bottle can be a daily reminder to drink with intention and gratitude.

Crystal Water BottleView in the shopCrystal Infused Stainless Steel & Glass 16oz Water Bottle with Insulation SleeveView in the shopClear Quartz Comfort StoneView in the shop

Browse all Crystals and Stones. Crystals and tools are offered as reminders for reflection and intention, not as medical care.

A water blessing

"Water of life, thank you for flowing through me. May I be as clear, as patient and as full of light as you."

Pair this with Why Skipping Morning Hydration Hurts and the simple ritual in Water as First Prayer.

Read next

Companion readings chosen for this same theme.

Why Skipping Morning Hydration Hurts and a Simple Water RitualWater as First PrayerTap Water and Fluoride: What Is in Your Glass and How to Filter It

With love and light,
Infused Lights