Drinking water to stay hydrated is important for health, but is one type of water better than others? Lillyce Harriel, Renew U-360co-owner in Brentwood, says one certainly is. She is a firm believer in alkalized water.
She first found out about this type of water from her husband, Mario Harriel, who owns the center with her. When Lillyce was pregnant and sick all the time, especially with severe acid reflux, nothing she or her doctor did made any difference.
“We live in Spring Hill and Mario went to a store that sells alkalized water,” she says. “He had a discussion with them and was intrigued, so he brought it home. At first, I was skeptical.”
The Harriels started drinking it and continued to research it. Soon after, Lillyce began to feel much better.
“I didn’t have any more acid reflux,” she says. “The water gives you a good feeling. It’s very light and hydrates you faster. You can actually taste and feel the difference.”
Even after her pregnancy, Lillyce continues to drink it, and now offers it at Renew U-360. So, what is alkalized water?
“We have these water machines in the store, and the water goes through an ionization process, which in layman’s terms, gives the water an electric shock and breaks down the water molecules. This is what makes the body absorb it better at a cellular level. It also adds hydrogen and other antioxidant properties," she says.
Lillyce says alkalized water is good for a variety of health issues, including digestive problems, arthritis and autoimmune diseases. It’s also great for detoxing the body. Plus, she adds, you don’t have to drink as much alkalized water as conventional water, skipping that overly full feeling in stomach.
It also can be used in smoothies and soups. It heats up quicker, freezes faster, and intensifies anything cooked. Although flavorless, she says it just takes whatever you have and enhances it.
“It’s been popular overseas, especially Japan, for over 100 years,” says Lillyce. “People are looking for more holistic solutions these days. It’s better to keep yourself well as opposed to waiting until you have a situation and then having to treat it.”
“We offer the water to people for 14 days for free,” she says. “They can come in every day and get water. We believe in it and most people who try it do come back for more.”
After those 14 days, customers can purchase water à la carte or buy a membership. Renew U-360 provides enough water in their plans to cook with it as well as drink it. The cost comes to about 74 cents per gallon on the family plan, Lillyce says.
“For optimal benefits, it’s best to use it within 48 to 72 hours. That’s why some people come in every day.”she adds.
Alkaline water, she says, is also popular, but many have added buffers, which over time can cause digestive issues.
The water that comes into their building is already filtered and then it is filtered again after it runs through the machine. Renew U-360 also offers acidic water, which Lillyce says is good for chemical-free disinfecting, wound care, pet care, and for use as a hair and skin tonic. Certain plants also like acidic water, especially cut flowers.
Besides water, Renew U-360, which opened in July, offers saunas, red light therapy and salt therapy.