**Chicago Gut: Is City Chlorine Inflaming Youth Livers?**

By Franklin Everett Shaw

September 26, 2025

Are you a Chicagoan between 18 and 35 feeling inexplicably fatigued or experiencing digestive issues? Have your recent blood tests revealed slightly elevated liver enzyme levels? The culprit might be closer than you think: your tap water. While Chicago boasts some of the best-tasting tap water in the nation, the disinfection process, specifically chlorination, could be subtly impacting your liver health.

Chicago’s water source is Lake Michigan, a vast and generally clean body of water. However, to ensure its safety, the city adds chlorine and chloramine to kill harmful bacteria and viruses. This is standard practice, but the byproducts of this disinfection process, known as disinfection byproducts (DBPs), can pose a risk, especially with long-term exposure.

DBPs, such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), are formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter in the water. These chemicals, even in small concentrations, have been linked to various health concerns, including liver problems, particularly in sensitive individuals. Young adults, whose bodies are still developing and may be more susceptible to environmental toxins, could be at a higher risk.

The City of Chicago publishes annual water quality reports, readily available online. These reports detail the levels of various contaminants, including THMs and HAAs. While the city consistently meets EPA standards, these standards are based on average exposure across the entire population. They don’t account for individual sensitivities or cumulative exposure from other sources.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t about fear-mongering. Chicago’s water is generally safe. However, being proactive about your health, especially when armed with information, is always a good idea. If you’re experiencing symptoms or have elevated liver enzymes, consider taking steps to reduce your exposure to DBPs.

So, what can a concerned Chicagoan do? The answer lies in targeted water filtration and dietary support.

First, let’s tackle the water. Boiling water won’t remove chlorine or chloramine; in fact, it can concentrate DBPs. The most effective solution is an activated carbon filter. But not all filters are created equal.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to choosing the right activated carbon filter for your Chicago home:

1. Understand Your Needs: Are you filtering water for drinking only, or for cooking and showering as well? This will determine the type and size of filter you need.
2. Look for NSF Certification: The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) tests and certifies water filters. Look for NSF Standard 42 (aesthetic effects, like chlorine taste and odor) and NSF Standard 53 (health effects, like lead and volatile organic compounds).
3. Choose the Right Type of Filter:
   • Pitcher Filters: These are affordable and convenient for small households. Look for pitchers specifically designed to remove chlorine and chloramine. Brita and PUR offer options, but always check the NSF certification.
   • Faucet Filters: These attach directly to your faucet and provide filtered water on demand. They’re a good option for renters or those with limited counter space. Again, prioritize NSF certification and chlorine/chloramine removal.
   • Under-Sink Filters: These are more expensive but offer superior filtration and higher flow rates. They’re ideal for households that use a lot of filtered water. Consider brands like Aquasana or APEC Water Systems.
   • Whole-House Filters: These filter all the water entering your home, protecting you from DBPs in showers and baths as well. They’re the most comprehensive solution but also the most expensive.
4. Consider Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) vs. Carbon Block Filters: GAC filters are cheaper but less effective at removing certain contaminants. Carbon block filters offer finer filtration and are generally better at removing chlorine, chloramine, and THMs.
5. Check the Filter’s Capacity and Replacement Schedule: Filters have a limited lifespan. Make sure to replace them regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ignoring this can lead to reduced filtration effectiveness and even bacterial growth.
6. Research Local Chicago Water Quality: The City of Chicago provides detailed water quality reports online. Review these reports to understand the specific contaminants present in your water and choose a filter that targets those contaminants.

Example: Let’s say you live in Lincoln Park and primarily want to filter drinking water. A Brita pitcher filter certified to NSF Standard 42 and specifically designed to remove chlorine and chloramine would be a good starting point. However, if you’re concerned about THMs, you might consider upgrading to an under-sink carbon block filter.

Now, let’s move on to dietary and supplementary interventions. While filtration reduces your exposure, supporting your liver’s natural detoxification processes can further mitigate any potential harm.

Here are some evidence-backed strategies:

• Increase Your Intake of Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts contain compounds that support liver detoxification enzymes. Aim for at least one serving per day. A simple way to do this is to add chopped kale to your morning smoothie or roast Brussels sprouts with olive oil and garlic.
• Consume Foods Rich in Antioxidants: Antioxidants protect your liver from damage caused by free radicals. Berries, grapes, spinach, and artichokes are excellent sources.
• Consider Milk Thistle Supplementation: Milk thistle contains silymarin, a compound with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that silymarin can protect the liver from damage and improve liver function. Consult with your doctor before starting any new supplement.
• Ensure Adequate Hydration: Water is essential for liver function. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of filtered water per day.
• Limit Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol is a known liver toxin. Reducing or eliminating alcohol intake can significantly improve liver health.
• Avoid Processed Foods and Sugary Drinks: These foods can contribute to inflammation and liver damage.
• Consider a Liver Detox Tea: Teas containing dandelion root, burdock root, and milk thistle can support liver detoxification. Look for organic options to avoid pesticide exposure.

Challenge: Many young adults in Chicago rely on convenient, processed foods and sugary drinks due to busy schedules and limited budgets.

Solution: Prioritize meal prepping on weekends. Cook large batches of healthy meals and snacks that you can easily grab throughout the week. Focus on affordable and nutritious options like beans, lentils, and seasonal vegetables.

Pitfall: Over-reliance on supplements without addressing underlying dietary and lifestyle factors.

Solution: Supplements should be used as adjuncts to a healthy diet and lifestyle, not as replacements. Focus on building a foundation of healthy habits first, and then consider supplements to further support your liver health.

Common Mistake: Assuming that all water filters are created equal.

Solution: Do your research and choose a filter that is specifically designed to remove chlorine, chloramine, and THMs. Look for NSF certification and read customer reviews.

Real-World Scenario: A 28-year-old Chicago resident, Sarah, experienced fatigue and digestive issues. Blood tests revealed slightly elevated liver enzymes. After researching the potential link between chlorination and liver health, she installed an under-sink carbon block filter and increased her intake of cruciferous vegetables and antioxidants. Within a few weeks, her symptoms improved, and her liver enzyme levels returned to normal.

This isn’t a guaranteed cure, but it highlights the potential benefits of proactive measures.

Ultimately, the decision to filter your water and support your liver health is a personal one. However, by understanding the potential risks of DBPs and taking steps to reduce your exposure, you can empower yourself to make informed choices that prioritize your well-being. Don’t just blindly trust the tap; take control of your health, Chicago.