Food & Health

The Truth About Toxic Fluoride

What many people have come to accept as a naturally occurring substance (Fluoride) is, in reality, a byproduct of a naturally occurring gas called “Fluorine” (which research suggested could have potential benefits for tooth enamel).

This research is what led to the suggestion that “Fluoride” be added to drinking water to help maintain healthier teeth and gums. Unfortunately, many people do not realize that “Fluoride” and “Fluorine” are not the same substance. “Fluoride” is actually a toxic byproduct of “Fluorine’s” use in industries such as aluminum manufacturing or the nuclear industry. The potential dangers or benefits of Fluoride were not even a part of the initial research that brought about its use in the first place.

What is Dangerous About Fluoride?

Organic fluorine, calcium and molybdenum form what is called calcium fluorapatite, which was proven to be the mineral element of teeth and bones. Because of this, organic fluorine probably is beneficial for teeth and bones, and naturally occurs in most drinking water at some level. However, Ionic fluoride does not contribute to the above process at all. Studies have proven that fluoride causes over-stimulation of the parathyroid glands, which results in calcification of tendons and ligaments, abnormal bone growth, and manipulates the process of generating energy in cells.

Existing Studies & Reports

Brain Damage & Hyperactivity

In 1995, Neurotoxicologist, Dr. Phyllis Mullenix published research which showed that fluoride builds up in the brains of test animals even when they are only exposed to moderate levels. This caused notable damage to the brain and the behavior of the animals. Even more compelling, the offspring of pregnant animals who had received very low doses of fluoride, showed permanent hyperactivity (ADD-like symptoms). Adult animals who were given fluoride experienced the opposite: hypoactivity or sluggishness.

Upon the release of Dr. Mullenix’s research, the toxic effect of fluoride on the central nervous system was released in previously classified government research. Two studies following Dr. Mullenix, confirmed that children exposed to higher levels of fluoride had lower IQs.

The 1998, published book, “Brain Research Vol. 784 No. 12,” showed that rats who were given only 1 parts per million of fluoride experienced brain lesions similar to those found in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Cancer

The New Jersey Department of Health found that bone cancer in male children was between two and seven times higher in locations where the water was fluoridated. This prompted an inquiry by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) who confirmed that the same effects were found even when administered at low levels to animals. A newer study also linked fluoridation of water to uterine cancer.

Changes in Bone Structure

Fluoride builds up very gradually in bones. Multiple studies have shown that fluoridation leads to increased chances of hip fractures because the strength of the hip is being destroyed slowly over time.

Based on calculations, decades of exposure to fluoride is not only thought to, but expected to cause skeletal fluorosis, which can appear as pain in bones and joints, sensations of burning and tingling in the limbs, muscle weakness, chronic fatigue, gastrointestinal disorders, reduced appetite, backache and more. Unfortunately, health care providers are not capable of diagnosing such a condition because they are not trained to test for chronic fluoride poisoning.

“Rheumatology International” also published information in 2001, showing fluoride exposure is directly linked to the development of osteoarthritis. The levels of exposure found to cause osteoarthritis are levels that are still commonly considered safe in the United States.

Birth Defects & Perinatal Death

A toxicologist in the UK found that perinatal deaths in fluoridated areas were 15% higher than in neighboring non-fluoridated locations and that the rate of Down’s Syndrome was 30% higher. Along with that study, the fluoridated areas had higher economic status and were expected to have less occurrences of these problems. Fluoridation was banned in Chile when information by world-renowned researcher, Dr Albert Schatz, showed a link between infant deaths and fluoride.

Immune Impairment

Independent research proved that fluoride impairs the function of the immune system. In the U.S., where toxic fluoride is most common (and has even been given as a supplement to children since the 1960s) there has been a massive increase in chronic immune system disorders.

Acute & Adverse Reactions

Several studies have shown that fluoridated water often causes acute adverse reactions such as joint pains, stomatitis, headaches, visual disturbances, fatigue, muscular weakness, gastrointestinal symptoms and polydipsia. Try reading (Fluoride: The Freedom Fight, by Dr. Hans Moolenburgh).

Fluoride is actually considered extremely poisonous at low doses and has been the cause of a number of acute poisonings (it is a requirement for a poison-warning be included on fluoridated toothpastes sold in the U.S).

Lead & Arsenic

A study published in 2000, showed that the combination of naturally occurring lead and arsenic in water, with fluoridation, causes an increase of lead-levels found in the blood of children.

Dental Fluorosis

Yesterday, (Friday, January 7th, 2011) U.S. officials finally released a report, recommending that fluoride levels in water be reduced for the first time in over 50 years. This recommendation did not comment on any of the above research, but was specifically related to the increasing number of children and adults who are experiencing dental fluorosis (or a permanent structural change and spotting on the teeth).

Thyroid Function

Fluoride used to be given at low levels to suppress thyroid function and treat hyperthyroidism. This is because Fluoride inhibits normal thyroid function.

Avoiding Fluoride

Unfortunately, fluoride is so heavily used in the United States that it would be difficult to avoid consuming the substance completely. Because many public water sources are intentionally fluoridated, you might consider searching for a bottled water. However, even many bottled waters are obtained from fluoridated sources. Other options might include visiting a friend or family member with well water, finding a local spring or frequenting an organic store that supplies fluoride-free water.

Fluoride is also commonly prescribed as a supplement for children. Your doctor may expect you to administer fluoride drops to your child but you should ask for a safer alternative.

Many commercial toothpastes contain fluoride (not it’s more favorable cousin flourine). If you are willing to spend extra, you should be able to find a variety of organic, fluoride-free toothpastes. You could also save money by making your own baking-soda toothpaste ( see: Make Your Own Toothpaste ).

These measures can help limit your exposure to fluoride, but are not likely to eliminate it, since fluoride now shows up in fruits and vegetables, processed foods, beauty and cleaning products and even in the environment itself.