Over a decade ago, I visited my family in Poland. At that time, one of my cousins was attending dental school in the European Union. She asked me, “Izabella, is it true that the U.S. government adds fluoride to their water supply, in an effort to reduce dental cavities, instead of educating the public about the effect of sugar consumption and nutrition on health?”
Unfortunately, the answer is yes, and while most countries in the European Union do not add fluoride to local water supplies, most communities in the United States continue to be fluoridated (though this may be changing soon… more on this later).
There can be a lot of confusion about what is safe and not safe when talking about fluoride levels and how fluoride affects our health. Have you found yourself asking any of these questions?
- Is fluoride actually harmful?
- Other than the water supply, where am I exposed to fluoride?
- What effect does fluoride have on the thyroid?
- How can I minimize my exposure to fluoride?
The encouraging news is that there is a lot that we can do to limit our exposure to excess fluoride, eliminate fluoride from our bodies, and educate ourselves about the effects of fluoride exposure in our water supply.
What is Fluoride?
Most people know that fluoride is commonly found in water and has been an important part of dental treatments for decades. As a pharmacist, I am always fascinated with the chemical makeup of different elements and how they might affect the human body – especially the thyroid gland. How can something found in nature be such a hot-button topic for those of us with Hashimoto’s?
Let’s start with the science…
Fluorine is an element in the periodic table that does not occur in the elemental state in nature, as it is highly reactive. In pure form, it is a highly-toxic, yellowish-green gas. The fluorine anion (negatively charged ion), or any of the compounds containing the anion, are called fluorides. The fluoride in drinking water comes from the addition of a fluorine compound (usually sodium fluoride, sodium fluorosilicate, or fluorosilicic acid), which dissociates to release the F- ion.
Fluorine is decomposed into fluorides of different forms, and is found in minerals in the earth’s crust. It is one of the several halogens – which translates from Latin as “salt maker” – in the periodic table. Other halogens you may be familiar with are iodine and chlorine, and those are controversial as well. (I have written extensively on iodine in this article).
Fluoride is one of many trace minerals, and, like other trace minerals, is not meant to be introduced to the body in large amounts. The WHO recommends that fluoride in drinking water be no higher than 1.5 mg/L. However, research shows that groundwater contamination is a serious problem in some areas of the world, which means that those populations are ingesting much more than the recommended upper limit. [1]
So, how did we start getting exposed to so much fluoride in the first place?
The History of Fluoride
Have you ever wondered why fluoride is in our water supply in the first place, or if fluoridated water is unique to North America and the United Kingdom?
Many of you may know that fluoride was added to the water supplies of most U.S. cities, most Canadian cities, and some cities in the U.K. in the 1950s as a public health measure meant to minimize tooth decay. What you may be surprised to hear, however, is that up until the 1950s (prior to the development of other thyroid-suppressing medications), fluoride was used to treat hyperthyroidism! A dose of 2 to 5 mg of fluoride per day was typically found to be effective for suppressing an overactive thyroid.
So if you live in the typical fluoridated community and you’re being a “good girl” (or “good boy”) by drinking your eight cups of water each day, chances are, you are inadvertently taking in enough fluoride to suppress your thyroid.
According to data collected by the Fluoride Action Network, adults in fluoridated communities may be ingesting between 1.6 and 6.6 mg of fluoride per day! [2]
If this is the history of fluoride use until the 1950s, how did those of us in the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom end up with so much fluoride in our water supply? The truth is that fluoridation partially began as a collaborative effort between dental associations, the U.S. government, and sugar lobbyists who wanted to find a solution that would allow people to have fewer cavities – while continuing to consume just as much sugar. If you have read my article on dental triggers, you know that there are better ways to prevent and heal dental decay.
While most Westernized countries (97 percent) have rightfully rejected fluoridation without any apparent consequences on tooth decay, the U.S., Canada, and parts of the U.K. currently fluoridate their water. [3]
Meanwhile, research shows that chronic exposure to fluoride and/or high levels of fluoride in drinking water may be linked to a number of health issues, including: [4]
- Skeletal fluorosis (a bone disease which mostly only occurs in developing countries)
- Dental fluorosis (calcification of the teeth)
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Muscle damage
- Fatigue
- Joint problems
- Endocrine damage (fluoride may negatively affect the thyroid, pancreas, and pineal glands)
- Gastrointestinal irritation
- Changes in brain function/brain health [5]
- Thyroid disease [6]
- Infertility, adverse pregnancy, and birth outcomes [7]
- Brain damage [8]
- Alzheimer’s disease [9]
- DNA damage [10]
- Organ damage (fluoride may contribute to kidney dysfunction) [11]
There have been studies suggesting that fluoride may be linked to some forms of cancer (such as osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer); however, as of 2023, the scientific research on this remains controversial and inconclusive. [12]
People with Hashimoto’s tend to be particularly sensitive to toxins in part due to a higher potential for liver impairment (when the liver is impaired, toxins can build up in the body). Thus, I always encourage people to do their best to remove toxic substances that may be lurking around the home — besides fluoride, examples include flame retardants and heavy metals like mercury.
The Future of Fluoride in the United States
The issue of fluoride in our drinking water was recently brought to the forefront when the U.S. government released a report in August 2024 on the extensive link between high levels of fluoride in drinking water and lower IQs in children.
In the report published by the National Toxicology Program (NTP), authors analyzed 59 studies and found that 52 of them established a connection between fluoride levels and lower IQ. [13] The authors of the study identified a consistent pattern across studies, showing greater IQ reductions as fluoride exposure levels increased.
Some studies in the report saw effects on IQ with fluoride concentrations as low as 0.3 mg/L, much lower than the WHO threshold of 1.5 mg/L. Seven studies examined effects of fluoride below 1.5 mg/L and found an average IQ loss of 3 points.
The issue of fluoridation has also gained attention recently because of Robert F. Kennedy’s involvement in the new administration. He has been outspoken in his criticism of water fluoridation, and has said he would advise U.S. water systems to remove fluoride from public drinking water.
It remains to be seen whether or not this is possible, as it would likely require navigating a number of legal and regulatory processes, and currently state and local governments decide whether to fluoridate our drinking water. In the meantime, we have options.
Common Sources of Fluoride (Besides Water)
Some common sources of fluoride include the following:
- Bottled beverages (due to fluoride content in water)
- Toothpaste, mouthwash, and other dental hygiene products
- Black tea, red tea, and other teas
- Canned food items
- Black/red rock salt
- Chewing tobacco
- Supplements (always check the labels)
- Medications (more details below)
Yes, you read that right – your cup of red or black tea could be sabotaging your thyroid!
Tea leaves accumulate fluoride from the soil, as well as from pollution. The longer they stay on the tea tree, the heavier the fluoride content. (Thus, black tea has more fluoride compared to other teas.)
An article published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology reported that there can be up to 4.5, 1.8, and 0.5 mg/L of fluoride in black, green, and white teas, respectively, when brewed for five minutes. [14]
Another source reports that: “Tea plants readily absorb fluoride from soil. As a result, tea drinks invariably contain high levels of fluoride. In the United States, brewed black tea averages about 3 to 4 parts ppm fluoride, while commercial iced tea drinks contain between 1 and 4 ppm. Excessive consumption of tea beverages thus creates a risk for fluoride toxicity.” [15]
In addition to the tea itself having a high fluoride content, the act of boiling water concentrates the fluoride instead of getting rid of it, contrary to what one might think. On the other hand, freezing the water does not affect the concentration of fluoride. (Opting for white tea, chamomile, and herbal teas, which contain less than 0.13mg/L of fluoride, or steeping your black tea for less than one minute, is one way to limit your fluoride exposure.)
Pregnant women in particular will want to be mindful of ingesting too much fluoride from tea (as well as other sources). Research shows that fluoride exposure in pregnant women is correlated with tea consumption, and excess fluoride may be associated with developmental neurotoxicity. [16]
Fluoride-Containing Medications
There are quite a few fluorine-containing medications. They include anesthetics, antacids, anti-anxiety medications, antibiotics, antidepressants, antifungals, cholesterol-lowering medications, anti-malarial medications, chemotherapy, appetite suppressants, arthritis medications, psychotropics, and steroids.
Some of the most commonly used brands of medications that contain fluoride include:
- Prozac®, Lexapro®, Celexa®, Paxil®: used for depression, anxiety, or OCD
- Prevacid®: used for acid reflux
- Diflucan®: an antifungal used for yeast infections
- Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (Cipro®, Levaquin®, Avelox®): used for UTIs and other infections
- Celebrex®: used for pain
- Lipitor®, Zetia®: used to lower cholesterol
For an extensive list, please visit the Fluoride Toxicity Research Collaborative.
The fluoride contained in most of these medications, however, is in an organic bond, called organofluorine. In most drugs, this carbon-fluoride bond is strong enough to resist breaking down into fluoride within the body, and it is generally believed that most organofluorine drugs do not contribute to daily fluoride exposure.
However, this is not always the case, and research has found that some fluorinated drugs, including ciprofloxacin (Cipro), do break down into fluoride, and can thus be a major source of fluoride exposure for some individuals. Studies have found elevated levels of fluoride in the urine or blood following the use of several of these drugs (including fluorinated anesthetics, Cipro, [17] Niflumic acid, [18] Flecainide, [19] and Voriconazole [20]).
It is likely that other drugs do so as well, but have not yet been studied. [21]
Possible Effects of Fluoride on the Thyroid
In your healing journey, have you ever considered that fluoride could possibly have a direct effect on your thyroid health?
When I was digging for my root cause, fluoride toxicity did not get my attention right away, but I now know there are multiple ways in which fluoride can be detrimental to the thyroid gland and my overall health.
What will surprise many is that dental fluorosis, the term for hypomineralization of tooth enamel caused by excessive fluoride during enamel formation, is actually a result of thyroid function. In hypomineralization, teeth become more porous and susceptible to breaking, wearing down, and decay.
Just like other halogens, fluoride has been proven to act as a trigger in inducing thyroid cell death, as well as lead to the development of thyroid inflammation and autoimmune thyroid disease like Hashimoto’s.
Furthermore, multiple studies have shown that fluoride can actually alter the proper functioning of body processes as fluoride is recognized as iodine (another halogen) in the body. Thyroid cells absorb iodine and combine it with the amino acid tyrosine. This is then converted into the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). If fluoride displaces iodine, then we have the thyroid gland absorbing fluoride instead, thereby disrupting the production of thyroid hormones. [22]
Very little fluoride is excreted via urine or sweat, which can lead to toxicity in the body. If we ingest too much fluoride and/or our bodies have a limited ability to remove such toxins (as is the case with Hashimoto’s), this can lead to fluorosis (dental, skeletal, and non-skeletal. Over time, fluoride absorption in tissues can manifest as actual lesions on endocrine glands such as the thyroid. [23] Thus fluoride is considered an endocrine disruptor. [24]
A study in India examined children aged 8 to 15 years in a high-altitude district of India, where the groundwater was contaminated with high levels of fluoride. The primary goal of the study was to determine the presence and severity of dental fluorosis, nutritional status, kidney health, and thyroid function. The results of the study revealed that dental fluorosis and urinary fluoride levels were significantly higher in affected children than in the control group. Additionally, the nutritional status of affected children was lower, and chronic kidney damage was higher.
Thyroid function was also impacted by fluoride. Children in communities with high fluoride intake had a significant decrease in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Additionally, parathyroid hormone levels were found to be significantly higher in affected children. [25]
Another fascinating study done in India analyzed the effect of fluoride toxicity on multiple generations. In this study, the researchers extensively studied fluoride’s effect on the brain, as well as on the thyroid. They administered high-fluoride water to three generations of rats orally, in order to study the fluoride-induced changes in their thyroid hormone status, their acetylcholinesterase (an enzyme that helps break down acetylcholine), the levels of fluoride in their brain, as well as their learning and memory retention. [26]
The study observed a significant decrease in FT3 and FT4 serum levels, in the rats who consumed fluoride-treated water, as compared to the control group. This decrease was most significant in the third-generation rats. The presence of degenerating neurons was also observed, and once again, it was worst in the third-generation rats. The same was true of the rats’ learning and memory capabilities. [27] So yes, as you may suspect, fluoride can actually cause brain fog in rats, and I don’t think you need to be a rat to experience fluoride-induced brain fog!
Though studies will need to be conducted on human populations, this observation in rats suggests that those who have fluoride in their drinking water are at risk for developing hypothyroidism and increased brain fog, and their offspring are more likely to have developmental defects. Those are definitely a lot of issues those of us with Hashimoto’s want to avoid, along with everyone else.
Plus, as I mentioned earlier, the report that was recently released found that drinking water that contains fluoride is associated with lower IQs in children. Some of the studies reviewed found that IQ was 2 to 5 points lower in children with high exposure to fluoride, and that the more fluoride they were exposed to, the more IQ points were lost.
In a study on fluoride and human thyroid hormones that was recently conducted in Iran, a group of people consuming fluoridated water was studied to see how fluoride impacted their thyroid hormone levels. The major finding of this study is that TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) values were higher in people who had higher fluoride concentrations in their drinking water. [28]
A study published in 2021 which examined 446 children aged 7 to 12 years found that thyroid volumes increased in accordance with the volume of fluoride in their urine. [29]
The Root Cause Rebels among us know that if you remove the trigger, you will see improvement in thyroid symptoms. Many of my clients have reported improvement in thyroid symptoms and thyroid function tests simply by removing fluoride from their daily intake.
The Effects of Fluoride in Communities
It is interesting, and alarming, to note the correlation between communities that fluoridate their water, and the number of reported cases of hypothyroidism.
A 2015 British study reported that medical practices in a fluoridated area of the U.K. (West Midlands vs. those in a non-fluoridated area, Greater Manchester) were TWICE as likely to report a high prevalence rate of hypothyroidism in their patients. [30]
Furthermore, an analysis of different parts of the U.K. found that the rates of hypothyroidism were statistically matched to the rates of fluoride in the local water supply.
Do you live in a fluoridated community?
The article reported the following average rates of fluoride in fluoridated communities:
- England 1.0 mg/L
- Canada 0.7 mg/L
- Southern Ireland 0.7 mg/L
- United States 0.7 to 1.2 mg/L
[One liter of water is equivalent to 33.8 ounces, or roughly 4.2 cups.]
According to the Fluoride Action Network, “The average level of fluoride in unpolluted fresh water is less than 0.1 mg/L.” An older Canadian study from 1993 states that fresh waters such as lakes and spring waters contain 0.05 mg/L of fluoride. [31] Fluoridation programs in the United States generally recommend 0.7 to 1.2 mg/L, and the WHO recommends 0.5 to 1.5 mg/L” (10 to 20 times what we may find naturally). Please note this is usually expressed as “ppm” or parts per million, which is roughly equivalent to mg/L. [32]
If you live in the U.S., you can find out how much fluoride is in your local water supply by entering your location on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Fluoride page.
Who is Likely to Have an Adverse Reaction to Fluoride, and What are the Symptoms?
Fluoride toxicity has been widely studied because it has the potential to affect anyone, not just those of us who are already diagnosed with an autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto’s. Ingesting too much fluoride can cause damage to the thyroid gland and hypothyroid symptoms in an individual who was previously healthy. This includes children, men, and women.
However, as I mentioned, there is research to support that fluoride toxicity increases with each generation – so if your mother had fluoride toxicity, it is likely you will be more susceptible, and your children even more so, and so on.
Acute oral exposure to high levels of fluoride may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, drowsiness, headaches, polyuria (excessive urination), and polydipsia (excessive thirst), coma, convulsions, cardiac arrest, and even death.
What Can We Do to Minimize Fluoride Exposure?
I’m sure you were surprised to learn where fluoride might be lurking while reading this article!
Now that you know where to find it and how it may harm you, you can focus on removing fluoride from your daily routine.
To start, if you’re an avid tea drinker, you may want to opt for white or herbal teas instead of black and red teas.
As I mentioned above, beyond the kitchen pantry, it is a good idea to check all your dental hygiene products and medications to see which ones might contain fluoride. If you find your medication does contain fluoride, you may want to ask your doctor about fluoride-free alternatives.
As for dental hygiene products, there are plenty of safe, fluoride-free options that are quite popular and effective.
Here are some of my favorite fluoride-free toothpaste options:
- RiseWell – I love their dental products. Their toothpaste is made with naturally derived hydroxyapatite, a mineral that makes up 90 percent of our tooth enamel and has been proven to strengthen and protect your teeth without fluoride. Their mouthwash is naturally alkaline and inhibits the growth of bad bacteria, leaving your mouth healthy and fresh. (Get 10% off using the code WENTZ10 at checkout!)
- Wellnesse – Katie Wells (also known as the Wellness Mama) created Wellnesse, a brand dedicated to clean and effective, all-natural products. Katie was a master of DIY personal care products for her own family for years, and I was so excited when she came out with her own whitening/remineralizing toothpaste that includes hydroxyapatite. It also contains aloe vera to balance your oral microbiome and whiten teeth, neem oil for tooth decay and gum disease prevention, and green tea powder to combat bad breath!
- Probiotic Toothpaste – This one is uniquely designed with a targeted probiotic strain to help support healthy teeth and gums, as well as the elimination of bad breath, by supporting the oral microbiome. It also contains activated coconut charcoal to help purify and polish teeth, without toxic ingredients or harsh abrasives.
- Akamai – I have had great results with Akamai’s Complete Oral Care Kit. It contains Mineral Toothpowder that gently whitens and polishes teeth, Oil Pulling Mouthwash to absorb toxins and help fight bad bacteria, as well as Fulvic Mineral Complex to support strong teeth, tooth remineralization, and healthy gums. It comes with all the dental care essentials you need for a healthy mouth, without the fluoride (or other any artificial or toxic ingredients). New customers can save 15% on their first order, using my special THYROID15 code at checkout.
Making even small lifestyle changes, such as switching out your toothpaste, can have a significant impact on your health!
Water Filters
The next place you will want to focus will be your water supply. You can join the Fluoride Action Network, which is an advocacy organization dedicated to broadening the awareness of fluoride toxicity, to inform your authorities of the dangers of fluoride and be a voice against fluoridation. Occasionally, this organization will notify people of upcoming local initiatives focused on water fluoridation that will allow you to voice your opinion to policymakers on water fluoridation in your community. However, this is not the easiest nor quickest way to get the fluoride out of your water.
Fluoride can certainly be taken out by filters — but not just any filters. Fluoride can only be removed by distilling the water, using reverse osmosis filtration systems, or by using activated alumina defluoridation filters. Most other types of filters do not remove fluoride.
I researched filtration systems for a while, but many of them were extremely expensive. Some were in the thousands!
After a ton of research, I finally found a few reasonably priced ones. Here are a few of my favorites:
- The most convenient and cost-effective reverse osmosis water filter I have found is AquaTru’s countertop filter. I have had one in my bathroom for years, and I use it on a daily basis. It’s super easy to set up (no plumber required!), and I feel better knowing that I have access to clean drinking water right in my bathroom. They have recently come out with a more compact version as well, the Carafe. Both are great options for those who rent or reside in places where you can’t adjust the plumbing. I’ve set up a special discount with AquaTru for my Thyroid Pharmacist readers to save $100 off when they visit this link.
- Clearly Filtered is another company that I have recently discovered, and I have been very impressed with their products. They produce a variety of filtration systems, including water pitchers, bottles, and under-the-sink filters, that are able to remove up to 99 percent of fluoride from the water. Their website provides links to independent testing results (from EPA-accredited laboratories) that show the levels of contaminants their products are able to remove from one’s water source. My science brain loves seeing these tests and knowing that the filter I’m using is doing what says it will do! I love this filter because it’s also really easy to install! My sweet husband Michael has a long “Honey Do List” these days… and he was relieved that installing this filter was so easy. It took him under 15 minutes to install (and without any complaints :-)). You can get 10% off your order using code WELCOME10 at checkout!
- Another option is having a plumber or handyman install an under-the-sink reverse osmosis unit. These typically cost around $200 and provide a consistent, daily source of water without fluoride. We used to have this filter for a few years and it took my dad (who is SUPER handy) a couple of hours to install it during one of his visits. It worked very well for almost 4 years, but we have recently replaced it with the Clearly Filtered option as the under-the-sink option needed new filters and the spout was breaking.
At one point, I decided to run a Tap Score report to see what types of chemicals were in my water supply. (You can get a Tap Score Fluoride Water Test Kit too if you want to check your own.)
I was surprised to learn that my tap water contained potentially toxic levels of Bromodichloromethane, Chloroform, and THMS. These substances are thought to increase the risk of developmental defects, kidney failure, liver damage, and central nervous system problems, as well as various cancers. Overall, my unfiltered water received a score of 64 (POOR), while filtering the water using the Clearly Filtered filter, reduced the levels of these three chemicals to acceptable ranges, improving my overall water to a score of 87 (good).
If these options are too permanent for your lifestyle, keep in mind that there are water delivery services, such as Penta Water, that will deliver fluoride-free water to your home or office.
Supplements That Can Help
While stopping your intake of fluoride is an excellent first step, you can also take additional measures to help your body counter the negative effects of excessive levels of fluoride.
Some old-school integrative professionals recommend using high-dose iodine for clearing halogens like fluoride from the body. Unfortunately, I’ve found that this method can be dangerous for people with Hashimoto’s.
A recent study of the effects of fluoride combined with iodide on the thyroid gland showed that excessive fluoride and excessive iodide have detrimental effects on human thyroid cells, resulting in cytotoxicity (the death of thyroid cells). [33]
Taking liver-supportive supplements is a safer way to support your body’s detoxification from fluoride, especially those that contain taurine.
Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is involved in a diverse array of biological and physiological functions, including bile salt conjugation, body fluid regulation, calcium modulation, anti-oxidation, and immune system regulation.
Recent studies have demonstrated the ability of taurine to reverse both kidney and thyroid damage in rats that were chronically exposed to high levels of fluoride. [34]
Another study has shown taurine to reduce thyroid damage from exposure to lead and industrial insecticides.
The beneficial effects of taurine may be attributed to its ability to protect the body from toxicity and oxidative stress.
This is one of the reasons I’ve chosen to include taurine in three of my Rootcology Liver Support supplements:
- Rootcology Liver Reset contains a natural pea protein isolate to fuel one’s natural detoxification pathways. It includes the nutrients needed to support and balance the phases I and II metabolic pathways, high levels of antioxidants for safe detoxification, and a comprehensive array of herbal hepatics and cholagogues, to promote healthy liver function and elimination.
- Rootcology Liver & Gallbladder Support is a comprehensive formula designed to support bile flow for the normal processing and elimination of toxins through the specific combination of nutrients and herbs in this formula. By supporting liver and gallbladder function, Liver & Gallbladder Support supports the elimination of fatty substances from the liver, as well as the digestion and assimilation of fats and fat-soluble vitamins.
- Rootcology Amino Support is useful for preparing the liver for phase II detoxification. It does not contain botanicals, minerals, or B vitamins that would also up-regulate phase I detoxification, which may result in intermediate metabolites that could cause sensitivity reactions. Providing nutritional support for phase II detoxification helps conjugate toxins and prepares them for safe elimination from the body.
GABA is another ingredient that can help us clear out fluoride. GABA is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter that is known to produce calmness, as well as reduce tension and anxiety.
GABA has also been shown to have the ability to protect against hypothyroidism caused by fluoride. A study that exposed mice to fluoride and were subsequently treated with GABA showed improved T4, T3, and thyroid hormone-binding globulin (TBG levels) results, along with healing of the structural abnormalities in thyroid follicles that were observed after fluoride exposure. [35]
The GABA supplements that I recommend are:
- Pure Encapsulations GABA – This supplement promotes a positive mood, supports relaxation, and moderates occasional stress.
- Source Naturals GABA Calm – This blend contains magnesium, GABA, glycine, n-acetyl l-tyrosine, and taurine, in a quick-dissolving lozenge form. It’s available here via Fullscript. If you don’t have a Fullscript account, you can sign up with my credentials here.
- Designs for Health PharmaGABA – This is naturally sourced, bioidentical GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). Its chewable tablet delivery allows for rapid and efficient absorption and assimilation. As a result, benefits are felt very quickly.
Along with taurine and GABA, resveratrol, a natural antioxidant may also help. A recent study was performed on rats that were given high doses of fluoride and exhibited symptoms of thyroid dysfunction. Resveratrol supplementation in the fluoride-exposed rats prevented fluoride toxicity and restored thyroid function to a normal range. [36]
- Pure Encapsulations Resveratrol is derived from Polygonum cuspidatum, an herb utilized for centuries that is one of the richest known sources of this powerful antioxidant.
In searching for other helpful substances, I came across a study that suggested that boron may help with removing fluoride from the body (at least, this is the case in buffalo!). [37]
The Takeaway
Have you been using fluoride in your dental treatments for years?
Do you live in a fluoridated community?
Have you considered getting a water filter that properly removes fluoride from your water supply?
While it’s important to stay informed on how much fluoride you are being exposed to, it’s encouraging to know that there are a lot of great action steps that you can take to protect yourself from excess fluoride. Installing a quality water filter, joining the Fluoride Action Network, and finding lower fluoride sources of bottled water are all excellent places to start as you begin to create a safer environment for yourself and your thyroid health.
To learn more about other toxins that may be compromising your thyroid health, pick up a copy of Hashimoto’s Protocol: A 90-Day Plan for Reversing Thyroid Symptoms and Getting Your Life Back and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause.
I wish you all the best on your healing journey!
P.S. I love interacting with my readers on social media, and I encourage you to join my Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest community pages to stay on top of thyroid health updates and meet others who are following similar health journeys. For recipes, a FREE Thyroid Diet start guide, notifications about upcoming events, and the Nutrient Depletions and Digestion chapter from my first book for free, be sure to sign up for my email list!
References
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[2] Arthritis. Fluoride Action Network. 2023. Accessed August 9, 2023. https://fluoridealert.org/issues/health/arthritis/
[3] Countries that Fluoridate their Water. Fluoride Action Network. 2023. Accessed August 9, 2023. https://fluoridealert.org/content/bfs-2012/
[4] Solanki YS, Agarwal M, Gupta AB, Gupta S, Shukla P. Fluoride occurrences, health problems, detection, and remediation methods for drinking water: A comprehensive review. Sci Total Environ. 2022;807(Pt 1):150601. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150601; Fluoride Health Effects. Fluoride Action Network. 2023. Accessed August 29, 2023. Fluoride Action Network. 2023. Accessed August 29, 2023. https://fluoridealert.org/issues/health/
[5] Solanki YS, Agarwal M, Gupta AB, Gupta S, Shukla P. Fluoride occurrences, health problems, detection, and remediation methods for drinking water: A comprehensive review. Sci Total Environ. 2022;807(Pt 1):150601. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150601; Fluoride Health Effects. Fluoride Action Network. 2023. Accessed August 29, 2023. Fluoride Action Network. 2023. Accessed August 29, 2023. https://fluoridealert.org/issues/health/
[6] Kheradpisheh Z, Mirzaei M, Mahvi AH, et al. Impact of Drinking Water Fluoride on Human Thyroid Hormones: A Case- Control Study. Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):2674. Published 2018 Feb 8. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-20696-4
[7] Goodman C, Hall M, Green R, et al. Maternal fluoride exposure, fertility and birth outcomes: The MIREC cohort. Environ Adv. 2022;7:100135. doi:10.1016/j.envadv.2021.100135
[8] Bittencourt LO, Dionizio A, Ferreira MKM, et al. Prolonged exposure to high fluoride levels during adolescence to adulthood elicits molecular, morphological, and functional impairments in the hippocampus. Sci Rep. 2023;13(1):11083. Published 2023 Jul 8. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-38096-8
[9] Goschorska M, Baranowska-Bosiacka I, Gutowska I, Metryka E, Skórka-Majewicz M, Chlubek D. Potential Role of Fluoride in the Etiopathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(12):3965. Published 2018 Dec 9. doi:10.3390/ijms19123965
[10] He LF, Chen JG. DNA damage, apoptosis and cell cycle changes induced by fluoride in rat oral mucosal cells and hepatocytes. World J Gastroenterol. 2006;12(7):1144-1148. doi:10.3748/wjg.v12.i7.1144
[11] Dharmaratne RW. Exploring the role of excess fluoride in chronic kidney disease: A review. Hum Exp Toxicol. 2019;38(3):269-279. doi:10.1177/0960327118814161
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Note: Originally published in April 2015, this article has been revised and updated for accuracy and thoroughness.
