How Am I Exposed to Fluoride?
Fluoride is naturally found in the environment. Back in the late 1940s and continuing through the 1950s, public health officials started adding fluoride to the drinking water supply. Today, it’s also a common ingredient in dental products like toothpaste and mouth rinse. Unless you have a water purification system that specifically filters out fluoride, avoiding it can be quite challenging.
It’s crucial to think about all the ways you might be using tap water. If you’re someone who eats out a lot, chances are the restaurants you visit aren’t using fluoride-free water in their kitchens. The same goes for beverage manufacturers; they typically use municipal water systems to produce drinks like soda, juice, and smoothies, all of which end up containing fluoride. Even the coffee you get from your local coffee shop likely has fluoride. When you add all of these up, it becomes evident how much fluoride the average person is exposed to in their daily diet.
Symptoms of Fluoride Exposure
Fluoride exposure can lead to various symptoms, ranging from minor to severe. One of the early signs of overexposure is excess salivation. Another concern is fluorosis, a condition that affects the ameloblasts in the mouth, hindering enamel development. The most noticeable symptom of fluorosis is the yellowing of teeth. It’s not about brushing your teeth more; regular cleaning or whitening treatments won’t fix it. Fluoride can also lead to more serious issues, like the calcification of the pineal gland and interference with the thyroid’s ability to absorb iodine.
How to Avoid Fluoride
Steering clear of fluoride can be tricky, but it’s doable with the right steps. First, you need to avoid the primary sources. This means steering clear of tap water and any products made with it. Investing in a water purification device or a system that removes fluoride is a good start. Also, look for natural, fluoride-free toothpaste and mouthwash.
Getting enough dietary iodine can support your thyroid in detoxifying fluoride and other harmful halogens, like bromide and chlorine.
Educating yourself on the topic is also crucial. I recommend watching the documentary, Fluoride: Poison on Tap, which thoroughly explains the extent of the fluoride issue. I was even fortunate enough to contribute to it.
Make these changes, and you’ll be better equipped to manage your fluoride exposure effectively.
