FLUORIDE
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is commonly found in soil, water, and various foods. It has been added to public water supplies for many decades in an effort to improve dental health by preventing cavities. However, in recent years, the safety and effectiveness of water fluoridation have come under scrutiny. Many people are concerned about the potential health risks associated with fluoride exposure, particularly in large doses. In this thread, we will explore the latest research and debates surrounding fluoride, including its impact on human health, the controversy surrounding water fluoridation, and ways to reduce fluoride exposure.
The Impact on Human Health
Fluoride, an environmental pollutant, can disturb several bodily functions upon entering the human system. It has been linked to negative effects on various organs such as the bones, liver, pancreas, lungs, heart, skeletal muscles, and kidneys. Additionally, the ability of fluoride to cross the Blood–brain barrier may interfere with metabolic processes in the central nervous system. Some studies have suggested a potential role of fluoride in disrupting brain function.
This impact may not be direct, but rather indirect, influencing normal cells and the tumor microenvironment. The concerning negative impact of fluoride on the central nervous system in children and the increasing incidence of pediatric brain tumors since the mid-1980s highlights the need for further investigation into this phenomenon.
Fluoride, a trace element, has not received sufficient attention in both basic and clinical research. Nevertheless, recent papers have shed new light on its unknown pleiotropic effects. Studies on the permeation of the blood-brain barrier and the impact of fluoride on brain metabolism should encourage researchers to explore its mechanisms of action further. Despite several studies on the role of micro- and macroelements in glioma development and treatment, fluoride has been surprisingly ignored in the analysis of minerals in brain tumors and whole brains.
Dysregulating Minerals & Blocking Electric Current
Fluoride presents two main problems: firstly, it acts as a dielectric blocker, hindering DC electric current and mitochondrial redox within the body. Secondly, it dysregulates all minerals by inhibiting calcium and magnesium, as well as displacing iodine in the body. Excessive consumption or accumulation of fluoride may contribute to arthritic symptoms and other health issues.
To limit fluoride exposure, it is recommended to avoid drinking and brushing with tap water, switch to fluoride-free toothpaste, and use a shower filter if municipal water is used. It is important to note that some pharmaceutical medications also contain fluoride.
In my opinion, the understanding of fluoride’s effects cannot be simply given to someone. However, one approach that may be easier to grasp is to highlight its impact on pregnant women and then expand into discussing its general systemic effects. Prenatal fluoride exposure may affect the development of nonverbal abilities in males more than their language or motor abilities, even when the exposure levels are within the recommended intake range.
Various Uses of Fluoride in Our Daily Lives
In the context of human health, fluoride is mainly used to improve dental health. You can sometimes find it in your local water supply and in many over-the-counter (OTC) products, including:
- toothpaste
- mouth rinses
- supplements
If you tend to get a lot of cavities, your dentist might suggest using a prescription mouth rinse with fluoride. These rinses usually have a higher concentration of fluoride than OTC options do.
Fluoride is also used:
- in medical imaging scans, such as PET scans
- as a cleaning agent
- in pesticides
- to make Teflon, steel, and aluminum products
Our dental health couldn’t possibly be worse. We basically have an epidemic of small weak jaws, tooth crowding, and tooth decay.
Skeletal Fluorosis
Skeletal fluorosis shares similarities with dental fluorosis, but it affects bones rather than teeth. It initially presents with symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness, and can eventually result in changes to bone structure and the calcification of ligaments.
It tends to result from long-term exposure to high levels of fluoride, often in drinking water. Excessive fluoride levels in water can stem from various sources, such as accidental contamination from fires or explosions. Additionally, certain regions, particularly in Africa and Asia, have significant geological fluoride deposits that can lead to water supply contamination.
IQ & Cognitive Deficits
A 2019 review found that excessive fluoride exposures in children were linked to cognitive deficits.
A review of multiple studies, which involved data from over 7,000 children, revealed comparable results. It observed that high fluoride exposure through water was linked to lower intelligence levels.
A study conducted on Canadian mothers and their infants discovered that infants who were formula-fed and received formula made with intentionally fluoridated tap water showed a lower “performance IQ” than the breastfed babies in the same study.
Studies looking at the link between fluoride and low IQ scores in children also have mixed results. A 2012 review of existing research concluded that there may be a link between the two.
Neurotoxicity
Early research in animal studies have found a potential neurotoxic issue for high levels of fluoride. Neurotoxicity of fluoride is related to the dose, timing of exposure, and sex of the individual. More recent epidemiological research show associations between fluoride and neurotoxicity in humans.
Cancer
A 2006 study found that childhood exposure to fluoridated water was linked to higher rates of bone cancer in males. However, a 2011 review and a 2016 study didn’t find any connection between the two. [1]
What to Do
Avoid any toothpaste that contains fluoride and do not drink tap water. Use a water filter when possible.
