Fluoride: Should It Be In My Water?

If fluoride was truly the miracle cure for dental disease that it is portrayed to be, more countries would be fluoridating their water. The truth is that fluoride is not all it is made out to be - some experts even call it a poison, since it is a byproduct from industrial waste. For that reason, many Canadian and American communities have started opposing fluoridation of their water using this highly toxic industrial waste product.

Let's look at why fluoridation is bad for you and what you can do to avoid consuming it.

1. People in fluoridated countries have no less tooth decay than anywhere else.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has not seen a discernable difference in countries that use fluoridated water. The reduction in tooth decay found in fluoridated regions, is consistent with that in non-fluoridated countries.

2. Fluoride is downright toxic

Research has shown that fluoride affects more than just your teeth. In fact, the toxin is known as an endocrine disrupter that can affect your blood sugar levels, pineal gland, thyroid, brain and bones. Several studies performed on both humans and animals have shown that fluoride can be linked with brain damage and a lower IQ in children, as well as numerous other health issues, including:

➢ muscle disorders,
➢ hyperactivity or lethargy,
➢ arthritis,
➢ dementia,
➢ thyroid disease,
➢ disrupted immune system,
➢ increased infertility and damaged sperm,
➢ genetic damage and cell death,
➢ increased cancer risks,
➢ and numerous others.

3. Overexposure leads to dental fluorosis

Long-term ingestion of fluoride while the teeth are forming can lead to dental fluorosis. This condition causes a change of appearance in the tooth enamel.

4. Fluoride toxicity exacerbates medical conditions experienced in low-income areas

Children raised in poorer homes are already more prone to nutritional deficiencies due to formula consumption. Kidney disease and diabetes are two other common conditions in poorer homes. Dental fluorosis is significantly higher in children from low-income communities, despite the fact that they have fluoridated water.

3 Solutions to Water Fluoridation

Since fluoride is already naturally available in some groundwater sources, in green, rooibos and black tea, fluoride toothpaste and non-organic grape juice and wine, you may want to consider ways in which to reduce your fluoride consumption, at least in the water you drink.

These are your options:

1. Buy Bottled Water

You could buy bottled water, provided you pay attention to the packaging. While regulators are working hard to ensure that containers state the truth, some manufacturers still sell "spring water" that contains questionable ingredients, such as fluoride.

2. Make your own solar still

If you're mechanically minded and adventurous, you could consider making your own solar distiller. Distilled water contains no contaminants or even beneficial minerals. Experts disagree as to whether this is good or bad.

3. Invest in a water filtration system

There are many different types of water filtration systems on the market today, but some of the best brands fail to remove fluoride. It is important to look for a unit that both purifies and desalinates.

If you can afford a reverse osmosis system, that would be the way to go. Speak to Anta Plumbing today about the best options for your home.