Hormones play a large role in everyday life. From regulating metabolism to stabilizing mood and behavior, these fundamental substances push specific body cells into action. Without them, human beings would not be able to grow, heal, and reproduce. With this in mind, it’s easy to understand why a problem with the thyroid—the body’s chief gland responsible for regulating the production and balance of hormones—is such a big deal.
Most recently, the largest fluoride study ever conducted has linked heightened exposure to fluoridated water with an increased risk of developing hypothyroidism. The study undermines the outdated practice, showing strong evidence that water fluoridation might have a long-term toxic effect on the population.
What is Hypothyroidism?
Thyroid problems come in two basic varieties. One is hyperthyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid is overactive and associated with health issues like rapid heart rate, increased metabolism, hyperactivity, and drastic weight fluctuations. The second is called hypothyroidism, a condition characterized by an underactive thyroid.
Hypothyroidism is associated with a number of side effects, including decreased metabolism, fatigue, joint/muscle pain, and extreme sensitivity to cold. Mothers with hypothyroidism are at high risk for having children with a lower IQ, as low metabolism may deprive the developing fetus of the hormones needed to develop and grow healthily (i).
Additional symptoms of hypothyroidism may include obesity, anxiety, and depression.
Water, Fluoride, and Hypothyroidism [UK Study]
A groundbreaking new study offers clear insight on the link between fluoridated public water and illness. In the United Kingdom, researchers found that residents of towns with fluoridated water were about 30% more likely to have hypothyroidism than residents of towns that did not fluoridate their water (ii).
To expand upon this observation, researchers then compared the city of Birmingham (a city that fluoridates its water) with the city of Manchester (a city that does not fluoridate its water). When comparing these two English cities, researchers found that physicians in Birmingham were almost twice as likely to diagnose and treat symptoms of hypothyroidism among residents (iii).
“It [the study] raises a red flag,” says Harvard University physician, Dr. Philippe Grandjean. “[this was the] largest population ever studied in regard to adverse effects of elevated fluoride exposure,” (iv).
Fluoride, Teeth, and Dental Care
So, why is fluoride still added to public water? Proponents of water fluoridation programs insist that fluoride is the best way to improve oral health, especially among low-income families that may not be able to afford regular dental care. This view is inaccurate, however, and ignores the fact that there has never been a clinical trial that proves the “anti-cavity benefits” of fluoride. Moreover, fluoridated public water often disproportionately harms lower income families. In one study, the U.S. Public Health Service reported that children of lower income families were twice as likely to suffer with fluorosis, a side effect of over-exposure to fluoride (v).
Creating Naturally Healthy Smiles with Fluoride Free Dentistry
Holistic dentists are among the most outspoken of the anti-fluoride lobby, actively warning patients about the potentially toxic side effects of fluoridated water, toothpastes, mouth rinses, and topical dental treatments. From a holistic dental perspective, it is more sensible to improve oral health without the use of potentially toxic substances, like fluoride. Holistic dentists also practice biological dentistry, an approach that practices oral health care in a less toxic, more individualized, and more environmentally friendly way.
Fluoride Free Dentistry at Assure A Smile
Assure a Smile practices holistic dentistry, a minimally invasive approach that views the teeth and gums as representative of total body health. Our dental treatments use only safe, bio-compatible materials and are fluoride-free procedures.
To learn more about holistic dentistry, schedule an appointment with Assure a Smile online or call our friendly front desk at 305-274-0047.
Sources
(i) “Water Fluoridation May Increase Risk of Underactive Thyroid Disorder.” Newsweek.com. Published 24 February 2015.
(ii) “Are fluoride levels in drinking water associated with hypothyroidism in England?” Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health: Abstract: http://jech.bmj.com/content/early/2015/02/09/jech-2014-204971.abstract?sid=387994a1-4d28-493a-bef6-8fdf845ecbb0
(iii) See above.
(iv) See (i) above.
(v) “Govn’t Failed to Warn About Fluoride’s Disproportionate Harm to Black Community.” Fluoride Action Network. URL: http://fluoridealert.org/articles/maier_memo/
