The Thyroid and Fluoride

What is Fluoride?

• Definition of Fluoride
  Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil, water, and various foods. It is commonly added to dental products and public water supplies to prevent tooth decay. In its ionic form, fluoride is derived from fluorine, the 13th most abundant element on Earth.

What Types of Fluoride Are There and What Do They Do?

• Types of Fluoride

  • Sodium Fluoride (NaF): Found in toothpaste, mouthwashes, and some water supplies, it prevents dental cavities.

  • Calcium Fluoride (CaF2): Naturally occurring in water and soil; less soluble and considered less bioavailable.

  • Stannous Fluoride (SnF2): Used in certain toothpaste formulations for its antimicrobial properties.

  • Hydrofluorosilicic Acid (H2SiF6) & Sodium Fluorosilicate (Na2SiF6): Commonly used to fluoridate water supplies.

  • Fluorides in Industrial Uses: Found in pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and aluminum production.

Daily Requirements for Fluoride

• Recommended Intake

  • Infants (0-6 months): 0.01 mg/day.

  • Children (7 months - 8 years): 0.05 mg/kg/day (not exceeding 0.7 mg/day for young children).

  • Adolescents & Adults: 3-4 mg/day.

  • Pregnant/Breastfeeding Women: 3 mg/day.

What Does Fluoride Do in Our Body?

• Roles and Functions

  • Strengthens tooth enamel by incorporating into hydroxyapatite, forming fluorapatite.

  • May support bone health in low doses, though excessive amounts can weaken bones.

  • Acts as an antimicrobial agent in dental health.

Symptoms of Fluoride Deficiency / Toxicity

• Deficiency Symptoms

  • Increased susceptibility to dental cavities.

  • Weak tooth enamel.

• Toxicity Symptoms

  • Acute Toxicity: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain from ingesting large amounts.

  • Chronic Toxicity:

    • Dental Fluorosis: White spots or streaks on teeth (common in children).

    • Skeletal Fluorosis: Joint stiffness, pain, and brittle bones.

    • Neurological issues: Headaches, fatigue, and cognitive impairments.

What Does Fluoride Do to Our Thyroid Pathway?

• Effects on the Thyroid

  • Fluoride competes with iodine, an essential nutrient for thyroid hormone production.

  • High fluoride exposure may suppress thyroid function, leading to hypothyroidism.

  • Disruption in T3 and T4 synthesis can occur due to enzyme inhibition (e.g., thyroperoxidase).

  • Increased TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels may occur as the body attempts to compensate.

What Does Fluoride Do to Our Liver?

• Liver Impact

  • Excessive fluoride exposure may induce oxidative stress in liver cells.

  • Can impair liver enzyme functions, potentially affecting detoxification pathways.

  • Chronic exposure has been linked to fatty liver disease in animal studies.

What Does Fluoride Do to Our Gut?

• Gut Health Impacts

  • Fluoride may alter the gut microbiome by reducing beneficial bacteria.

  • High fluoride levels can irritate the stomach lining, leading to gastritis.

  • Potential reduction in nutrient absorption due to compromised gut health.

Physical Ailments Caused by Fluoride

• Dental fluorosis.

• Skeletal fluorosis.

• Joint pain and stiffness.

• Impaired cognitive development in children (with high exposure).

• Fatigue and weight gain linked to thyroid dysfunction.

Foods That Impact Fluoride

• Foods That Contain Fluoride

  • Tea leaves (especially black tea).

  • Seafood (e.g., fish and shellfish).

  • Grapes and raisins (due to pesticide residues).

• Foods That Decrease Fluoride Absorption

  • Calcium-rich foods like milk and cheese.

  • Magnesium-rich foods such as leafy greens.

Medications That Impact Fluoride

• Increase Fluoride Levels

  • Fluorinated pharmaceuticals, such as certain antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin).

  • Fluorine-based anesthetics.

• Decrease Fluoride Absorption

  • Calcium or magnesium supplements taken alongside fluoride-rich foods or water.

Natural Supplements That Impact Fluoride

• Beneficial Supplements

  • Iodine: Supports thyroid function and reduces fluoride’s competitive effects.

  • Selenium: Protects against oxidative stress caused by fluoride.

  • Curcumin: An anti-inflammatory that mitigates fluoride toxicity.

Heavy Metals That Impact Fluoride

• Aluminum: Increases fluoride bioavailability and enhances its toxic effects.

• Lead: Fluoride exposure in combination with lead can exacerbate neurological damage.

Testing for Fluoride

• Methods of Testing

  • Urine Fluoride Levels: Most common method for assessing exposure.

  • Blood Fluoride Levels: Useful in acute toxicity cases.

  • Bone Fluoride Analysis: Assesses skeletal fluorosis.

Foods High in Fluoride

• Tea leaves (green and black).

• Grapes and wine (from fluoridated pesticides).

• Seafood with shells, especially shrimp and crab.

Everyday Items That Contain Fluoride

• Personal Care

  • Toothpaste.

  • Mouthwash.

• Household Products

  • Fluoridated tap water.

  • Non-stick cookware (fluoropolymers).

• Industrial Products

  • Pesticides.

  • Teflon coatings.

Other Random Information About Fluoride

• Fluoride was initially introduced to water supplies in the 1940s to prevent dental cavities.

• Regions with naturally high fluoride in water often report skeletal fluorosis in populations.

• Fluoride toxicity risk increases with high tea consumption due to accumulation in the leaves.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or treatment plan. Individual needs may vary, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.