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Government Report Links Fluoride Intake to Lowered IQ in Children

The AHA! Team — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 08:10:05 +0000

Ethan Huff via Natural News – The United States government has once again found that consuming fluoride is really dangerous, especially for children. A new report from the National Toxicology Program (NTP), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), reveals that exposure to fluoridated water at levels twice the recommended limit of 0.7 milligrams per liter (mg/l) of water is linked to lower IQ. Keep in mind that prior to 2015, the government-recommended fluoride level for drinking water was 1.5 mg/l. For many decades – and still in some U.S. cities today that have not adjusted their fluoride levels to the new 0.7 mg/l standard – children across the U.S. have been forced to consume and bathe in water that was fluoridated at levels of 1.5 mg/l, which the NTP now admits causes brain damage and lowers IQ in children. The new study, which includes data and analyses from previously published research, marks the first time that a U.S. federal agency has determined “with moderate confidence” that fluoride damages children’s brains. “While the report was not designed to evaluate the health effects of fluoride in drinking water alone, it is a striking acknowledgment of a potential neurological risk from high levels of fluoride,” The Associated Press (AP) reported. (Related: Harvard University researchers identified a link between fluoride and ADHD and mental disorders some 10 years ago, but fluoridated water keeps on flowing through taps across the U.S.) Drinking, bathing in any amount of fluoride isn’t safe The CDC still claims that fluoride consumption at lower levels is safe, helping to re-mineralize teeth and prevent dental caries (cavities). How is a person supposed to regulate this, though, when people are exposed to fluoridated water at unknown levels each and every day? If a person lives in a fluoridated area and consumes food and beverages made with fluoridated water, not to mention brushing one’s teeth with fluoridated toothpaste, the amount of fluoride that ends up being ingested has the potential to be very high. Even if fluoride does the things that public health officials continue to claim it does for the benefit of health, the drug needs to be regulated and controlled at specific levels in actual drug products, not laced into the water supply. “I think this (report) is crucial in our understanding,” commented Ashley Malin, a researcher at the University of Florida who has been studying the effects of fluoride on pregnant women and their unborn children, calling the study the most rigorous of its kind. For their study, researchers at the NTP reviewed a cohort of studies from Canada, China, Iran, India, Pakistan and Mexico looking at fluoridated drinking water. Based on the results of all these studies, the NTP determined that consuming fluoridated water at levels greater than 1.5 mg/l results in lost IQ points. While the review itself did not determine exactly how many IQ points are lost due to drinking fluoridated water, several of the studies included as part of the review suggested that children not exposed to fluoridated drinking water have an IQ that is anywhere between two and five points higher than their fluoridated counterparts. Children not exposed to fluoridated drinking water have an IQ between two and five points higher The World Health Organization (WHO), by the way, still recommends that water supplies be fluoridated at a level of 1.5 mg/l, which is more than double the new recommendation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as of 2015 that only 0.7 mg/l of fluoride be added to water supplies. Currently, about 0.6 percent of the total U.S. population, around 1.9 million people, are still exposed to drinking water fluoridated at levels of 1.5 mg/l or higher. “The findings from this report raise the questions about how these people can be protected and what makes the most sense,” Malin added. More related news coverage can be found at Fluoride.news. Sources for this article include: APNews.com NaturalNews.com To read the original article, click here: https://www.naturalnews.com/2024-08-25-government-report-fluoride-intake-lowered-iq-children.html

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The 5 Hidden Dangers of Fluoride: What You Need to Know

The AHA! Team — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 08:02:46 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Dispelling Fluoride Confusion: It’s in Your Water, in Your Toothpaste, and Recommended by Many Dentists The Problem with Fluoride As a medical professional dedicated to holistic and preventative health, I’ve become increasingly concerned about the pervasive use of fluoride in our daily lives. Fluoride, a mineral commonly found in water, soil, and various foods, is celebrated for its role in preventing tooth decay. However, mounting evidence suggests that excessive fluoride exposure can have serious neurotoxic effects and other health implications. Recent studies have shown that prenatal exposure to fluoride can impair brain development in unborn children. For example, research published in JAMA Pediatrics found that higher fluoride levels during pregnancy were associated with lower IQ scores in children. Another study indicated that fluoride exposure could lead to neurobehavioral issues, including autism-like symptoms(EverydayHealth.com) (The current e-Letter). These findings are alarming, especially considering the widespread exposure to fluoride through drinking water and dental products. Moreover, fluoride can kill good gut bacteria, which is essential for maintaining a healthy microbiome. A Brazilian study found that sodium fluoride was effective at inhibiting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria(The Candida Diet). This disruption can lead to various health issues, including weakened immune response and digestive problems. The CDC’s Recommendations The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a fluoride concentration of 0.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L) in community drinking water to prevent tooth decay. However, even this “optimal” level may not be entirely safe, as recent studies suggest potential neurotoxic effects at these concentrations. Issues with the CDC Recommendations The CDC’s recommended fluoride levels, though intended to prevent dental cavities, may pose significant risks to developing brains. For instance, a Canadian study involving over 500 mother-child pairs found a link between fluoridated drinking water during pregnancy and lower IQs in children(EverydayHealth.com). This raises critical questions about the adequacy of current safety standards. Dental Endorsements and Recommendations The American Dental Association (ADA) strongly endorses the use of fluoride, citing its effectiveness in preventing tooth decay. Dentists across the country recommend fluoride treatments and fluoride-containing products like toothpaste and mouth rinses. These recommendations are based on decades of research supporting fluoride’s benefits for dental health. However, the dental community has been slower to acknowledge the potential systemic risks associated with fluoride. Many dentists continue to support fluoride use because of its proven benefits in reducing cavities. This endorsement, combined with the ADA’s influential position, has led to widespread acceptance of fluoride despite emerging evidence of its neurotoxic potential. Differences Between Fluoride in Water and Dental Treatments The fluoride added to community water supplies is meant to provide systemic benefits by exposing the entire population to low levels of fluoride. This is supposed to strengthen teeth from within. In contrast, the fluoride used in dental treatments is highly concentrated and applied topically, targeting the tooth surface directly. This localized application helps remineralize enamel and reverse early signs of decay without significant ingestion. Why Fluoride is Used in Tap Water and Toothpaste Fluoride is added to tap water and toothpaste because it has been shown to reduce the incidence of dental cavities significantly. Brands like Colgate, Crest, and Sensodyne incorporate fluoride into their products to enhance their cavity-fighting properties. These companies claim that fluoride helps to protect teeth by making enamel more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. The Concerns Fluoride exposure has been linked to various health issues, including: Gut Health: Fluoride can disrupt the balance of good gut bacteria, leading to digestive and immune system problems(The Candida Diet). Bone Health: While fluoride can strengthen bones, excessive exposure can lead to skeletal fluorosis, causing pain and damage to bones and joints. Thyroid Function: As a halide, fluoride can interfere with thyroid function, potentially contributing to hypothyroidism and weight gain(The Candida Diet). Enzyme Interference: Fluoride can disrupt various enzyme functions in the body, which are critical for numerous physiological processes. Neurodevelopmental Issues: Fluoride exposure during pregnancy has been linked to lower IQ and neurobehavioral issues such as ADD/ADHD(The current e-Letter). Solutions To mitigate the risks associated with fluoride exposure, consider these options: Filtered Water: Use water filters that remove fluoride. Brands like Berkey and Aquagear offer effective and affordable solutions for home use. Fluoride-Free Toothpaste: Switch to toothpaste that does not contain fluoride. Brands such as Tom’s of Maine, Dr. Bronner’s, and Jason Natural provide excellent fluoride-free alternatives. Spring Water: Opt for natural spring water. My personal favorite is Mountain Valley Spring Water in glass bottles for its purity and mineral content. While this option may be more costly and less convenient, it is a highly effective way to avoid fluoride. Additionally, I recommend rinsing your mouth 3-7 times after brushing your teeth to ensure that you remove as much fluoride as possible. For those who prefer fluoride toothpaste due to its enamel-strengthening benefits, I recommend using Pro-Enamel Repair Toothpaste to balance the benefits while mitigating risks. Conclusion Fluoride has been a contentious topic for years, celebrated for its role in preventing tooth decay but scrutinized for its potential health risks. By understanding the sources and effects of fluoride, and exploring safer alternatives, we can make more informed decisions for our health and that of our families. References: JAMA Pediatrics study on fluoride exposure and IQ: Link Healthnews article on fluoride’s neurobehavioral impact: Link Brazilian study on fluoride’s impact on gut bacteria: Link As we continue to research and understand the full implications of fluoride exposure, it’s crucial to stay informed and consider safer alternatives for a healthier future. Dr. Colbert isn’t anti- flouride he just wants people to understand the dangers, because it does have some benefits, he recommends pro-enamel repair toothepaste To read the original article click here.

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Which Chemicals in Tap Water Can Wreck Your Health?

AHA Publisher — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 08:00:34 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Perhaps nothing is as essential to maintaining good health as safe and adequate drinking water. But an increase in water contaminants in recent years has heightened concerns over what is coming out of the tap when you reach for that faucet. In fact, researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS) have stated that fluoride – which is deliberately placed in public water systems throughout North America – directly ‘contribute to the development of mental disorders in children, such as ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and autism.’ Can U.S. Citizens Trust EPA Water “Safety” Standards? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that Americans should expect their drinking water, whether from the tap or bottle, to contain at least trace amounts of certain pollutants and contaminants. Don’t you love the way they downplay the health concern? (i.e. ‘trace amounts’) According to the agency, finding impurities in drinking water does not necessarily mean it is dangerous to consume. To that end, the EPA has created standards for about 90 contaminants most often found in drinking water, providing limits for what the agency has determined are safe levels. In addition, the list includes what the EPA has labeled as “indicators,” substances that signal a likely problem with a treatment facility or distribution system. Is Your Water Supply Safe to Drink? While these “National Primary Drinking Water Regulations” may provide some legally enforceable standards that public water systems must adhere to, the presence of contaminants in drinking water continues to raise questions as to whether safe levels truly are “safe,” and what the long-term health consequences may be of consuming even trace levels of hazardous chemicals over long periods of time. And with fewer than 100 contaminants on the list, the public is at risk for additional substances not falling under the regulation that pose a health threat for cancer and other ills. Among the classifications of hazardous substances most commonly found in drinking water supplies are: Microorganisms Disinfectants Disinfection byproducts Inorganic chemicals Organic chemicals Radionuclides Notice what is NOT mentioned (tested)? How about all the pharmaceutical drugs flushed down the toilet – every single day! Microorganisms Prove to Be Deadly Modern municipal treatment processes, including disinfection and filtration, have led to complacency about drinking water safety. But all the technology available cannot always completely safeguard people from deadly microorganism contamination and other pollutants. The Natural Resources Defense Council points to an incident in upstate New York in 1999 when more than 1,000 county fairgoers fell ill due to waterborne contamination by a particularly virulent strain of E. Coli bacteria. An elderly man and young child died when they were not strong enough to fight off the pathogen. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Health officials around the country have documented similar situations of human health compromised by microorganism contamination of drinking water. Problems with microorganisms in water most often result from contamination with human or animal fecal matter or bacteria that typically exist in the environment. How Do Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Get Into the Water Supply? Ironically, when agents are added to water to control the growth of microbes, these disinfectants can become contaminants themselves. In addition, substances that are formed during the disinfection process can also find their way into the drinking water. For example, chlorine added to control the growth of bacteria can cause nose and throat irritation and irritate the stomach. In addition, bromate and haloacetic acids can form during the disinfection process and contaminate water. Both substances are considered cancer-causing agents, according to the EPA. Other disinfectant byproducts have been linked to serious reproductive problems. Can Inorganic and Organic Chemicals Harm the Body? Large numbers of organic and inorganic chemicals find their way into public drinking water, causing everything from kidney damage and intestinal lesions to nerve disorders. For example, an inorganic chemical like arsenic can contaminate drinking water supplies due to erosion of natural deposits, orchard runoff, or contamination from waste sites that handle materials like electronics and glass. Fluoride, added to many municipal water supplies, can lead to bone disease, teeth mottling, and lower IQ. Organic chemicals like atrazine, a chemical used in agriculture production that can enter water supplies through runoff, raise havoc with cardiovascular and reproductive systems. What Kind of Radionuclides Can Be Found in Our Water Supply? Contaminants like uranium and alpha particles can enter the water supply from natural erosion. These and other radionuclides are known to raise the risk of cancer and lead to kidney toxicity. These outdated ‘safety standards’ from the EPA raise serious health concerns. While the EPA regulates only 91 contaminants through the Safe Drinking Water Act, the agency is quick to point out that over 60,000 chemicals are used in some capacity across the nation. According to an analysis of government records by The New York Times, these chemicals have been scrutinized by government officials and independent researchers, and hundreds have been found to increase the risk of cancer and raise other serious health risks, even when found at tiny concentrations in drinking water. Despite this finding, however, no additional chemicals have been added since 2000 to the list falling under regulation of the Safe Drinking Water Act, leaving citizens with unanswered questions about the safety of their water supply. If you want to be sure about the safety of your water supply – get it tested and take the appropriate actions necessary to protect you and your family. After all, drinking pure (clean) spring water or purified water is one of the best ways to stay healthy. Sources for this article include: EWG.org MedicalDaily.com EPA.gov NRDC.org To read the original article click here.

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