Side Effects of Fluoride on the Thyroid

Many cities are adding fluoride to drinking water, but do we know what long term impact this could be having on our bodies?

How Could Fluoride be Effecting Thyroid Function

According to The Portland Tribune "fluoride in water increases bone fractures as well as stiffness in the joints of the elderly, and that it also may be related to Alzheimer's disease, marginally reduce IQ in children and alter the endocrine and hormonal levels that control most of the functions of the human body with unknown effects."

Opponents of adding fluoride to drinking water argue that the benefits are better delivered from fluoridated toothpaste or mouthwash and not by swallowing it. Up until the 1970's doctor's in Europe used fluoride to suppress thyroid function in patients who has Hyperthyroidism (over active thyroid). Doctors found that doses as small as 2 mg a day were effective at slowing the thyroids function. And what could be even more unsettling is that according to About.com, "Nazi concentration camps used fluoridated water to suppress the will and vigor of inmates."

Hypothyroidism (under active thyroid), which is most common in women over the age of 40 years old seems to be on the rise, according to my doctor that I see for my own hypothyroidism. With so many cities having their drinking water fluoridated, the concern is that the fluoride exposure is causing more women as well as men to have hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is a serious condition with a large number of symptoms including, weight gain, depression, hair loss, muscle pain, fatigue, constipation, irregular menstrual cycles, dry skin, brittle nails, memory problems, problems thinking clearly, feeling cold and swollen ankles.

What is Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid is not making enough thyroid hormone. The hormones your thyroid makes control the way your body uses energy. You can find your thyroid in the front of your neck, it is a small butterfly shaped gland. Some people may get goiters or nodules on or around their thyroid. When the thyroid is not making the necessary hormones, it can have a huge impact on other body functions such as, development and metabolism.

According to eHow.com "an estimated 25 million people in the United States suffer from hypothyroidism and almost half are undiagnosed."

Fluoridated water may impair thyroid function and according to Greatest Herbs on Earth, Synthroid is the second most filled prescription by pharmacists. Synthroid is a replacement for the hormone that your thyroid would normally make.

The possible effect on the endocrine system which includes the thyroid is widely debated. But it's time to get the research done and find out for sure.

Sources:

http://www.portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=34527

http://www.fluoridealert.org/health/thyroid/

http://www.ehow.com/facts_4811494_hypothyroid-symptoms.html

http://www.greatestherbsonearth.com/nsparticles/prescription_drug_alternatives.htm