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FLUORIDE POISONING QUESTION AND ANSWER

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CHRONIC FLUORIDE POISONING
Q&A
by Jason A. Uttley
juttley@hotmail.com

1). What is the most obvious disease linked to chronic fluoride poisoning?

Hypothyroidism.   

"Today, many people living in fluoridated communities are ingesting doses of fluoride (1.6-6.6 mg/day) that fall within the range of doses (2 to 10 mg/day) once used by doctors to reduce thyroid activity in hyperthyroid patients. This is of particular concern considering the widespread problem of hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid) in the United States. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include obesity, lethargy, depression, and heart disease."

 

Paul Connett, PhD

Co-Founder, Fluoride Action Network

 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) scientists, National Research Council (NRC) scientists, and Parents of Fluoride Poisoned Children (PFPC) agree:

 

  • EPA Scientists in Washington D.C. are now calling for an immediate halt to water fluoridation programs in the U.S. as well as a Congressional Investigation into fluoride's adverse effects, listing "thyroid pathology" among their top concerns... http://www.nteu280.org/Issues/Fluoride/flouridestatement.htm

http://www.nteu280.org/Issues/Fluoride/Press Release. Fluoride.htm

 

  • The National Research Council devoted considerable attention to the %uFFFDthyroid effects%uFFFD of fluoride in its groundbreaking review of Fluoride Toxicity in 2006. Chapter 8, Effects on Endocrine System, includes a detailed review of the growing scientific evidence linking fluoride consumption to thyroid dysfunction%uFFFD

http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=11571&page=224

 

  • Parents of Fluoride Poisoned Children, an organization founded by Andreas Schuld, a leading advocate of fluoride toxicity awareness, has a wealth of information available on the link between fluoride and %uFFFDthyroid dysfunction%uFFFD%uFFFD

          http://bruha.com/pfpc/html/thyroid_page.html

2). What amount of fluoride do EPA scientists think is safe, to prevent hypothyroidism & other adverse effects associated with water fluoridation?

    Zero.

 

%uFFFDDecreased thyroid function is an adverse health effect, particularly to individuals with inadequate dietary iodine. These individuals could be affected with a daily fluoride dose of 0.7 mg/day (for a %uFFFDstandard man%uFFFD). Since this is less than the amount already in the diet, the MCLG should be zero.%uFFFD

Robert J. Carton, PhD

 

EPA scientists, including Robert J. Carton and J. William Hirzy, the former and present leaders of the EPA Union of Scientists in Washington D.C., respectively, have called for the EPA%uFFFDs Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) for Fluoride to be immediately changed to ZERO. 

 

  • Robert Carton%uFFFDs critique of the National Research Council%uFFFDs 2006 review of the Toxicity of Fluoride in Drinking Water, recently published in the International Society for Fluoride Research%uFFFDs (ISFR) Fluoride Journal, highlighted many adverse health effects, including the degree to which water fluoridation is contributing to the current epidemic of thyroid dysfunction in the U.S.

http://www.fluorideresearch.org/393/files/FJ2006_v39_n3_p163-172.pdf

 

 

3). Where can I find studies linking thyroid dysfunction to fluoride exposure?

 

         Three of the best resources for this on the Internet are:

 

Parents of Fluoride Poisoned Children

http://www.bruha.com/science/html/f-___thyroid_i.html

 

The Fluoride Action Network

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

 

Second Look

http://www.slweb.org/bibliography.html#thyroid

 

 

%uFFFDLike many of our professional colleagues, we long held a belief that the practice of water fluoridation was highly beneficial and relatively low-risk. We are now convinced that it is of small benefit, and carries an unacceptably large risk.

 

What changed our thinking so dramatically on this important issue? While reviewing medical studies for a new book, we were shocked to learn about the disturbing fluoride-thyroid connection.

 

We had been a prevention-oriented doctor-nurse team working together for twenty-five years. We had raised three children together, and had always viewed good dental care as an integral part of a complete health program. After training at Harvard and Walter Reed respectively, Rich worked at the National Institutes of Health and Karilee served as a nursing professor, before we each eventually settled into private practice. Nothing on this path shook our faith in fluoride.

In fact, it was not until we were working with a New York publisher that we really did our homework on this subject. The topic of our book, Thyroid Power (HarperCollins 2001), was the unexplained skyrocketing of thyroid disease and its spin-off epidemics of fatigue, depression, anxiety, infertility, and overweight. While researching influences on the thyroid gland, we were astounded by the large number of fluoride citations. We were confronted with long lists of articles, from scientists around the world, reporting in medical journals about the harmful effects of fluoride.

 

But fluoride is not simply an isolated problem for identified thyroid patients. As a widespread hormone disruptor it is very likely to be causing wider mischief, even at supposed safe levels. Fluoride is, of course, just one of a great many environmental hormone disruptors. However, it is the only one we purposely put into our drinking water.%uFFFD

 

Dr. Richard L. Shames, M.D. and Karilee H. Shames, PhD, RN

Co-Authors, Thyroid Power

 

 

 

4). What emerging disease appears to represent the most severe form of chronic fluoride poisoning?

 

Fibromyalgia (FMS).

 

"It has been proposed here that many chronic Pain-Fatigue Syndromes (including CFS, FMS, and PGS) are caused by magnesium deficiency plus concomitant fluoride excess (MDFE), and that these chronic illnesses present a major and growing worldwide public health concern due to decreasing intake of Mg and ever-increasing levels of exposure to fluoride compounds used in industry, agriculture, medicine, and household and personal hygiene products.%uFFFD

Julia A. Laylander

Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, 1999

 

See "The Cause of Fibromyalgia" article at Earth Clinic...

http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/fibromyalgia.html

 

5). Is Fibromyalgia associated with thyroid dysfunction?

 

Yes.

 

"Dr. Lowe and several other researchers have determined that some 90% of fibromyalgia patients have thyroid disease. The thyroid diseases include primary hypothyroidism, central hypothyroidism, and cellular resistance to thyroid hormone.%uFFFD

 

Dr. John C. Lowe

Director of Research, Fibromyalgia Foundation of America

 

Earth Clinic's Fibromyalgia Questionnaires have identified Hypothyroidism as one of the most common pre-existing conditions in those suffering from Fibromyalgia. Here are just a few of the many references we%uFFFDve seen%uFFFD

 

"I believe Fibro is a type of massive system failure of the endocrine system beginning in the hypothalamus and affecting the thyroid, pituitary and adrenals. That in turn causes other systems to malfunction. Also seems to be a serious problem with nutrients not being absorbed at the cellular level in spite of normal blood tests...

Jean (Marysville, Washington)

 

"I have recently learned that iodine could be the missing link in this. I was recently found to be extremely iodine deficient. Fluoride can only sit on the receptor sites where there is not enough iodine. So it seems that if one is lacking in iodine they are much more susceptible to fluoride toxicity and also heavy metal toxicity. Dr Brownstein has written an excellent book on iodine deficiency and the fluoride connection.%uFFFD

Pat (Toledo, Ohio)

 

"I suspect it's thyroid related.  Docs are too quick to pass out antidepressants instead of looking for the physical cause of depression. Treat the cause NOT the symptom and we'll all get better. The crap they put in our food and water is a big problem. Soy and hormones are mixed into everything.  Kids are hitting early puberty and having thyroid problems, but instead of recognizing the mutation for what it is, physicians just say 'that's the norm for now.'"

Patty (Ocean View, Hawaii)

 

"Please! There is a reason Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum opened all those centers for fibro & chronic fatigue. He HAD those diseases himself. He is right!  I'm not the only person saying this. Talk to others at Natural Thyroid Hormones on Yahoo group." 

Amy (Reston, Virginia)

 

6). Is the lab test to measure thyroid dysfunction sensitive enough?

 

No.

"The big myth that persists regarding thyroid diagnosis is that an elevated TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) level is always required before a diagnosis of hypothyroidism can be made. Normally, the pituitary gland will secrete TSH in response to a low thyroid hormone level. Thus an elevated TSH level would typically suggest an underactive thyroid.

The basic problem that traditional medicine has with diagnosing hypothyroidism is the so-called %uFFFDnormal range%uFFFD of TSH is far too high: Many patients with TSH's of greater than 2.0 (not 4.5) have classic symptoms and signs of hypothyroidism (see below). So, if your TSH is above 2.0 there is a strong chance your thyroid gland is not working properly.%uFFFD

 

Dr. Joseph Mercola, M.D.

 

Based on criticism, the recommended %uFFFDnormal range%uFFFD for the TSH test was reduced.  Unfortunately, many labs have been slow to implement this change, as Fibromyalgia experts who understand the thyroid connection, like Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, are quick to point out%uFFFD

 

%uFFFDFor over a decade, my research and that of many other researchers in the field has shown that hypothyroidism, like most other illnesses that affect predominantly women, has been dramatically under diagnosed. The American Academy of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), the nation's largest organization of thyroid specialists, has now confirmed this. After a recent meeting, the normal range for thyroid tests was dramatically narrowed.

 

Now, 18 months after the new directives have been given, doctors are still largely unaware of these new lab guidelines for diagnosis and treatment. Even the major labs doing thyroid testing have not bothered to change the now incorrect normal ranges for both diagnosis & treatment of thyroid disorders.%uFFFD

 

Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D.

Medical Director, Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Centers Inc.

 

 

7). Besides thyroid dysfunction, what are the other symptoms associated with chronic fluoride poisoning?

 

George Waldbott, M.D., the Founder of the International Society for Fluoride Research (ISFR), one of the 20th Century's top experts in chronic fluoride toxicity, highlighted the "major" symptoms of chronic fluoride poisoning in the 1978 book, Fluoridation: The Great Dilemma...

http://www.earthclinic.com/images/SymptomsofFluoridePoisoning.jpg

 

%uFFFDFluoride is one of the most toxic chemicals in the world. It is a product that comes from the manufacture of superphosphic fertilizers, and is so toxic it can%uFFFDt be dumped anywhere. Through lobbying, fluoride was then sold to municipalities and dumped in our water supplies under the guise of being good for our teeth. It%uFFFDs a big lie and nothing could be further from the truth.

 

Fluoride adversely affects virtually every organ in the body, primarily your thyroid gland. It can be seen that the areas in America that have the most fluoride in the water have the highest obesity rate because people%uFFFDs metabolisms go down. Fluoride makes you depressed and causes all types of physical problems.%uFFFD

  

Kevin Trudeau

 Author, Natural Cures "They" Don't Want You To Know About

 

While symptoms may vary in the order in which they develop, as well as their individual severity, the symptoms of Chronic Fluoride Poisoning can be broken into at least 4 stages, depending on one's level of exposure to the cumulative toxin...

STAGE 1:

Thyroid Dysfunction

Immune System Dysfunction

Chronic Fatigue (CFS)

Depression

Headaches

Neck Stiffness

 

STAGE 2:

Thyroid Dysfunction

Immune System Dysfunction

Chronic Fatigue (CFS)

Depression

Headaches

Neck Stiffness

Interstitial Cystitis / Urinary Frequency (IC)

Noticeable Hair Loss

Gastrointestinal Disturbances (IBS)

Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS)

Carpel tunnel / Repetitive Strain Injury

Muscle Spasms / Restless Leg (RLS)

Joint Pain, localized, minor to moderate (arthritic-like pain)

Cognitive Difficulties, minor to moderate

Muscle Pain & Stiffness, minor to moderate

 

STAGE 3:

Thyroid Dysfunction

Immune System Dysfunction

Chronic Fatigue (CFS)

Depression

Headaches

Neck Stiffness

Interstitial Cystitis / Urinary Frequency (IC)

Noticeable Hair Loss

Gastrointestinal Disturbances (IBS)

Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS)

Carpel tunnel / Repetitive Strain Injury

Restless Leg / Muscle Spasms (RLS)

Joint Pain, widespread, moderate to severe (arthritic-like pain)

Cognitive Difficulties, moderate to severe (Brain Fog)

Muscle Pain & Stiffness, moderate to severe (FMS)

Sleep Disturbances

Light Sensitivity/Vision Problems

Numbness, often beginning in the extremities

 

STAGE 4:

Thyroid Dysfunction

Immune System Dysfunction

Chronic Fatigue (CFS)

Depression

Headaches

Neck Stiffness

Interstitial Cystitis / Urinary Frequency (IC)

Noticeable Hair Loss

Gastrointestinal Disturbances (IBS)

Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS)

Carpel tunnel / Repetitive Strain Injury

Restless Leg / Muscle Spasms (RLS)

Joint Pain, widespread, moderate to severe (arthritic-like pain)

Cognitive Difficulties, moderate to severe (Brain Fog)

Muscle Pain & Stiffness, moderate to severe (FMS)

Light Sensitivity/Vision Problems

Sleep Disturbances

Numbness, often beginning in the extremities

Joint "Popping", moderate to severe

Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP)

Ringing in the Ears / Tinnitus

Kidney Pain (Rhabdomyolysis)

Spinal Pain / Compression (Spinal Stenosis)

 

 

8). Is fluoridated water the only major source of toxic fluoride exposure?

 

No.  In fact, the biggest threat of developing the most severe forms of chronic fluoride poisoning may actually stem from fluoride-based prescription drugs, such as fluorinated antibiotics like Cipro. 

 

Although prescription drugs don't contain relatively large amounts of fluoride, the forms of fluoride are, in some cases, SO toxic they can induce chronic fluoride poisoning following extended, or repeated use. 

 

 

%uFFFDIn summary, Cipro causes fluoride poisoning. But will any practitioner know how to deal with this, considering that the American Dental Association has shielded all practitioners from proper knowledge of fluoride toxicity?%uFFFD

Andreas Schuld

Founder, Parents of Fluoride Poisoned Children (PFPC)

 

 

Earth Clinic's Fibromyalgia Questionnaires frequently reference antibiotic treatment prior to the development of Fibromyalgia and its related conditions.  Here are just a few of the many examples we've seen...

 

%uFFFDHealthy and fit. Developed fibromyalgia after hysteroctemy and bladder repair. Had UTI and catheter for 6 weeks following. Treated with several antibiotics during that 6 weeks, one of them being Cipro for 3 weeks.%uFFFD

Margie (Baden, Pennsylvania)

 

I had step throat. Took antibiotics. The symptoms remained and I felt sicker. After two months and many tests I was diagnosed with CFS. Now the doctor says it is Fibromyalgia.%uFFFD

Natalie (Upstate, New York)

 

"I believe that the doctors are a large part of the problem. I would go to the doctor and they would look at me and say that there was nothing wrong with me%uFFFD. From 29 - 39 I would repeatedly get infections and they would prescribe me antibiotics. There was 1 period when I would get an infection every 3 weeks but still the doctors would give me antibiotics and treated me like a hypochondriac. They only started paying attention to me when at age 39 I began a search for what was wrong with me when I went from 125lbs to 200 lbs while eating healthy."

Glenda (Chicago, Illinois)

 

 "I believe there are many reasons [for fibromyalgia to develop] including antibiotics and other prescribed meds, thyroid problems, infections, and chemicals in our environment."

Alvita (Detroit, Michigan)

 

"Now that I think back, my symptoms began after I started developing allergies to antibiotics."

Christine (San Bernardino, California)

 

Was Your Rate of Decline Fast?  "Yes---but the only drugs I remember taking were antibiotics."

Jennifer (South Carolina)

 

"I was taking a lot of antibiotics in my 20's as I was prone to UTI's. I don't remember which ones. I never took long them for long durations."

Pat (Toledo, Ohio)

 

"Didn't know about the fluoride side of this until tonight, but as a child was not given fluoride tablets or fluoridated water, however getting over a dose of antibiotics has always been hard."

Larney (Brisbane, Australia)

 

"What antibiotics contain fluoride?  I took some as a child. When I was a child my joints would lock up on me causing severe pain and no one knew why."

Maureen (Orlando, Florida)

 

"Suffered for 5yrs with Anxiety Disorder. Had bout of sinusitis, then took antibiotics. 2 days later my CFS/Fibro started."

Gary (London, England)

 

 

 

9). Which prescription drugs contain fluoride?

 

Prescription drugs with "FL" in their chemical name typically reference fluoride as an ingredient.  However, since other drugs may contain fluoride as well, it is a good idea to look up the specific chemical makeup of medications online at a site like... www.rxlist.com

 

Other links that may be of help in identifying fluorinated drugs include:

 

Parents of Fluoride Poisoned Children http://bruha.com/pfpc/html/index_drugs.html

 

                                    Second Look

http://www.slweb.org/ftrcfluorinatedpharm.html

 

 

 

"It is important that this committee and the American people understand that what happened with Vioxx is really a symptom of something far more dangerous to the safety of the American people. Simply put, FDA and the Center of Drug Evaluation and Research are broken."

Dr. David Graham, M.D.

FDA Drug Safety Expert (Vioxx Whistleblower)

 

http://vitalvotes.com/blogs/public_blog/Prescription-for-Disaster----You-Need-to-Watch-This-Video---5942.aspx

 

 

10). What are the 5 products containing fluoride you most want to avoid?

 

  • Prescription drugs with fluoride as an ingredient

 

Especially the fluoroquinolone antibiotics or any other fluoride-based drug whose list of so-called side effects appear to mirror the known symptoms of chronic fluoride poisoning.

 

  • Infant Formula made with fluoridated tap water

Extreme neurotoxins and children don't mix. 

 

When EPA Scientists in Washington D.C. say that the emerging body of scientific evidence from around the world supports the conclusion that fluoride is severely neurotoxic, and the National Research Council's recent review of the Toxicity of Fluoride in Drinking Water draws the very same conclusion, one doesn't really need to know ANYTHING about the rapidly emerging diseases linked to chronic fluoride poisoning to reason that infant formula, in particular, should never be made with fluoridated water.

 

  • Green Tea

 

Green and black tea leaves absorb such high concentrations of fluoride naturally that they are sometimes marketed to unwary consumers as if drinking them is akin to consuming fluoride toothpaste. 

 

Of course few mention the fact that the warning label of fluoride toothpaste was dramatically upgraded just months after noted neurotoxicologist  turned whistleblower, Phyllis Mullenix, proved the extreme neurotoxicity of fluoride on behalf of the internationally renowned, Harvard-affliated, Forsyth Dental Institute.

 

Unfortunately to benefit from the potent antioxidants in Green Tea you must swallow relatively significant amounts of the cumulative neurotoxin.