Is Fluoride Harming Your Brain?You might think of fluoridated water as a good thing—after all, this organic compound is added to our drinking supply for a reason, right? Unfortunately, however, the bigger picture isn’t quite so clear: Although water fluoridation has been standard practice in the U.S. since 1945, research suggests that using it on your teeth might also come with more than one dangerous consequence—especially where your brain is concerned.1
For example, rodent studies show that fluoride exposure can cause free radical damage to DNA molecules and cells in areas of the brain that are essential for cognition, as well as structural brain changes and phospholipid decreases that correlate to impaired learning ability.2-4 Even more research has shown that fluoride elevates the activity of acetylcholinesterase—an enzyme that breaks down the critical memory-related neurotransmitter acetylcholine—while also altering levels of a number of other neurotransmitters (including dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin) that play a role in your brain’s recall ability.5-6
Scientists speculate that the reason for fluoride’s negative effects on the brain traces back to its role in oxidative damage. As it turns out, even low levels of exposure over a period of 10 weeks can increase free radical loads and sap stores of the crucial antioxidant glutathione, along with other key antioxidant enzymes, including catalase and superoxide dismutase.7-8
What’s worse, increased fluoride intake may have a direct effect on IQ scores—especially among children. Research indicates that elevated urinary fluoride levels are associated with poorer verbal and performance evaluations in this age group, indicating that increased intake of this compound may have a startlingly negative impact on childhood intelligence development.9-10 In fact, in areas with higher levels of fluoride in drinking water, there is as much as five times the risk of developing a low IQ than in low-fluoride areas.11 But even at these lower levels, research has revealed that fluoride in water can have a significant impact on intelligence quotients.12
So what can you do to keep fluoride out of your body? Well, keeping it out of your water with the help of a special “fluoride certified” water system is a good place to start—but luckily, several natural compounds have been shown to counteract fluoride’s effects, too. For example, animal research shows that melatonin can reduce markers of oxidative stress while enhancing the brain’s antioxidant enzyme activity and glutathione levels.13-14
Supplementation with iodine has also been shown to support brain health—low levels of this mineral are linked to low IQ risk in children—while facilitating urinary fluoride excretion.15-17 Meanwhile, the B vitamins riboflavin and niacin work in combination to promote maximum iodine absorption and minimum fluoride retention.18
Unfortunately, fluoride detoxification can also trigger a temporary reaction in the form of brain fog and sluggish thinking. To re-energize your brain and promote mental clarity, you can turn to a combination of phophatidylserine (which has been shown to improve cognitive function and mental performance under stress) and glycerophosphocholine (which boosts brain levels of memory- and learning-related neurotransmitters)—both of which are included with acetyl-L-carnitine.19-22
Acetyl-L-carnitine along with acetyl-L-carnitine arginate, Gotu kola, Ginkgo biloba, and uridine, all of which can aid in counteracting fluoride’s pro-oxidant effects by supporting the growth and rejuvenation of your brain’s neurites and dendrites.23-24 (references available)
The #1 Nutrient For Thyroid Health Can iodine help?
The thyroid gland stores iodine until it's needed to make necessary hormones that affect: Weight loss, Energy, Cholesterol control, Mood & mental performance.
That's why nutrients such as Iodine, L-Tyrosine, Kelp and other iodine-rich seaweeds rejuvenate and balance thyroid function. These help to protect the thyroid and supports its detoxification process.
While these low dose and natural iodine sources do not contain the pharmaceutical levels you would need in the event of a nuclear emergency, natural health professionals say they can go a long way to nourishing and fortifying your thyroid.
