Is that a neurotoxin in your tap water? Will fluoride be the new mercury?

Dentists, parents and mouthwash advertisements have been telling us all our lives that fluoride prevents tooth decay. It probably does. But are we choosing cancer over cavities?

Two things we all do a lot of: brush teeth + drink water.

Water fluoridation began in some parts of the United States in 1945, after scientists noticed that people living in areas with naturally higher water fluoride levels had fewer cavities. Soon after, in 1962, the United States Public Health Service (PHS) recommended that public water supplies contain fluoride to help prevent tooth decay.

Today fluoride is still added to about 74%  of U.S public drinking water supplies despite it being classified 2 years ago, along with mercury and lead, as a neurotoxin “that injures the developing brain” by The Lancet – one of the world’s oldest and best peer-reviewed medical journals. In addition to the negative impact on developing brains and increasing the risk for hypothyroidism , fluoride has also been linked to various cancers .

Last year, the PHS lowered the recommended fluoride level (from between .0.7 and 1.2 mg/L) to 0.7 mg/L. But until public health officials catch up with the scientific literature and everyone reaches a unanimous decision (don’t hold your breath), it’s probably a good idea to filter your water and take your toothpaste fluoride-free. Just in case. (That safe vs. sorry thing). Also, have we ever told you to eat less sugar?

At Parsley we like to figure out smart ways to minimize your exposure to potential toxins that might be interfering with your hormones and your natural repair processes. We test you for heavy metals and industrial chemicals, because we like to get to the bottom of why your body isn’t functioning as well as it should. We also test how well you’re able break down these toxins once they’re in your system, and give you nutritional support through diet and targeted supplementation, based on your unique results.

If this kind of functional medicine appeals to you, schedule a quick free consultation with someone one our team to have your questions answered.

Meanwhile, here’s a link to the Environmental Working Group on finding a water filter that works for you. We’ve also heard good things about the Berkey water filters . Tell us which filters you like in the comments! Or come see us and tell us then.

Lastly, why not do as our clever ancestors did and make your own, using things from nature:

Natural Toothpaste (via Wellness Mama ) Ingredients:

• About 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 2-3 Tablespoons of baking soda
• 2 small packets of stevia powder
• 15-20 drops of peppermint or cinnamon essential oil
• 10 drops myrrh extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. Melt or slightly soften coconut oil.
2. Mix in other ingredients and stir well. If using semi-hard coconut oil, use a fork, if not, use a spoon. If you are using completely melted coconut oil, you will need to stir several times while the mixture cools to keep the baking soda incorporated.
3. Put mixture into small glass jar (I make different ones for each family member)
4. Let cool completely.
5. To use: dip toothbrush in and scrape small amount onto bristles. Could also use a small spoon to put on toothbrush

Homemade Toothpaste with Peppermint and Coconut Oil by Liana Werner-Gray on MindBodyGreen.

References:

1. Possible adverse effect of high fluoride exposure on children’s neurodevelopment – Pubmed
2. Impact of fluoride on neurological development in children – Harvard School of Public Health
3. Neurobehavioural effects of developmental toxicity – The Lancet
4. Undeniable evidence from numerous studies proves that fluoride casues cancer – Natural News
5. Developmental fluoride neurotoxicity: a systematic review and meta-analysis – Pubmed
6. Water Fluoridation and Cancer Risk – American Cancer Society