Healing Thots Archive, Spring 2007 Newsletter

When I first started writing this month's newsletter, I thought I might rant a bit about the fluoride debate in Corning, NY. Once I got started though, I realized it would be a much longer essay than I had room for in this space. So I'm just going to scale my rant back to a quiet observation. In my opinion, there is enough evidence against the use of fluoride in municipal water to simply just not consider it. Why take the chance. The reasoning behind putting fluoride into water is that it supposedly decreases tooth decay -- but in reality the evidence that it even does this is being questioned by many. Weighing this against world-wide information on the potential hazards much more serious than simple tooth decay, there should be no debate. If reducing tooth decay is the goal, then take a look at the sugary drinks and junk food many of our children are consuming on a daily basis. Take a look at how nutrient deficient our food is becoming. Take a look at the children in our country who are not getting proper dental care due to the exorbitant costs. Take some of those big bucks it costs to put the fluoride into the water and see where that money might be better spent on more healthy and natural ways to control tooth decay and improve the overall health of our children and our communities.

There is evidence that fluoride adversely affects the central nervous system which causes behaviorial changes and cognitive deficits; in older people there is a correlation between water fluoridation and increased hip fracture in people 65 years and older; there are a few people who are hypersensitive to fluoride and have allergic reactions when exposed to it; a correlation between decreased fertility rates and fluoridated water; Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend fluoride for pregnant women, children under the age of six months, and their recommendations for chilren under three has been reduced markedly in recent years; there are some studies suggesting an increased rate of bone cancer among males under the age of 20; each year there are thousands of reports to Poison Control centers in the US related to excessive ingestion of fluoride toothpastes, mouthrinses, and supplements -- and this is far from an all-inclusive list of fluoride concerns.

I personally choose to not even use fluoride toothpaste, and am very thankful I don't have to deal with fluoride-contaminated water. Once again, a governing body is trying to take choice out of the equation. If one believes fluoride is beneficial to their health, there are plenty of ways available to add it to their daily life, without infringing on the right of those who prefer water not contaminated with fluoride.

Here's To Choice!
Priscilla

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