Should I avoid Fluoride if I have a thyroid condition?

This is a great question that I often get!

To start, let’s step back:

Fluoride is an element that may be most familiar to us secondary to its relationship to our dental health. It is common to find it in toothpastes and mouthwashes, but since the 1950’s it was also added to the water supply in the United States (note that this is not a common practice in other countries). Besides dental products and water, fluoride is often found in the following commonly used medications:

• SSRI’s used for depression/anxiety
• Prevacid used for reflux
• Celebrex used for pain
• Lipitor used for Cholesterol

Why does this matter?
Data shows that fluoride was an effective treatment for OVERACTIVE thyroid b/c it inhibited thyroid function, and multiple studies have since shown that it impairs thyroid hormone output. Thus, Fluoride has a negative impact on your thyroid vitality.

How?
Fluoride is mistaken for Iodine (an essential nutrient for thyroid production) and therefore directly impacts the ability of the body to make hormones by literally tripping up the system.

What can you do?
First, I’m not a Fluoride hater! I think it’s important to work closely with your dentist and your physician to find out the right approach that is individualized to you. If you have hypothyroidism, however, I would be inclined to encourage you to minimize your fluoride input. Use filtered water, and assess the utility of natural toothpastes (if appropriate per your dentist). It is also possible to check urinary levels of Iodine to make sure you are sufficient in this nutrient which can at least balance the potential negative impact of Fluoride.

Another small example of how individualized approaches and care can support optimal health!