It’s about time that a major news network begins to openly write about this dangerous bone-damaging chemical. For savvy Save Our Bones readers, the news is not that it’s best to avoid it, but that this information is finally going mainstream.
According to a recent Fox News article, fluoride in tap water may not be a good idea after all.
Water Fluoridation is not the Answer to Fighting Tooth Decay
As the Fox News article states, the addition of fluoride to the public water supply was once considered a major advance in the area of public health. But the prevention of tooth decay is multi-faceted, and fluoride in water alone can’t account for the drop in tooth decay among community residents where fluoride is added to water. Diet, oral hygiene, and regular dental care are all major factors in keeping teeth healthy. And the application of fluoride to teeth is one thing; drinking it in your tap water is another.
Applying Fluoride vs. Drinking It
Dr. Bill Bailey, the acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) division of oral health, says that fluoride’s “…predominant benefit is topical”. In other words, it’s not intended to be consumed.
In the Fox News article, Carol S. Kopf, the Media Director for the Fluoride Action Network, takes this idea a bit further: “Fluoride is not a nutrient and not essential to healthy teeth,” she says. Her contention is that tooth decay is based in diet. In her own words, “Rotten diet makes rotten teeth.”1 (I might add that a rotten diet also makes unhealthy bones!)
The Evidence is Mounting Against Fluoride
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states in its standards that fluoride is an endocrine disruptor, and more than one study has linked fluoride to a variety of health problems. It can even act as a neurotoxin, as evidenced by a study from this last October.
“…children in high-fluoride areas had significantly lower IQ scores than those who lived in low-fluoride areas,”1 say the results of the study.2
Other research has linked fluoride to premature births when consumed by pregnant women, and a strong link between fluoride and osteosarcoma (a bone cancer that tends to affect young people in their teens) was found in a 2006 Harvard study.
As various committees and councils reviewed the EPA’s findings, fluoride began to be scrutinized with more skepticism…and the CDC (which supports water fluoridation) became more and more uncomfortable. Considering where the fluoride in water comes from, it’s no wonder.
Fertilizer By-Products in Your Drinking Water
Of the three variants of fluoride used as additives in drinking water, the most common is hydrofluosilicic acid, a toxic waste product of the phosphate fertilizer industry. Because of this, the hydrofluosilicic acid added to your tap water also contains traces of arsenic, lead, and mercury. Surprisingly, this is also disclosed in the Fox News article.
Too Much of a “Good” Thing
Here’s an ironic twist to fluoride exposure in children: dental fluorosis. It is a malformation of the tooth enamel caused by overexposure to fluoride, and the brown streaks, rough, pitted enamel, and other markings are permanent, and can actually get worse with age. Children between the ages of 3 months and 8 years are particularly vulnerable. The Fox article states that “…with all of the fluoride children are being exposed to before their teeth develop, dental fluorosis is becoming a bigger problem.”
And the CDC (more irony!) estimates that 33% of children ages 6 to 11 have dental fluorosis, and 40% of teens between the ages of 12 and 15 have this condition. In spite of this, water fluoridation is still the norm.
Fluoride and Your Bones
While your bones and your teeth are not exactly the same, fluoride ingestion is detrimental to bones. In the Osteoporosis Hydration Protocol, which is part of the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, the “how’s and why’s” of fluoride’s harm to bones are discussed at length. But it’s worth pointing out here that fluoride consumption has been linked to an increased risk of hip fracture. In fact, like dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis is a serious bone problem that’s caused by fluoride ingestion.
Distilled Water is on Tap
My regular readers already know this, but it bears repeating: drinking fluoridated tap water is just not a good idea. In fact, I think it’s best to avoid fluoride altogether. But carbon or other filters don’t get rid of fluoride, and boiling water doesn’t work either (in fact, it makes it worse). So the best water choice is distilled water.
Unlike mineral water, which contains inorganic minerals that your body can’t absorb anyway, distilled water is pure H2O. The distillation process involves heating the water and collecting the steam, so impurities are left behind. Fluoride can’t be carried in steam, so distilling tap water means fluoride-free, pure water.
Distilled water is the most healthful water. It is not acidifying and, contrary to popular belief, it does not leach minerals from the bones. In fact, distilled water helps “attract” and eliminate toxins from your body. To make it even more healthful, I like to add a few drops of fresh lemon juice.
What’s the Best Way to Get Distilled Water?
Purchasing distilled water in jugs is possible, but it’s awfully inconvenient and it gets expensive. The answer is to get a countertop distiller for your home. It’s not only convenient; it allows you to be in complete control of your water quality and availability.
The Distiller I Use
All the water I drink and cook with comes from my Waterwise 8800 Countertop Distiller. I’ve done the research, and it’s by far the best distiller on the market.
I only have to fill the stainless steel boiler with tap water, press the start button, and a few hours later, I have one gallon of the best tasting, purest, and fluoride-free water in the BPA-free carafe.
I love using my Waterwise 8800 so much and am so impressed by it that I’ve worked closely with Greg Barber, the Vice Presient of Waterwise, to arrange a unique and special package exclusive to Save Our Bones community members.
But I had two strict requirements. Before I recommended any Waterwise products to our community, I wanted to make sure that:
This would be the best deal that Waterwise has ever offered, and that the deal would be available to our Save Our Bones community, and not be available anywhere else.
Well, I’m happy to bring to you…
The Best Waterwise Deal Ever
You can now get the Waterwise 8800 Countertop Distiller plus three FREE amazing bonuses.
For a limited time, Waterwise is now offering our community a special package valued at $510 value available now for $399. It includes:
- The Waterwise 8800 Countertop Distiller ($399)
- The Deluxe Showerwise Shower Filtration System (a $69 value – yours free!)
- A Waterwise BPA-free Sports Bottle (a $6 value – yours free!)
- A one year supply six-pack carbon filter bags (a $36 value – yours free!)
- Free shipping to the Continental US
- Plus, a 100 day 100% money back guarantee!
Think about this…
Pure Distilled Water is Better for Bones
As I write in the Osteoporosis Hydration Protocol, drinking distilled water helps alkalize the body. And water is vital for all cellular processes, including the process of bone remodeling. All water-soluble vitamins and minerals must have water to be absorbed. And pure water flushes toxins from your body, and getting rid of those poisons is essential to bone health.
All this can be accomplished with the Waterwise 8800. And to make it easier for you to own your own countertop distiller, I’ve arranged for an exclusive Waterwise package for the Save Our Bones community that saves you money and lets you pay in four convenient installments.
Here’s to your fluoride-free life!
References
1 https://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/02/20/fluoride-necessary-or-too-much-good-thing/?intcmp=HPBucket
2 Choi, Anna L., et al. “Developmental Fluoride Neurotoxicity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Environmental Health Perspective. 2012 October; 120(10): 1362-1368.
Thanks for describing adverse effects of fluoride on dental health.
What has happened to your blog? I have not received the weekly newsletter
for almost a month. I hope you did not take my name off the list. I really
enjoy and need all the information that you post. Thanks so much!
Hi Barbara,
I’m not sure why you stopped receiving the emails; it’s possible that you clicked on the “unsubscribe” link in one of the emails by mistake – that’s easy to do.
To make sure you start receiving Vivian’s emails again, just sign up at this link:
https://saveourbones.com/get-updates/
I am now taking 2 tbls. apple vinegar every morning and the instructions tell me use filtered water and not distilled.
Hi Vivian,
I just wondered what your thoughts were on elevated PTH and elevated urinary calcium. I have been diagnosed with Osteoporosis about 2 yrs ago and so far have been able to avoid any “official” medication despite much expression of concern from various physicians. My GP now wants to refer me to an endocrinologist to investigate my consistently abnormal calcium metabolism results. I would appreciate your opinion.
Thank you very much.
Kind regards
Susanne
Susanne, please e-mail your question to customer support – just click on the smiley face icon at the top of the page. Thanks!
Hi! Vivian,
Can We Make Our Own Distilled Water Without The Distiller, And Just Boil The Water Ourselves, And Then Pour It Into A Glass Container With A Large Stainless Steel Spoon In The Glass Container To Keep It From Cracking, Or Breaking? Please Let Me Know! And I Thank You VERY MUCH, IN ADVANCE For Letting Me Know.
LOVE, LESLIE (MS. L. CARMEL)
Leslie, distilled water is not the same as water that has been boiled and cooled. 🙂 Distilled water is made by collecting the steam from boiling water. The impurities are left behind.
I hope this helps explain it for you!
Have been diagnosed w. breast cancer, had surgery ( it seems it has been removed) BUT now oncologist is talking about taking Arimadex for 5 years. As I read the side effects of this drug I am frightened since I have been a healthy person and the side effects will make me a sick person AND osteoporosis is one or the side effects with bone and joint pain.
Is there some way I can retain my bone density ( already osteopenia) while on this medication?
I, too, had breast cancer four yrs ago. I took letrozole for 3 yrs and realized it was creating or helping to create palpitations in my heart. I stopped the drug and the palps basically stopped too. We tried Tamoxifen, and it did the same thing. Right now I am taking nothing to help stop the cancer (HER2+). My 5 yr program has stopped at 3 yrs. Now my bone density test says I have gone into osteoporosis -2.6, from osteopenia at -2.0 in the past 3 yrs due to the drugs. What to do? Don’t know…..waiting for advise from the Oncologist cardiologist, and G.P.
I am glad to say that my city does not fluoridate, but I do use a fluoridated tooth paste at the recommendation of my dentist and because my teeth are sensitive. I have had some gum recession so there are some exposed roots.
I am torn, but when I talk with them about it, they just say that the tests were done with tremendous amounts of fluoride and taken internally. For that reason, they say the amount in tooth paste is nominal.
What can you say about that and do you have any idea of something more natural to prevent the sensitivity. Thanks, Lynn
Thank you Vivian for this news about distillation and the unit you are recommending. I had read before that distilled water IS acidifying to your body. I have been using the Big Berkey system which filters out everything because it has special filters to get rid of fluoride and arsenic as well as other undesirable toxins. It does not require electricity but just involves gravity flow. At the present time I use both methods of purification. I have noticed a buildup of hardened minerals in the bottom of my distiller even if I clean and rinse after each use.
I would like to mention that I have used purified water for over 20 years. I have severe osteoporosis in my spine and have had a number of spinal fractures. I did come to realize that purifying water takes away many of the necessary minerals we need and I now take Chelated Minerals each day as well as Magnesium to restore what I have lost in pure water. If you have additional advice I will welcome it. I regret I started too late to save my bones. I ordered two of your books, lent one and gave one to my daughter. I love the way your book speaks simply. I wish I could have had such great information in my 50’s…I just turned 79 and not sure how much hope there is for me now.
Thanks for all your hard work. Keep it up.
Betsy, it’s never too late to make healthful changes! I am so glad to hear that you’re following the Osteoporosis Reversal Program – I wish you success, and I hope you will continue to learn!
great article……..I use a Waterwise every day….wonderful!
I’d be interested to hear comments regarding natural fluoridation as i grew up in a unique area where artesian wells provided the community with very hard water (including natural fluoride). My teeth are strong and healthy and dentists have remarked on this phenomenon since we had this exposure long before fluoride was considered for addition to the water supply. I don’t feel that I suffered from this water; in fact, it appears that it was beneficial.
Hi!
I am here looking for an answer.
Since I read your book almost 2 years ago, I started drinking Poland spring water, and I drink about 3 litters a day.
Question is: did I do any bad to my bones drinking that water?
Thank you,
Val.
Spring water contains hardening minerals, some worse than others. It is a contributor to hardening of the arteries. Reverse Osmosis may be the next safest water to use…but it does take out the good minerals for your bones and you may need to take some mineral supplements to offset the loss. These suggestions are from sad
experience.
I am buying bottled spring water from a long way away. Not cheap. Your post concerns me.
now we’re not suppose to drink Poland Springs mineral water?? And reverse osmosis is bad…and like another comment mentioned if we just drink distilled water we’re not getting any of the essential minerals?? Come on people! This is too confusing to me. I currently only drink Poland Spring water, and am planning on getting a reverse osmosis set up so maybe I can start drinking my well water after 6 years of living in my house….leeni
The distiller sounds interesting, but boils tap water which seems very energy intensive.
Has anyone considered water made from the atmosphere? These machines essentially chill air to below dew point and collect the resulting water – quoted figures are 30 litres / day for a free standing machine that presumably uses about the same amount of power as a bar fridge and is about the same size.
I have only just started to look at these but will try and do a comparison – on paper at any rate. Anyone with practical experience?
KB
I hardly consider $399 a bargain! What would really be a bargain is for our cities to take out fluoride in the first place so we don’t have to buy expensive filters or bottled water without fluoride. Why not do the reverse, take out the fluoride and sell fluoride tablets for those who want them in our drinking water. We should have more of a say about this!
Now that would be the sensible way to deal with this problem……. but we all know it is very unlikely to happen….. turning things back around is a SLOW process! I’m just very cranky that I have wasted my HARD EARNED money on a reverse cycle osmosis system… Not inexpensive too!
not so sure about this. I agree that fluoride should have no place in the human diet and body. As far as drinking distilled water…not so sure. I have heard that drinking it a lot will draw needed trace minerals out of your body leaving you depleted. The same goes for cooking vegetables in distilled water…the minerals in the veggie will be cooked out into the water and likely thrown away. I’ll stick with my filtered water for now.
Can you offer an affordable one for the average person to buy. Like $25.00 more like a reasonable coffeepot? Most I have heard about are over a hundred to $200 dollars. I have noticed an improvement in my own health just adding a water filter to my kitchen faucet as well as having a Brita pitcher for drinking in the frig.
I use well water from our own private well. Is it likely to have much fluoride naturally?
Barbara, well water can vary quite a bit! Some is high in sulfur, others are high in iron, and so forth. You should be able to take a sample in to your local Department of Health and Human Resources. 🙂
I’m wondering if bottled spring water is acceptable.
Distilling takes energy to boil the water. Your electricity may make the home distilling more expensive.
I use reverse osmosis water in my humidifier so I don’t have to clean it. I drink water from my tap from my well. My brother-in-law recommends bringing distilled water on trips. He finds that you could have troubles if you drink water from more than 2 places a day, so he uses distilled after the first or second local water.
Are you really quoting Fox News? You might want to re-think that. Their history of science-related stories is really awful.
Here it is: Stainless Steel Water Distiller with Best Quality Glass Carafe
https://www.discountwaterdistillers.com/products/Stainless-Steel-Water-Distiller-with-Best-Quality-Glass-Carafe.html?gclid=CPniwPjgvbYCFe5AMgodKWsA4g
I used to drink distilled water but then I heard that it was acid as opposed to alkaline. So, I switched to reverse osmosis water. Which is best?
Nan, water purified by reverse osmosis is my second choice. 🙂 However, as you’ll note in the article, distilled water is not acid-forming.
There are no minerals in distilled water. What makes the water alkali??????
There is also the John Ellis Electron Water Machine you can find at johnellis.com. It creates energized-distilled water. The hydrating power of this water is superior. Our kinesiologist tested our daughter to have 1000% (one thousand) more cell hydration. She suffered profound dehydration. The LM Electron 4 is just as great as the LM Electron 5. The difference resides in one instead of two ultraviolet lights, for water disinfection. The rest is identical. I have no personal interest in promoting this water machine. It is just great.
Is it still advised you drink distilled water if you have your own well?
Gosh! I think I shall be using more bottle water from now on. I do use non fluoride toothpaste from time to time, but they are far more expensive than the normal fluoride ones. Next time I meet friends for lunch I shall be asking for bottle water instead of tap. Thanks for the reminder about our tap water.
Regards Micky.
I researched other types but on your endorsement i’ve ordered the Waterwise 8800. I like your advise in Save Our Bones so knowing I need to drink more water ….hope this works for me.
Unfortunately in most parts of Australia the councils are that ignorant and don’t listen to reason – fluoride is the ‘panacea’ against tooth decay! Our main medical authorities/doctors totally endorse it and dismiss any criticism on this subject. That means for the general public that we all drink the poison unless we distil water or buy bottled water, which is too expensive in the long run. How can doctors/government/scientists be so oblivious to the health concerns of fluoride?! They just emulate the mistakes the Europeans rectified a long time ago.
Being a European living in Australia I am not happy about this total ignorance of facts. Everything here is discovered too late,e.g. asbestos, then we have the big outcry over failed government decisions.
Dr.Tilemachos Evthimiadis was a greek in seventies he used say in his speches
the fluoride in tap water is dangerous because increase female hormodes especially for male adolescent age and change the frequencies of cells.Heused treat health problems through nutrision’fast’detox .Sorry for my english is not my mother tongue language thank you.
In the early 50’s my father was on the council for our city. He took a stand against fluoridating the drinking water. He researched this subject extensively.
Our city council voted to not add floride to the water supply.
Sounds like your father was well ahead of his time, Packy. Good for him, and good for your community!
Thanks Vivian, I mentioned to a co-worker the other day about the danger of fluoride to bones. I work with several guys who have young children, and your article will help enlighten them on this subject.
Angela, thank you so much for spreading the word about fluoride and health! It’s my hope that as many people as possible get this information. 🙂
How fortunate are we? We have a rainwater tank and filter this water for drinking. Must admit we use the unfiltered rainwater for cooking but it’s still way better than tap water.