Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD

Thyroid Pharmacist

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Fluoride & Your Thyroid

Fluoride And Your Thyroid

Medically reviewed and written by Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP

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A few years ago, I visited with family in Poland. At that time, one of my cousins was attending dental school in the European Union. She asked me, “Izabella, is it true that the U.S. government adds fluoride to their water supply, in an effort to reduce dental cavities, instead of educating the public about the effect of sugar consumption and nutrition on health?”

Unfortunately, the answer is yes, and while most countries in the European Union do not add fluoride to local water supplies, most communities in the United States continue to be fluoridated.

There can be a lot of confusion about what is safe and not safe when talking about fluoride levels and how fluoride affects our health. Have you found yourself asking any of these questions?

  • Is fluoride actually harmful?
  • Other than the water supply, where am I exposed to fluoride?
  • What effect does fluoride have on the thyroid?
  • How can I minimize my exposure to fluoride?

The encouraging news is that there is a lot that we can do to limit our exposure to excess fluoride, eliminate fluoride from our bodies, and educate ourselves about the effects of fluoride exposure in our water supply.

What is Fluoride?

Most people know that fluoride is commonly found in water and has been an important part of dental treatments for decades. As a pharmacist, I am always fascinated with the chemical makeup of different elements and how they might affect the human body – especially the thyroid gland. How can something found in nature be such a hot-button topic for those of us with Hashimoto’s?

Let’s start with the science…

Fluorine is an element in the periodic table that does not occur in the elemental state in nature, as it is highly reactive. In pure form, it is a highly-toxic, yellowish-green gas. The fluorine anion (negatively charged ion), or any of the compounds containing the anion, are termed fluorides. The fluoride in drinking water comes from the addition of a fluorine compound (usually sodium fluoride, sodium fluorosilicate, or fluorosilicic acid), which dissociates to release the F- ion.

Fluorine is decomposed into fluorides of different forms, and is found in minerals in the earth’s crust. It is one of the several halogens – which translates from Latin as “salt maker” – in the periodic table. Other halogens you may be familiar with are iodine and chlorine, and those are controversial as well. (I have written extensively on iodine in this article).

Fluoride is one of many trace minerals, and, like other trace minerals, is not meant to be introduced to the body in large amounts. The WHO’s recommendation is that fluoride in drinking water be no higher than 1.5 mg/L. However, research shows that groundwater contamination is a serious problem in some areas of the world, which means that those populations are ingesting much more than the recommended upper limit. [1]

So, how did we start getting exposed to so much fluoride in the first place?

The History of Fluoride

Have you ever wondered why fluoride is in our water supply in the first place, or if fluoridated water is unique to North America and the United Kingdom?

Many of you may know that fluoride was added to the water supplies of most U.S. cities, most Canadian cities, and some cities in the U.K. in the 1950s as a public health measure meant to minimize tooth decay. What you may be surprised to hear, however, is that up until the 1950s (prior to the development of other thyroid-suppressing medications), fluoride was used to treat hyperthyroidism! A dose of 2 to 5 mg of fluoride per day was typically found to be effective for suppressing an overactive thyroid.

So if you live in the typical fluoridated community and you’re being a “good girl” (or “good boy”) by drinking your eight cups of water each day, chances are, you are inadvertently taking in enough fluoride to suppress your thyroid.

According to data collected by the Fluoride Action Network, adults in fluoridated communities may be ingesting between 1.6 and 6.6 mg of fluoride per day! [2]

If this is the history of fluoride use until the 1950s, how did those of us in the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom end up with so much fluoride in our water supply? The truth is that fluoridation partially began as a collaborative effort between dental associations, the U.S. government, and sugar lobbyists who wanted to find a solution that would allow people to have fewer cavities – while continuing to consume just as much sugar. If you have read my article on dental triggers, you know that there are better ways to prevent and heal dental decay.

While most Westernized countries (97 percent) have rightfully rejected fluoridation without any apparent consequences on tooth decay, the U.S., Canada, and parts of the U.K. continue to fluoridate their water. [3]

Meanwhile, research shows that chronic exposure to fluoride and/or high levels of fluoride in drinking water may be linked to a number of health issues, including: [4]

  • Skeletal fluorosis (a bone disease which mostly only occurs in developing countries)
  • Dental fluorosis (calcification of the teeth)
  • Arthritis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Muscle damage
  • Fatigue
  • Joint problems
  • Endocrine damage (fluoride may negatively affect the thyroid, pancreas, and pineal glands)
  • Gastrointestinal irritation
  • Changes in brain function/brain health [5]
  • Thyroid disease [6]
  • Infertility, adverse pregnancy, and birth outcomes [7]
  • Brain damage [8]
  • Alzheimer’s disease [9]
  • DNA damage [10]
  • Organ damage (fluoride may contribute to kidney dysfunction) [11]

There have been studies suggesting that fluoride may be linked to some forms of cancer (such as osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer); however, as of 2023, the scientific research on this remains controversial and inconclusive. [12]

People with Hashimoto’s tend to be particularly sensitive to toxins, in part due to a higher potential for liver impairment (when the liver is impaired, toxins can build up in the body). Thus, I always encourage people to do their best to remove toxic substances that may be lurking around the home — besides fluoride, examples include flame retardants and heavy metals like mercury.

Common Sources of Fluoride (Besides Water)

Some common sources of fluoride include the following:

  • Bottled beverages (due to fluoride content in water)
  • Toothpaste, mouthwash, and other dental hygiene products
  • Black tea, red tea, and other teas
  • Canned food items
  • Black/red rock salt
  • Chewing tobacco
  • Supplements (always check the labels)
  • Medications (more details below)

Common Sources of Fluoride Infographic

Yes, you read that right – your cup of red or black tea could be sabotaging your thyroid!

Tea leaves accumulate fluoride from the soil, as well as from pollution. The longer they stay on the tea tree, the heavier the fluoride content. (Thus, black tea has more fluoride compared to other teas.)

An article published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology reported that there can be up to 4.5, 1.8, and 0.5 mg/L of fluoride in black, green, and white teas, respectively, when brewed for five minutes.

Another source reports that: “Tea plants readily absorb fluoride from soil. As a result, tea drinks invariably contain high levels of fluoride. In the United States, brewed black tea averages about 3 to 4 ppm fluoride, while commercial iced tea drinks contain between 1 and 4 ppm. (Izuora 2011; Whyte 2006; USDA 2005). Excessive consumption of tea beverages thus creates a risk for fluoride toxicity.” [13]

In addition to the tea itself having a high fluoride content, the act of boiling water concentrates the fluoride instead of getting rid of it, contrary to what one might think. On the other hand, freezing the water does not affect the concentration of fluoride. (Opting for white tea, chamomile, and herbal teas, which contain less than 0.13mg/L of fluoride, or steeping your black tea for less than one minute, is one way to limit your fluoride exposure.)

Pregnant women in particular will want to be mindful of ingesting too much fluoride from tea (as well as other sources). Research shows that fluoride exposure in pregnant women is correlated with tea consumption, and excess fluoride may be associated with developmental neurotoxicity. [14]

Fluoride-Containing Medications

There are quite a few fluorine-containing medications. They include anesthetics, antacids, anti-anxiety medications, antibiotics, antidepressants, antifungals, cholesterol-lowering medications, anti-malarial medications, chemotherapy, appetite suppressants, arthritis medications, psychotropics, and steroids.

Some of the most commonly used brands of medications that contain fluoride include:

  • Prozac®, Lexapro®, Celexa®, Paxil®: used for depression, anxiety, or OCD
  • Prevacid®: used for acid reflux
  • Diflucan®: an antifungal used for yeast infections
  • Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (Cipro®, Levaquin®, Avelox®): used for UTIs and other infections
  • Celebrex®: used for pain
  • Lipitor®, Zetia®: used to lower cholesterol

For an extensive list, please visit the Fluoride Toxicity Research Collaborative.

The fluoride contained in most of these medications, however, is in an organic bond, called organofluorine. In most drugs, this carbon-fluoride bond is strong enough to resist breaking down into fluoride within the body, and it is generally believed that most organofluorine drugs do not contribute to daily fluoride exposure.

However, this is not always the case, and research has found that some fluorinated drugs, including ciprofloxacin (Cipro), do break down into fluoride, and can thus be a major source of fluoride exposure for some individuals. Studies have found elevated levels of fluoride in the urine or blood following the use of several of these drugs (including fluorinated anesthetics, Cipro, [15] niflumic acid, [16] flecainide, [17] and voriconazole [18]).

It is likely that other drugs do so as well, but have not yet been studied. [19]

Possible Effects of Fluoride on the Thyroid

In your healing journey, have you ever considered that fluoride could possibly have a direct effect on your thyroid health?

When I was digging for my root cause, fluoride toxicity did not get my attention right away, but I now know there are multiple ways in which fluoride can be detrimental to the thyroid gland and my overall health.

What will surprise many is that dental fluorosis, the term for hypomineralization of tooth enamel caused by excessive fluoride during enamel formation, is actually a result of thyroid function. In hypomineralization, teeth become more porous and susceptible to breaking, wearing down, and decay.

Just like other halogens, fluoride has been proven to act as a trigger in inducing thyroid cell death, as well as lead to the development of thyroid inflammation and autoimmune thyroid disease like Hashimoto’s.

Furthermore, multiple studies have shown that fluoride can actually alter the proper functioning of body processes, as fluoride is recognized as iodine (another halogen) in the body. Thyroid cells absorb iodine and combine it with the amino acid tyrosine. This is then converted into thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). If fluoride displaces iodine, then we have the thyroid gland absorbing fluoride instead, thereby disrupting the production of thyroid hormones. [20]

Very little fluoride is excreted via urine or sweat, which can lead to toxicity in the body. If we ingest too much fluoride and/or our bodies have a limited ability to remove such toxins (as is the case with Hashimoto’s), this can lead to fluorosis (dental, skeletal, and non-skeletal). Over time, fluoride absorption in tissues can manifest as actual lesions [21] on endocrine glands such as the thyroid. Thus, fluoride is considered an endocrine disruptor. [22]

A study in India examined children aged 8 to 15 years in a high-altitude district of India, where the groundwater was contaminated with high levels of fluoride. The primary goal of the study was to determine the presence and severity of dental fluorosis, nutritional status, kidney health, and thyroid function. The results of the study revealed that dental fluorosis and urinary fluoride levels were significantly higher in affected children than in the control group. Additionally, the nutritional status of affected children was lower, and chronic kidney damage was higher.

Thyroid function was also impacted by fluoride. Children in communities with high fluoride intake had a significant decrease in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Additionally, parathyroid hormone levels were found to be significantly higher in affected children. [23]

Another fascinating study done in India analyzed the effect of fluoride toxicity on multiple generations. In this study, the researchers extensively studied fluoride’s effect on the brain, as well as on the thyroid. They administered high-fluoride water to three generations of rats orally, in order to study the fluoride-induced changes in their thyroid hormone status, their acetylcholinesterase (an enzyme that helps break down acetylcholine), the levels of fluoride in their brain, as well as their learning and memory retention. [24]

The study observed a significant decrease in FT3 and FT4 serum levels, in the rats who consumed fluoride-treated water, as compared to the control group. This decrease was most significant in the third-generation rats. The presence of degenerating neurons was also observed, and once again, it was worst in the third-generation rats. The same was true of the rats’ learning and memory capabilities. [25] So yes, as you may suspect, fluoride can actually cause brain fog in rats, and I don’t think you need to be a rat to experience fluoride-induced brain fog!

Though studies will need to be conducted on human populations, this observation in rats suggests that those who have fluoride in their drinking water are at risk for developing hypothyroidism and increased brain fog, and their offspring are more likely to have developmental defects. Those are definitely a lot of issues those of us with Hashimoto’s want to avoid, along with everyone else.

And in a study on fluoride and human thyroid hormones that was recently conducted in Iran, a group of people consuming fluoridated water was studied to see how fluoride impacted their thyroid hormone levels. The major finding of this study is that TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) values were higher in people who had higher fluoride concentrations in their drinking water. [26]

A study published in 2021 which examined 446 children aged 7 to 12 years, found that thyroid volumes increased in accordance with the volume of fluoride in their urine. [27]

The Root Cause Rebels among us know that if you remove the trigger, you will see improvement in thyroid symptoms. Many of my clients have reported improvement in thyroid symptoms and thyroid function tests simply by removing fluoride from their daily intake.

The Effects of Fluoride in Communities

It is interesting, and alarming, to note the correlation between communities that fluoridate their water, and the number of reported cases of hypothyroidism.

A 2015 British study reported that medical practices in a fluoridated area of the U.K. (West Midlands vs. those in a non-fluoridated area, Greater Manchester) were TWICE as likely to report a high prevalence rate of hypothyroidism in their patients. [28]

Furthermore, an analysis of different parts of the U.K. found that the rates of hypothyroidism were statistically matched to the rates of fluoride in the local water supply.

Do you live in a fluoridated community?

The article reported the following average rates of fluoride in fluoridated communities:

  • England – 1.0 mg/L
  • Canada – 0.7 mg/L
  • Southern Ireland – 0.7 mg/L
  • United States – 0.7 to 1.2 mg/L

[One liter of water is equivalent to 33.8 ounces, or roughly 4.2 cups.]

According to the Fluoride Action Network, “The average level of fluoride in unpolluted fresh water is less than 0.1 mg/L.” An older Canadian study from 1993 states that fresh waters, such as lakes and spring waters, contain 0.05 mg/L of fluoride. [29] Fluoridation programs in the United States generally recommend 0.7 to 1.2 mg/L, and the WHO recommends 0.5 to 1.5 mg/L (10 to 20 times what we may find naturally). Please note this is usually expressed as “ppm” or parts per million, which is roughly equivalent to mg/L. [30]

If you live in the U.S., you can find out how much fluoride is in your local water supply by entering your location on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Fluoride page.

Who is Likely to Have an Adverse Reaction to Fluoride, and What are the Symptoms?

Fluoride toxicity has been widely studied because it has the potential to affect anyone, not just those of us who are already diagnosed with an autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto’s. Ingesting too much fluoride can cause damage to the thyroid gland and hypothyroid symptoms in an individual who was previously healthy. This includes children, men, and women.

However, as I mentioned, there is research to support that fluoride toxicity increases with each generation – so if your mother had fluoride toxicity, it is likely you will be more susceptible, and your children even more so, and so on.

Acute oral exposure to high levels of fluoride may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, drowsiness, headaches, polyuria (excessive urination) and polydipsia (excessive thirst), coma, convulsions, cardiac arrest, and even death.

What Can We Do to Minimize Fluoride Exposure?

I’m sure you were surprised to learn where fluoride might be lurking while reading this article!

Now that you know where to find it and how it may harm you, you can focus on removing fluoride from your daily routine.

To start, if you’re an avid tea drinker, you may want to opt for white or herbal teas instead of black and red teas.

As I mentioned above, beyond the kitchen pantry, it is a good idea to check all your dental hygiene products and medications to see which ones might contain fluoride. If you find your medication does contain fluoride, you may want to ask your doctor about fluoride-free alternatives.

As for dental hygiene products, there are plenty of safe, fluoride-free options that are quite popular and effective.

Here are some of my favorite fluoride-free toothpaste options:

  • RiseWell – I love their dental products. Their toothpaste is made with naturally derived hydroxyapatite, a mineral that makes up 90 percent of our tooth enamel and has been proven to strengthen and protect your teeth without fluoride. Their mouthwash is naturally alkaline and inhibits the growth of bad bacteria, leaving your mouth healthy and fresh. (Get 10% off using the code “Wentz10” at checkout!)
  • Wellnesse – Katie Wells (also known as the Wellness Mama) created Wellnesse, a brand dedicated to clean and effective, all-natural products. Katie was a master of DIY personal care products for her own family for years, and I was so excited when she came out with her own whitening/remineralizing toothpaste that includes hydroxyapatite. It also contains aloe vera to balance your oral microbiome and whiten teeth, neem oil for tooth decay and gum disease prevention, and green tea powder to combat bad breath!
  • Probiotic Toothpaste – This one is uniquely designed with a targeted probiotic strain to help support healthy teeth and gums, as well as the elimination of bad breath, by supporting the oral microbiome. It also contains activated coconut charcoal to help purify and polish teeth, without toxic ingredients or harsh abrasives.
  • Akamai – I have had great results with Akamai’s Complete Oral Care Kit. It contains Mineral Toothpowder that gently whitens and polishes teeth, Oil Pulling Mouthwash to absorb toxins and help fight bad bacteria, as well as Fulvic Mineral Complex to support strong teeth, tooth remineralization, and healthy gums. It comes with all the dental care essentials you need for a healthy mouth, without the fluoride (or other any artificial or toxic ingredients). New customers can save 15% on their first order, using my special THYROID15 code at checkout.

Making even small lifestyle changes, such as switching out your toothpaste, can have a significant impact on your health!

Water Filters

The next place you will want to focus on will be your water supply. You can join the Fluoride Action Network, which is an advocacy organization dedicated to broadening the awareness of fluoride toxicity, to inform your authorities of the dangers of fluoride and be a voice against fluoridation. Occasionally, this organization will notify people of upcoming local initiatives focused on water fluoridation, that will allow you to voice your opinion to policymakers on water fluoridation in your community. However, this is not the easiest nor quickest way to get the fluoride out of your water.

Fluoride can certainly be taken out by filters — but not just any filters. Fluoride can only be removed by distilling the water, using reverse osmosis filtration systems, or by using activated alumina defluoridation filters. Most other types of filters do not remove fluoride.

I researched filtration systems for a while, but many of them were extremely expensive. Some were in the thousands!

After a ton of research, I finally found a few reasonably priced ones. Here are a few of my favorites:

  • The most convenient and cost-effective reverse osmosis water filter I have found is AquaTru’s countertop filter. I have had one in my bathroom for years, and I use it on a daily basis. It’s super easy to set up (no plumber required!), and I feel better knowing that I have access to clean drinking water right in my bathroom. They have recently come out with a more compact version as well, the Carafe. Both are great options for those who rent or reside in places where you can’t adjust the plumbing. I’ve set up a special discount for my Thyroid Pharmacist readers to save $100 when they visit this link.
  • Clearly Filtered is another company that I have recently discovered, and I have been very impressed with their products. They produce a variety of filtration systems, including water pitchers, bottles, and under-the-sink filters, that are able to remove up to 99 percent of fluoride from the water. Their website provides links to independent testing results (from EPA-accredited laboratories) that show the levels of contaminants their products are able to remove from one’s water source. My science brain loves seeing these tests and knowing that the filter I’m using is doing what it says it will do! I love this filter because it’s also really easy to install. My sweet husband Michael has a long “Honey Do List” these days… and he was relieved that installing this filter was so easy. It took him under 15 minutes to install (and without any complaints :-)). You can get 10% off your order using code WELCOME10 at checkout!
  • Another option is having a plumber or handyman install an under-the-sink reverse osmosis unit. These typically cost around $200 and provide a consistent, daily source of water without fluoride. We used to have this filter for a few years, and it took my dad (who is SUPER handy) a couple of hours to install it during one of his visits. It worked very well for almost 4 years, but we have recently replaced it with the Clearly Filtered option, as the under-the-sink option needed new filters and the spout was breaking.

I had been filtering my kitchen water for some time, and recently installed a new filter from Clearly Filtered, so I decided to run a Tap Score report to see what types of chemicals were in my water supply. (You can get a Tap Score Fluoride Water Test Kit too, if you want to check your own. :-))

I was surprised to learn that my tap water contained potentially toxic levels of bromodichloromethane, chloroform, and THMS. These substances are thought to increase the risk of developmental defects, kidney failure, liver damage, and central nervous system problems, as well as various cancers. Overall, my unfiltered water received a score of 64 (POOR), while filtering the water using the Clearly Filtered filter reduced the levels of these three chemicals to acceptable ranges, improving my overall water to a score of 87 (good).

If these options are too permanent for your lifestyle, keep in mind that there are water delivery services, such as Penta Water, that will deliver fluoride-free water to your home or office.

Supplements That Can Help

While stopping your intake of fluoride is an excellent first step, you can also take additional measures to help your body counter the negative effects of excessive levels of fluoride.

Some old-school integrative professionals recommend using high-dose iodine for clearing halogens like fluoride from the body. Unfortunately, I’ve found that this method can be dangerous for people with Hashimoto’s.

A recent study of the effects of fluoride combined with iodide on the thyroid gland, showed that excessive fluoride and excessive iodide have detrimental effects on human thyroid cells, resulting in cytotoxicity (the death of thyroid cells). [31]

Taking liver-supportive supplements is a safer way to support your body’s detoxification from fluoride, especially those that contain taurine.

Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is involved in a diverse array of biological and physiological functions, including bile salt conjugation, body fluid regulation, calcium modulation, anti-oxidation, and immune system regulation.

Recent studies have demonstrated the ability of taurine to reverse both kidney and thyroid damage in rats that were chronically exposed to high levels of fluoride. [32]

Another study has shown taurine to reduce thyroid damage from exposure to lead and industrial insecticides.

The beneficial effects of taurine may be attributed to its ability to protect the body from toxicity and oxidative stress.

This is one of the reasons I’ve chosen to include taurine in three of my Rootcology Liver Support supplements:

  • Rootcology Liver Reset contains a natural pea protein isolate to fuel one’s natural detoxification pathways. It includes the nutrients needed to support and balance the phases I and II metabolic pathways, high levels of antioxidants for safe detoxification, and a comprehensive array of herbal hepatics and cholagogues, to promote healthy liver function and elimination.
  • Rootcology Liver & Gallbladder Support is a comprehensive formula designed to support bile flow for the normal processing and elimination of toxins through the specific combination of nutrients and herbs in this formula. By supporting liver and gallbladder function, Liver & Gallbladder Support supports the elimination of fatty substances from the liver, as well as the digestion and assimilation of fats and fat-soluble vitamins.
  • Rootcology Amino Support is useful for preparing the liver for phase II detoxification. It does not contain botanicals, minerals, or B vitamins that would also up-regulate phase I detoxification, which may result in intermediate metabolites that could cause sensitivity reactions. Providing nutritional support for phase II detoxification helps conjugate toxins and prepares them for safe elimination from the body.

GABA is another ingredient that can help us clear out fluoride. GABA is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter that is known to produce calmness, as well as reduce tension and anxiety.

GABA has also been shown to have the ability to protect against hypothyroidism caused by fluoride. A study that exposed mice to fluoride and were subsequently treated with GABA, showed improved T4, T3, and thyroid hormone-binding globulin (TBG) level results, along with healing of the structural abnormalities in thyroid follicles that were observed after fluoride exposure. [33]

The GABA supplements that I recommend are:

  • Pure Encapsulations GABA – This supplement promotes a positive mood, supports relaxation, and moderates occasional stress.
  • Source Naturals GABA Calm – This blend contains magnesium, GABA, glycine, N-acetyl-L-tyrosine, and taurine, in a quick-dissolving lozenge form.
  • Designs for Health PharmaGABA – This is naturally sourced, bioidentical GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). Its chewable tablet delivery allows for rapid and efficient absorption and assimilation. As a result, benefits are felt very quickly.

Along with taurine and GABA, resveratrol, a natural antioxidant, may also help. A recent study was performed on rats that were given high doses of fluoride and exhibited symptoms of thyroid dysfunction. Resveratrol supplementation in the fluoride-exposed rats prevented fluoride toxicity and restored thyroid function to a normal range. [34] Pure Encapsulations Resveratrol is derived from Polygonum cuspidatum, an herb utilized for centuries that is one of the richest known sources of this powerful antioxidant.

In searching for other helpful substances, I came across a study that suggested that boron may help with removing fluoride from the body (at least, this is the case in buffalo!). [35]

The Takeaway

Have you been using fluoride in your dental treatments for years?

Do you live in a fluoridated community?

Have you considered getting a water filter that properly removes fluoride from your water supply?

While it’s important to stay informed on how much fluoride you are being exposed to, it’s encouraging to know that there are a lot of great action steps that you can take to protect yourself from excess fluoride. Installing a quality water filter, joining the Fluoride Action Network, and finding lower fluoride sources of bottled water are all excellent places to start as you begin to create a safer environment for yourself and your thyroid health.

To learn more about other toxins that may be compromising your thyroid health, pick up a copy of Hashimoto’s Protocol: A 90-Day Plan for Reversing Thyroid Symptoms and Getting Your Life Back and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause.

I wish you all the best on your healing journey!

I love interacting with my readers on social media, and I encourage you to join my Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest community pages to stay on top of thyroid health updates and meet others who are following similar health journeys. For recipes, a FREE Thyroid Diet start guide, and notifications about upcoming events, be sure to sign up for my email list!

References

[1] Ghosh A, Mukherjee K, Ghosh S, Saha B. Sources and toxicity of fluoride in the environment. Res. Chem. Int. 2012;39(7):2881-2915. doi:10.1007/s11164-012-0841-1.
[2] Arthritis. Fluoride Action Network. 2023. Accessed August 9, 2023. https://fluoridealert.org/issues/health/arthritis/
[3] Countries that Fluoridate their Water. Fluoride Action Network. 2023. Accessed August 9, 2023. https://fluoridealert.org/content/bfs-2012/
[4] Solanki YS, Agarwal M, Gupta AB, Gupta S, Shukla P. Fluoride occurrences, health problems, detection, and remediation methods for drinking water: A comprehensive review. Sci Total Environ. 2022;807(Pt 1):150601. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150601; Fluoride Health Effects. Fluoride Action Network. 2023. Accessed August 29, 2023. https://fluoridealert.org/issues/health/
[5] Solanki YS, Agarwal M, Gupta AB, Gupta S, Shukla P. Fluoride occurrences, health problems, detection, and remediation methods for drinking water: A comprehensive review. Sci Total Environ. 2022;807(Pt 1):150601. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150601; Fluoride Health Effects. Fluoride Action Network. 2023. Accessed August 29, 2023. https://fluoridealert.org/issues/health/
[6] Kheradpisheh Z, Mirzaei M, Mahvi AH, et al. Impact of Drinking Water Fluoride on Human Thyroid Hormones: A Case- Control Study. Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):2674. Published 2018 Feb 8. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-20696-4
[7] Goodman C, Hall M, Green R, et al. Maternal fluoride exposure, fertility and birth outcomes: The MIREC cohort. Environ Adv. 2022;7:100135. doi:10.1016/j.envadv.2021.100135
[8] Bittencourt LO, Dionizio A, Ferreira MKM, et al. Prolonged exposure to high fluoride levels during adolescence to adulthood elicits molecular, morphological, and functional impairments in the hippocampus. Sci Rep. 2023;13(1):11083. Published 2023 Jul 8. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-38096-8
[9] Goschorska M, Baranowska-Bosiacka I, Gutowska I, Metryka E, Skórka-Majewicz M, Chlubek D. Potential Role of Fluoride in the Etiopathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(12):3965. Published 2018 Dec 9. doi:10.3390/ijms19123965
[10] He LF, Chen JG. DNA damage, apoptosis and cell cycle changes induced by fluoride in rat oral mucosal cells and hepatocytes. World J Gastroenterol. 2006;12(7):1144-1148. doi:10.3748/wjg.v12.i7.1144
[11] Dharmaratne RW. Exploring the role of excess fluoride in chronic kidney disease: A review. Hum Exp Toxicol. 2019;38(3):269-279. doi:10.1177/0960327118814161
[12] Puty B, Bittencourt LO, Lima LAO, et al. Unraveling molecular characteristic of fluoride neurotoxicity on U87 glial-like cells: insights from transcriptomic and proteomic approach. Front Cell Neurosci. 2023;17:1153198. Published 2023 Jun 9. doi:10.3389/fncel.2023.1153198
[13] Sources of Fluoride. Fluoride Action Network. 2023. Accessed August 29, 2023. https://fluoridealert.org/issues/health/arthritis/
[14] Krishnankutty N, Storgaard Jensen T, Kjær J, Jørgensen JS, Nielsen F, Grandjean P. Public-health risks from tea drinking: Fluoride exposure. Scand J Public Health. 2022;50(3):355-361. doi:10.1177/1403494821990284
[15] Pradhan KM, Arora NK, Jena A, Susheela AK, Bhan MK. Safety of ciprofloxacin therapy in children: magnetic resonance images, body fluid levels of fluoride and linear growth. Acta Paediatr. 1995;84(5):555-560. doi:10.1111/j.1651-2227.1995.tb13694.x
[16] Gras-Champel V, et al. Chronic fluorine intoxication during prolonged treatment with niflumic acid [Article in French]. Presse Med. 2003 Jun 7;32(20):933; Welsch M, et al. Iatrogenic fluorosis. 2 cases [Article in French]. Therapie. 1980;45(5):419-22; Meunier PJ, et al. Niflumic acid-induced skeletal fluorosis: iatrogenic disease or therapeutic perspective for osteoporosis? Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1980;148:304-9; Prost A, et al. [Fluorine osteosis caused by a very long-term niflumic acid treatment in 2 cases of rheumatoid arthritis][Article in French]. Rev Rhum Mal Osteoartic. 1978;45(12):707-16.
[17] Rimoli CN, et al. Relationship between serum concentrations of flecainide and fluoride in humans. Boll. Chim. Farmaceutico 1991;130(7):279-82.
[18] Chen L, Milligan ME. Medication-induced periostitis in lung transplant patients: periostitis deformans revisited. Skeletal Radiology. 2011;40:143-48; Moon et al. Plasma fluoride level as a predictor of voriconazole induced periostitis in patients with skeletal pain. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2014;59(9):1237-45; Rad et al. Fluorosis and periostitis deformans as complications of prolonged voriconazole treatment. Annals of Clinical Biochemistry. 2015;52(Pt 5):611-4; Wermers RA et al. Fluoride excess and periostitis in transplant patients receiving long-term voriconazole therapy. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2011;52(5):604-11.
[19] Sources of Fluoride. Fluoride Action Network. 2023. Accessed August 10, 2023. https://fluoridealert.org/issues/sources/pharmaceuticals/
[20] Singh N, Verma KG, Verma P, Sidhu GK, Sachdeva S. A comparative study of fluoride ingestion levels, serum thyroid hormone & TSH level derangements, dental fluorosis status among school children from endemic and non-endemic fluorosis areas. Springerplus. 2014;3:7. Published 2014 Jan 3. doi:10.1186/2193-1801-3-7
[21] Ghosh A, Mukherjee K, Ghosh S, Saha B. Sources and toxicity of fluoride in the environment. Res. Chem. Int. 2012;39(7):2881-2915. doi:10.1007/s11164-012-0841-1.
[22] Skórka-Majewicz M, Goschorska M, Żwierełło W, et al. Effect of fluoride on endocrine tissues and their secretory functions — review. Chemosphere. 2020;260:127565. doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127565
[23] Khandare AL, Gourineni SR, Validandi V. Dental fluorosis, nutritional status, kidney damage, and thyroid function along with bone metabolic indicators in school-going children living in fluoride-affected hilly areas of Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Environ Monit Assess. 2017;189(11):579. Published 2017 Oct 23. doi:10.1007/s10661-017-6288-5
[24] Singh N, Verma KG, Verma P, Sidhu GK, Sachdeva S. A comparative study of fluoride ingestion levels, serum thyroid hormone & TSH level derangements, dental fluorosis status among school children from endemic and non-endemic fluorosis areas. Springerplus. 2014;3:7. Published 2014 Jan 3. doi:10.1186/2193-1801-3-7
[25] Basha PM, Rai P, Begum S. Fluoride toxicity and status of serum thyroid hormones, brain histopathology, and learning memory in rats: a multigenerational assessment. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2011;144(1-3):1083-1094. doi:10.1007/s12011-011-9137-3
[26] Kheradpisheh Z, Mirzaei M, Mahvi AH, et al. Impact of Drinking Water Fluoride on Human Thyroid Hormones: A Case- Control Study. Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):2674. Published 2018 Feb 8. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-20696-4
[27] Du Y, Zhou G, Gong B, et al. Iodine Modifies the Susceptibility of Thyroid to Fluoride Exposure in School-age Children: a Cross-sectional Study in Yellow River Basin, Henan, China. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2021;199(10):3658-3666. doi:10.1007/s12011-020-02519-8
[28] Peckham S, Lowery D, Spencer S. Are fluoride levels in drinking water associated with hypothyroidism prevalence in England? A large observational study of GP practice data and fluoride levels in drinking water. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2015;69(7):619-624. doi:10.1136/jech-2014-204971
[29] Environment Canada. Inorganic Fluorides: Priority Substances List Assessment Report. Government of Canada, Ottawa. 1993.
[30] Chaulagain R, Chhatkuli A, Shrestha AR, Chhetri BK, Pandey S. Mean Fluoride Concentration in Drinking Water Sources of a Municipality: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study. JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc. 2022;60(255):947-951. Published 2022 Nov 2. doi:10.31729/jnma.7898
[31] Liu H, Zeng Q, Cui Y, et al. The effects and underlying mechanism of excessive iodide on excessive fluoride-induced thyroid cytotoxicity. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2014;38(1):332-340. doi:10.1016/j.etap.2014.06.008
[32] Adedara IA, Ojuade TJD, Olabiyi BF, et al. Taurine Ameliorates Renal Oxidative Damage and Thyroid Dysfunction in Rats Chronically Exposed to Fluoride. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2017;175(2):388-395. doi:10.1007/s12011-016-0784-2
[33] Yang H, Xing R, Liu S, Yu H, Li P. γ-Aminobutyric acid ameliorates fluoride-induced hypothyroidism in male Kunming mice. Life Sci. 2016;146:1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2015.12.041.
[34] Sarkar C, Pal S. Ameliorative effect of resveratrol against fluoride-induced alteration of thyroid function in male wistar rats. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2014;162(1-3):278-87. doi: 10.1007/s12011-014-0108-3.
[35] Bharti VK, Gupta M, Lall D. Effect of boron as an antidote on dry matter intake, nutrient utilization and fluorine balance in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) exposed to high fluoride ration. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2008;126 Suppl 1:S31-S43. doi:10.1007/s12011-008-8212-x

Note: Originally published in April 2015, this article has been revised and updated for accuracy and thoroughness.

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Disclaimer: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult your physician for any health problems and before making any medical or lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle changes can result in improved thyroid function and/or an increased absorption of thyroid hormone medications, leading to a lower required dose and possible symptoms of hyperthyroidism at a dose that was previously stable. Please discuss lifestyle changes with your physician and ensure that your thyroid function is monitored every 6-8 weeks while making lifestyle changes. Symptoms of overmedication include, but are not limited to: rapid or irregular heartbeat, nervousness, irritability or mood swings, muscle weakness or tremors, diarrhea, menstrual irregularities, hair loss, weight loss, insomnia, chest pain, and excessive sweating. Do not start, change, increase, decrease or discontinue your medications without consulting with your physician.

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  1. My thyroid antibodies have skyrocketed in recent months. This does correspond with the recent reintroduction of flouride in our city’s water. Perhaps this is the answer to ‘what is the cause.’ Now we need to find a way to eliminate the flouride from our own water.
    Reply

  3. Dr. Fasano is not including the fact that most people with autoimmune diseases are females; females are three times more likely to get hashi’s than males; most hashimoto’s sufferers developed this disease during or after pregnancy, during menopause…It is obvious that hormone fluctuations is the main cause of Hashimoto to develop.
    Reply

  4. I find your comment interesting… I am about to turn 43 and have NEVER been pregnant and also have NOT gone through menopause…..
    Reply

  5. Fluoride is only removed by distilling the water, using reverse osmosis filtration systems, and activated alumina defluoridation filters, yes and also removed magnesim calcium and other important minerals
    Reply

  6. I see you making a claim, but I would like to see you cite some sources on your site to back up these claims. In this day and age we always cite our sources ladies and gentlemen. You are claiming that Fluoride causes issues with thyroids, but I don’t see any peer reviewed papers from any prestigious research groups (NIH, NHS, ect…). If this is your claim do you also suggest that fluoride effects women more than men? As thyroid disorders are more common in women then men by a large measurable margin.
    You are mentioning a time in medicine that well.. to put it frankly sucked. During this time period we used Salt Peter to cure Ulcers, paint to cure syphilis, mercury to cure damn near everything, this dark time in US medicine is why we have the FDA and Drug trials now.. Now, I am not saying you are wrong, what I am saying is before you go off scaring the crap out of people and making them go to crazy expenses to de-fluoride their life, you need to cite your sources and the papers that support your claims.
    Reply

  7. Durpypony- Good point, I will start adding citations to blog posts. I initially didn’t for aesthetic purposes. Most of the articles on my blog are extracts from my book, which is cited & referenced with over 400 citations, but I digress. I spent 6 years working in public health and can tell you that just because a prestigious group endorses something does not make it right. They essentially come to a consensus decision which may or may not be based on the best current information and the decision makers are not always experts in the subject matter. The decision to add fluoride to the water supply was made in the 1950’s, and I’m not sure any task forces have met since to evaluate the pros/cons of adding it to the water supply in the US. Most European countries do not have it in water and have comparable rates of dental caries. Using fluoridated salt allows you to better control your intake, and fluoride containing toothpaste is not absorbed internally. Most European countries have indicated that water fluoridation risks outweigh the benefits. You can check out http://fluoridealert.org/studies/caries01/ they compile the data from various sources. Personally, I prefer to go to primary sources whenever possible to make my own decision. You can do a quick search on Pubmed with “fluoride & thyroid” to come out with some articles. I’m lucky enough to have journal access as an alumni of my University so I can get the full-text versions of most original research articles. Here’s a recent free article: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24455464 -Hope that helps to address your concern
    Reply

  9. No wonder I felt dizzy while I was getting my teeth cleaned. By the time I left the dentist office I was pale as a ghost. Thanks Isabella for that info! Elizabeth Reinbold
    Reply

  10. Reverse Osmosis is great for drinking water but does not resolve the problem of it entering the pores of our skin from showering and bathing.
    Reply

  11. I have to wonder how much damage the the fluoride pills that the dentist had myself & my sister on growing up have done. We took them daily for years! Of course both of us have health issues.
    Reply

  12. On the subject of water in general I would like to know what you think about water ionizers, as reverse osmosis or distilled water will take the impurities plus trace minerals out but still have an oxidizing effect on the body due to the positive ORP. And what do you think/researched about the effects of alkaline water on the body? I am currently trying to decide which system to buy for the house so your answer would be greatly appreciated 😎
    Reply

    • Samaja- I purchased an under the sink reverse osmosis filter on Amazon for $150. Creating a more alkaline environment in the body may help with the detoxification process as well as help alkaline phosphatase function better. While this initially seems contradictory to the previous recommendation of increasing stomach acidity, it is not. Keeping the stomach acidic while the rest of the body alkaline is the key to
      optimal health, and can be achieved through diet and digestive enzymes.Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts and pain by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people, will actually be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are a couple of articles you may find helpful.

      FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
      https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos

      AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
      https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet

      Reply

  13. I have heard about fluoride a while back being listed as one of the thyroid troublemakers and have tried to avoid it and use NONflouride toothpastes.This is upsetting about tea,as I love tea as a”healthy’beverage option.Also,I knew chlorine was bad for thyroid…used to swim a lot as a kid…wonder if the pools were what gave me Hashimoto`s ?
    Reply

  14. Can you share what brand of reverse osmosis filtration system you are using? I just want to be sure I invest in the best one. Thanks!
    Reply

  15. I was schedule for surgery on Sept ’14 for a total Thyroidectomy with Left multinodular 3.4cm and Right multinodule with A Typical Aphasia and Hashimoto Thyroiditis. Underwent a FNA and Ultrasound. I went for a second opinion this past March ’15, did an Ultrasound….and they found calcifications on my Left and Right nodules… and was schedule for surgery on 3.25.15….I cancelled surgery and requested to see an Endocrinologist… I ask about the percentage of malignancy and she said 5%…and said that I do not need surgery….cancer in the Thyroid does not grow fast and will see me in 6 months (Sept’15). I had a blood test… in the next day was told I have an overactive Thyroid… was sent for a two day Thyroid Scan Uptake….and was told I have Graves Disease ( Overactive Thyroid) …. as of this Friday was prescribed Metamizole 10mg…have not collected my prescription from the druggist…after reading that this medications kills my white cells and I’ll be prone to infections and if this happens I should go to a hospital….Dr. Said that this will be for not to long….she suggested Radioactive Iodine treatment or Surgery…but went on saying that she suggest Total Thyroidectomy… need all the help and information…. Thank you kindly!
    Reply

    • Yvonne- Graves and Hashimoto’s are both autoimmune conditions that affect the thyroid. They are thought to be closely related. Sometimes one turns into the other. The difference is the site of the antibody attack. In Hashimoto’s, the antibodies are found to thyroglobulin (in 80%) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) enzyme (in 95% of people)-Hashimoto’s results in hypothyroidism and is usually treated with Synthroid and replacement hormone.

      The same antibodies may be present in a smaller percentage of people who have Graves, but the main antibody is to the TSH Receptor (TSHR-Ab). Usually people with Graves have hyperthyroidism and they are treated conventionally with thyroid suppressing drugs (methimazole) or radioactive iodine to destroy the thyroid. At that point, the thyroid will no longer produce hormones on its own and these people end up on Synthroid as well.

      Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to rebalance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well! The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research in journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Reply

  16. i live in the Chicago land area and I would be interested in the installer info since I found out reverse osmosis is only 150 on Amazon and I don’t see myself not my apt people knowing exactly what needs to be done
    Reply

  17. Pregnancy, breastfeeding and the cessation of menstruation involve not only changes in hormones but changes in nutritional requirements. Iodine, a trace mineral, is important for thyroid function, and is needed in larger amounts by women compared to men and needed in larger amounts during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Iron requirements are higher for women and change after menopause. Iron deficiency or excess may impact thyroid function. Hormones are only one small piece of the thyroid picture.
    Reply

    • BlueLemonade- I’m very hesitant in recommending iodine in Hashimoto’s. Although iodine serves as fuel for our thyroid and is very important in iodine deficiency hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s is a different mechanism. It’s like pouring gas into an engine that’s on fire… that’s essentially what’s happening in Hashi’s, thyroid inflammation, and adding iodine to the mix before putting out the fire and fixing the engine may result in further damage to the thyroid. In those with a predisposition to autoimmunity, this has been documented time and time again, animal and human studies. I have spent 4 years researching this and have seen too many people suffering the consequences of adding iodine too soon. My approach is, let’s fix the engine first (usually a gut issue), and then add the fuel once we know that the engine is no longer on fire. Hope that you will check out my book. I have a whole chapter on the iodine controversy that references numerous studies as well as the work of Abraham and Brownstein.

      AMAZON
      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Reply

  18. You might also have an MTHFR mutation. This makes it difficult to absorb and metabolize folate. This makes the liver not able to clean toxins as well. If you have this type of mutation, fluoride exposure will be even worse for you than a person without the MTHFR mutation. Go to MTHFR support.net for more info. And I get affected by using fluoride toothpastes. It is absorbed through the mucous membranes in the mouth.
    Reply

  19. My grandgirl at 18, showed me her teeth recently from the “F” gel baths from dentist. Dental fluorosis for sure.
    Reply

  20. On a UK health board recently, I realized how MANY in the UK who love their tea are suffering from “F” poison.
    Reply

  21. A friend had an unnecessary thyroid surgery, calcifications were calcirum related, too much TUMS, which her dumb doc told her good for calcium support…….
    Reply

    • Bridgette- Fluoride is found in tea, especially red and black tea. Tea leaves
      accumulate fluoride from the soil and pollution. The longer they stay
      on the tea tree, the heavier the fluoride content. Exchanging black and red tea for white tea or herbal tea may be helpful! 🙂

      Reply

  23. this makes me want to give up. I don’t know how much more ‘this causes this’ I can take. It’s already close to impossible to try to eliminate the million other things I’m not supposed to have. I am tired. I’m about done.
    Reply

    • Holly – I am so sorry to hear that. I know how frustrating and overwhelming everything can be. When I was first diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, I felt so alone. My doctor didn’t think it was a big deal, and none of my friends or co-workers had it. It wasn’t until I started to research online that I found others who were going through the same thing.

      A couple of years after my diagnosis, I found Hashimoto’s 411, a closed Facebook group run by Alice Berry McDonnell. This group is amazing! It is comprised of an army of highly motivated, smart, supportive women and men (now 45,000+ strong), and each of them sharing ideas of what worked for them, things they were planning to try, and offering support to one another. The comfort I received from knowing that there were others going through the same challenges as I, was enormous.

      https://www.facebook.com/groups/hashimotos411/

      Ask questions. Post your thoughts. Scan the files. It is an absolutely amazing resource. Best of all it’s kept private from spammers.

      Reply

  24. I knew the dangers of fluoride in general.I use non fluoride toothpastes.But how disappointing about tea.I am an avid tea drinker
    Reply

    • Diana- I know how frustrating it can be. Exchanging black and red tea
      for white tea or herbal tea may be helpful. 🙂

      Reply

  25. I was part of a team that battled “F” in our so cal town back in 2005, we lost our fight…but I carry on with many who are fighting this LONG LONG TIME fraud..
    Reply

    • Valden – thank you for following this page. Graves and Hashimoto’s are both autoimmune conditions that affect the thyroid. They are thought to be closely related. Sometimes one turns into the other. The difference is the site of the antibody attack. In Hashimoto’s, the antibodies are found to thyroglobulin (in 80%) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) enzyme (in 95% of people) – Hashimoto’s results in hypothyroidism and is usually treated with Synthroid and replacement hormone.

      The same antibodies may be present in a smaller percentage of people who have Graves, but the main antibody is to the TSH Receptor (TSHR-Ab). Usually people with Graves have hyperthyroidism and they are treated conventionally with thyroid suppressing drugs (methimazole) or radioactive iodine to destroy the thyroid. At that point, the thyroid will no longer produce hormones on its own and these people end up on Synthroid as well.

      Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically or treated with radioactive iodine, the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to rebalance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well). The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The information I present is based on my own research, in my journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.

      Hashimoto’s Protocol
      thyroidpharmacist.com/protocol

      Hashimoto’s Root Cause
      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Reply

  27. My dentist prescribed Prevedent 5000 for me… I’ve been taking Synthroid and Armor/Nature Throid for 15 years (Hashimoto’s) and for by the most part feel well. What’s the likelihood of Prevedent 5000 causing a problem for me? Thanks.

    Reply

    • Tom – thank you for following this page. I highly recommend a Biological dentist. Biological dentistry is a branch of dentistry that looks at the connection between oral care and the health status of the rest of the body. While most traditional dentists focus only on “rescue care” rather than prevention, biological dentists try to prevent health problems that may originate from exposure to certain procedures and materials. To find a biological dentist in your area, visit the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology’s website at http://www.iaomt.org for a listing.

      Reply

  30. The different types of fluoride are also very important to recognize. Calcium fluoride is the natural form from the earth and sodium fluoride (or chemicals with the “flu” or “fluo” in the name are also toxic synthetic forms. Synthetic forms of fluoride are a byproduct of nuclear and industrial waste and there was also cooperation between these industries on how to get rid of the waste…result is they add it to water and in other countries add it to the salt.

    Reply

  31. I looked up antihistamines and fluoride and I cannot find any antihistamines like benadryl and claritin that contain fluoride.
    Does benadryl or claritin contain fluoride?

    Reply

    • PJ – thank you for following this page. For an extensive list, please visit the Fluoride Toxicity Research Collaborative.
      Here is a link: http://www.slweb.org/ftrc.html

      The fluoride contained in most of these medications, however, is in an organic form, and it’s not known whether this type of fluoride can accumulate in our bodies, compared to the fluorides found in the dental industry which are inorganic fluorides and are known to accumulate in the body and cause toxicity. More research is needed in this area.

      Reply

  32. You suggested replacing black and red teas with white and herbal teas to reduce fluoride intake. What about green tea?

    Reply

    • Claudia – thank you for following this page. While I don’t think that any studies have been conducted on the brands or sub-types of tea and their fluoride content, I do know that tea leaves, in general, collect fluoride as they mature. White tea is going to have the lowest amount because it is the youngest tea and doesn’t spend as much time accumulating fluoride. Green tea is going to have a slighter higher level, and black tea is going to contain as much, or slightly more fluoride, as the green tea. While I don’t advocate avoiding tea completely, it is important to be aware of the cumulative effects of the fluoride we consume. The bulk of the fluoride we ingest comes from the water we use for drinking and brushing our teeth.

      Reply

  33. Unfortunately my ND put me on Florical(fluoride) to slow down the thyroid and I also have silver fillings. I believe thats one of the main problems affecting my thyroid.

    Reply

  34. I was given a fluoride varnish treatment after a dental cleaning a few years back and almost immediately my heart went into tachycardia and hygienist told me to scrub it off which I did but it took about 20 minutes for it to settle down. I am super sensitive to any kind of caffeine or stimulants of any kind and this will happen to my heart also. Could this have been cause of racing heart?

    Reply

  35. We have a whole house water filter that takes the fluoride out of our water, but my children’s dentist has been asking us to give our children fluoride treatments and fluoridated toothpaste. Besides eating healthy meals, what else can do I do to help my children’s teeth if we avoid fluoride? Thanks!

    Reply

  36. Such a great post, because it has the missing link I had just started to think I should get for me and crucially my children. Supplements to help detox from fluoride and protect from fluoride. I have moved home (Ireland), from the UK after 6 years in London. London was where I was diagnosed with Hashimotos and it remained stable, low level for all those years and with low antibodies (400-600). London–no fluoridated water. I came home to Ireland and my conversion to T3 especially has been impaired and antibodies went through the roof (1000). I have been pregnant since before I arrived. Strangely, my thyroid dose did not need to be increased during pregnancy. I am not sure if the presence of fluoride in the water/in the food, in Ireland caused that strange outcome during pregnancy (for my first pregnancy, my dosage climbed to 175mg in the third trimester, from 100mg, my original maintenance dose). I spent my first 9 months in Ireland drinking only bottled water (the poor oceans, made me wince every time I finished a bottle!). I then got a table top activated alumina filter which I used for 3 or so months after my son was born until I started to have new thyroid symptoms (when my antibodies climbed to 1000). I got the filtered water tested, there was still fluoride! So I plumped for an under-sink reverse osmosis unit and I have been feeling better (still high antibodies tho). GABA Calm is on my list to try (magnesium as well as two supplements to support fluoride ingestion/fluoride damage to my thyroid–sounds like a dream combo). Any indication about whether these supplements are safe for children? My daughter is 3.5 years old. It kills me that she is being exposed to fluoridated water everyday at daycare. She is being medicated for something that she doesn’t have a problem with, ie tooth caries. Manufacturers avoid fluoride in a lot of children’s toothpastes for this age due to the risk of fluoride toxicity in one so young..yet they still pump it into the water!! Since I am third generation on my dad’s side, with some level of Hashimotos, it appears there is a good chance she will too. I don’t want it to be any worse due to fluoride exposure!!

    Good luck with your pregnancy and new arrival by the way. It’s a rocky road with a wonky thyroid in tow. I have had postpartum thyroiditis this time round, AIP diet helped minimise the symptoms but I couldn’t go completely onto an AIP–caused my milk production to tank. So gluten free has been the way to go for me in the interim along with readjusted meds. Plan is now things are settled (baby is 8 months), natural dessicated thyroid to address my T3 conversion issue and a gentle version of AIP with lots of sweet potato and maybe a little rice/nuts. Thanks for all your really useful information! A post on assisting kids with thyroid health would be a great one at some point!

    Reply

  37. In your comment to Durpypony, you say that fluoride containing toothpaste does not get absorbed internally. Then why do you recommend fluoride-free toothpaste?

    Reply

  38. What about dates? The package brags that they are a good source of fluoride, but they’re not on your list.
    Also, how much GABA do you recommend? I take it anyway to help me sleep, but I’m wondering if more would be better.

    Reply

    • Debby – Thanks for your question! I’ll add this to my list to research in the future. I wish I could give you more direct advice about supplements but, each person will react differently. I would advise you to ask your personal pharmacist or a trusted clinician who’s care you are under. I am not able to respond directly to these types of questions here. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time, and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.

      I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.

      Hashimoto’s Root Cause
      http://amzn.to/2DoeC80

      Hashimoto’s Protocol
      http://amzn.to/2B5J1mq

      Reply

  39. We use a GE reverse osmosis filter under the sink. It is acidic so we add a 1/4 tea of Potassium Bicarb. to a quart and the pH goes from 6 to 7.5. There are 2 of us and we use that water for all cooking and drinking. I bring this water with to work. We use Toms of Maine toothpaste no Fl and it has Xylitol as a antimicrobial. 3 pounds of the Potassium Bicarb from Amazon 35.00 lasts us 16 months. We use a lot of ice for cocktail hour. Replace the charcoal filters every year 50.00 and the RO filter every 2 years about 100.00.

    Reply

  40. I had the same question as Jodi, above. You mentioned earlier that toothpaste does not get absorbed internally, so wouldn’t fluoridated toothpaste be a good way to continue to get the benefits for your teeth without ingesting it into your whole body, as long as you’re careful not to swallow any? I’m all for cleaning up my water since I drink so much, but I’m a little worried about the consequences to my teeth.

    Reply

  42. Thanks for the great q&a. I just saw that the WHO issued a warning against RO because of deminiralization, mostly calcium and magnesium.

    https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/nutrientschap12.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjgkOf2wKfaAhUDL6wKHZa8ABMQFjAAegQIABAB&usg=AOvVaw03q1hkPcWOwsn_o0HwVoXb

    Would you suggest adding supplements to the water, or are we covered as long as we eat enough veggies?

    I recently switched from AIP to Keto AIP, my partner is vegetarian and our toddler fortunately eats everything.

    Reply

  43. Hi,
    your article states that the children in India exposed to high-level of fluoride showed a decreased level of TSH.
    I am not sure if I understand the paper corectly, but doesn’t it say the TSH level in group 1A and B is increased. This would also confirm the study done in Iran.
    Thanks

    Reply

  44. Another water filter that removes fluoride is “ZEROWATER”. It looks much like the Britta filters, but, like the name implies, removes every impurity. It comes with a gauge you can test with. They offer large fridge sizes down to a water bottle travel size. I’ve been using mine for three years and can’t say enough about it, it’s truly been a lifesaver. When I lived in San Diego, the filter lasted for about two months due to high impurities. Now that I live in Portland, the filter has lasted for nearly a year.

    Reply

  45. Since being diagnosed 2 years ago, I have been progressing well with my Hashimotos recovery and have recently been feeling great. However, last week I had a dental check up and clean primarily to identify any gum disease (as you’ve suggested). Some gum disease was identified and I can treat that better now, so that was all good. However, the clean involved having a fluoride gel put in my mouth and not rinse for 20 minutes (not sure of the dosage). Probably ended up swallowing a bit in that 20 minutes also. About 2 days later I started experiencing mild anxiety and 4 days later I had my first panic attack in about 18 months. I don’t use fluoridated toothpaste and our water supply isn’t fluoridated, and I hadn’t done anything out of the ordinary in terms of my Hashimoto’s-focused lifestyle and diet, so my theory is that this single exposure to fluoride caused thyroid degeneration resulting in a hyperthyroid episode. Is that even possible?

    Reply

    • Louise – thank you so much for reaching out and sharing your journey. I am so sorry this happened to you. I cannot say whether this was the cause or not. I do highly recommend a Biological dentist. Biological dentistry is a branch of dentistry that looks at the connection between oral care and the health status of the rest of the body. While most traditional dentists focus only on “rescue care” rather than prevention, biological dentists try to prevent health problems that may originate from exposure to certain procedures and materials.

      To find a biological dentist in your area, visit the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology’s website at http://www.iaomt.org. I hope this helps!

      Reply

      • Happy New Year!
        Helpful link but unfortunately my nearest registered biological dentist is 1500 kilometers away. But I’ve just found a more local (80km away) dentist who calls themselves “holistic” so I’ll contact them with some questions suggested on the IAOMT website. Thanks

        Reply

  46. Dear Dr. Izabella,
    Thank you for all this wonderful information! About seven years ago, when I was 50 years old, I was diagnosed with a hypothyroid condition. At the time I was offered a prescription of Synthroid (which I understand is the most prescribed medication in the US). I declined the prescription after being told that I might have to take it for the rest of my life. Research indicated that fluoride in the water could be a problem, so I started drinking only reverse osmosis water. I also stopped using any toothpaste containing fluoride. Within a year, the thyroid function returned to normal without taking any prescription medication (I did supplement with a modest amount of iodine and selenium). An unexpected side effect was that a 35 year case of chronic cystic acne also completely cleared up. I had tried every natural and pharmaceutical treatment for acne over those years (including taking Accutane at the age of 45). More people are beginning to discover that fluoride may be causing their acne (additional information on the fluoride/acne connection can be found at the website http://www.hiddencauseofacne.com). Now at age 57, I feel better than I have since I was in my 20’s and it is wonderful to have clear skin (finally!).
    Thank you for continuing to give attention to the topic of fluoride, especially with reference to how it adversely affects the thyroid. I am hopeful that community water fluoridation will come to an end very soon!
    Gayle

    Reply

    • Gayle – thank you so much for sharing your journey! I am so happy to hear you are feeling so much better and that your skin has cleared. <3 Please keep me posted on your progress.

      Reply

  47. I have a college education yet on the advice of another i had my 4 children swallow their toothpaste for years. They did this until they found our their friends didnt do it. I thought i was helping them. They are in their early 30s now. What should we be watching for?

    What labs should they request? I am sick about this. Please hurry!

    Reply

  48. Thank you for such a great site filled with the information I was looking for! My 92 y.o. neighbor was recently prescribed a concentrated fluoride treatment for her teeth. She forgot to rinse before going to bed and now is suffering. She has said her mouth and throat is painful, she is fatigued and sleeps more, has a pain around her navel and she’s just not the vibrant lady she was. This lady still plays tennis and rides an electric bike! Amazing! Her dentist told her to gargle with salt water! OMG…how Drs . can’t believe that the toxicity is real in their products. Her and her daughter and I have talked and she will go to the Bastyr naturopathic clinic in Seattle to work on a detox regimen. I’ll pass on your web info in the meantime. You ROCK! 🙂

    Reply

  49. I read this blog entry today and investigated the company Clearly Filtered regarding their shower heads. I was contacted by Will after taking the website quiz, who gave me the link to their shower head. It is definitely a “fail” regarding flouride removal, as the website clearly (see what I did there?) states that the shower heads do not remove flouride, since it is not being ingested into the body. You might want to update this blog entry. Thanks.

    Reply

  50. Dr. Wentz,
    Firstly, I just want to say thank you. You were one of the first stops on my healing journey and your books along with website have helped me tremendously! I’ve successfully had a healthy baby girl who had been such a blessing!

    Secondly, in Kentucky there is a state law mandating water fluoridation in any community over 3,000 residence. In 2020 we have been able to get our senate to sponsor a bill to give communities CHOICE as to whether or not we want “fluoride” added to our water. Last year we had a bill in the house and the Kentucky Dental Association along with “Big Water” Districts had it shut down before it even got a hearing. Last year we were able to get Erin Brockivich to endorse or bill, would you be interested in endorsing our senate bill this year? It it Senate Bill 86. It would mean so much to us to have such an endorsement!!

    Reply

    • Britt – thank you so much for your support! I’m so happy to hear you are finding my research helpful! <3 I think it's wonderful that your taking charge of your health and being an advocate for others by working on getting fluoride our of your local water! Please email my team at info@thyroidpharmacist.com and they will look into whether this is something I am able to help with.

      Reply

  52. I just found out that the *naturally occurring* fluoride level of our local water supply is 4mg/L! (And some docs in our community wanted to *add* fluoride!) I’m in Juneau, Alaska. No idea why it is so high or if that’s typical. Just an FYI that you might want to know your local water level even if you know fluoride is not being added to your local water supply!

    Reply

    • Erica – thank you so much for sharing this! If it is an option you may want to check out the Reverse Osmosis system that I recommended in this article as fluoride can only be removed by distilling the water, using reverse osmosis, or by activated alumina defluoridation filters! ❤️

      Reply

  53. Hello,
    I really appreciate all of your hard work and dedication to helping those of us who are trying to navigate Thyroid disease of one type or another.
    I’m curious to ask you if you came across any information about fluoride being given to elementary school students in the United States back in the 70s and 80s?
    I distinctly remember the health department coming to our elementary school so many times a year and made all the students consume doses of fluoride. Naturally, I’m wondering if it largely contributed to my Graves disease, deterioration of my teeth, and my spine?🤔

    Reply

    • Alexandra – thank you for reaching out. The benefit of removing the fluoride which can be a trigger for those with Hashimoto’s outweighs the cost of potentially removing those other minerals. And, doing things like taking a multivitamin and eating more nutrient dense foods should be the main source of nutrients and help to replace many of the minerals. If you are still concerned, the AquaTru filter removes impurities and fluoride, however, it still keeps essential nutrients like magnesium and calcium in the water. I hope this helps.

      Reply

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