“Progressive” city, backwards move
Portland is supposed to be one of those “progressive” US cities. That’s why it was so shocking to find out that they’re going to start fluoridating their water at the beginning of 2014. That is, unless opponents can bring down the program with a ballot initiative.
Before this, they held the respectable title as the largest US city that didn’t fluoridate. But with a 5 to 0 vote from their City Council, it looks like they’re joining many other misguided cities in pumping their water full of a harmful chemical in the name of “good health.”
Ironically, other cities are now finally seeing the light.
A year ago, Pinellas County (in Florida) stopped fluoridating their water supply when the community demanded it. And the battle rages on in countless communities across the country. One expert who testified during the recent fluoridation fight in Phoenix, AZ says that it usually goes just one way: As people dig into the facts about fluoridation, former supporters end up jumping ship.
Last year, the CDC even made the jump pulling back on their own fluoridation recommendations. They used to call for a range of 0.7 to 1.2 mg per liter. But they decided to call 0.7 mg the upper limit due to the risk of fluorosis in children.
Greater exposure to fluoride always leads to more cases of fluorosis in communities. Fluorosis is most commonly known for the cracks and discoloration it can cause in teeth. But it can also hurt bone health, increase the risk of fractures, and even screw with your endocrine and neurological systems.
Studies have shown there’s no difference in dental problems between fluoridated and non-fluoridated communities. And opponents of fluoride want to take the focus off of our teeth altogether. The Fluoride Action Network cites a long list of studies revealing dangers associated with fluoride including joint pain, skin rash, thyroid underactivity, bone cancer, and even IQ problems.
If you’re interested in learning how to help get fluoride out of your community you can learn more at www.fluoridealert.org.
And if you’re looking for an alternative way to prevent cavities, look no further than a certain sugar–yes, a sugar! Gum and mints that contain xylitol not only help prevent the formation of new cavities, but they may even be able to reverse ones that are already present. One controlled study on xylitol and dental health showed it caused a reversal and healing, with re-growth of dental enamel, in 27 percent of already existing cavities.
You’ll find xylitol in natural food stores, compounding pharmacies, and the Tahoma Clinic Dispensary. Dr. Wright recommends the Spry line of products, since it’s made of entirely natural ingredients, with no artificial flavors, colors, or other chemicals, and especially no fluoride.
P.S. Overwhelmed with information about arthritis? Dr. Wright is here to help. Just keep reading.
Sources:
“Portland Opts for Fluoridation,” Medscape Today (medscape.com)
“HHS Recommends Lower Fluoride Levels in Drinking Water,” Medscape Today (medscape.com)
“Florida County Stops Water Fluoridation,” Medscape Today (medscape.com)
