Scientists Find Fluoridated Water Causes Hypothyroidism, Weight Gain, AND Depression

Scientists Find Fluoridated Water Causes Hypothyroidism, Weight Gain, AND Depression. Graphic © herbshealthhappiness.com. Photo © Juri Samsonov – fotolia.com (under license)

A recent investigation published in the BMJ Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health on fluoridated water had very harrowing results. ^[1] Peckham, Lowery, and Spencer published their study in 2015, which associated fluoride levels in drinking water with a metabolic condition called hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is characterized by an underperforming thyroid, meaning it doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones for the body’s needs. Thyroid hormones regulate the body’s metabolic processes, which in turn affect weight, energy, and mood. In hypothyroidism, a person can gain weight, lose energy, and become depressed.

About 10 percent of England’s population resides in areas that have fluoridated water; the study collected data from 8,000 general medical practice locations in the country. The researchers found that areas that had water fluoridation programs were almost twice as likely to report a high prevalence of hypothyroidism cases compared to areas without water fluoridation programs – 30 percent more likely to be exact.

This study was even published by Newsweek, with the facts plainly stated for everyone to see – there were nine percent more cases of hypothyroidism in areas with fluoridated water compared to others. This is worrying because compared to England’s 10 percent (approximately 6 million people), over 70 percent of the American population live in areas that fluoridate their water. ^[2] Also, compared to men, women are 15 times more likely to have hypothyroidism – which is 15 in 1,000 people.

While the authorities in England stick by their stand that fluoride levels in drinking water are safe, ^[3] it pays to be more careful, especially as new studies are stating otherwise on the topic of fluoridated water safety.

Fluoride and Iodine

So how does fluoride cause hypothyroidism? Numerous studies have linked fluoride to inhibition of iodine production in the body. Without iodine, the thyroid ceases to function adequately, which causes hypothyroidism. Fluoride, being lighter and more reactive than iodine, easily displaces it when there is too much fluoride in the blood. This interferes with iodine uptake by the body. On a similar note, the toxic effects of fluoride can also affect the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) by the pituitary gland as well as the TSH-receptor sites on the thyroid – both leading to decreased production of thyroid hormones, leading to hypothyroidism. ^[4]