Possibility of fluoride adding to IBS symptoms.
#333483 - 07/29/08 01:33 AM
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Sarah Nerd
Reged: 06/10/08
Posts: 2
Loc: Fall River, Massachusetts
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Recently, I have been doing some extensive research trying to find what factors cause IBS. I, personally, have come to the conclusion that it is related to hypersensitivity to certain components of food and greatly to fluoride.
I'm almost certain this won't be received well, but please do review the information given here. I don't care if I'm flamed at all. I only care that there is a possibility of understanding what causes IBS and curing or reducing it.
Here is some of the information I have gathered.
SYMPTOMS: Nausea; loss of appetite; pain in the stomach; gas formation and 'bloated' feeling; constipation, followed by intermittent diarrhea; head ache.
Scientists have found that chronic intake of fluoride can seriously affect the gastric mucosa (the cells that excrete the fluid which is required to aid digestion and to enable the comfortable passage of food through the bowel). Healthy cells are covered in tiny hairs called microvilli. Fluoride-damaged cells show broken microvilli and, eventually, an unhealthy "cracked clay" appearance. These cells are so damaged that normal function is impaired, leading to pain and suffering - "irritable bowel syndrome."
HEALTH EFFECTS: Fluoride & the Gastrointestinal Tract.
Avoid fluoride to cure IBS.
In hypersensitive individuals...
Fluoride in bottled water.
IBS like symptoms from fluoride.
Discussion of fluoride in teas, food, and water.
Wikipedia article on opposition of fluoridated water supplies. Surprisingly, it's missing quite a few recorded reactions to fluoride.
A chart comparing fluoride to lead and arsenic.
Fluoride Action Network
Petition to end fluoridation. Do not feel obligated to sign. The information is just here for your future needs.
If you think you may be suffering from a reaction to fluoride, please keep in mind that fluoridated tap water contains 1 part per million(ppm) of fluoride, soy milk contains 1.2 ppm, and tea 32 ppm. Safe alternatives for beverages may be Poland Springs water at .1 ppm and Propel Fitness water at .02 ppm.
IMPORTANT: Please, scrutinize any information you get. I am only trying to help and by no means claim that I am absolutely correct. There are almost undoubtedly other factors that cause IBS, and I encourage everyone to research the effects of fluoride and any other suspected causes.
Note: This in no way invalidates Heather's work with the Eating For IBS diet. She gives very crucial and insightful information for healthy living.
Edited by Sarah Nerd (07/29/08 01:40 AM)
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I had time to read some of the links and this looks interesting. It'd be great if anyone could offer more info or even personal experience.
I figured I've got nothing to lose so I just bought fluoride-free toothpaste. Supposedly they stopped fluoridating water in some EU countries (including the Czech Rep.) so I should be safe in that aspect, too. Wow, if I could be "cured" by using a different type of toothpaste! Too good to be true  !
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IBS-C, bloating, cramps
pregnant
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The frequency of occurrence of IBS in countries that do and do not put fluoride in drinking water are the same. The link between IBS and the use of fluoridation is remote at best and most likely it doesn't exist. However, excess consumption of almost any thing can produce GI distresses similar to those experienced by IBS suffers.
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STABLE: ♂, IBS-D 50+ years - Science of IBS
The FODMAP Approach to Managing IBS Symptoms
Evidence-based Dietary Management of Functional GI Symptoms: The FODMAP Approach
FODMAP Chart & Cheatsheet
The Role of Food & Dietary Intervention in IBS
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There are more methods to fluoridating the public beside putting it in the water. Many countries that don't fluoridate the water put it in the salt in stead. Some other countries have issues of natural fluoridation.
I still believe that fluoride intake is a likely link to IBS and many health problems. The idea of fluoridating water and salt came about in 1909 and has not been properly revisited since then. What other medical or dental methods do we use that have not undergone even some kind of change or scrutiny since 1909? It's simply bad science if it doesn't undergo a constant process of scrutiny.
I also disagree with the frequency of occurrence of IBS you stated. It has been shown to not be the same among different populations. If I come across the studies that I have read, I'll post them.
I'd also like to point out that the supposed purpose of fluoridating food supplements has been to reduce cavities. However, it has been shown in some studies that the benefit of fluoride only results from topical application, while there is still this issue of causing dental fluorosis. That benefit is still in question, as it is argued that general oral hygiene and the type of food consumed is what contributes to cavities or lack there of, regardless of fluoride being used.
So if it doesn't help our teeth why is it in our water and salt, and therefore in our food? It's pretty foolish to ignore a substance that is more toxic than lead when trying to determine the factors of IBS.
On a note supporting my idea (and an idea many others have), in the last week, after reducing my intake of fluoride containing products (water, toothpaste, and food), I've started to feel better. I still have my set backs, but I actually feel less of the pain that I usually do, and my bowel movements are becoming much more regular. I was even able to have alcohol without much of a problem, and I usually restrict all access to it due to my reactions. This isn't due to a psychosomatic effect, either. I've gone through so many things believe that "This is it! This will finally help!" without any improvement.
If it can help even just a few people, why not be open to it?
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The variety of forms including natural occurrences through which fluoride enters the diet is not under question. There is an excellent discussion about this in the World Health Organization document on the world wide use and management of fluoride in drinking water. Also, there is no doubt that over exposure to fluoride can cause crippling problems including death. Less toxic reactions include GI symptoms similar to those experienced by IBS suffers. However, toxic effects are usually not noticed until you consume more than 1 mg fluoride per kg body weight which is about 30 mg per liter of water. At low concentrations - about 1 mg per liter - it has been known since the 1940's that fluoride definitely decreases dental decay.
The only think under question is the role fluoride plays in IBS. So far little, if any thing, has been mentioned in the IBS research literature about fluoride playing a role in either causing IBS or helping managing the symptoms. If you know of any peer-reviewed articles on the topic I would appreciate it if you would post the references.
Good luck with your experiments with reducing fluoride intake.
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STABLE: ♂, IBS-D 50+ years - Science of IBS
The FODMAP Approach to Managing IBS Symptoms
Evidence-based Dietary Management of Functional GI Symptoms: The FODMAP Approach
FODMAP Chart & Cheatsheet
The Role of Food & Dietary Intervention in IBS
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I live in a town with Fluoridated water.
IMO, staying away from the stuff is getting harder every day.
My IBS symptoms are exactly the same as posted above.
Avoiding fluoride for almost a month now has definitely made a difference. I've been suffering for over 6 years from this crap!
I believe some are more susceptible to fluoride than others.
Even at a low dose the 1ppm has to be doing something bad to the microbes in our guts.
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I realize this is a very old post but am hoping to get some feedback.
Have had ibs for 43+ years and started with diverticulitis 2 1/2 years ago. Was put on cipro/flagyl 2x..just finished course 1 day ago. And levaquin/flagyl back in July.
My ibs has been so ramped up since first taking these abx and gets worse each time. There is a link between the fluoroquinolones ..cipro levaquin and others.....and long lasting gi symptoms among many others.
would love to hear some current responses.
Thanks..be well...Susan. Xo
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Hi Ben,
Since about the middle of February of 2013, after I had 15 radiation treatments to my neck for Hodgkin's Lymphoma, I began suffering from dry mouth.
I believe around April of that year, I started using a special prescription toothpaste that is very high in fluoride to prevent any tooth decay.
In late July 2013, my IBS returned. Do you think this is a coincidence? I am wondering now if I should go back to a regular toothpaste.
But I am AFRAID to do this, since I have a LOT of very expensive dental work that could be badly affected if I STOP using the special toothpaste.
What do YOU folks think? Heather, could you please weigh in on this for me?
Thanks Much!
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Originally diagnosed with IBS-C in Spring, 2008. During spring to fall of 2008, had at least 10 acupuncture treatments and Chinese herbs. IBS went into remission. IBS returned in late July 2013 after taking 2 oral contrasts for a CT scan for cancer follow up. Had more acupuncture with different practitioner in summer 2014, but received little benefit.
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Its frequency of occurrence is the same in countries that don't have fluoridated water or sell fluoridate toothpaste
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STABLE: ♂, IBS-D 50+ years - Science of IBS
The FODMAP Approach to Managing IBS Symptoms
Evidence-based Dietary Management of Functional GI Symptoms: The FODMAP Approach
FODMAP Chart & Cheatsheet
The Role of Food & Dietary Intervention in IBS
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Aw SHUCKS, Syl! I was HOPING there was an EASY fix for my IBS!!
No such LUCK, dammit!!
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Originally diagnosed with IBS-C in Spring, 2008. During spring to fall of 2008, had at least 10 acupuncture treatments and Chinese herbs. IBS went into remission. IBS returned in late July 2013 after taking 2 oral contrasts for a CT scan for cancer follow up. Had more acupuncture with different practitioner in summer 2014, but received little benefit.
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