DR. IZABELLA WENTZ, PHARM D

Thyroid Pharmacist

Fluoride & Your Thyroid

Fluoride And Your Thyroid

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One of my cousins is currently attending dental school in the European Union. She recently asked me, “Izabella, is it true that the government adds fluoride to the water supply in the United States 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 exactly it 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 does fluoride impact communities?
  • What are the symptoms of fluoride toxicity?
  • How can I minimize fluoride exposure?
  • Are there supplements that help detox 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 because it is highly reactive. 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 former” –  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 specifically 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.

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

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 the United States?

Many of you may know that fluoride was added to the water supplies of most US cities and some cities in the UK in the 1950’s as a public health measure meant to minimize tooth decay. What you may be surprised to hear, however, is that fluoride was used to treat hyperthyroidism up until the 1950’s, prior to the development of other thyroid-suppressing medications!

A dose of 2-5 mg of fluoride per day was typically found to be effective for suppressing an overactive thyroid. If you live in the typical fluoridated community and you’re being a “good girl” (or “good boy”) by drinking your 8 cups of water each day, chances are, you are inadvertently taking in enough fluoride to suppress your thyroid. Most adults in these communities are ingesting between 1.6 and 6.6 mg of fluoride per day.

If this is the history of fluoride use until the 1950’s, 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 have rightfully rejected fluoridation without any apparent consequences on tooth decay, the United States, Canada, and parts of the UK continue to fluoridate their water.

Beside Water, Where Else is Fluoride Found?

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)

Yes, that’s right, your cup of red or black tea could be sabotaging your thyroid. Tea leaves accumulate fluoride from the soil and also 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.

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.

Fluoride-Containing Medications

There are quite a few fluoride-containing medications. They include anesthetics, antacids, anti-anxiety medications, antibiotics, antidepressants, antifungals, antihistamines, 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 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.

What Effect Does Fluoride Have 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 is an endocrine disruptor, which means the body mistakes it as something else. It can actually alter the proper functioning of body processes. In the case of fluoride, it is recognized as iodine in the body. Because iodine is essential for every major body function on a cellular level, the body absorbs it into human organ tissues, all while mistaking it for iodine. Very little fluoride is excreted in urine or sweat, which leads to toxicity in the body. Over time, fluoride absorption in tissues manifests as actual lesions on endocrine glands, such as the thyroid.

A study in India examined children aged 8-15 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 the control area children. 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.

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 on their thyroid hormone status, their acetylcholinesterase (an enzyme that helps break down acetylcholine), levels of fluoride in their brain, as well as their learning and memory retention.

What they found was that a significant decrease in FT3 and FT4 serum levels were present in the fluoride-treated rats 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. So, fluoride can actually cause brain fog! A conclusion can also be made 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 one of the most recent studies on fluoride and human thyroid hormones that just came out of Iran, a group of people consuming fluoridated water were studied to see how fluoride impacted thyroid hormone levels. The major finding of this study is that TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) values were higher in people who had higher fluoride concentration in their drinking water.

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

A 2015 British study reported that medical practices in a fluoridated area of the UK (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. Furthermore, an analysis of different parts of the UK found that the rates of hypothyroidism were statistically matched to the rates of fluoride in the local water supply.

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- 1.3 mg/L

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

The natural amounts of fluoride present in water should be 0.05 mg per liter, however, the amount in fluoridated water may be anywhere from 0.7- 1.3 mg/L, often expressed as “ppm” or parts per million. These high levels in fluoridated communities are a stark contrast to healthy levels.

Who is Likely to Have an Adverse Reaction to it 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.

Chronic excessive intake of fluoride can lead to many diseases such as osteoporosis, arthritis, cancer, infertility, brain damage, Alzheimer’s, autoimmune thyroid disease, DNA damage, gastrointestinal irritation, kidney dysfunction, calcification of teeth (known as dental fluorosis), and much more.

What Can be Done to Minimize Fluoride Exposure?

Now that you know where to find it and how it may harm you, you can focus on removing fluoride from your daily lifestyle. I’m sure you were surprised to learn where it might be lurking!

As I have mentioned, it is a good measure to check all your dental hygiene products and medications to see which ones might contain fluoride. There are plenty of safe, fluoride free brands that are quite popular and effective.

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

  • Nature’s Gate Natural Toothpaste – Natural ingredients, including peppermint oil and baking soda, plus an abundance of free calcium, a natural strengthening component of teeth that helps remove plaque, combine to gently and naturally clean teeth.
  • Designs for Health Periobiotic Toothpaste – This one has the side benefit of including probiotics in it, and will help to balance the flora in your mouth. It may take some time to get used to using it correctly- you brush your teeth just like you would with regular toothpaste, but rather than rinsing your mouth when you’re done, you spit out most of it, but don’t rinse to allow the beneficial microbes to do their work.

Also, simply exchanging black and red tea for white tea or herbal tea may be helpful. This is yet another example of how making small lifestyle adjustments can result in big changes.

Water Filters

The next place you will want to focus 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 policy makers on water fluoridation in your community. However, this is not the easiest or 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 the fluoride.

I researched filtration systems for a while, but many of them were extremely expensive. Some were in the thousands! Here are two of my favorites:

The most convenient and cost-effective reverse osmosis water filter that I have found is AquaTru’s countertop filter. I have one in my bathroom that I use 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. This is also a great option for those who rent or reside in places where you can’t adjust the plumbing. Those who know me well know that I cannot say enough good things about the AquaTru water filter.

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, shower heads, 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 contaminates their products are able to remove from the water source. My science brain loves seeing these tests and knowing that the filter I’m using is doing what says it will do!

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. I recommend that you use the fluoride free water for cooking and drinking, for your family and pets.

If either of these options is too permanent for your lifestyle, keep in mind is that there are water delivery services 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 the cell.

The following supplements are a safer way to support your body’s detoxification from fluoride:

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 shown the ability of taurine to reverse both kidney and thyroid damage in rats that were chronically exposed to high levels of fluoride. 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:

  • Liver Reset contains a natural pea protein isolate to fuel natural detoxification pathways. It includes the nutrients needed to support and balance phase 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.
  • 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 and the digestion and assimilation of fats and fat-soluble vitamins.
  • 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 prepare them for safe elimination from the body.

GABA is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter that is known to produce calmness, as well as reduce tension and anxiety. Recently, GABA has also been shown to have the ability to protect against hypothyroidism caused by fluoride. A study that exposed mice to fluoride and subsequently treated them with GABA showed improved results for T4, T3 and thyroid hormone-binding globulin (TBG levels) along with healing of the structural abnormalities in thyroid follicles that were observed after fluoride exposure.

The GABA supplements that I recommend are:

  • GABA by Pure Encapsulations promotes positive mood, supports relaxation and moderates occasional stress.
  • GABA Calm by Source Naturals contains magnesium, GABA, glycine, n-acetyl l-tyrosine and taurine in a quick-dissolving lozenge form.
  • PharmaGABA by Designs for Health 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.

Resveratrol is a natural antioxidant. 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 appreciably prevented metabolic toxicity caused by the fluoride and restored functional status of the thyroid gland towards normalcy.

  • Resveratrol by Pure Encapsulations is derived from one of the richest known sources, Polygonum cuspidatum, an herb utilized for centuries.

I Would Love to Hear your Experience with Fluoride!

Have you been using fluoride in your dental treatments for many 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.

I wish you all the best on your healing journey!

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.

Be sure to sign up for my email list and weekly newsletter to get a free book chapter, recipes, Thyroid Diet Starter Guide, information about Rootcology supplements, and notifications about upcoming events and my latest research.

References

  1. Singh N, Verma K, Verma P, Sidhu G, 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(1):7. doi:10.1186/2193-1801-3-7.
  2. 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. doi: 10.1007/s10661-017-6288-5.
  3. Basha P, Rai P, Begum S. Fluoride Toxicity and Status of Serum Thyroid Hormones, Brain Histopathology, and Learning Memory in Rats: A Multigenerational Assessment. Biological Trace Element Research. 2011;144(1-3):1083-1094. doi:10.1007/s12011-011-9137-3.
  4. Ghosh A, Mukherjee K, Ghosh S, Saha B. Sources and toxicity of fluoride in the environment. Research on Chemical Intermediates. 2012;39(7):2881-2915. doi:10.1007/s11164-012-0841-1.
  5. 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. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. 2015;69(7):619-624. doi:10.1136/jech-2014-204971.
  6. Liu H, Zeng Q, Cui Y, Yu L, Zhao L, Hou C, et al. The effects and underlying mechanism of excessive iodide on excessive fluoride-induced thyroid cytotoxicity. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2014;38(1):332-40. doi: 10.1016/j.etap.2014.06.008.
  7. Adedara IA, Ojuade TJD, Olabiyi BF, Idris UF, Onibiyo EM, Ajeigbe OF, 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Kheradpisheh Z, Mirzaei M, Mahvi AH, Mokhtari M, Azizi R, Fallahzadeh H, et al. Impact of Drinking Water Fluoride on Human Thyroid Hormones: A Case- Control Study. Scientific Reports. 2018;2674. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-20696-4.

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

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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

    • Jo- Thank you so much for following this page! 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://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos

      AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet

      6 DIFFERENT ROOT CAUSES
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/6-different-hashimotos-root-causes

      Reply

      • Thank you for sharing this valuable information! Last year I ditched soda for tap water, and I began drinking about 130 oz per day. Over the course of the last several months, I started to get cold all the time, had unexplained acne that wouldn’t go away, constipation, fatigue, memory problems, and an increase in anxiety/depression. A few weeks ago I had a health screening at work, and my TSH was 5.4! Last year my TSH was 2.3. I have no family history or personal history of thyroid issues. I couldn’t figure out what was causing such a high level. I eat very healthy, am a healthy weight, and exercise daily.

        After reading your advice, I decided to ditch the fluoride. It hasn’t even been a week and I am already starting to notice positive changes in my energy, digestion, mood, and a reduction in acne. Life seems brighter. Do you have any idea how long it will take for my body to recover from this? I’m still fairly young (32) so I’m hoping my body will recover fairly quickly. Thanks!

        Reply

  2. I would like to know what is ment by black/red rock salt? Is that Himalayan unrefined salt also? Thank you!
    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://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos

      AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/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

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