Alternatives To Fluoridated Water Recommendations by Mark D. Gold Drinking & Cooking Water (In order of preference) ------------------------------------------------- 1. Bottled "Spring" water (Highly Recommended) a. Source should be a real spring and not filtered tap water. The bottled water industry is cracking down on false advertisers and proposing regulations. It is still a good idea to call and check the source of the water. b. Regularly tested for contaminants. Call and ask for testing schedule and list of what they test for. c. Nothing should be added to "improve" the water (e.g., chlorine, magnesium, etc.). d. Stored in glass bottles. 2. Bottled "Spring" water Same as #1 above except that if you can't get or can't afford the glass bottles, try to get the 5-gallon, heavy plastic bottles as the next choice. Use the flimsy plastic, one-gallon containers as a last resort in this step. It is still better than filtered water in my opinion. 3. Filtered water with a carbon filter *and* reverse osmosis filter. Reverse Osmosis is the only way to reliably remove the fluoride (except for distillation) as far as I know. I would be *very* wary of filter or filter salespersons who claim to have a filter than removes fluoride and is not a reverse osmosis filter. Bottled water as described above is preferable even though it can cost a little more. If you have to get a filter, try to get it through a reputable dealer. N.E.E.D.S. is know for selling quality equipment: National Ecological Environmental Delivery System (N.E.E.D.S.) 527 Charles Ave., #12A Syracuse, NY 13209 (800) 634-1380 Remember to change the carbon filter often (as directed) so that it doesn't become contaminated with bacteria. Consider taking a mineral supplement such as chelated and colloidal minerals listed in the Food & Nutrition article on my home page as reverse osmosis removes beneficial minerals from the water. Pre-Made Food and Drinks ------------------------ It is difficult to avoid toxic fluoride-containing products in pre-made foods and drinks. If you are fortunate enough to live in an area that does not adulter the water with toxic fluoride compounds, you can ingest locally-made products without concern. Any products that you ingest on a regular basis, check the source of the water to see if it is fluoridated. "Filtered water" on the ingredients label does not necessarily mean non-fluoridated water unless a reverse osmosis filter was used. Despite the strong scientific evidence that fluoridated water doesn't prevent dental decay and that it causes long-range damage to humans, the California legislature recently succumbed to pressure from the American Dental Association and the fertilizer industry which sells the junk for force all municipalities to fluoridate their water supply. Once California begins to fluoridate over the next couple of years, it is best to avoid purchasing food and drink products that are made in that state unless reverse osmosis filtration is used. Smoking ------- Smoking contributes to fluoride intake. The best alternative is to work with your healthcare practitioner to stop smoking. Humidifiers ----------- Use bottled "spring" water or distilled water in humidifiers, not tap water. Toothpastes ----------- Go to a health food store and purchase a non-fluoridated toothpaste. Avoid fluoridated toothpastes even if it says that it is from a "natural" source. Try to get one without saccharine, sodium lauryl sulfate, and other unhealthy chemicals. Use baking soda and water if you can't find an appropriate toothpaste. Prevention ---------- See the article entitled "Dental Health -- Preventing cavaties and other oral diseases" on my home page. - Mark mgold@holisticmed.com http://www.holisticmed.com/