Fluoride poisoning: The top signs and symptoms to watch out for
Fluoride is known for its many uses especially in dentistry and water treatment. However, excessive fluoride exposure may prove detrimental to the body’s overall health, and may even lead to various adverse medical conditions. In fact, The Lancet has officially classified fluoride as a neurotoxin. This puts the element in the same category as other neurotoxins including arsenic, lead, and mercury.
Fluoride exposure may come from various sources including public water fluoridation, fluoridated toothpaste and mouth rinse, untested bottled waters, and certain foods. Vitamins, dietary supplements, and insecticides are also known sources of fluoride exposure. Natural water also appeared to be a common source of excessive fluoride exposure. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), millions of people worldwide are exposed to this neurotoxin through drinking water that is taken from natural geological sources.
WHO data also revealed that high fluoride concentrations occurred in various parts of the world such as southern Asia, the eastern Mediterranean, and Africa. High fluoride concentration is also noted in areas stretching from Turkey to China, encompassing several countries including Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan as well as India and northern Thailand.
Pathophysiology and symptoms of fluoride poisoning
The neurotoxin is known to have several mechanisms of toxicity. According to an article published in Medscape, fluoride poisoning either by ingestion or other forms of exposure primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract. According to the article, ingested fluoride can form hydrofluoric acid in the stomach. This may lead to GI irritation or corrosive effects. Once absorbed in the body, the neurotoxin binds calcium ions and in turn raise the odds of hypocalcemia. The toxic chemical is also found to spur direct cytotoxic effects and inhibit oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis, coagulation, and neurotransmission. The article also noted that severe fluoride toxicity may lead to multi-organ failure, central vasomotor, and even death.
https://www.naturalnews.com/2018-09-11-fluoride-poisoning-the-top-signs-and-symptoms-to-watch-out-for.html