Fluoride and chlorine can cause thyroid issues
We are exposed to halogenated compounds such as fluorine, chlorine and bromine daily through our drinking water, showers, pools, and foods such as seaweed. These three compounds are known as halogens, they impact thyroid function because they are chemically similar to iodine and compete for absorption in the thyroid. Iodine is also a halogen but is the only halogen regarded as a micronutrient and is required for human health to produce thyroid hormones. Too little iodine can lead you to develop hypothyroidism, while too much can cause hyperthyroidism.
If you have hypothyroidism, iodine is very important, though if you have Hashimoto’s, too much iodine can cause further issues. It is important to check your full thyroid panel including antibodies to know what is the right treatment approach for you. A lot of nutrients are required for optimal thyroid function, so supplementing iodine alone, may not improve your health.
If you are questioning whether you may have low thyroid, check out my thyroid article
Tired? Losing hair? Brain fog? It could be your thyroid function
Things you can do
- Get a good quality water filter that filters out chlorine and fluoride. Have you heard the saying if you’re not using a water filter, you are the filter? Well, it’s true, get yourself a good water filter especially if you have been questioning if your thyroid is sluggish.
- Switch to fluoride-free toothpaste
- Avoid processed breads, baked goods, and soft drinks that contain potassium bromate as a food additive, the number E924 is what you can look out for in the ingredients list.
- Avoid PFA’s (poly-fluoroalkyl substances) which are found in high quantities in non-stick cookware, flame retardants, plastic containers, and stain-resistant and water-resistant items.
Have a chat with a Naturopath or Nutritionist to see what other things you can do to support your thyroid health and general well-being.
References
Kheradpisheh, Z., Mirzaei, M., Mahvi, A. H., Mokhtari, M., Azizi, R., Fallahzadeh, H., & Ehrampoush, M. H. (2018). Impact of Drinking Water Fluoride on Human Thyroid Hormones: A Case- Control Study. Scientific reports, 8(1), 2674. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-20696-4
Lisco, G., De Tullio, A., Giagulli, V. A., De Pergola, G., & Triggiani, V. (2020). Interference on Iodine Uptake and Human Thyroid Function by Perchlorate-Contaminated Water and Food. Nutrients, 12(6), 1669. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12061669