The things that affect our health the most are the simple, everyday things we do, and take for granted. Water and oxygen are necessary for life. How many people really stop and think about the quality of these two things on a regular basis? You go to the sink, or to the refrigerator and get water. Are you thinking about what’s really in that glass or plastic bottle?
What’s in Our Water
Prescription drugs, birth control, industrial chemicals, heavy metals, arsenic, lead, industrial halogens, harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites can all be in the water we drink. This is especially true for tap water. Some of the biggest concerns for thyroid health are the industrial halogens such as chloride (chlorine), fluoride, and bromide that municipalities and cities add to water. When I say “industrial” halogens, I’m talking about man-made by-products of industrial practices. These are not the naturally occurring halogens found in the Earth.
Chlorine
Some of the most common “sanitizers” can pose other threats to us when we are exposed to them too much. One of these sanitizers is chlorine. Its role in being added to tap water is that it helps kill harmful microorganisms. Research suggests that regular ingestion of chlorine disrupts the balance of our gut bacteria. Healthy colonies of bacteria in our bellies make way for optimal digestion and absorption of food and nutrients. This is a cornerstone of thyroid and overall hormone health. Over-sanitation of many facets of our modern life have paved the way for bacteria imbalance contributing to antibiotic resistance and the creation of “super bugs” or “super germs.”
The other issue with chlorine is that it competes with iodine, a fellow halogen that is critical in the production of thyroid hormones and overall balance of our endocrine system. Our thyroids have binding sites that absorb iodine. If we’re ingesting or swimming in too much chlorine, then this will affect our thyroid’s ability to absorb iodine from food and supplements. There’s a shortage of iodine for many Americans already before considering chlorine exposure. This is due to poor soil quality and eating standard American foods that provide low amounts, or no significant levels of iodine.
Another factor with chlorine is its influence on the production of T3 and T4 hormones. This study is just one of several that depicts how chlorine causes low T4 levels. Another study shows how chlorine can lower T3 levels.
Fluoride (Sodium)
Another offender of thyroid health that’s in tap water is sodium fluoride. Like chlorine, sodium fluoride is a man-made halogen that can block the absorption of iodine. (Remember, iodine is critical to healthy hormones and thyroids.) Sodium fluoride is added to tap water to prevent tooth decay. The interesting point with this is that the fluoride that was discovered to be effective in preventing tooth decay in the early 1900’s was the calcium fluoride that naturally occurs in the earth.
That’s not what’s added to tap water. The sodium fluoride is a byproduct of the aluminum industry, and so someone made a good bit of money back in the day by selling the idea to municipalities to buy their sodium fluoride byproduct and add it to treatment centers. A holistic dentist treating my son recently told me that current studies are showing sodium fluoride to actually increase tooth decay. There are also connections to displacement of calcium, heart disease, and reproduction issues.
What Water is Best to Drink?
Everything from steam-distilled water to investing in the state of the art filters are recommended. I’ll give you the most practical solutions that seem to make the most sense in regard to thyroid and overall health. These also make sense with your budget:
Spring Water
Spring water is very healing because it’s filtered the way our Creator intended water to be filtered: through rocks, sand, and soil. Many people are deficient in trace minerals, which can affect your thyroid and overall health. Because of passing through nature’s filters, spring water contains many trace minerals. This is great because most of our soil is lacking trace minerals. You want to stick with springs that are higher up, and not at the bottom of farms where there could be eColi or other concerns. Mountain spring water is the best. You can visit this website to find a spring near you! Grab a few large jugs and take a little road trip to fill up. There may be one closer to you than you think.
Quality Filters
We personally have a well at our home. Fortunately, we live on a hill, and don’t have anyone next door who is raising conventional livestock, or spraying agricultural chemicals. Our water testing came back with high quality marks when we first moved out here. However, to play it safe, we have a 3 stage, under the counter, water filter system. Additionally, we have a shower filter with an adjustable shower head. People don’t consider the effects of bathing in bad water as much as drinking, but our bodies absorb it just the same.
The Bottom Line
Awareness is key in living the healthiest life possible. Using filters like I mentioned above, and taking advantage of nearby elevated springs can make a great difference in your exposure to contaminants and halogens.
Cheers to clean water and happy thyroids!
Leave a Reply