Fluoride may be causing your acne outbreaks

Wednesday, March 02, 2011 by: Elizabeth Walling
Tags: fluoride, acne, health news

(NewsTarget) Fluoride is in our toothpaste. It`s in our water. It`s even in our food. While fluoride is praised for saving our teeth, many alternative health experts question the validity of fluoride`s benefits. And now many realize that fluoride may also be harming our skin and causing acne outbreaks in millions of people.

Fluoridated Toothpaste Irritates Skin

Fluoride has been classified as a skin irritant. As a chemical, it has been associated with acne-like bumps that form around the mouth. Dubbed perioral dermatitis, this skin disorder is often mistaken for acne. It is treated with the same oral antibiotics often prescribed for severe acne outbreaks, but the most successful treatment is the elimination of products like fluoridated toothpaste. When these toothpastes come in contact with the skin around the mouth, they cause mild to severe irritation. Many users notice that switching to a fluoride-free toothpaste (or a toothpaste alternative like herbal tooth powder) makes a remarkable difference in their skin.

Fluoride in Our Water

But toothpaste isn`t the only culprit when it comes to fluoride. Most city water supplies contain fluoride, and they have for half a century. Every time we shower or take a drink, we are exposing our skin and our bodies to this irritating chemical. Those who are sensitive to fluoride will notice that using non-fluoridated water has a positive impact on their skin (and possibly other areas of their health as well).

Fluoride in Our Food

Many food products contain high levels of fluoride as well. Processed foods like soft drinks and extruded cereals are among the top offenders. Fluoride is also used in many pesticides, including Cryolite, which is popular with grape growers in California. In fact, one glass of California wine contains the same amount of fluoride as one liter of fluoridated water.

Fluoride is also known to accumulate in the bones of conventional poultry. That Thanksgiving turkey may in fact be responsible for major acne outbreaks during the holiday season. Commercially-raised chickens also contain a high content of fluoride. The chemical remains in the bones, skin, and meat of these birds make their way into the bodies of the people that consume them. Avoiding these foods (or at least choosing organic poultry that is genuinely allowed to range freely) can substantially reduce your exposure to fluoride.

Further Reading:

http://www.squidoo.com/fluoride-toothpaste-a...
http://www.celluliteinvestigation.com/2009/0...
http://www.celluliteinvestigation.com/2010/1...

About the author

Elizabeth Walling is a freelance writer specializing in health and family nutrition. She is a strong believer in natural living as a way to improve health and prevent modern disease. She enjoys thinking outside of the box and challenging common myths about health and wellness. You can visit her blog to learn more:
www.livingthenourishedlife.com/2009/10/welco...