Most people are aware that there is a controversy surrounding public fluoridation of drinking water. Here is a list of ways to obtain drinking water without fluoride. In addition, I've listed water purification methods which do not remove fluoride from water.
Ways to Remove Fluoride from Water
- Reverse Osmosis Filtration
This is used to purify several types of bottled water (not all), so some bottled waters are unfluoridated. Reverse osmosis systems are generally unaffordable for personal use. - Activated Alumina Defluoridation Filter
These filters are used in locales where fluorosis is prevalent. They are relatively expensive (lowest price I saw was $30/filter) and require frequent replacement, but do offer an option for home water filtration. - Distillation Filtration
There are commercially available distillation filters that can be purchased to remove fluoride from water. On a related note: When looking at bottled water, keep in mind that 'distilled water' does not imply that a product is suitable for drinking water and other undesirable impurities may be present.
These Do NOT Remove Fluoride
- Brita, Pur, and most other filters.
Some websites about fluoride removal state otherwise, but I checked the product descriptions on the companies' websites to confirm that fluoride is left in the water. - Boiling Water
This will concentrate the fluoride rather than reduce it. - Freezing Water
Freezing water does not affect the concentration of fluoride.
Steps to Reduce Fluoride Exposure
- Don't take fluoride supplements.
- Read labels on bottled beverages.
Unless they are made using distilled or reverse-osmosis water, they are probably made with fluoridated public water. - Consider using unfluoridated toothpaste.
- Avoid drinking black or red tea.
They come from two different types of plants, but both leaves naturally contain high amounts of fluorine. - Be wary of tinned fish and canned food items.
Fluoride may be used as a preservative. - Avoid black or red rock salt or items containing black or red rock salt.
- Avoid using chewing tobacco.
- Avoid long term use of medication that contains fluorine.
Certain antidepressants and medications for osteoporosis contain fluorine.
