Short answer
Although there is no credible evidence that fluoride is bad for you, fluoride itself essentially has no good effects on the human body, other than it can help prevent tooth decay.
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Fluoride is a derivative of the element Fluorine that occurs in nature as a gas, under normal atmospheric pressure and temperature. Fluorite is the most common solid form of fluoride we find on the earth. Fluorite (fluoride) existing in its “salt” form, is found in most freshwater bodies in the world.
Over seventy years of research has been conducted regarding the presence of Fluoride in our drinking water, and the general effects it has on the human body. The insertion of fluoride into drinking water is called fluoridation. The research has concluded that at least twenty-five percent of the people that ingest drinking water with fluoride experience a decrease in tooth decay, and in some cases, a reversal of enamel degradation. The American Dental Association gives six reasons for promoting the fluoridation of public drinking water: preventing tooth decay, preventing cavities, safe, effective, it saves money, and it is all-natural.
The Environmental Protection Agency has set the safe amount of fluoride in the “tap” water at four milligrams per liter. The Public Health Service sets allowable fluoride in drinking water at .07 milligrams per liter. Fluoride toxicity in the body are reported to be 100 to 300 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. The only reported adverse condition of fluoridation is dental fluorosis. This a condition when white blotches appear on the surface of teeth. There is no other “official” evidence that fluoride has adverse effects on the human body. Moreover, many government scientists claim that it is completely healthy in small amounts and assert that it is beneficial to have tolerable amounts of the substance added to the water.
There is a lot of controversy surrounding the additive. Though there is not any acknowledged research on the adverse effects of fluoride, rumors circulate asserting that the United Sates government conceals the complete truth about water fluoridation The conspiracy theory simply states fluoride has been used in a chemical weapons test against the public, by fluoridation of the water. Fluoride was produced in massive amounts because it was used in the production of nuclear weapons. The government wanted more widely reaching tests, after observing that the handlers of fluoride became sick--to the point of death. This is merely a conspiracy, and may or may not have any truth to it. However, it is important to note that some countries in the European Union have completely restricted the use of the fluoridation of public water.
Possible short-term side effects
- acute fluoride toxicity includes:
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gastric pain
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nausea
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vomiting
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headaches
Possible long-term side effects
Benefits
- help to prevent tooth decay
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 01-27-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 01-27-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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