Water is one of the most important substances on the planet. In fact, the average human can only survive 3 days without it. It is essential to almost all forms of life on the planet.
Despite this it is an often under-rated and over looked commodity. After all, when was the last time you visited someone’s house or business and got offered a glass of water?
The Risks of Drinking Water
You might assume that the water which comes out of your tap is safe to drink. After all, it has been through your local water treatment works and the bacteria have been removed. However, treatment does not just remove things from the water; it also provides the opportunity for things to be added.
One mineral which is often added and has become a point of contention is fluoride. It has been added to drinking water since the middle of the 20th century.
What is Fluoride?
It is a mineral which occurs in abundance across the earth. Studies have shown that when it is added to the water the rate of tooth decay is lower.
It works in conjunction with calcium to assist in strengthening your bones and teeth; especially the hard enamel on the outside of your teeth.
What may surprise you is that fluoride works within the natural process of salvia production in your mouth. The salvia which is produced when you eat is often acidic and eats into your teeth; removing phosphorous and calcium. This is known as demineralization.
However, much of the rest of the time your salvia will be more neutral or even alkaline; encouraging the replenishment of calcium and phosphorous. When fluoride is present in this process it improves the strength of the re-mineralization process.
Is Fluoridated Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Yes, although there are those that protest against the addition of this mineral to drinking water there has not yet been any scientific proof provided which confirms fluoride is unsafe.
In fact, the benefits of fluoride were first discovered while researching why some areas of the country enjoyed better tooth health than others.
However, as with many minerals, it has been suggested that it is possible for your body to absorb too much fluoride. Excess amounts of this mineral are believed to alter the appearance of children’s teeth as they develop. It has also been linked with osteosarcoma; although there is no clear proof regarding this claim.
Removing Fluoride
If you are in any way uncertain about the benefits of adding fluoride to your water (like I am) it is possible to purchase a filter to remove it. You can purchase a water bubbler which has a reverse osmosis filter built into it. These filters operate in five stages to ensure you have clean and fresh tasting water.
They remove particulates, fine particles, a selection of minerals and carbon polish the water to ensure the best possible taste. They are easy to fit and need very little maintenance.
Summary
You may ask why you would wish to add a water filter to your home, if fluoride is presumed safe to drink. The answer is that it will give you peace of mind. Fluoride is also added to a variety of other everyday items; including toothpaste. There is no need to provide your body with too much of it; even if science shows it is a safe addition to your water supply. If you would like to learn more about my take on fluoride, please refer to this post which outlines what everyone should know about fluoride.
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