THE FLUORIDE CONNECTION

One of the most interesting connections with lupus is its link with fluoride over consumption. As has already been demonstrated in this journal, fluoride is one of the most toxic substances around and has a direct effect on the immune system (Comp Med Res, 1992; 6: 111-3; Eur J Clin Invest, 1992; 22: 659-61; see also WDDTY, 1992; 3 (9): 1-3). For a person who is already suffering from an auto immune disease such as lupus, the effect can be to worsen the disorder. For the rest of us, flourosis may provide yet another clue as to why the body suddenly goes haywire.

Lupus is a connective tissue disease. Some 30 per cent of our body’s cell protein is made up of collagen. Research from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences has found that fluoride disrupts the synthesis of collagen and leads to the breakdown of collagen in skin, muscle, tendon, ligament, bone, lungs, kidneys, trachea, cartilage and more (Toxicological Letters, 1982; 10: 97-100; Toxicol Euro Res, 1981; 2: 99-104).Many steroid preparations contain fluoride as a means of transporting them round the body. Steroids have already been shown to cause osteoporosis, and the fluoride element is likely to exacerbate this action.

Lupus sufferers should do all they can to avoid ingesting fluorides, including switching to a non fluoride toothpaste, washing all fruit and vegetables (pesticides contain fluoride). If your have kidney lupus, and kidney function is impaired, your body may retain up to two thirds of all the fluoride you take in.