Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that’s added to many public water systems to prevent tooth decay. While fluoride is generally considered safe at low levels, there’s been growing concern about the potential health risks associated with long-term exposure to high levels of fluoride, particularly in relation to kidney health. In this blog, we will focus on fluoride and kidney health.
Floride and Kidney Health
By Majd Isreb, MD, FACP, FASN, IFMCP
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil, water, and many foods. It’s also added to some public water systems, toothpaste, and other oral care products to prevent tooth decay. The amount of fluoride in public water systems is typically regulated to prevent excessive exposure.
How Does Fluoride Affect Kidney Health?
There has been growing concern about the potential health risks associated with long-term exposure to high levels of fluoride, particularly in relation to kidney health. So let’s explore them.
Accumulation in the kidneys
The pineal gland (producer of melatonin) and the kidney are exposed to higher concentrations of fluoride than all other organs. Therefore, exposure to higher concentrations of fluoride could contribute to kidney damage, ultimately leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Join us to end the kidney disease epidemic and receive the FREE Report “5 Pitfalls to Avoid When Caring for Kidney Patients”
Nephrotoxicity
A recent study analyzed the NHANES 2013-2016 data of adolescents who had plasma and water fluoride measurements. Investigators found that each 1 micromole/L increase in plasma fluoride was associated with a 10 mL/min decrease in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
Earlier animal studies have shown that fluoride was nephrotoxic even at low concentrations. Exposed kidneys demonstrated degeneration of tubular cell lining, necrosis, glomerular changes, interstitial swelling, and interstitial nephritis.
Synergy with other toxic elements
Higher level of fluoride in the drinking water was noticed in areas affected by chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu). The distribution pattern demonstrated that fluoride could have a synergistic effect on kidney toxicity from cadmium and arsenic.
Oxidative stress
Mitochondrial toxicity and increased oxidative stress were shown in fluorosis. Studies also demonstrated that fluoride kidney toxicity is also mediated by oxidative stress. In fact, animal studies demonstrated a step-wise increase in oxidative stress in the kidneys with increasing levels of fluoride.
Increased risk for kidney stones
Patients who were exposed to higher levels of fluoride were found to be at increased risk for kidney stones. Indeed, fluoride was found to increase calcium and oxalate excretion in the urine. Fluoride was reported to cause renal calcifications due to increased parathyroid hormone levels (PTH).
Fluoride accumulates in kidney disease
On the other hand, studies have shown that fluoride excretion in the urine is decreased in patients with chronic renal disease compared to the normal population. This leads to higher retention of fluoride and increased toxicity. CKD patients were found to develop bone toxicity (skeletal fluorosis) even at one ppm fluoride in the drinking water.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Kidney Health?
If you’re concerned about the potential health risks associated with fluoride, there are several things you can do to protect your kidney health:
- Be mindful of your fluoride intake: Be aware of the fluoride content in your drinking water. Check with your local water supplier to find out the fluoride level in your tap water, and consider using a water filtration system if the fluoride level is high. Also, be mindful of the fluoride content in toothpaste and mouthwash, and consider using fluoride-free alternatives if you’re concerned about excessive fluoride exposure.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help flush out toxins and prevent the formation of kidney stones. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day, and more if you’re physically active or live in a hot climate.
- Eat a healthy, plant-dominant diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein can help support kidney health. Limit your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and foods high in salt and saturated fat.
- Get regular check-ups: If you’re concerned about your kidney health, talk to your healthcare provider. They can perform blood and urine tests to assess your kidney function and identify any potential issues early on.
The bottom line
While fluoride is generally considered safe at low levels, there are growing concerns about the potential health risks associated with long-term exposure to high levels of fluoride, particularly in relation to kidney health. By being mindful of your fluoride intake, staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular check-ups, you can help protect your kidney health and reduce your risk of potential health complications.
