By: Dr. Gloria Gilbere
EHN web-posted by permission of Dr. Gilbere

Kootenai Valley Times, 2001

According to a study conducted by the American Kennel Club of its parent breed clubs, hypothyroidism was found to be the health issue of greatest concern overall and described as the most common endocrine disorder in dogs.

Many people are not aware that fluorides are an effective anti-thyroid substance and were at one time given as effective anti-thyroid medication to hyperthyroid patients, specifically to reduce thyroid activity, at doses less than what people now consume everyday.

Studies report a 'low' fluoride content in dog food as 55 or 56 ppm (parts per million). Many dog foods contain as high as 460 ppm. At 460 ppm, it means the fluoride is 114x the maximum contaminant level set for fluorides in water (4ppm).

In 1980 it was reported that the phosphate industry, along with university researchers and the Association of American Feed Control, set up standards for safe levels of fluoride in feed phosphates. A ratio of 100:1 was adopted in 1952 for any product sold to the feed industry as 'defluorinated phosphate.' This level was considered 'safe', although plenty of research already existed at the time documenting the toxic effects of Fluoride on the thyroid. It is further documented that this level is still considered safe by the industry since 1980, which is simply outrageous considering the overwhelming amount of literature available with evidence to the contrary, on animals as well as humans.

Toxicity of fluoride on thyroid and reproduction has been documented many times in studies on animals, as well as humans.

In Canada, government information on animals such as sheep and their mineral requirements clearly mark fluorides as the cause of dry hair, lameness, and poor reproduction, all well-established symptoms of hypothyroidism.

The fact that some dog foods can also contain high amount of iodine, together with high fluoride content, poses an additional threat to the thyroid gland because excess in both can have health effects as or more severe as hypothyroidism.

It is very disturbing that fluorides continue to be promoted as 'essential nutrient' in animal feed, when no such evidence exists.

I urge you to consider the role of fluorides in hypothyroidism, specifically if they manifest any endocrine disorders. Why not consider making your own dog food, Naturally.

Gloria Gilbere, N.D.,D.A.Hom.,Ph.D. is an internationally respected expert in EcoErgonomics, environmental health consultant, natural health practitioner, research writer, advocate for toxic free living and the chemically injured. She specializes in chemically induced immune system disorders and is author of I was Poisoned by my body (Lucky Press, 2000). Dr. Gilbere is Director of the Naturopathic Health & Research Center, Bonners Ferry, ID. Her previous articles and consulting information can be viewed at: www.drgloriagilbere.com

Gloria Gilbere,N.D.,D.A.Hom.,Ph.D.
Director, Naturopathic Health & Research Center
P.O. Box 3220, 7098 Ash Street
Bonners Ferry, ID 83805-3220 USA
Ph: (208) 267-5417
Fax:(208) 267-0617
email: doctorg@drgloriagilbere.com
web page: www.drgloriagilbere.com

I was Poisoned by my body and titles:
http://www.drgloriagilbere.com/books.html

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