Effects of excessive fluoride
“. . . . Now consider the effects of a heavy tea-drinking habit on fluoride accumulation in body tissues. We know that dental fluorosis caused by excess fluoride is a risk only in childhood, since fluorosis occurs during tooth formation. Children probably aren’t likely to drink tea in large amounts, so dental fluorosis from that source isn’t common. There have, however, been documented cases of skeletal fluorosis linked to tea. This type of fluorosis, caused by chronic consumption of fluoride, can be a crippling condition in which bones become weak and joints are stiff and painful. Deformities are seen in severe cases. There can also be neurological complications.9
A 2011 study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism concluded that skeletal fluorosis “can result from chronic consumption of large volumes of brewed tea” and that “daily consumption of 1-2 gallons of instant tea can lead to skeletal fluorosis.”10
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My Joints are “stiff and painful”, very much so!! And this seems to be getting worth. Is it possible that this is not just due to old age?
I never buy tootpaste with fluoride in it, but of course I use a lot of our fluoridated town water. I heard before that excessive black tea drinking can be bad, This article in an RDH magazine now tells me all about the dangers of drinking too much black tea!
Do I drink perhaps a bit too much black tea? Should I perhaps drink only green tea and herbal teas? I wonder. If I totally gave up drinking black tea, would I then have a chance to reduce the painfulness in my joints? I do think now it could probably help, and that I should give it some more thought!
AuntyUta 
I did a lot of research about the link between high fluoride intake and arthritis when New Plymouth campaigned to have the fluoride removed from our water in 2011. I think you probably should cut down or eliminate your black tea intake. I’m not sure about the fluoride concentration if greeb tea, though. Have you investigated it.
Arthritis is not caused by old age. It’s caused by an increase in inflammatory bacteria in the gut. This tends to increase with age, but can be reversed through a variety of interventions. Eliminating dairy, wheat, sugar and nightshade vegetables from your diet can help, as can a FODMAP diet, and in some people fermented foods and probiotics. Taking omega 3 fish oils can also help.
https://arthritislife.net/offers/162/sp-hns-combo
I just had a look at the above article, Stuart. The ingredients in the bottle that is offered are supposed to be pain killing. Perhaps it is worth a try?
Proteolytic Systemic Enzymes
Research indicates these enzymes work throughout your entire body to help it fight inflammation, breakdown scar tissue, cleanse the blood and also boost cardiovascular, respiratory and immune function.
Bromelain
This special natural compound, which is extracted from pineapple, contains several proteolytic enzymes that have been shown to short-circuit multiple pain pathways in the body.
It has been studied extensively since it’s discovery in 1957 and hundreds of studies have shown it to reduce inflammation, reduce and prevent swelling and remove waste and toxins from the blood.
Turmeric Extract
This extract is taken from the dried root of the plant and it has been used to treat a wide range of ailments for thousands of years.
Studies have shown that it reduces inflammation by blocking both the COX-2 and 5-LOX enzymes which create pain. In addition, Turmerics antioxidant powers work to seek out and destroy free radicals in the body which contribute to pain and swelling.
Papain
This extract is taken from the dried root of the plant and it has been used to treat a wide range of ailments for thousands of years. Studies have shown that it reduces inflammation by blocking both the COX-2 and 5-LOX enzymes which create pain. In addition, Turmerics antioxidant powers work to seek out and destroy free radicals in the body which contribute to pain and swelling.
Boswellia Extract
One of the most widely used herbs in Indian medicine, it has been used for centuries by traditional Indian healers to reduce pain and inflammation. Hundreds of studies have been done proving it’s effectiveness and in addition to being a powerful and safe, natural anti-inflammatory, Boswellia has also been shown to support healthy blood circulation
Rutin
Found naturally in a variety of plants and fruits, this flavonoid has been shown to have a strong anti-inflammatory effect due to its powerful antioxidant activity.
Mojave Yucca Root
This root contains yuccaols and resveratrol which have been studied to potentially reduce inflammation. Additionally, yucca may have antioxidant activity. Yucca may be beneficial for anti-inflammatory support, immune support, as well as digestive support.
Ginger Extract
Used for over 2,500 years in Asia, Ginger has been used to treat nausea and to reduce pain and inflammation. It works by decreasing the amount of prostaglandins, which are what cause you to feel pain.
Devil’s Claw
Another time-tested natural pain reliever, Devil’s Claw has been used for hundreds if not thousands of years in Africa. Numerous studies have proven its effectiveness in reducing pain and inflammation. In fact, one study found that Devil’s Claw was as effective in treating arthritis pain as a commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory drug.
Citrus Bioflavonoids
A compound found in nearly all forms of life, protects the body from oxidative damage by acting as a buffer.
Thank you for all these tips, dear Stuart. I do realise that I probably do eat too much of these foods that you mention. Concentration of fluoride in green tea apparently is much less than in black tea. I looked the following up here:
https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/patient-education/article/14033922/hidden-fluoride-in-tea-and-other-foods-and-beverages
“. . . The USDA National Fluoride Database of Selected Beverages and Foods, Release 2, offers a comprehensive look at fluoride levels in foods and beverages.8 Here are some examples in parts per million:
Strained applesauce baby food – 0.01
Blueberry muffin – 0.39
Light beer – 0.45
Coffee, brewed – 0.91
Chamomile herb tea, brewed – 0.13
Black tea, brewed – 3.73
Green tea, brewed – 1.15
Instant tea powder, unsweetened, dry – 897.72
Instant tea powder, unsweetened, prepared – 3.35
You can see that many foods and beverages have trace amounts of fluoride, but that there are frightening amounts in dry instant tea. Also notice the difference in black and green teas.”
Black tea, brewed – 3.73
Green tea, brewed – 1.15
It wouldn’t hurt to try it to it, seeing as it’s free.
Yes, Stuart, the delivery costs would not bother me so much, however I would have to give them a lot of details which I am reluctant to do. However I find it most interesting what is said about these Proteolytic Systemic Enzymes! 🙂