By Dave Asprey
Detoxing Fluoride the Right Way
Fluoridated drinking water, once considered as a public health triumph, is currently under scrutiny. Government health agencies now acknowledge its harmful effects on thyroid and pineal gland function. This shift sparked interest in the best ways to detox fluoride, especially since studies show fluoride can accumulate in your tissues [1]. There are two main tools that are gaining attention for their ability to help your body remove fluoride – tamarind and cream of tartar. Both offer potential, but one outshines the other in cost, practicality, and alignment with a biohacker’s lifestyle. Let’s explore why.
Why Fluoride Detox Matters
Fluoride accumulates in your body and can negatively impact your organs. Your thyroid, a key regulator of your metabolism, and your pineal gland, vital for sleep and circadian rhythm, are particularly vulnerable. It’s essential to avoid fluoride in water, toothpaste, and processed foods. But what about the fluoride already stored in your body?
Studies show that tamarind, a tropical fruit used in traditional medicine, increases fluoride excretion [2]. But does tamarind deserve its spot as the best fluoride detox method or is there a better option?
How Tamarind Reduces Fluoride Levels
Tamarind’s fluoride-detoxifying powers come from its ability to change the pH (acidity/basicity) of your urine. Tamarind increases urinary pH and increased urinary pH facilitates increased fluoride excretion [3]. It does this because it contains a compound called tartaric acid [4].
A Moldy Situation
Mold and mycotoxins commonly grow on certain crops, including tamarind. Studies show that tamarind is susceptible to Aspergillus niger, a type of mold [5]. You don’t want mold in your body. You can read about my personal mold story here.
Animal and human trials validate tamarind’s role in fluoride detoxification. However, as biohackers we’re always looking for the most efficient (and non-moldy) solution.
Cream of Tartar: A Cost-Effective and Accessible Alternative
Cream of tartar (potassium bitartrate) contains tartaric acid, the primary active component in tamarind responsible for fluoride chelation. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
- Concentrated Tartaric Acid
- Cream of tartar provides a direct source of tartaric acid. Also, unlike tamarind, you can find it in most grocery stores (check the spices section).
- Affordable:
- At just around $1.80 for three months of use, cream of tartar is cost effective.
- Simple Delivery:
- A daily dose of 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon mixed with water is all you need. Most people tolerate it well, especially when taken with meals.
The Biohacker’s Protocol for Fluoride Removal
Removing fluoride effectively requires consistency, simplicity, and minimal risk. Here’s a practical, cost-effective approach:
- Avoid Fluoride Exposure:
Use fluoride-free toothpaste, drink non-fluoridated water (reverse osmosis with minerals added is best), and use filtered water for cooking.
- Daily Fluoride Detox:
Mix 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar with water. Take this with a meal to minimize potential gastrointestinal discomfort and enhance potassium absorption.
- Support your detox with Antioxidants:
Consume polyphenol-rich foods and supplements like grape seed extract, mold-free coffee, and berries to amplify fluoride detoxification and protect against oxidative stress.
- Monitor Progress:
Track changes in energy, sleep quality, and overall performance levels. Consider periodic testing for fluoride levels if accessible.
Why Cream of Tartar Wins
Tamarind’s role in fluoride removal is scientifically validated, but it’s not the best option. Cream of tartar delivers the same fluoride-binding tartaric acid in a much more convenient way and without any mold concerns. Pair this with a polyphenol-rich diet or supplements, and you’ll exceed tamarind’s detox potential while supporting overall longevity.
Fluoride removal isn’t just about chelation; it’s about doing so in a way that aligns with a biohacker’s goals of efficiency, simplicity, and sustainability. Cream of tartar delivers on all fronts, making it the smart choice for anyone serious about detoxing fluoride from their body.
If you want to hack your fluoride levels and boost your body’s natural detox pathways, start with the biohacker-approved protocol: avoid fluoride, add a pinch of cream of tartar to your routine, and keep your antioxidant game strong. Small, strategic steps create exponential upgrades.
References:
- Ren C, Li HH, Zhang CY, Song XC. Effects of chronic fluorosis on the brain. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2022 Oct 1;244:114021. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114021. Epub 2022 Aug 29. PMID: 36049331.
- Khandare AL, Rao GS, Lakshmaiah N. Effect of tamarind ingestion on fluoride excretion in humans. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2002 Jan;56(1):82-5. doi: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601287. PMID: 11840184.
- Khandare AL, Kumar P U, Shanker RG, Venkaiah K, Lakshmaiah N. Additional beneficial effect of tamarind ingestion over defluoridated water supply to adolescent boys in a fluorotic area. Nutrition. 2004 May;20(5):433-6. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2004.01.007. PMID: 15105030.
- Gupta AR, Dey S, Saini M, Swarup D. Toxic effect of sodium fluoride on hydroxyproline level and expression of collagen-1 gene in rat bone and its amelioration by Tamrindus indica L. fruit pulp extract. Interdiscip Toxicol. 2016 Mar;9(1):12-16. doi: 10.1515/intox-2016-0002. Epub 2017 May 17. PMID: 28652842; PMCID: PMC5458109.
- Meena, Chaturbhuj & Bhatnagar, Prerak & Prahlad, V.C. & Kumar, Ashok. (2018). First Report of Black Pod in Tamarind due to Aspergillus niger from India. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences. 7. 1127-1130. 10.20546/ijcmas.2018.704.123.
