My guest this week is Melissa Gallico, a former military intelligence officer, Fulbright scholar, and author. While serving as an intelligence specialist at the Federal Bureau of Investigation Melissa instructed classes for FBI analysts at Quantico and provided analytic support for national security investigations. She is the author of The Hidden Cause of Acne and host of The Gallico Show, a podcast dedicated to exposing the pollution story behind artificial water fluoridation in the United States. Melissa graduated with honors from Georgetown University and has a master’s degree from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.  In this episode, Melissa and I discuss the surprising side effects that fluoride can have on our family’s health. Melissa shares with the audience how to recognize these effects and what parents can do to minimize fluoride exposure in the home. Children and adults with excessive fluoride exposure may suffer from dental fluorosis, low thyroid function, acne, and experience neurotoxic effects or worsening symptoms to an existing behavioral or mood disorder. Over 70% of public water supplies in the United States are artificially fluoridated. To learn more about Melissa Gallico click here.   Episode Highlights Why We Should Be Concerned Fluoride in our drinking water is not only affecting our teeth Fluoride can have neurotoxic effects on children It can show up as skin problems such as acne, hives, skin rashes or even gastrointestinal problems Research has shown that fluoride can affect your IQ and influence ADHD hyperactivity   Ways to See Fluoride Overexposure When children are overexposed to fluoride while their teeth are forming they can develop dark brown stains or white spots/flecks on the tooth enamel called dental fluorosis Ask your child's dentist if they see any signs of dental fluorosis Test thyroid function as it is often tied to overexposure Mood disorders that can appear as behavior problems in children such as, irritability and agitated behavior   Sources of Fluoride  Fluoridated water, toothpaste, products and beverages made in or with fluoridated water such as tea or boxed cereals Fluoride is also used as a pesticide and foods such as grapes or grape products such as juices or raisins have high fluoride levels   Ways to Minimize Exposure  Find a source of fluoride-free water for drinking Replace your traditional toothpaste for a fluoride-free toothpaste Check your prescription drugs for fluoride and speak with your doctor about alternatives options Take the 30-day challenge    Where to learn more about Melissa Gallico... Hidden Cause of Acne Book Fluoride Pollution Website 30-Day Fluoride Free Challenge Instagram Twitter Facebook   Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com   Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?  My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more.  Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Program - a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior.  Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.