How I Use My Big Berkey Water Filter to Remove Fluoride and Better Support My Hormones

Pure Sips, Happy Hormones and Thyroid. My Kitchen Game-Changer: Big Berkey Water Filter to Remove Fluoride

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links because I genuinely love and use these products. If you make a purchase through these links I will receive a small commission, but your price remains the same. Also, I’m not a doctor – just a wellness coach sharing what worked for me and my clients. Always consult with your healthcare provider about your specific situation. Images may be enhanced with AI.

The Invisible Saboteur in Your Kitchen

Here’s the awkward truth: While you’re over there meticulously sourcing organic produce and grass-fed everything, your water might be secretly working against your thyroid like that passive-aggressive coworker who compliments your outfit while simultaneously asking if you’re “feeling okay today.”

For those of us with Hashimoto’s or hypothyroidism (high five to my low-energy club members), fluoride in tap water is like inviting your ex to your recovery party. It competes with iodine receptors in your thyroid gland. Not. Cool.

My “Duh” Moment

It was during one of my 3 AM health research rabbit holes (you know the ones – where you start reading about gut health and somehow end up learning about the mating habits of sea cucumbers) when I finally connected the dots.

The water filter that changed everything for me? The Big Berkey System.

What Changes When Reducing Fluoride and Contaminants in Water

When you reduce fluoride and other contaminants from your daily water intake, research suggests several potential benefits:

Thyroid function may improve as studies have shown fluoride can interfere with thyroid hormone production, particularly in iodine-deficient individuals [1,2]

Neurological health can benefit as research indicates certain contaminants may impact cognitive function [3]

Reduction in exposure to chlorine byproducts (trihalomethanes) which have been associated with certain health concerns [4]

Decreased exposure to potential endocrine-disrupting compounds found in some water supplies [5]

Improved taste and odor that may encourage increased water consumption and better hydration [6]

Reduced exposure to heavy metals like lead and mercury that can affect multiple body systems [7]

Potential reduction in oxidative stress markers that contribute to inflammatory processes [8]

Addressing Concerns About Metal Leaching in Berkey Filters

Some consumers have raised questions about potential metal leaching in Berkey and other gravity water filters. Here’s what the available evidence shows:

What Independent Research Shows

• Third-party testing: Berkey systems have been tested by several independent laboratories. According to published test results from labs like LA Testing, the systems do show significant reduction of many contaminants including heavy metals like lead and mercury [9].
• NSF/ANSI standards: While Berkey doesn’t claim NSF/ANSI certification for all standards, their materials are reported to comply with NSF/ANSI Standard 61 for material safety [10].
• Stainless steel composition: The chambers are made from 304 food-grade stainless steel, which is generally recognized as safe for food and water contact [11].

Important Considerations

Proper maintenance matters: Filter elements need to be properly installed, maintained and replaced according to manufacturer guidelines to maintain effectiveness [12].

Testing methodology varies: Consumer-grade test kits may not provide the same accuracy as laboratory testing methods, which could explain some discrepancies in user-reported results [13].

Initial flushing is required: The manufacturer recommends flushing new filter elements before use, which helps remove any manufacturing residue [14].

Why This Filter is Different (and I’m Not Just Saying That)

The Big Berkey isn’t your sad little plastic pitcher filter that makes water taste slightly less like a public pool. This 2.25-gallon system transforms your tap water into something that actually supports your wellness instead of hindering it.

The magic happens with the Black Berkey Elements paired with PF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements. Together, they remove over 250+ contaminants including the hormone-disrupting fluoride AND arsenic that can secretly make your thyroid symptoms and hormones worse.

And because I know you’re wondering: yes, third-party labs have actually verified this. It’s not just marketing speak from someone trying to sell you another “miracle cure” (we’ve all been burned before, right?).

Real Talk About Real Life With This Thing: Using the Big Berkey Water Filter to Remove Fluoride

Let me paint you the before and after:

BEFORE: Me, buying plastic water bottles that exposed me to BPA and microplastics, cluttering up my recycling bin with emptiies, feeling bad about my impact on the planet, spending a small fortune, still feeling like garbage.

AFTER: My family of four (including teenagers who somehow need 87 glasses of water per day and leave them half full) has clean water that:

• Doesn’t taste like we’re licking metal pipes
• Doesn’t secretly sabotage our thyroid function
• Doesn’t require monthly standard filter changes (these bad boys last up to TWO YEARS)
• Can be filled from our kitchen sink (I use my extendable faucet, but a pitcher works too)
• Costs just pennies per gallon (instead of the $1500+ I was spending on bottled spring water annually)

I even got myself some trace mineral drops (just 3 drops per cup) to remineralize the water, making this filtered water it basically identical to premium spring water’s mineral content.

The Unsexy-But-Important Practical Stuff When Using the Big Berkey Water Filter to Remove Fluoride

• The standard filters last for up to 6,000 gallons (we replace this set every two years to be safe)
• PF-2 fluoride filters need replacing after about 1,000 gallons (we replace this set yearly)
• The whole system can sit on your counter or over your sink (mine’s over the sink because my cabinets are stupidly low)
• You can literally take this thing on road trips – or consider the more compact Travel Berkey

For My Fellow “But Is It Worth It?” Overthinkers: Using Big Berkey Water Filter to Remove Fluoride Gives Me Peace of Mind

Listen, I’ve spent more money than I care to admit on supplements that did absolutely nothing except give me expensive pee. This filter has been one of the magical investments that delivered exactly what it promised.

For those of us fighting the uphill battle of Hashimoto’s, hypothyroidism, hormone chaos that causes weight and energy issues, or just trying not to feel like a walking dumpster fire every day – removing fluoride and other contaminants isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.

Your body deserves better than municipal tap water. Your energy levels deserve better. Your poor, confused hormones deserve better.

Are you ready to stop letting your water undermine all your hard health work? Your future, well-hydrated, energetic self is nodding vigorously.

[Note: I remineralize my filtered water with trace mineral drops – just 3 drops per cup makes it taste amazing while supporting mineral balance. Game changer!]

XX,

Sam

Sources:

1. Peckham S, Lowery D, Spencer S. “Are fluoride levels in drinking water associated with hypothyroidism prevalence in England? A large observational study of GP practice data and fluoride levels in drinking water.” J Epidemiol Community Health. 2015
2. National Research Council. “Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific Review of EPA’s Standards.” 2006
3. Grandjean P, Landrigan PJ. “Neurobehavioural effects of developmental toxicity.” The Lancet Neurology. 2014
4. Richardson SD, et al. “Occurrence, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity of regulated and emerging disinfection by-products in drinking water: a review and roadmap for research.” Mutation Research. 2007
5. World Health Organization. “State of the Science of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals.” 2012
6. Doria MF. “Factors influencing public perception of drinking water quality.” Water Policy. 2010
7. Järup L. “Hazards of heavy metal contamination.” British Medical Bulletin. 2003
8. Sharif R, et al. “Oxidative Stress and Heavy Metal Content in Water.” Water Quality: Indicators, Human Impact and Environmental Health. 2017
9. LA Testing. “Black Berkey Purification Elements Test Results.” Available through manufacturer website.
10. NSF International. “NSF/ANSI 61: Drinking Water System Components – Health Effects.” 2021.
11. American Iron and Steel Institute. “Stainless Steel for Potable Water Treatment Plants.” 2018.
12. World Health Organization. “Water Safety Plans: Managing drinking-water quality from catchment to consumer.” 2009.
13. Cotruvo, J. “Consumer Option: Home Treatment Devices.” In Water Quality & Treatment: A Handbook on Drinking Water. 2010.
14. New Millennium Concepts, Ltd. “Black Berkey Elements Care Instructions.” User Manual.

Note: Individual results vary greatly based on water quality, existing health conditions, and other lifestyle factors. These potential benefits should not be considered medical claims, and water filtration is just one aspect of a comprehensive approach to health. If you’re concerned about your specific water quality, consider having your water tested both pre- and post-filtration by a certified laboratory that uses EPA-approved methods to obtain definitive results for your situation. No water treatment system offers absolute guarantees, and different water sources present different challenges.