Quick Summary:
Price: $89.95
Pros
- Effective Fluoride Reduction: The External Fluoride Shield uses high-grade activated alumina to significantly reduce fluoride levels in your drinking water, helping to mitigate potential health risks associated with fluoride consumption.
- Improves Overall Water Quality: In addition to fluoride, this filter also removes other common contaminants like chlorine, lead, and arsenic, resulting in cleaner, safer, and better-tasting water.
- Easy Installation and Compatibility: The filter is designed for easy installation and is compatible with AlkaViva water ionizers as well as other similar water filtration systems, making it a versatile choice for enhancing your water quality.
- Low Maintenance: The filter requires minimal maintenance, with straightforward filter replacement every 6 to 12 months, ensuring consistent performance without significant upkeep.
- Supports Health Concerns: By reducing fluoride and other contaminants, the External Fluoride Shield can be particularly beneficial for individuals with specific health concerns, such as thyroid issues or families with young children, providing added peace of mind.
Cons
- Limited Lifespan of Filters: The activated alumina filters need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months, which can be an additional ongoing cost for maintaining the system’s effectiveness.
- Specific Installation Requirements: While installation is generally straightforward, the filter is designed to work best with specific water ionizers, which may limit its use with other types of filtration systems without the necessary adapters.
External Fluoride Shield by AlkaViva Review
Water is fundamental to life, but its quality varies significantly. In many areas, fluoride is added to public water supplies to support dental health. While fluoride has recognized benefits, concerns have emerged regarding its long-term impact on overall health, especially when consumed in excess. For those seeking to lower their fluoride intake, the External Fluoride Shield by AlkaViva presents a dependable solution. This review delves into the features, advantages, and effectiveness of this water filtration product, offering a comprehensive overview of how it can improve your drinking water quality.
What is the External Fluoride Shield by AlkaViva?
The External Fluoride Shield by AlkaViva is a specialized water filter designed to reduce fluoride levels in drinking water. It functions as an external filter, connecting to an existing water ionizer or filtration system to enhance fluoride removal. This filter is particularly beneficial for individuals concerned about the potential health risks associated with fluoride consumption, providing a simple and effective means to ensure purer water.
How Does the External Fluoride Shield Work?
The External Fluoride Shield employs advanced filtration technology to diminish fluoride content in water. Its operation centers on a high-grade activated alumina filter, renowned for its ability to adsorb fluoride ions efficiently. As water flows through the filter, the activated alumina attracts and binds fluoride ions, reducing the overall fluoride concentration in the water you consume.
This filtration process is not only effective for fluoride but also addresses other common water contaminants such as chlorine, lead, and arsenic. The External Fluoride Shield is compatible with AlkaViva’s water ionizers and can also be used with other suitable systems, making it a versatile addition to any home water filtration setup.
Health Concerns Associated with Fluoride
Fluoride is commonly added to public water supplies to prevent tooth decay, but ongoing debates question its safety, particularly concerning overall health. While small amounts of fluoride benefit dental health, excessive intake has been linked to various health issues, including:
Dental Fluorosis
Dental fluorosis results from excessive fluoride intake during early childhood when teeth are forming. It manifests as discoloration and damage to the enamel, leading to white spots, streaks, or brown stains on teeth. Severe cases can cause pitting and structural damage to teeth.
Skeletal Fluorosis
Skeletal fluorosis, similar to dental fluorosis, affects the bones. Prolonged exposure to high fluoride levels can lead to joint stiffness, pain, and, in severe cases, bone structure alterations. This condition is more prevalent in areas with naturally high fluoride content in water, underscoring the need to manage fluoride intake.
Thyroid Dysfunction
Excessive fluoride intake may interfere with thyroid function, particularly in individuals with iodine deficiency. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, and disruptions to its function can lead to health issues such as weight gain, fatigue, and mood disorders.
Potential Neurotoxicity
Emerging research suggests a link between fluoride exposure and neurodevelopmental issues in children. Some studies indicate that high fluoride levels in drinking water could be associated with lower IQ scores in children, although this remains a topic of ongoing research and debate.
Benefits of Using the External Fluoride Shield
Effective Fluoride Reduction
The primary benefit of the External Fluoride Shield is its ability to significantly reduce fluoride levels in drinking water. Utilizing activated alumina, one of the most effective materials for fluoride removal, this filter lowers fluoride concentrations to safer levels, offering peace of mind for you and your family.
Enhanced Water Purity
Beyond fluoride, the External Fluoride Shield helps reduce other contaminants commonly found in tap water, such as chlorine, lead, and arsenic. This improvement not only enhances the taste and odor of your water but also boosts its overall safety and quality.
Compatibility with Various Systems
The External Fluoride Shield is designed for use with AlkaViva water ionizers but is versatile enough to be compatible with other water filtration systems. This allows easy integration into your existing setup, enhancing filtration capabilities without requiring a complete system overhaul.
Easy Installation and Maintenance
Installing the External Fluoride Shield is straightforward and can typically be done without professional help. Once installed, the filter requires minimal maintenance, with periodic replacement of the activated alumina filter as the primary task. This makes it a convenient, low-maintenance solution for improving water quality.
How to Install and Use the External Fluoride Shield
Installing and using the External Fluoride Shield is simple, making it accessible even for those not particularly handy. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Preparation
Before installation, ensure you have all necessary components, including the External Fluoride Shield, connecting hoses, and any required adapters for your specific water filtration system.
Installation
The External Fluoride Shield is typically installed inline with your existing water filtration system, connecting to the water line that feeds into your water ionizer or filtration system. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure a secure and leak-free installation.
Activation
After installation, flush the filter by running water through it for several minutes. This removes any loose particles from the activated alumina and ensures the filter is ready for use.
Regular Use
After flushing, the External Fluoride Shield is ready for regular use. Continue using your water ionizer or filtration system as usual, with the added benefit of enhanced fluoride removal.
Maintenance
Periodically check the filter for signs of wear or reduced effectiveness. Replace the activated alumina filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, typically every 6 to 12 months, depending on water usage and quality.
Who Should Consider the External Fluoride Shield?
Health-Conscious Individuals
If you are deeply invested in your health and well-being, reducing fluoride intake is a logical step, especially if you already use other filtration systems to improve water quality. The External Fluoride Shield adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring that your drinking water is as clean and safe as possible.
Families with Young Children
Given the potential risks of dental and skeletal fluorosis, families with young children may find the External Fluoride Shield particularly valuable. By reducing fluoride levels in drinking water, parents can protect their children from excessive fluoride exposure during critical developmental years.
Individuals with Thyroid Concerns
For those with existing thyroid conditions or concerns about thyroid health, reducing fluoride intake could be beneficial. The External Fluoride Shield offers an easy way to manage fluoride exposure, potentially supporting better thyroid function.
People Living in High-Fluoride Areas
In regions where the natural fluoride content in water exceeds recommended levels, the External Fluoride Shield provides a practical solution to mitigate the risks of excessive fluoride consumption. It enables residents to enjoy clean, fluoride-reduced water without relying solely on bottled water.
Conclusion
The External Fluoride Shield by AlkaViva is a valuable addition to any home water filtration system, especially for those concerned about the potential health risks of fluoride consumption. By effectively reducing fluoride levels and enhancing overall water quality, this filter offers a simple yet powerful way to ensure your drinking water is as safe and pure as possible. Whether you are a health-conscious individual, a family with young children, or someone living in a high-fluoride area, the External Fluoride Shield provides peace of mind and improved well-being through better water.
Frequently Asked Questions
How effective is the External Fluoride Shield at removing fluoride?
The External Fluoride Shield uses activated alumina, one of the most effective materials for reducing fluoride in water. While the exact percentage of fluoride removal varies based on water quality and flow rate, the filter significantly lowers fluoride levels, making your water safer for consumption.
How often should I replace the filter in the External Fluoride Shield?
The activated alumina filter should typically be replaced every 6 to 12 months, depending on your water usage and initial fluoride concentration. Regular replacement ensures the filter remains effective at reducing fluoride levels.
Can the External Fluoride Shield be used with any water filtration system?
The External Fluoride Shield is designed to be compatible with AlkaViva water ionizers but can also be used with other filtration systems that have a similar setup. Ensure your system is compatible with external filters before installation.
Is the External Fluoride Shield difficult to install?
No, the External Fluoride Shield is relatively easy to install and usually does not require professional assistance. It is designed for inline installation with your existing water filtration system, and detailed instructions are provided to guide you through the process.
Does the External Fluoride Shield remove other contaminants besides fluoride?
Yes, in addition to fluoride, the External Fluoride Shield also helps reduce other common contaminants in tap water, such as chlorine, lead, and arsenic. This contributes to overall improved water quality and safety.
Will using the External Fluoride Shield affect the taste of my water?
Many users find that the External Fluoride Shield improves the taste of their water by removing impurities such as chlorine and fluoride. The result is cleaner, fresher-tasting water that is more enjoyable to drink.