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: 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.
Features of the External Fluoride Shield
- Effective Fluoride Reduction: The External Fluoride Shield significantly reduces fluoride levels in drinking water. Utilizing activated alumina, this filter lowers fluoride concentrations to safer levels, providing peace of mind for you and your family.
- Enhanced Water Purity: Beyond fluoride, the External Fluoride Shield helps reduce contaminants such as chlorine, lead, and arsenic. This not only enhances the taste and odor of your water but also improves 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. It integrates easily into your existing setup without requiring a complete system overhaul.
- Easy Installation and Maintenance: Installation is straightforward, typically requiring no professional help. The filter requires minimal maintenance, with periodic replacement of the activated alumina filter being the primary task. This ensures that the filtration system remains effective with minimal effort.
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, using activated alumina to lower fluoride concentrations.
- Improved Water Quality: Besides fluoride, the filter also reduces contaminants like chlorine, lead, and arsenic, leading to cleaner and safer drinking water.
- Versatile Compatibility: Designed to work with AlkaViva systems, the External Fluoride Shield can also integrate with other compatible filtration setups, enhancing your water quality with minimal changes to your system.
- User-Friendly Installation: Installing the External Fluoride Shield is easy, and the filter’s maintenance involves only periodic replacement, making it a convenient option for home use.
How to Install and Use the External Fluoride Shield
Preparation
Before installation, gather 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. Connect it to the water line that feeds into your water ionizer or filtration system. Ensure the installation is secure and leak-free by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Activation
After installation, flush the filter by running water through it for several minutes. This step removes any loose particles from the activated alumina, ensuring the filter is ready for use.
Regular Use
Once flushed, the External Fluoride Shield is ready for regular use. Continue using your water ionizer or filtration system as usual, benefiting from enhanced fluoride removal.
Maintenance
Periodically inspect the filter for signs of wear or reduced effectiveness. Replace the activated alumina filter every 6 to 12 months, depending on water usage and quality, to maintain optimal filtration performance.
Who Should Consider the External Fluoride Shield?
Health-Conscious Individuals
For those deeply invested in health and wellness, reducing fluoride intake is a logical step. The External Fluoride Shield provides an additional layer of protection, ensuring that your drinking water is as clean and safe as possible.
Families with Young Children
Since excessive fluoride intake can lead to dental and skeletal fluorosis, families with young children will particularly benefit from using the External Fluoride Shield. It helps ensure children are not exposed to high levels of fluoride during their developmental years.
Individuals with Thyroid Concerns
People with thyroid conditions may benefit from reducing fluoride intake, as it can interfere with thyroid function. The External Fluoride Shield provides a reliable means of managing fluoride exposure, potentially supporting better thyroid health.
Residents of High-Fluoride Areas
In areas where the natural fluoride content in water exceeds recommended levels, the External Fluoride Shield helps mitigate the risks of excessive fluoride consumption. It allows you to enjoy cleaner, fluoride-reduced water without relying on bottled water.
Conclusion
The AlkaViva External Fluoride Shield: Complete Review 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.