What’s in Your Tap Water? Ben Warren on Chlorine, Fluoride, and Long-Term Health
Many New Zealand households still drink unfiltered tap water — and many people are unaware that it often contains chlorine and fluoride, added during municipal treatment processes.
We sat down with Ben Warren, one of New Zealand’s leading clinical nutritionists and founder of BePure, to discuss the impact of these chemicals on long-term health and what he recommends for those seeking optimal wellness.
🧪 Chlorine: More Than Just a Disinfectant
Joseph Blessing: Many people think it’s perfectly fine to drink chlorinated water. What’s your take?
Ben Warren:
"Chlorine acts as a peroxidant — meaning it steals electrons. That’s how it kills bacteria, but it also damages our own cells by oxidizing them. Our bodies can handle small amounts, but if you’re aiming for optimal health and longevity, you’ll want to reduce your exposure.
The good news? It’s easy to remove chlorine with the right filter."
🦷 Fluoride: Cause for Greater Concern
Joseph: Fluoride is now present in over 70% of NZ’s municipal water supplies. What’s your view on this?
Ben:
"Chlorine is unfortunate, but fluoride — to me — is devastating. Years ago, while running wellness seminars in the Hawke’s Bay, I noticed that participants in Napier lost weight more easily than those in Havelock North. Eventually, we realised that Napier’s water is not fluoridated, while Havelock North’s is.
I later spoke to one of the world’s leading halide specialists who confirmed that fluoride blocks iodine uptake — a key factor in thyroid function. And thyroid health affects everything from metabolism to energy."
🧬 Iodine, the Thyroid, and Systemic Health
Ben (continued):
"Iodine supports at least 72 enzyme pathways in the body — it helps regulate hormones, metabolize estrogen, and support immune health.
When fluoride (or bromide) blocks iodine, we start seeing systemic dysfunction. It’s not just about the thyroid — it’s about the bigger picture."
Joseph: Is there any long-term research on the health impacts of fluoride?
Ben:
"That’s the scary thing — there’s a real lack of long-term studies on fluoridated water and its systemic effects. We know iodine deficiency is linked to breast cancer, and if fluoride blocks iodine, then it’s worth asking serious questions. But no one seems to be asking them."
🌿 What You Can Do
Ben recommends:
Using fluoride-free toothpaste
Avoiding fluoridated drinking water when possible
Filtering water at home to remove chlorine and reduce fluoride
"If people want fluoride for their teeth, use toothpaste — and spit it out. It doesn’t make sense to drink a known toxin."
📣 A Word from Ionza
At Ionza, we’re here to help New Zealanders make informed choices about their water.
We offer filtration systems that:
Remove chlorine and reduce fluoride
Improve taste and smell
Re-mineralize and ionize for better hydration
Clean, energized water isn’t a luxury — it’s a foundation for lifelong health.
🔗 Watch the Full Interview with Ben Warren
(Click the image below or visit our YouTube channel to hear the full conversation.)
📚 Further Resources:
Dr. David Brownstein – Iodine and Fluoride (Truth About Cancer, Ep. 5)
Hetzel (American Journal of Public Health)
⚖️ Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace advice from your healthcare provider. Some viewpoints shared may not reflect those of conventional medicine or New Zealand health authorities, but they are supported by peer-reviewed research and clinical practitioners globally.
