Do you ever feel like you are stalked by the latest health trend or buzz only to feel more confused and out of wack with what is really healthy? Well, I’ve been trying to avoid writing about oil pulling for a few weeks now because it is trendy, really trendy. I tend to shy away from trends because at the end of the day true health is attainable and not going anywhere, and most definitely not found in a single habit but rather, in many healthy habits combined 😉
Ok, so with all this buzz is oil pulling worth it? Yes and no.
The thing with all the BUZZ in the media is that we expect an instant result, an easy way out. Guess what? Even though health is attainable, it is not something you slap on in one day. The hype out there tries to convince us that ONE thing can really create health. Umm, no not really. Everything adds to everything else and we need to take responsibility for our health. I teach my clients this and it feels amazing to take back your health and beauty. It is empowering!
OK, I won’t rain on the parade any longer – well, only if you add this NEW habit to all the other healthy habits you have!
Check out the video below!
VIDEO RECAP…
How to optimize your oil pulling experience:
1. In order to get the most benefit from oil pulling you need about 20 minutes of swishing action.
The most I’ve gotten to is 10 minutes and my mouth was full of liquid! Yes the liquid looked all white and foamy and had all kinds of not so fun stuff first thing in the morning! (the white foam is an indication of the bacteria being removed)
2. Use ORGANIC coconut oil.
3. Oil pull on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning.
4. After oil pulling rinse with salt (Himalayan or Celtic) water or warm water.
How it works:
When you use organic coconut oil it dissolves the bacteria in your mouth. The outside membrane of a bacterium is coated in a fatty layer, coconut oil is a fat, and so like dissolves like. Water on the other hand would not do a great a job; water is not a fat!
The benefits of oil pulling:
1. Whiter teeth (due to removal of oil soluble stains)
2. Reduced gingivitis and bad breath (by removing the bacteria)
3. Less likelihood of a bacterial infection (can lead to inflammation, acne, a cold or sore throat)
4. Bacteria in the mouth have been found in arterial plaque, so if you remove it from the source it can help with heart disease prevention.
5. Gargling with coconut oil helps to moisturize a dry mouth and throat.
This week’s challenge is for you to try coconut oil for 1 week and let me know how you LOOK and FEEL! If you’re not up for the challenge, give me 3 reasons oil pulling might not be right for you in the comments below 🙂
If you liked this article please don’t be shy and SHARE it with your friends to clear up some of the confusion and hype!
To whiter teeth lol,
~Michelle
Holistic Nutritionist.
They say that there are no coincidences. I started oil pulling about a week ago, shared this with a friend, one day ago and she linked me to this site/ FBpage. No coincidence …
Anyway, in the face of other health challenges, I took on this challenge because I believe the everything is connected.
I’ve done some reading and everything seems to point towards organic/unrefined coconut oil as the best choice. Right now I am using extra virgin olive oil because I have a bottle of it, might as well use it!
Is olive oil as beneficial as coconut oil? Should I switch now or later?
Already seeing some small changes, also some side effects, like itching. Is that reaction normal?
Great to have a professional to share this information with! Thanks for the link Tash!
Hello Kathy,
You can use olive oil. It has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties as well. Each oil will have it’s own benefits. In Ayurvedic medicine a particular type of oil is used based on your constitution (ie sesame, avocado, coconut, olive, mustard, etc). See how the olive oil and coconut oil make you feel and decide what is best for you. As for the itching, I’m not sure if it is ‘normal’ but it is possibly your body’s way of detoxing.
Hope that helps!
Thank you Michelle. I will use the olive oil that I have and see how that goes. The itching is just about gone after about 2 days, It’s early days still so I have to be patient Not sure if I can get the best quality organic oils/butter here, but I will check the health food stores. Think I will prefer coconut oil in the log run!
I’m still working up the courage to try your challenge. I have such a strong gag reflex I’m afraid I’m not going to even last 10 minutes!
Lol just start with one minute and try to increase it by 1 minute increments each day 🙂