Everything You Want to Know About Oil Pulling

Cara has received product to try out. No other compensation was given. All opinions about oil pulling are hers alone.

Let me just start off by saying that when I first heard about oil pulling, I thought, "I am pretty green, pretty crunchy, very open-minded about natural living, but this is just crazy!"

Now, I am oil pulling every day. (and so is my hubby) Ha!

So, what caused me to change my mind?

Let's start at the beginning...

What is oil pulling?

Oil pulling or oil swishing is a traditional folk remedy that involves swishing oil in your mouth. Although scientific evidence is lacking to support any systemic benefits of oil pulling (like most healthy things - no scientific evidence, blah, blah, blah), some studies have suggested that it may reduce oral plaque, bad breath, and gingivitis. (For references, click here)

In answer to one of our reader's questions, "Do dentists recommend this?" Probably not. First of all, they probably don't know about it, unless they have an interest in healing teeth naturally. If you go to a Naturopathic dentist, then the answer may be yes. However, I highly suggest you try to fill them in about it, because if more dentists did recommend this, we'd all have a lot healthier mouths.  
 

How do you do it?

1. You take a tablespoon or so of oil - sesame oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil or even olive oil, and you swish it in your mouth like mouthwash for 20 minutes. You want to do this on an empty stomach, so I do it first thing when I wake up in the morning.  
2. When you finish your 20 minutes of swishing, (do not swallow the oil because it is drawing toxins, bits of food and other nasties out of your mouth) spit it out in the trash can. I was spitting it out in the sink, and I got an earful from my plumber husband about how bad that is for the pipes.
3. When your mouth is empty, I recommend brushing your teeth with some more coconut oil and baking soda (or you can just use regular natural toothpaste). After brushing for awhile to get rid of any remaining gunk, spit it all out. 
4. Ahhhh...run your tongue all over teeth and feel how AMAZINGLY clean your teeth feel - BETTER than any cleaning your dentist gives you!

Do you have any tips to help me get started and stay with it?

1.  I recommend using coconut oil. That is what I have experience with, and I use it for many reasons. Coconut oil is naturally antibacterial and has a milder taste than the other oils. Make sure you use a cold pressed, organic coconut oil like Edible Haven. It makes a huge difference when you are using high quality oils. During colder months, the coconut oil will be solid, but after you swish it around a bit in your mouth, it will turn liquid.
2. Start out with a small amount of oil and build from there to a tablespoon or two. Some people need to develop the muscles that help them swish. If you start out with a small amount, you won't have to work so hard to swish it around.
3. Don't give up! It is worth it, and let me tell you why...

Have you notice any differences since you started oil pulling?

Yes! Before I started oil pulling I had noticed three things going on in my mouth I wanted to change:

1. A little staining or enamel wearing away on my four top front teeth.
2. Sensitivity in the back right side of my mouth
3. Off and on pain on one of my molars that I thought may be a small cavity

I have been oil pulling for almost 2 months straight now, and this is what I have noticed:

1. The staining is completely gone off two of the four teeth I mentioned above. The staining on the remaining two teeth is almost completely gone also.
2. I haven't noticed any real change in the sensitivity issue.
3. The pain in my molar seems to have lessened, at least I haven't felt it in a long time.
4. I have also noticed something else that many people say they also notice, which is stronger immunity. There have been several times I have been amidst a lot of sick people for extended periods of time, thinking I was going to get sick, for sure. Nope. In fact, I can only remember once that I got a bit of runny nose and sore throat. 
5. And let's not forget how clean my teeth feel all day and night long! Less plaque buildup means less cavities and happy teeth!

Besides what I have noticed, there are hundreds of people who have also said that they have noticed whiter teeth, less headaches, better skin conditions, infections, liver problems, and so much more!

Basically, when you break it all down, my question is "Why not try it?" What have you got to lose? (Besides a LOT of plaque and toxins)

Any other questions? If you are already a fan of oil pulling, have you noticed any benefits?

Seven Simple Ways to Increase Fertility

I love these tips, and I did all of these things myself when I was trying to get pregnant and while pregnant with each of my three children. Enjoy, and have fun making babies!

Age matters! Today many women are putting off child bearing until later in life, and it is affecting their fertility when they do finally start trying to conceive.  Women in their 20s have a 25% chance of conceiving each month while women in their early 40s have only a 5% chance. 

Don’t stop eating fish!  While women should avoid fish that contain high levels of mercury, like shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish, other fish are safe and very important to the pregnant woman’s diet.  Fish is the best source of omega 3 fatty acids, which are critical to a baby’s brain development and can even help prevent post-partum depression.

Ditch the junk food!  Processed foods are filled with exactly the wrong kinds of carbohydrates and fats that lead to high glycemic indices and interfere with fertility.

Take folic acid!  Taking multivitamins with folic acid BEFORE conception and through the third trimester helps protect against autism as well as neural tube, cardiovascular and limb defects.

Exercise, but not TOO much!  Too much exercise can cause infertility.  When trying to conceive, it is not the time to train for a marathon, or even participate in very vigorous yoga classes.  Vigorous exercise may temporarily stop menstrual periods or shorten the latter half of the cycle interfering with conception.

Make your home green!  When planning a pregnancy, either avoid buying new furniture and carpet, or buy green products instead.  Also avoid new paint, which releases high levels of chemicals into your home.

Be particular about containers!  Stay away from plastic food containers, Tupperware and refillable water bottles while trying to conceive.  Plastic contains BPA (bisphenol A), a chemical that has strong estrogen-like activity that interferes with normal hormone function.  BPA is also found in the lining of many canned goods.

Stay calm!  Hormonal changes associated with chronic high stress signal the brain that this may be the wrong time to reproduce.  The brain responds by altering its signaling to the ovaries.

Big thanks to Victoria Maizes MD, for this article. She is the executive director of the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine and a Professor of Medicine and Public Health.  Her newest book is Be Fruitful: The Essential Guide to Maximizing Fertility and Giving Birth to a Healthy Child.  For more information about fertility visit her website victoriamaizesmd.com or follow her on twitter @vmaizes. 

Where To Go For Help With Addictions

So, you might be wondering why I am bringing up addiction to all of you, my healthy, happy readers? Don't get me wrong, while I do think you are all working on being your best self and getting healthy, I know that nobody is perfect and we all have our struggles each and every day. That is why I want to talk about addiction with you today.

Historically, addiction has been defined as physical and psychological dependence on psychoactive substances (for example alcohol, tobacco, heroin and other drugs) which cross the blood-brain barrier once ingested, temporarily altering the chemical milieu of the brain.

But.....addiction can also be viewed as a continued involvement with a substance or activity despite the negative consequences associated with it. Pleasure and enjoyment would have originally been sought; however, over a period of time involvement with the substance or activity is needed to feel normal.

Chances are that those definitions of addiction sound familiar - either for you or someone you love. I can even pinpoint little addictions I have in my own life. The thing is - there is freedom from the trapped feeling of addiction. We don't have to live feeling like we are under the control of some substance, drug, or unhealthy habit.

Places like Morningside Recovery are especially helpful in giving you or your loved ones the tools, people, and help needed to be successful at recovering from addiction. From depression to alcohol addiction to prescription drugs and so much more, you can get the help you need! Take control of your health or help that loved one out of their suffering today!

This is a sponsored post.

Why You Want To Detox!

It has been known by the natural healing profession for many years, and is recently being validated by the medical physicians, that well over 90% of degenerative disease conditions can be related directly to intestinal stasis— that is, a stagnant, fermenting condition within the bowels and related organs - basically too many toxins stuck in your gut.  A person can move his bowels many times a day, and still be encumbered with dead cells, decaying food materials, poisonous chemicals, parasites, pus, mucus,etc., all of which contribute to the circulation of toxins throughout the whole body, giving rise to an endless chain of “disease” conditions. Yuck, but true.

This is why I think it is so important to detox your body.

Now, I don't recommend using the typical laxatives you find at the drug store. I personally use Herb Lax, which is a very safe, gentle and effective cleanser. It is important to understand that herbs are not in any way related to the artificial colon cleansers promoted by television. Herbs do not act like ordinary laxatives that irritate the tissues and force the bowel to eject its contents. This weakens the organs and causes dependencies. But herbs, being a food, nourish the bowel and related organs to strengthen them so that they will function entirely on their own, effectively eliminating waste materials.

It is hard to say how many Herb Lax an individual should use, since each person differs. Choose the dose that gives you two to three soft, easy bowel movements daily. This can range from one half to 30 per day (in the case of Diverticulitis).

Those who are faithful in using Herb Lax for internal cleanliness will get surprising good side effects as days, weeks and months go by. These include a better complexion, no headaches, no bad breath, little odor during bowel movements, plus more energy and clearer thinking.

Why does it work the way it does?  Several of the herbs contained in this product produce a laxative action.  Herb Lax contains senna leaf powder, buckthorn bark powder, licorice root, blue malva powder, and culver root, which all work together to detox your body naturally. Besides that, licorice root, alfalfa, fennel seed and anise seed aid in digestion.  Licorice root also reduces the production of stomach acid and relieves gas, as does anise seed.

Besides Herb Lax, some other things I use to help my body detox and stay healthy are: Apple Cider vinegar mixed with water sipped throughout the day, lemon juice with water in the morning, lots of fruits and veggies, and a nice green drink to give me energy right when I wake up. What works for you?

The Green Smoothie Bible Book Review

Stronger Immunity---Increased Energy---Improved Skin and Hair---Detox the Body---All things you want from your diet. But if it were as easy as eating a few fruits and vegetables here and there, we would all be healthy, right? What if there was a different way of thinking about how those fruits and vegetables were delivered into your body?

A few weeks ago, I did something I thought I would never do-drink juice. Not packaged, commercially made, loaded with sugar and/or preservatives, juice. Real Juice. I purchased a juicer after listening to a friend who started juicing, and after doing a little research for myself. But, I had many questions about my new health quest. Starting with: What is the difference between Juicing and Making a Smoothie?

Luckily, right after I started juicing, and before I knew too much about it, I was given The Green Smoothie Bible by Kristine Miles. Because of this book, I do not feel like I have to do too much more work; all I need to know is in this handy reference guide.

I always thought that it was healthier to eat foods in their whole stage - big salads, and pieces of fruit. As I was juicing, I felt pretty guilty about all that fiber collected off the side into a bin....shouldn't I be eating that too? While it is very true that whole foods do have health benefits that are great, there is a place for juices and smoothies in our diets.

Kristine Miles has a passion for being healthy. She is a busy wife, physiotherapist, and entrepreneur. She doesn't have time to be slowed down by a sluggish metabolism or sugar dips. She created a website in 2007 to share all of the information she could on making green smoothies, including recipes, feedback and nutrition. From there, she wrote this book on everything you need to know about smoothies.

The question on my mind from a few weeks ago, was, "What is the difference between juicing, and making a smoothie?" Of course, I can find that answer right in this book. It is said that by removing the fiber (juicing) you can absorb other nutrients more readily. It is also said that if you make smoothies, you are including all of the components of the fruit or vegetable, but because you tear the membranes, it is easier to digest and use efficiently. Both make sense to me. But what about how to make smoothies? The answer is in this book. Kristine even tells you what seasons are best for certain ingredients for smoothies. Now, that is handy! The recipes in this book are abundant and creative. I'm now inspired to both juice and make smoothies as a part of my diet. I am also relieved to know that everything I need to know is in one handy book: The Green Smoothie Bible. You can pick up your copy (and I think you will want to) at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

*Cathy was given this book to review, and Cathy was under no obligation to write this post.

Spring Detox - Day 30

Today is the last day of this detox!! I hope you have put the effort in to detoxing your body, and I hope you are seeing great results!! Many people feel more energy, a clearer head, and lose weight from a good detox, besides other great benefits.

My last tip for detoxing is one you are going to like.

Get your sleep! It turns out not getting seven to eight hours of sleep per night can have some serious health consequences.  In a landmark study at the University of Chicago, researchers found that people who slept 6 1/2 hours or less had a 50 percent increase in insulin blood levels compared to those who slept 7 1/2-8 1/2 hours per night.

Make sure you get your 8 hours of sleep each night to ensure optimal function of your boyd and improved detox!

Spring Detox - Day 29

Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of purified water daily. After all, the human body is anywhere from 55 to 75 percent water, depending on body size.

To function properly, you need to replace the water lost through sweat and urination on a daily basis. Plus, drinking plenty of water helps flush toxins out of your body, making you feel more energized. It's a win-win!

If you are feeling thirsty, chances are you are already a bit dehydrated. Just keep sipping water all day long!!

Spring Detox - Day 28

With only three days left in this month long detox, I hope you have been using some or all of these tips to feel better and give your body a chance to heal and do its best for you!

Today, eat some liver-friendly foods. Artichokes, dandelions, and beets have all been shown to help move bile more efficiently.  Bile is produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. One of the important functions of bile is to move toxins from the liver to the gallbladder and eventually into the duodenum.

Artichokes contain cynarin, which not only improves the flow of bile in the liver, but also helps lower cholesterol.  So, go get some fresh artichokes and eat up!

Spring Detox - Day 27

Wow!! We are almost done with this detox! I hope you have been enjoying these tips and using them to feel better.

Today, try to eat some red fruits. Pomegranate, raspberries, and strawberries contain ellagic acid, a compound that has some excellent detoxification properties. Ellagic acid not only acts as an antioxidant, it also has liver-protective effects. Some research even suggests that ellagic acid may help prevent cancer. More reasons to love fruits!! Substitute desserts for delicious and nutritious fruit!

Spring Detox - Day 26

An orange a day keeps the doctor away. Lemons, oranges, and limes have had a long history of use for internal cleansing, and are high in vitamin C and bioflavonoids, phytochemicals with powerful antioxidant effects. These compounds can quench free radicals, supporting the body's detoxification pathways.

I give you permission to eat as many oranges as you want! (just don't eat so many that you make your tongue sore)

Spring Detox - Day 25

Ready for this detox tip? What would you say if I told you to eat one clove of garlic per day and a handful of cooked onions? I know, gross and smelly, right?


Well, if you can’t stomach that much garlic and onions, you can always take a garlic supplement. But before you turn your nose up at these ideas, check out all the great benefits from these two powerhouses!

Onions and garlic are rich in a variety of organic sulfur compounds. Studies show both of these vegetables help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, regulate blood sugar, and provide antibiotic effects. Now, how many of us need that? A lot!!

Go garlic it up!!

Spring Detox - Day 24

Eat ½ cup per day of cruciferous vegetables, which include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, and collard greens.  These vegetables contain a number of important nutrients, making them extremely beneficial for general health.  They are high in vitamin C and soluble fiber, but, more impressively, they contain multiple nutrients with well-known anticancer properties.

Spring Detox - Day 23

Eat ample amounts of fresh, brightly colored fruits and vegetables, which have naturally occurring antioxidants that act as direct antioxidants and support the production of glutathione. These antioxidants include vitamin C, carotenes (such as lycopene and lutein), polyphenols, and dozens of other phytochemicals.


What is glutathione? Remember from our detox day 12, glutathione is continuously defending our body against attacks from disease, toxins, poisons, viruses, pollutants, radiation and oxidative stress. So eat up the fruits and veggies sitting in your fridge!

Spring Detox - Day 22

Did you know you can get addicted to sugar? I think a lot of Americans are, and I think that I was probably close to that point several years ago. With the tons of sugar in the SAD, (Standard American Diet) it is easy to consume way too much!

Today, I want you to try to reduce your consumption of sugar. And that doesn't mean substitute for artificial sweeteners.  Instead, consume more fruits, veggies and complex carbs.  In addition, you should eat less meat and, when you do, make sure it's hormone-free, organically grown meat.

Go!

Spring Detox - Day 21

I am sure many of you have heard about the importance of Omega-3 fish oils. They are incredibly important for our skin, heart, eyes, brain and much more!

Make sure to include high-quality Omega-3's, specifically EPA and DHA, in your diet. Besides what I already mentioned above, they also help with diabetes, weight loss, joint health and depression.  When it comes to detoxification, EPA and DHA have the ability to be incorporated into cellular membranes, which means they help improve cell function.

I recommend finding Omegas that are ultra pure, making sure that they don't contain mercury and lead, which is found in many types of fish. The fish oil I use is OmegaGuard, and I love it. It doesn't give you the fishy aftertaste either.

Spring Detox - Day 20

My tip for today is to add more fiber to your diet.

Dietary fiber is critical for binding toxin-laden bile and carrying it out of the body. Plus, it helps keep everything moving through your digestive system.

The best sources are whole grains like oats, barley, legumes, fruits, vegetables, wheat, and bran. Aim for 25-35 grams per day. If you have a hard time getting that much, try a fiber supplement. I like Fiber Plan Tablets or Fiber Plan Unflavored Powder.

Spring Detox - Day 19

I am sure you have heard of trans fat, and I hope you avoid it like the plague.

Trans fast is by far the worst type of fat. Read labels and rid your fridge and pantry of trans fat-containing vegetable shortening, margarine, salad dressings, cakes, doughnuts, microwave popcorn, cookies, french fries, chips and snack crackers.

Start using healthy fats instead, such as coconut oil for cooking and extra virgin olive oil for salads.

Spring Detox - Day 18

It is time to start really paying attention to what you are putting in your body.

Today, try to avoid the following: alcohol, coffee, soft drinks, hot chocolate, refined carbs (found in cakes, cookies, muffins, doughnuts, and ice cream), sugar, chemical additives, preservatives, processed meats, fried foods, trans fat, and artificial sweeteners, dyes, colors, and flavors.

Basically, don't each packaged food. Instead fill your body with fresh produce and real homemade food!

Spring Detox - Day 17

If you are going to eat meat, (which isn't great for you, because it is not easily digested) begin shifting to organically grown, grass fed meat free of hormonees and chemical additives.

Be aware of fish you consume and stay away from farm-raised fish that have high PCB and mercury counts. Plus, they may have other chemicals in them to give them color, etc. I really only eat Alaskan salmon or Alaskan halibut to be on the safe side.

Spring Detox - Day 16

Become aware of the foods you consume. Begin eating organic produce (especially the dirty dozen) that is free of pesticides and herbicides - the cost is not much different. Sometimes I find organic produce for the same price!!

If you can't get organic, make sure you wash all your fruits and vegetables with natural cleaning solutions like the Basic H, and peel your fruit.

Today, go for 8-9 servings of fruits and veggies! Come on, you can do it!