10 Reasons to Start Oil Pulling

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Oil Pulling can be a confusing couple of words for those who haven't delved into this simple and affordable form of mouth & body cleansing. Although the term has only really taken front stage around the Internet and throughout the natural health community in the last few years, it is actually an ancient practice first introduced by the Ayurvedic medicinal practice in India over 5000 years ago. Its ability to cleanse the body through the mouth on a daily basis is but one benefit of starting to pull oil.

The term itself 'Oil Pulling' actually refers to how bacteria and harmful pathogens are 'pulled' from between the teeth and pores and suspended in the oil. Like a moth to a flame, all the impurities in your mouth are pulled into the oil and kept there until spat out, therefore preventing them from entering your system and having a negative impact on your immune system and energy levels.

1. Freshens Your Breath

Do you wake up with breath to rival that of your slobbery yet adorable four-legged friend? Take a mere 20 minutes a few mornings a week to clean your mouth and throat of bacteria that causes bad breath. Place 1 tbsp of oil into your mouth and swish it around for 15-20 minutes. After this time, spit it into the trash and rinse your mouth thoroughly with clean water, being careful not to swallow any! Use Coconut oil to leave your mouth with a fresh, tropical taste!

2. Naturally Detoxify Your Body Every Morning

By practicing oil pulling, you are treating the issue at the source! Our mouth is home to millions of microbes, some good and many bad. By removing the issue at the source, you are preventing the unwanted bacteria from entering your system.. If you are dipping your toes into the world of full body cleanses and detoxes, why not start with this simple, cheap and quick form to get you started?

3. Start The Day With 20 Minutes Of Peace and Reflection

Our days become so hectic and we usually wake up already midway into a conversation. Why not do yourself and your sleepy partner a favor and take 20 minutes of peace and quiet to yourself. Use this time to reflect on what you want to accomplish with your day.

4. Whiten Your Teeth Naturally

Forget hours in the dentist, chemical treatments and whitening strips to get a bright, white smile. Support one of your greatest assets with this simple technique instead. Studies have shown that adding oil pulling into your daily oral health regime can have a positive impact on your pearly whites!  Go on, show us your beautiful smile!

5. Even Your Dentists Agree

Dr. Jessica T Emery, founder of Sugar Fix Dental Loft in Chicago Ill published an article speaking to her fellow oral health practitioners, educating them on the practice and the benefits she has personally found by oil pulling. She has even taken up the practice herself, saying what a great and natural form of prevention to an oral disease it is.

6. Cleanse Your Body While Still Eating!

Unlike more intensive forms of detox, this one still allows you to go about your day and still consume the foods you enjoy. The best benefits are provided if you do your oil pull first thing in the morning, before having anything to drink or eat so take the time to plan your breakfast. A mini-cleanse every morning; would you like some muesli with that?

7. Help Your Heart Health!

Multiple studies were done by The University of Alabama, Global Healing Centre, as well as Naturopath Case Adams, show that bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans multiply within the mouth and secrete toxins into the bloodstream. This can cause inflammatory disorders such as heart disease. Using coconut oil is especially great in this case because if it's large quantity of Step mutans fighting lauric acid which helps fight against this particular stream of bacteria.

8. Moms To Be, This One's For You

Throughout pregnancy, moms- to- be are at a higher risk of suffering from gingivitis due to the additional hormones running through their body. By practicing oil pulling, especially with coconut oil, pregnant women can have the leg up on this painful gum disease.

9 . Different Oils Have Unique Health Benefits Too!

Studies show the 3 most beneficial oils to use are sunflower, sesame, and coconut oils. Coconut oil is a great alternative to the more widely used sunflower and sesame because 50% of the fat in it is comprised of the bacteria-fighting ingredient, lauric acid. Lauric acid inhibits strep mutans that are the primary bacteria that causes tooth decay and heart disease. It also is probably one of tastiest of oils! A little hint is to add a few drops of peppermint oil into your coconut oil jar. Sesame oil is made up of antioxidants such as sesamol and sesamin which are high in vitamin E. This is great to calm inflammation in many areas, especially in the gums. Sesame and Sunflower oil are also high in omega 6 which most of us already have higher levels of. Too much omega 6 can throw off the balance of omega 3 in our systems. While they are what have been used in many studies to show the benefits of oil pulling, new studies and testimonies are coming out that prefer the all holy coconut oil over sunflower and sesame. Give them all a go and see which one works best for you!

10. No Purchase Necessary!

If you were still unsure if Oil Pulling is a practice in which you'd like to partake, think of it this way; you more than likely already have sunflower, sesame or coconut oil in your pantry, so you don't have to be concerned with putting out any additional money to try something that may not suit your tastes.

7 Things To Do While Pulling Oil

Sitting around for 20 minutes while oil is being moved around your mouth can be as exciting as sitting in a doctor's office with a magazine that's older than you are. Here are a few ways to take your mind off the task while starting your day off with a bit of productivity.

1. Browse through Food Matters latest news and recipe ideas. Let us help you plan your meals for the day!
2. Meditate. While you're cleansing your mouth, cleanse your mind and sort your thoughts.
3. Pop on a homemade face mask!
4. Have a shower, you're already cleaning your insides so why not do the same for your hair and body!
5. Catch up on current events or take some time to delve into a new book
6. Get a head start on simple chores like gathering up the laundry and putting a load on before the day gets away on you
7. Water your plants or veggie and herb garden

What’s your favorite way to pass the time while oil pulling?

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