The Health Benefits of Oil Pulling

The Health Benefits of Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic therapy http://www.dreddyclinic.com/ayurvedic/ayurvedic.php believed to promote oral health and detoxification and available data shows promise for this natural health technique. The practice of oil pulling involves the use of food-grade oils, such as coconut oil http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=32162, as an agent for “pulling” away harmful toxins. Unwanted organisms from the mouth, teeth, gums, and throat are also thought to be removed.



What is Oil Pulling?

A general oil pulling technique involves swishing around 1 tbsp. of cold-pressed, organic sesame oil in the mouth for approximately 10-15 minutes. Following this, the oil should then be spit out and the mouth rinsed with clean, fresh water. It is believed that the toxins in the mouth http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=30719 are pulled into the oil during the swishing process, and spitting it out results in the removal these toxic compounds. Other oils used in oil pulling include extra-virgin coconuthttp://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=33158 and olive oil, preferably organic and cold pressed. Whether it’s sesame, olive, or coconut oil, all contain essential fatty acids and antioxidants http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=33126 that are good for your gums and teeth.



How it Works

First, the oil mixes with the saliva, turning it into a thin, white liquid. Lipids in the oil supposedly pull out toxins from the saliva, cementing its claim as an efficient detoxifier. As the oil is swished around in the mouth, it continues to absorb toxins and usually ends up turning thick, viscous, and white. Once the oil has reached this consistency (typically after ten minutes), it is spit out before the toxins are reabsorbed.

Potential Benefits of Oil Pulling

The increasing interest surrounding oil pulling in the lay population has correspondingly increased scientific scrutinization of the practice. One study showed that oil pulling with sesame oil can boost overall oral health by significantly reducing Streptococcus mutans, a microbe that contributes to tooth decay. [1] Some scientists believe the lipids in the oil reduce the adhesion of bacteria to the teeth and gums, possibly explaining its bacteria-diminishing effects.

Other research shows that oil pulling can relieve bad breath http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/bb/badbreath.php. This same research has also shown that oil pulling can noticeably reduce the presence of plaque to support the health of teeth and gums. [2] Research also shows that swishing with sesame oil produces a saponification process, or a process in which the oil produces a soap-like effect in the mouth. [3]

Some sources even claim that dental caries, or cavities, have also been shown to be reduced by up to 50% in persons who practice oil pulling. [4] The oil used in this study was sesame oil, perhaps one of the most popular oils used in oil pulling, and showed very powerful activity in the mouth. Just 40 days of oil pulling resulted in a 20% decrease in oral bacteria.



Benefits Beyond Dental Health?

Many holistic practitioners cite other benefits of oil pulling. It is believed that oil pulling stimulates the lymphatic system and aids in the transport of toxins away from vital organs. The reported benefits of oil pulling include:

- Teeth whitening
- Clear skin
- Improves digestion
- Weight loss http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&t=33238
- Promotes normal sleep patterns
- Helps kidney and liver function http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=32521

Is oil pulling part of your oral health habits? What tips, advice, and experience can you share? Please leave a comment below!

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM

References:

1. Asokan S, Rathan J, Muthu MS, Rathna PV, Emmadi P, Raghuraman, Chamundeswar. Effect of oil pulling on Streptococcus mutans count in plaque and saliva using Dentocult SM Strip mutans test: a randomized, controlled triple-blind study http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18408265. Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry. 2008 March;26(1):12-7.

2. Asokan S, Kumar RS, Emmadi P, Raghuraman R, Sivakumar N. Effect of oil pulling on halitosis and microorganisms causing halitosis: a randomized controlled pilot trialhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21911944. Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry. 2011 April-June;29(2):90-4. doi: 10.4103/0970-4388.84678.

3. Asokan S, Rathinasamy TK, Inbamani N, Menon T, Kumar SS, Emmadi P, Raghuraman R. Mechanism of oil-pulling therapy – in vitro studyhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21525674. Indian Journal of Dentist Research. 2011 January-February;22(1):34-7. doi: 10.4103/0970-9290.79971.

4. T. Durai Anand, C. Pothiraj, R. M. Gopinath and B. Kayalvizhi. Effect of oil-pulling on dental caries causing bacteriahttp://academicjournals.org/article/article1380102380_Anand%20et%20al.pdf. African Journal of Microbiology Research Vol.(2) pp.063-066, March, 2008.

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The Benefits of Lithium Orotate

The Benefits of Lithium Orotate

An alkali metal related to sodium and potassium, lithium has been traditionally used within allopathic medicine to treat mental imbalances such as anxiety and depression. However, there are many side effects to taking this strong mineral, as the body poorly absorbs the standard forms of lithium Carbonate. That is, until lithium orotate was discovered.



Lithium orotate http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=33743 offers superior bio-utilization for the human body, allowing the mineral to penetrate the mitochondria, glia and lysosomes that exist within the intracellular structures of our cells. The mineral stabilizes these lysosomal membranes, slowing the enzymatic reaction that leads to many of the negative side effects of other forms of lithium salts.

Most people are unaware that lithium is not a drug, but is a naturally occurring mineral from the earth. Just like calcium and potassium, lithium is something that every human body requires for mental and physical health.

Many people are familiar with the pharmaceutical forms of lithium (lithium carbonate and lithium citrate), these aforementioned chemical extracts used to treat mania and depression http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/dd/depression.php.

Lithium orotate is very different than the other forms of the mineral. Whereas pharmaceutical drug forms of lithium require high doses to penetrate our cells, lithium orotate is only needed in extremely small serving size, considering the fact that a massive amount of the mineral penetrates the cell (approximately 97%). The other great news is that unlike its pharmaceutical counterparts, lithium orotate is non-toxic, safe, has little to no side effects, and works on 70% to 80% of people who use it.



Health Benefits of Lithium Orotate

Brain Protection:
Studies show that the mineral lithium can actually rejuvenate and build the grey matter nerve cells in the brain by up to three percent.

Anti-Aging Effects:
Small amounts of lithium orotate have been shown to offer anti-aging effects to the brain.

Neuroprotection From Environmental Toxins:
Lithium has been shown to protect the system from numerous toxins, particularly in the grey matter of the brain.



Lithium Orotate May Also Aid:

-Lyme Disease
- Low white blood cell counts
- Juvenile convulsive disease
- Alcoholism and liver disorders
- Pain associated with migraine http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/mm/migraine.php and cluster headaches
- Hyperthyroidism and other thyroid diseases: Studies show that lithium may aid in the even distribution of iodine.
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as well as a general stress reducer.
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and aggression: Studies show that individuals taking - Lithium experienced lowered levels of rage and anger, as well as improved memory.
- Alzheimer’s disease and dementia http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=32005



- In the reduction of myopia (nearsightedness) and glaucoma: Dr. Hans Nieper found that glaucoma patients could benefit from the dehydrating effect of lithium on the eye, offering patients vision improvement and a lowering of intraocular pressure.
- Bipolar disorder: Orotates may lessen effects of manic or depressive episodes. Lithium has been shown to serve as an effective mood balancer in 70-80 percent of bipolar patients.
- Depression: the therapeutic serving of lithium orotate is 150 mg/day. This is compared to 900-1800 mg of the prescription forms. In this range of lithium orotate, there are no adverse side effects and no need for monitoring blood serum measurements.

Lithium Precautions

Do not attempt to self-medicate a mental imbalance with lithium orotate. Speak with your health care provider for more information. Pregnant and nursing women should not take any type of lithium supplement.

Also, lithium should not be taken by those with renal or cardiovascular diseases, severe dehydration or exhaustion, sodium depletion, or in individuals using any form of diuretics or ACE inhibitors.

by Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM


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The Benefits of Turmeric for Prostate Health

The Benefits of Turmeric for Prostate Health

Curcuma longa, better known as turmeric, is an ancient spice traditionally appreciated by the peoples of India, Asia, and the Middle East for use in cuisine and beauty applications. Turmeric has a recognizable, vibrant yellowish orange hue and is loaded with health supporting nutrients; curcuminoids are perhaps the most notable. As the most active phytochemicals in turmeric root, curcuminoids offer powerful health-promoting effects through antioxidant, neuroprotective, and immune system boosting activity. [1]



Turmeric and Prostate Health

Turmeric offers many positive health benefits, especially to prostate health. A double-­blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in the Journal of Cancer Science & Therapy cited radioprotective effects of curcumin in prostate cancer patients. Furthermore, of two patient groups, one that received the curcumin supplement and one that received placebo, the group receiving the curcumin supplementation showed significant, long lasting, improvement in urinary ease and frequency. [2]



Another study investigated the potential effects of curcumin on prostate cancer cells in­ vitro. When curcumin was administered to the cancer cells, researchers observed a notable increase in cancer cell death as the curcumin concentrations increased. [3]

Keep in mind that these results, though exciting, are still preliminary and it’s premature to call turmeric a cure or treatment of any sort for cancer. However current understanding is that a combination of inflammation and high androgenicity increase the risk for developing prostate cancer. [4] Some research suggests that curcumin may down regulate androgen receptors and soothe ­inflammation, actions that have some wondering if it may help fight the rate of cancer cell development. [5] [6]

Turmeric and Enlarged Prostate

A study published in the December 2012 issue of Italy’s Panminerva Medica evaluated the effect of a curcumin supplement taken by persons with BPH (enlarged prostate). Sixty­-one patients were divided into two groups for the 6-month study. The results showed that the group who received curcumin supplementation experienced fewer urinary infections and less incontinence than the control group. Significant improvements in urinary stream and quality­ of­ life were also reported. [7] Researchers surmise that curcumin may actually help the body inhibit the compounds that cause prostate enlargement. [8]

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Turmeric’s Bonus Benefit for Male Health

This is worth mentioning… A 12-week study published in 2014 used animal models to compare the effects of Viagra and curcumin. You can scour the details for yourself, but, in short, at the conclusion of the 12-week study, curcumin supplementation had produced a notably improved erectile response… making many wonder if curcumin may support erectile function? [9] Read more

3 Benefits of Shilajit for Women’s Health

3 Benefits of Shilajit for Women’s Health

Formed over hundreds of years from decayed plant material, Shilajit is a tar-like substance found in the Himalayas, Caucasus, and Andes. Pronounced “shil-ah-jeet,” it offers quite a few compounds that support human health. This substance has been part of Ayurvedic medicine for centuries and is especially beneficial for women, providing energy enhancement, mood support, and antioxidant protection.



3 Benefits of Shilajit for Women’s Health

Here are a few of the health benefits of Shilajit and how it relates to female health:

1. Supports Healthy Aging

In some villages in the Himalayas, Shilajit is a regular part of the diet. Residents of these villages consider it an important component for promoting good health. One research study found that Shilajit, when combined with Indian ginseng, may be helpful for reducing the risk of age-related cognitive decline.



2. Energy Enhancer

The data doesn’t lie. Human and animal studies suggest that Shilajit helps you fight fatigue and feel energized. Traditional medicine credits it as a revitalizer to enhance physical performance. Why? Because Shilajit supports ATP production, helping to enhance energy at the cellular level. [1]

When researchers decided to test its impact on the physical challenges associated with high altitude, such as physical stress, lethargy, and general tiredness, they determined that its fulvic acid content acts at a deep tissue level to overcome these common issues. [2]

3. Antioxidant Protection

Shilajit is loaded with fulvic acid, which has remarkably high antioxidant values. Recent research indicates that it supports brain health and its antioxidant compounds may be the main route through which Shilajit protects the brain. [3] [4] [5] Women seeking to support cognitive function may want to consider Shilajit. Other studies have noted positive effects on memory, anxiety, cognitive function, mood support, and stimulating brain activity. [6] Read more