Category: Health

Oil Pulling – Huh?



When I first heard about this, I had to look into it because it sounded so weird. And I’m all about weird stuff.

What is Oil Pulling?

Oil pulling is a traditional Indian folk remedy that involves swishing oil in the mouth. To be more specific, you take approximately one tablespoon of oil (coconut, sesame and sunflower oils are the most recommended) and put it in your mouth, swish it around back and forth through your teeth for 15–20 minutes on an empty stomach (before eating/drinking), and then spit it out. NEVER swallow the oil, since it supposedly pulls the toxins and bacteria from your mouth – yuck. Follow by rinsing your mouth with warm water, and brushing if you choose. It can be done up to three times a day, but it is typically done first thing in the morning, before eating.

So what does it do? Well some sites claim it does everything from whitening your teeth to healing eczema. Oilpulling.com suggests it cures the following:

•Acne
•Allergies
•Arthritis
•Asthma
•Back and Neck Pain
•Bad Breath
•Bronchitis
•Chronic Fatigue
•Colitis
•Crohn’s Disease
•Constipation
•Dental Cavities
•Dermatitis
•Diabetes
•Eczema
•Hemorrhoids
•Hypertension
•Insomnia
•Migraine Headaches
•Mucous Congestion
•Peptic Ulcers
•PMS
•Periodontal Disease
•Bleeding Gums
•Sinusitis
•Tooth Abscess

Several scientific studies have verified that oil pulling is helpful for oral health. I think other claims would be very hard to measure.

Okay, I thought I’d give it a whirl. I chose extra virgin coconut oil because I use it for everything else and thought I could tolerate the taste. I read comments from others who have tried oil pulling who couldn’t make it through the first few minutes without gagging. Great, I already have a weak stomach. I figured I’d stay in the bathroom the first time I tried it, just in case. So I scooped some coconut oil into my mouth (no, I didn’t measure) and allowed it to melt under my tongue. I think that’s the most difficult part. I might try melting it first from now on. Anyway, once it melted, I started swishing. After about two minutes my cheeks got tired and I had to take a break. Then back to swishing. I had no idea how I would last 20 minutes since I have the patience of a gnat, so I started getting ready for work. I took a shower, started putting on my make-up, all while still swishing. Finally at 20 minutes I spat out the oil into the toilet (I didn’t want the coconut oil clogging up the plumbing in my sink). Then I rinsed with warm water several times and brushed my teeth. They felt clean. But not much more than that. Of course I shouldn’t expect much after only one try. So I’ll keep doing it for a week or so and see if my teeth get any whiter. Others claim they’ve seen results after only a week. We shall see.

Spring Cleaning, Naturally



Sure commercial, chemical-based cleaning products are convenient, but at what cost? The American Association of Poison Control Centers recorded many exposures to household cleaning substances were serious enough to require treatment in a health care facility. Testing of 20 top cleaning products commissioned by Women’s Voices for the Earth (WVE) for the report Dirty Secrets revealed hidden toxic chemicals such as toluene, 1,4-dioxane, phthalates, chloroform, a synthetic musk and several known allergens. Because cleaning product companies are not required to disclose ingredients, consumers have no way to know that these chemicals are lurking in products they buy and use in their homes. In the US, 1 in 3 people suffer from allergies, asthma, sinusitis or bronchitis (US National Center for Health Statistics). Treatment for these conditions should include reducing synthetic chemicals in the home environment.

There are many inexpensive, easy-to-use natural alternatives which can safely be used in place of commercial household products. Here is a list of common, environmentally safe products which can be used alone or in combination for a wealth of household applications.

Baking Soda – cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours.

Soap – unscented NATURAL soap or castille in liquid form, flakes, powders or bars is biodegradable and will clean just about anything.

Lemon – one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria.

Borax – (sodium borate) cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, cleans wallpaper, painted walls and floors. Is borax safe? Borax is considered a mild skin irritant similar to baking soda. The MSDS lists borax as a health hazard of 1, similar to salt and baking soda. A health concern with borax is with its potential to disrupt the reproductive system. Studies have not been done in humans regarding this; however, potential reproductive issues in mice are suspected from high levels of ingested borax. Use of borax for home cleaning formulas, where no borax is ingested, has not been shown to pose health hazards. Borax is a natural substance which is non-carcinogenic, does not accumulate in the body, or absorb through the skin. It is not harmful to the environment.

White Vinegar – cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains and wax build-up.

Cornstarch – can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs.

Salt – scrubbing. Thick kosher salt gives power to your elbow grease. To clean stubborn soap scum, combine baking soda and kosher salt and scrub.

Hydrogen Peroxide – disinfecting, removing stains. Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful disinfectant. To kill mildew, combine baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to create a paste, put on mildew and allow to sit for a few minutes before wiping away.

There are other healthy habits you can institute which will keep your home clean and free of toxins:

Exchange Indoor Air

Many modern homes are so tight there’s little new air coming in. Open the windows from time to time or run any installed exhaust fans. In cold weather, the most efficient way to exchange room air is to open the room wide – windows and doors, and let fresh air in quickly for about 5 minutes. The furnishings in the room, and the walls, act as ‘heat sinks’, and by exchanging air quickly, this heat is retained.

Minimize Dust

Remove clutter which collects dust, such as old newspapers and magazines. Try to initiate a ‘no-shoes-indoors’ policy. If you’re building or remodelling a home, consider a central vacuum system; this eliminates the fine dust which portable vacuum cleaners recirculate.

Use Cellulose Sponges

Most household sponges are made of polyester or plastic which are slow to break down in landfills, and many are treated with triclosan, a chemical that can produce chloroform (a suspected carcinogen) when it interacts with the chlorine found in tap water. Instead try cellulose sponges, available at natural foods stores, which are biodegradable and will soak up spills faster since they’re naturally more absorbent.

Keep Bedrooms Clean

Most time at home is spent in the bedrooms. Keep pets out of these rooms, especially if they spend time outdoors.

Use Gentle Cleaning Products

Of the various commercial home cleaning products, drain cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners and oven cleaners are the most toxic. Use the formulas described above or purchase ‘green’ commercial alternatives. Avoid products containing ammonia or chlorine, or petroleum-based chemicals; these contribute to respiratory irritation, headaches and other complaints.

Clean from the Top Down

When house cleaning, save the floor or carpet for last. Clean window blinds and shelves first and then work downwards. Allow time for the dust to settle before vacuuming.

And let’s not forget how expensive cleaning products can be. Why buy them when you can make SAFER products for just pennies using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen? For some great natural cleaning recipes, check out our “Spring” board on Pinterest.

Take Care of Your Heart



Looking great on the outside is not nearly as important as looking great on the INSIDE. February is American Heart Health month, a great time educate Americans on what we can do to live heart-healthy lives. Heart disease, including stroke, is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. These diseases, the nation’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers, claim more than 865,000 American lives a year.

Cutting your risk for cardiovascular disease doesn’t necessarily require a total lifestyle overhaul. Many heart-healthy habits are surprisingly easy to adopt. Here are some simple quick fixes that can help your heart:

1. Yoga

Medical research shows that yoga promotes heart health and decreases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Of note, one study presented at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association in Orlando reports transcendental meditation (TM) could potentially lower the risk of heart attack and death by up to 47 percent in patients with heart disease. Transcendental meditation (TM) is a form of yoga meditation introduced by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1960s.

2. Togetherness

Having a close relationship with another person, be it a friend, lover or relative is so heartwarming it can halve the risk of a heart attack in someone who has already had a heart attack, a 2004 heart study suggests. And one State University of New York at Oswego investigation found that blood pressure dropped when one spent time with a spouse or partner. While researchers can’t pinpoint exactly why this is the case, it could be that having a close relationship with someone else may lead to better health habits and less depression.

Toxic relationships, on the other hand, do the heart no favors, though. In one 12-year study, British civil servants in bad relationships were 34 percent more likely to have heart attacks or heart trouble than those in happier relationships.

3. Chocolate anyone?

Dark chocolate contains high concentrations of cocoa. Intake of this anti-oxidant rich substance appears to relax blood vessels, lower blood pressure and control blood sugar. But don’t go nuts. A single 1.5 ounce serving will do the trick without adding an overabundance of fat, sugar or calories to your diet.

4. I like to Move it, Move It

When researchers from the University of South Carolina analyzed the daily movement patterns of adult men, they found that those who were the least active throughout the day had a 64 percent greater risk of dying from heart disease compared with men who reported living a less sedentary lifestyle.

Spending too much time rooted to the couch or chair may pack on unhealthy fat around the heart and lead to less desirable levels of cholesterol, blood sugar, triglycerides and waist size, research suggests. This appears to be true even for people who maintain a regular exercise routine.

5. Don’t forget your veggies

Leafy greens are an excellent source of vitamins and phytochemicals associated with a lower risk of heart disease and depression. Make a salad and toss in a half cup of steamed asparagus or a couple of slices of avocado. These are two veggies packed with folate, a vitamin that helps head off blood-vessel inflammation. To lower LDL, or “bad cholesterol,” swap out the croutons for a handful of almonds or cranberries. Finally, top it all off with a vinaigrette dressing. Harvard research suggests two tablespoons daily can cut the risk of heart disease in women.

6. Get your zzzzz’s

Findings released last year by Chicago Medical School suggest that people who catch fewer than six hours of sleep a night are twice as likely to have a stroke or heart attack, and one-and-a-half times more likely to have congestive heart failure, whereas people who slumber more than eight hours a night are more likely to experience chest pain and coronary artery disease.

“Somewhere around eight hours seems optimal,” Becker acknowledged. “But sleep alone won’t necessarily impact heart health unless it’s put in context with nutrition, activity, stress management and all of your other health habits.”

Brush Your Way To Better Skin


A few months ago, I became interested in “dry brushing”. Now that I’m in my 40s (*gads!*) it takes more effort to make my skin look its best. This means eating clean, drinking lots of water, NOT tanning, moisturizing regularly, etc. Dry brushing is purported to promote healthier skin by removing dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, allowing it to breathe and absorb more nutrients. It also stimulates and increases skin cell production, stimulates the lymphatic and circulatory systems, and boosts your immune system. The gentle pressure and brushing sensations are said to have a calming effect; increasing your blood flow reduces stressed areas of the body and stimulates nerve endings in your skin which in turn rejuvenates your nervous system. Last but not least, dry brushing supposedly reduces cellulite by increasing blood circulation to the skin, helping to break down and release toxins that cause cellulite in legs and hips.

This I had to try.

I went on line (amazon.com) and purchased a Yerba Prima Tampico Skin Brush. If you’re going to try dry brushing, you want a natural bristle brush or loofah. Look for bristles that are made from plant fibers. Synthetic bristles can be too harsh and cause irritation. The brush I chose has a removable handle so you can use it in the palm of your hand, or use it with the handle for harder to reach areas like your back.

So how do you do it? It’s best to dry brush when you first wake up in the morning, before you jump in the shower. Here is the recommended dry brushing process:

1. Start with your feet, moving in soft circular movements (always moving towards the heart) first on the bottom of the feet, and then on the top.
2. Work up each leg, one at a time, first the back of the leg (using the same soft circular, always towards the heart, movements) up through the buttock and then the front of the leg. Avoid any delicate skin, like the skin on the insides of the thighs.
3. After you are finished with the lower half, start at the fingertips of one arm; move up the arm (palms of hands, back of hands, forearm, bicep) and towards the heart. Repeat on other arm.
4. Move to the back working your movements towards your stomach, starting and finishing with one side of the back and then the other.
5. When you get to your stomach, start at your lower abdomen and work your way up (make sure to steer clear of delicate areas like the nipples) and end at your chest in an upward stroke.
6. Rinse off and shower as normal.

Skin brushing Tips:
1. Avoid the face! While dry brushing is excellent for exfoliating skin, this body brush will be too rough for the delicate skin on your face.
2. It’s sometimes best to dry brush in the shower (with the water off) since there may be a lot of dead skin brushed off.

How often should you dry brush? For best results dry brush at least two times a week.

I started looking into some of the grand claims of dry brushing. It DOES get rid of dead skin cells, increase circulation (as a brisk walk would) and help the lymphatic system work better, and decrease bloating (as a massage would). However, the grander claims are more suspect. Even if done religiously over time, will dry brushing reduce the appearance of cellulite? Experts like Dr. Carolyn Jacob, a dermatologist in Chicago, feel probably not. Why? Cellulite is a complex problem that involves thin skin and the kind of fibrous bands holding in women’s fat. Dry brushing “won’t change fibrous bands at all,” Dr. Jacob said — a dagger to the hearts of women with cottage-cheese thighs. Twisting the dagger, Dr. Jacob cautioned that avid dry brushers put their skin at risk for inflammation, redness and an eczema-like itchy rash.

So is dry brushing for you? As long as you don’t have any severe skin irritation (acne, rash, eczema, open sore/cut, etc.), I say yes. It is an invigorating way to start the day, and it really does make your skin feel smooth and healthy.

Why Dieting is the Worst Idea Ever



Many of my friends choose to start diets on January 1. There are varying opinions on this philosophy, some saying it’s good to have comradery since everyone else is doing it, others saying it’s not a good idea. But I found this article and thought the author’s perspective was unique. I hope you enjoy it.

BY Amanda Christian
Published on MindBodyGreen January 3, 2013

For a solid decade of my life, I dieted, lost weight, gained it back, tried a new diet, hated myself, became body obsessive and completely lost my intuitive sense of when I was actually hungry. When I finally tried what felt like every diet, and lower self-esteem was the only consistent result, I knew there had to be a better way.

I reached the point where the thought of a diet was more painful than the thought of getting honest with myself. This is when I stopped dieting.

What followed was a journey back to my true self, freedom, and a connection with my inner guide.

Below are some reasons to hop on an inner journey this year instead of another diet:

1. They are not based on your intuition.

Why would you want anyone else to tell you what and when to eat over your own intuitive knowing? Don’t look to anyone else to tell you what is right for you. When you really take note of how you feel after eating certain foods, you will naturally gravitate towards ones that nourish you. Let your intuition shine here.

2. They are often used as punishments for what you have eaten .

Food is not supposed to be stressful. Telling yourself you will start to eat “healthy” on January 1st implies an all-or-nothing mentality. There is no such thing as “good” eating days and “bad” eating days; it’s just food.

Since when did food have the power to dictate a good or bad day? You are giving that slice of cake all the meaning it has for you. No matter what you eat, make a firm decision that you will not punish yourself for it.

3. They are often very complicated .

Who really wants to count calories or weigh out portions? Eating is simple; eat what your body wants when you are hungry, and stop when you are satisfied. When you want to eat when you are not hungry, chances are there is a feeling or thought to look at and release instead.

I spent years using food to suppress my feelings, but what I have realized is that to feel them instead is not nearly as scary as we tell ourselves it will be.

4. They breed feelings of deprivation, which frequently leads to overeating .

And then the overeating leads right into some serious self-loathing and feelings of failure. All the sudden you find yourself back at #2 above. The good news is this is just a mental pattern you can change! You are innocent, beautiful and deserving of peace and happiness no matter what you do, say, eat or think.

Do not listen to the voice that tells you otherwise. Tell yourself often that you deserve happiness and love. You don’t even have to believe it. Just repeat it, but with enough repetition, eventually you will believe it.

5. Constantly doing things you don’t enjoy causes stress .

Planning out what and how much you are going to eat everyday can be stressful. I used to feel like I was in a food prison. I was scared to do anything out of my routine in case I would not be able to stay on my diet.

I often skipped social activities with my friends because I didn’t want to be tempted. This is not love; this is fear.

The truth is, you are not your body, you just have one. The body is a limit and you are limitless. Don’t wait for the promise of a diet to compel you towards change. The outer is a result of your thoughts. Set the intention to change your mind, and the body will follow. We give diets and food all the power they have for us, so this year, lets practice taking it back.

Dive into your thought system and look at the web of illusions you tell yourself about yourself. This is when our inner guides come forward and show us how to release these beliefs.

Just be willing, and the resources that you need will come to you. It might seem uncomfortable at first, but trust me; the freedom on the other side is more than a diet will ever offer you.