Thursday, March 8, 2012

Oil Pulling

I first heard about oil pulling a few months ago when a friend posted about it on Facebook. I felt totally lame because I didn't know what it was, so I Googled it. Due to my crazy early-morning work schedule I wasn't able to fit it into my routine, so I forgot about it. Anyway, now that I don't work early and I do have time in the morning, I decided to try it.

For those of you who don't know what OP is....it a holistic approach to detox your body on a regular basis. Basically, you swish (without gargling) 1 tablespoon of edible oil (any kind that you can stand to have in your mouth, however vegetable oil and canola oil are discouraged) on an empty stomach each morning for 20 minutes. The oil detracts toxins through your saliva and stores it in the oil until you spit it out. After, you brush your teeth and eat (like normal) and go throughout your day.
Based on my readings, the following are some of the benefits of oil pulling:
-Increased Metabolism (good for healthy weight loss. Score.)
-Whiter Teeth/Pinker Gums
-Fresher Breath (all that nasty bacteria is gone!)
-Harmful toxins out of your body
-Increased amounts of energy

I was skeptical...it seems like a lot of promises for such a small thing. After talking to a few people who oil pull and hearing nothing but good things about it, I decided to try it this morning. 

I used extra virgin olive oil. It was kind of gross at first, but after about 2-3 minutes I got used to it (It kinda tasted like a diluted version of the butter they put on your popcorn at the movies....just without the popcorn). I recommend having a few paper towels close by, just in case some oil squirts out while your swishing. I watched some Hulu to help keep my mind off of it, and the 20 minutes flew. My mouth felt so clean (after rinsing out the oil, haha) and I am going to keep it up to see what my results will be.

For those of you interested in trying Oil Pulling, here are some of the articles I've read. I would definitely suggest to read up on the type of oils you can use, just so you don't make yourself sick.
Let me know how it goes!

4 comments:

  1. wow. i almost want to gag thinking about that because oil grosses me out. (maybe it's from working fast food for so many years or something...) i will make myself try it though! 20 minutes.... that's a long time

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    1. It is definetly not a good taste, at all! But, you do get used to it. Maybe you should try coconut oil. :)

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  2. This is so interesting! I have NEVER heard of this before! I feel like my eyes are open to a whole new world! haha

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    1. Haha! I felt the same! Its been such an easy thing to incorporate into my schedule though..in fact I'm finishing up my last 5 minutes right now! :)

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