What do I share with Gwyneth Paltrow? A fondness for the luxurious sensation of hard coconut oil in my mouth. Yes, the GOOP guru herself endorses oil pulling, and so do I. This trendy practice, which involves swishing oil around your mouth for 10 to 20 minutes each morning before breakfast, has been dominating my social media feeds. Oil pulling is reminiscent of how popular neti pots became in the 1980s—back then, unless you were living in an ashram, you likely hadn’t heard of one. Recently, while lunching with my 87-year-old Aunt Rose, she noticed my cold and excitedly told me, “Have you tried neti potting? It’s fantastic!” She even offered to demonstrate.
I know what you’re thinking: twenty minutes? That’s practically half an episode of Mad Men! I totally agree. Who has that kind of time?
A quick search for oil pulling leads to countless articles. I feel like I’m arriving a bit late to this trend. I spend the day reading about oil pulling, but find the information is mostly regurgitated celebrity endorsements and local dentist opinions who are also scrambling for knowledge.
Numerous articles feature Dr. Mark Lowenberg, a celebrity dentist in New York City, who advocates for oil pulling. He treats big names like Russell Simmons and Cyndi Lauper and states, “The toxins in your body are fat-soluble, so they bond with the oil and are expelled when you spit it out. Given that the mouth tends to harbor plaque, it makes sense that there would be a reduction.”
Young actress Emily Brown also passionately endorses the practice, although she opts for sesame oil instead of Gwyneth’s coconut variety. A potential flavor rivalry is brewing.
I have faith in Gwyneth; after all, who doesn’t? But I’d like to hear from some professionals. Some articles credit Dr. F. Karach, M.D., for reviving this ancient practice in 1992 when he presented his findings to a gathering of oncologists and bacteriologists in the USSR. Dr. Karach believes humans only realize half of their potential lifespan, suggesting we could live up to 150 years.
Advocates also claim that oil pulling is mentioned in the ancient Ayurvedic text, the Charaka Samhita, dating back to 700 BC. It was said to help with facial flabbiness, jaw strength, voice depth, and overall taste sensation. They claimed that regular practitioners would never suffer from dry throats, cracked lips, or dental issues. Sounds promising! I could definitely use some help with my facial tone.
By the late 1990s, many in India were attributing various health benefits to oil pulling, asserting it could alleviate everything from body aches to heart disease. A survey showed that 89 percent of respondents reported improvements like clearer skin and better digestion. Perhaps it could even help my lower back pain?
However, skeptics, including sites like snopes.com and skeptoid.com, argue that these claims are unfounded.
The only way to know for certain is to give it a shot.
Day 1:
The guidelines suggest swishing on an empty stomach in the morning. I rise early and grab the oil. As I put a tablespoon in my mouth, it transitions from solid to liquid almost instantly. I try to find ways to pass the time as I swish; fidgeting and walking around the house become my methods. Ten minutes in, my son Max wakes, so I spit the oil into a compost bin—never the sink, as it could cause blockages.
My mouth feels incredibly clean, and my jaw is more awake than ever. The next two hours are spent running my tongue over my surprisingly smooth teeth—something I haven’t done since my braces came off in 1983.
Day 2:
I wake during the night and swish without interruption before returning to sleep. My breath feels fresh in the morning, and flossing is notably easier.
Day 3:
This morning, I swish while my two boys are awake. Surprisingly, they find my exaggerated gestures amusing as I try to communicate. My tongue is less distracted today; perhaps my teeth are less smooth or maybe I’m just acclimating. After my shower, I check the mirror and notice my skin looks clearer and my teeth appear whiter. However, my lower back is bothering me more today—could it be a reaction to the oil pulling?
Day 4:
After a vigorous morning session, I’m in high spirits. At lunch, enjoying some sauerkraut, I find my teeth are less sensitive, just as the Charaka Samhita claimed. Additionally, my gums feel healthier, with no bleeding when flossing.
Day 5:
Tonight, I binge-watch an old HBO series and indulge in a few drinks. The next morning, my tablespoon of coconut oil seems less inviting, but I’m committed to this project. To my astonishment, after swishing, my hangover disappears, and I feel revitalized within fifteen minutes.
Day 6:
My son Ben has been a bit under the weather, and after an encounter with his germs, I wake up with the start of a cold. But after my morning oil pulling, I feel rejuvenated. Can I get an Amen?
Having completed a week of oil pulling, I plan to continue for a few more days. Is this a new habit I’ve adopted? Absolutely.
Yet, I must consider a few factors. First, my partner, Lily, seems disgusted by my habit of spitting the frothy mixture into the trash, which could soon impact our relationship. Secondly, my ability to communicate while preparing the kids for school is becoming strained. Moreover, if oil pulling grants me a lifespan of 150 years, I might miss out on precious time with my family. Is it worth it?
In conclusion, oil pulling presents a fascinating practice that shows promise for oral and overall health. For those considering it, the benefits might be worth the investment of time.
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