OIL PULLING¿?

Whitens Teeth and More..

It happened that my daughter, Melissa, came home from the U.S. with a dazzling smile. It seemed she had spent a fortune on a whitening, which also seemed an extravaganza on a student budget. Upon questioning this she told me she had been using organic coconut oil with  raw sesame seed oil every morning in a process called oil pulling, and that’s why her teeth are so pearly white. 

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic (traditional medicine from India) remedy for oral health and detoxification. It involves the use of pure oils as agents for pulling harmful bacteria, fungus, and other organisms out of the mouth, teeth, gums and even throat.

Multiple scientific studies show the efficacy of oil pulling therapy. One study shows that oil pulling with sesame oil/coconut oil blend can boost overall oral health. Specifically, using sesame oil as an oral health agent helps to reduce the amount of germ and bacteria count in both teeth plaque and mouth saliva. Scientists believe that the lipids in the oil both pull out bacteria, as well as stop bacteria from sticking to the walls of the oral cavity.

Oil pulling may also increase saponification in the mouth, creating a soapy environment that cleanses the mouth as vegetable fat is an emulsifier by nature. Most interesting is perhaps the ability of oil to cleanse out harmful bacteria, as well as reduce fungal overgrowth. These oils also possibly help in cellular restructuring, and are related to the proper functioning of the lymph nodes and other internal organs.

Benefits of coconut oil pulling for oral health include:

• Overall strengthening of the teeth and gums and jaws.
• Prevention of diseases of the gums and mouth, such as cavities and gingivitis.
• Prevention for bad breath
• Holistic remedy for bleeding gums
• Prevention of dryness of the lips, mouth and throat.

.if you use coconut oil sesame oil blend..

• Balance Hormones
• Kill Candida
• Improve Digestion
• Moisturize Skin
• Reduce Cellulite
• Decrease Wrinkles and Age Spots
• Balance Blood Sugar and Improve Energy
• Increase HDL and Lower LDL Cholesterol
• Burns Fat

A friend, Cindy, came in last week exclaiming she had started the oil pulling with organic coconut oil and resulted in:

Cleared up her sinus infection after 3 days

Cured her tooth problem in 20 days, avoided a root canal

Made her teeth white..and the whites of her eyes clear

And, she claims, her planter warts she had for years disappeared.

Go figure.

So, we had to try it and are on a 30 day “see what happens event..”

How it’s done??

The most effective oil pulling is done first thing in the morning by placing around a tablespoon of pure organic coconut or cold pressed organic sesame oil (Organic Select) into the mouth and swishing the oil around the mouth for approximately 10-15 minutes and then spitting it out in (not in the sink or toilet, which it could clog). Then brushing with a non fluoride toothpaste.  I found a tablespoon to be quite a mouthful, so started about with about half that. Then 20 mins seems like a LONG time, but found if I kept myself busy with the morning routine helps.  Its not the best time for meaningful conversation..gulp..

First, the oils mix with the saliva, turning it into a thin, white liquid. Lipids in the oils begin to pull out toxins from the saliva. As the oil is swished around the mouth, teeth, gums and tongue, the oil continues to absorb toxins, and usually ends up turning thick and viscous and white. Once the oil has reached this consistency, it is spit out before the toxins are reabsorbed (YUK) We keep paper towels on hand for the spit out.

Hey, why not?  Clearly it can’t harm you, and any left over oils can be used on your skin.

References:

1. Asokan S, Rathan J, Muthu M S, Rathna Prabhu V, Emmadi P, Raghuraman, Chamundeswari. Effect of oil pulling on Streptococcus mutans count in plaque and saliva using Dentocult SM Strip mutans test: A randomized, controlled, triple-blind study. Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry.  vol 26 issue 1, [[/12-17.
2. HV Amith, Anil V Ankola, L Nagesh. Effect of oil pulling on plaque and gingivitis (PDF). J. Oral Health Comm Dent.  1(1):12-18
3. Melissa Frost..word of mouth
4. Cindy Bouchard..word of mouth

Pass it on Girlfriend

10 tips to prevent Cancer.

While having lunch with a girlfriend of mine, we got to chatting about the risk of breast cancer. The numbers involved are amazing and growing by leaps and bounds.  How could one reduce the risk?. 

Did you know breast cancer used to be a relatively low rate in Mexico when compared to the numbers in North America..however, since Mexican  nationals have embraced the worst diet habits of the Northern neighbors with consuming sugar rich soft drinks,  processed wheat products/pasta/ bread,  processed cheeses and all to much processed foods, the numbers have grown by leaps and bounds  This not only applies to cancer in women, but diabetics as well.

Reduce your processed food, sugar and grain carbohydrate, (including corn) intake  This is true for whole unprocessed organic grains as they tend to rapidly break down and drive your insulin and leptin levels up, which is the last thing you need to have happening if you are seeking to resolve or reduce a cancer risk, CANCER  feeds on sugars.

1. Control your fasting insulin and leptin levels: This is the end result, and can be easily monitored with the use of simple and relatively inexpensive blood tests.
2. Normalize your ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fats by taking a high-quality krill oil or fish oil and reducing your intake of most processed vegetable oils
3. Get regular exercise. One of the primary reasons exercise works is that it drives your insulin levels down. Controlling insulin levels is one of the most powerful ways to reduce your cancer risks. Breathe..
4. Normalize your vitamin D levels and vitamin A levels by getting plenty of sunlight exposure and consider careful supplementation when this is not possible.  Most of us get plenty walking around in P.V.  If you take oral vitamin D and have a cancer it would be very prudent to monitor your vitamin D blood levels regularly.
5. Get a good night’s sleep.
6. Eat according to your nutritional type. This refers to your blood type.  The potent anti-cancer effects of this principle under appreciated. Goggle this.
7. Reduce your exposure to environmental toxins like pesticides, household chemical cleaners, synthetic air fresheners and air pollution. Products such as Clorox, Pinol, can be replaced by vinager, bicarbonate, and lime juice.  Its helpful if you access acid water, which is a by product of alkalinizing water. 
8. Limit your exposure and provide protection for yourself from information carrying radio waves produced by cell phone towers, high tension transmission lines, phones and electrical sub stations, high definition computers or images.
9. Avoid frying or charbroiling your food.  Boil, poach or steam your foods instead
10.  Seek out comforting experiences such as yoga, tai chi, mediation, dance, therapy.  Even the medical experts  states that 85 percent of disease is caused by emotions. It is likely that this factor may be more important than all the other physical ones listed here, so make sure this is addressed through an activity that feels good and seems natural for you.

Our Asian medicine prof stated ¨Cancer is an environmental illness.  It’s a disease that is not caught or spread, but one that developes.

Change your job

Change where you live

Review and if need be change your relationships.

My personal favorite, eat organic, and use broccoli sprouts added to everything..yoga, and turning off all electronics often and during sleep time, and get to the love part fast.

Sources:

• FoodAndDrinkEurope.com November 13, 2019
• Phytomedicine October 31, 2020 [Epub Ahead of Print]
• Anticancer Research March-April, 2021;27(2):697-712

ANXIETY

Being a member of the wellness community here in Vallarta, I have seen an increase in anxiety in all ages of patients and from all walks of life.  Anxiety has no boundries, it affects us all. Clearly the pandemic and change of pace is a factor.  People being house bound, kids being out of school..then we just start feeling out the new normal and something else pops up..like another virus, world politics..it keeps us on edge. 

So, I thought..time to take a closer look and figure out how us human beings can get grounded.

When an individual faces potentially harmful or worrying triggers, feelings of anxiety are not only normal but necessary for survival.

Since the earliest days of humanity, the approach of predators and incoming danger sets off alarms in the body and allows evasive action. These alarms become noticeable in the form of a raised heartbeat, sweating, and increased sensitivity to surroundings.

The danger causes a rush of adrenalin, a hormone and chemical messenger in the brain, which in turn triggers these anxious reactions in a process called the “fight-or-flight’ response. This prepares humans to physically confront or flee any potential threats to safety.

For many people, running from larger animals and imminent danger is a less pressing concern than it would have been for early humans. Anxieties now revolve around work, money, family life, health, and other crucial issues that demand a person’s attention without necessarily requiring the ‘fight-or-flight’ reaction.

The nervous feeling before an important life event or during a difficult situation is a natural echo of the original ‘fight-or-flight’ reaction. It can still be essential to survival – anxiety about being hit by a car when crossing the street, for example, means that a person will instinctively look both ways to avoid danger. 

The duration or severity of an anxious feeling can sometimes be out of proportion to the original trigger, or stressor. Physical symptoms, such as increased blood pressure and nausea, may also develop. These responses move beyond anxiety into an anxiety disorder.

The APA, (American Psychological Association), describes a person with anxiety disorder as “having recurring intrusive thoughts or concerns.” Once anxiety reaches the stage of a disorder, it can interfere with daily function.

Symptoms While a number of different diagnoses constitute anxiety disorders, symptoms often include the following:

• restlessness, and a feeling of being “on-edge”
• uncontrollable feelings of worry
• concentration difficulties
• sleep difficulties, such as problems in falling or staying asleep

While these symptoms might be normal to experience in daily life, people with anxiety disorder will experience them to persistent or extreme levels, and may present as vague, unsettling worry or a more severe anxiety that disrupts day-to-day living.

Hair loss.

 The effects of anxiety can manifest both psychologically and physically. Some of the most common physical symptoms can include nausea, sweats, head tension and headaches, uncontrolled muscle movements, and rashes. Anxiety and hair loss is one side effect that is not commonly mentioned. Most people don’t correlate anxiety to their hair loss because it’s rarely discussed when we talk about mental health struggles today. However, anxiety can affect your hair, and it can be incredibly distressing when it does. Not only is the aesthetic hard to accept, but so are the questions of what’s going on with our underlying health and wellness. This adds to the stresses, becoming a complex cycle to break.

Hair loss is not caused by anxiety but rather the stress brought on by everyday difficulties, which can compound over time if not addressed. As we already know, stress and anxiety have an intense impact on many facets of life and well-being. Mental health, physical health, sleep patterns, social relationships, and even our biological development can all be impacted by stress.

Treatment

Treatments will consist of a combination of psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, and medication..that can include some scary meds..check any meds out a time or two before getting into it.

and

• Stress management: Learning to manage stress can help limit potential triggers. Organize any upcoming pressures and deadlines, compile lists to make daunting tasks more manageable, and commit to taking time off from study or work.
• Relaxation techniques: Simple activities can help soothe the mental and physical signs of anxiety. These techniques include meditation, deep breathing exercises, long baths, resting in the dark, and yoga.
• Exercises to replace negative thoughts with positive ones: Make a list of the negative thoughts that might be cycling as a result of anxiety, and write down another list next to it containing positive, believable thoughts to replace them. Creating a mental image of successfully facing and conquering a specific fear can also provide benefits if anxiety symptoms relate to a specific cause, such as in a phobia. This takes practice..and sharpening up the visualization skills
• Support network: Talk with familiar people who are supportive, such as a family member or friend. Support group services may also be available in the local area and online.
• Exercise: Physical exertion can improve self-image and release chemicals in the brain that trigger positive feelings.
• Trancing practice..theres some very good stuff on you tube by Michael Sealy,

My personal favorite, as many of you know is..daily yoga, prayer and keeping control of the agenda…

Taking time off for rest and recuperation is essential.

xxk

What is Lyme disease?

Recently a number of people have come in with the lyme disease diagnostic.  It’s a complex mix of symtoms ..to say the least.  Then it seems the M.D.s have developed a number of protocols that usually include high and repeated doses of antibiotics..which in turn kills off the good flor and fauna of the gut..which leads to parasite invasions and digestive setbacks in general..messy stuff.

Here’s some infor gleamed from patients and google..

Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.

B. burgdorferi is transmitted to humans by a bite from an infected black-legged or deer tick. The tick becomes infected after feeding on infected deer, birds, or mice. 

A tick has to be present on the skin for approximately 36 to 48 hoursTrusted Source to transmit the infection. Many people with Lyme disease have no memory of a tick bite.  One of my lyme patients notes Lyme can be transmitted sexually, and some folks can show no symptoms but can be carriers. 

People who live or spend time in wooded areas known for transmission of the disease are more likely to get this illness. Additionally, people with domesticated animals that visit wooded areas also have a higher risk of getting Lyme disease.

Symptoms of Lyme disease

People with Lyme disease may react to it differently. Symptoms can vary in severity.

Although Lyme disease is commonly divided into three stages — early localized, early disseminated, and late disseminated — symptoms can overlap. Some people will also present in a later stage of disease without having symptoms of earlier disease.

These are some of the more common symptoms of Lyme disease:

• a flat, circular rash that looks like a red oval or bull’s-eye anywhere on your body
• fatigue
• joint pain and swelling
• muscle aches
• headache
• fever
• swollen lymph nodes
• sleep disturbances
• difficulty concentratingthese symptoms

Post-Lyme disease syndrome

If you’re treated for Lyme disease with antibiotics but continue to experience symptoms, it is referred to as post-Lyme disease syndromeTrusted Source or post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome.

Post-Lyme disease syndrome can affect mobility and cognitive skills. Treatment is primarily focused on easing pain and discomfort. Most people recover, but it can take months or years.

diagnosis

Diagnosing Lyme disease begins with a review of your health history, which includes looking for reports of tick bites or residence in an endemic area physical exam, labs etc.

disease treatment

Lyme disease is best treated in the early stages. Treatment for early localized disease is a simple 10- to 14-day course of oral antibiotics to eliminate the infection.

Note. Its usually not that simple..just ask the hundreds of patients coming to Vallarta for lymes treatment in one of the local clinics.  Some lyme treatments in the U.S. cost upward to 100,000 usd.  I have seen whole familes come down to receive treatment in Vallarta.  Success varies the same protocol does not work for everyone.  The best success stories come from lymns patients that seek a functional medicine approach that include diet, vitamin therapy, ozone, herbal support, acupuncture and other modalities.

Medications used to treat Lyme disease include:

• doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime, which are first-line treatments in adults and children
• cefuroxime and amoxicillin, which are used to treat people who are breastfeeding

Intravenous (IV) antibiotics are used for some forms of Lyme disease, including those with cardiac or central nervous system (CNS) involvement.

After improvement and to finish the course of treatment, healthcare professionals will typically switch to an oral regimen. The complete course of treatment usually takes 14 to 28 days.

Lyme arthritis Trusted Source, a late-stage symptom of Lyme disease that may present in some people, is treated with oral antibiotics for 28 days

Risk factors for Lyme disease

 the U.S. states with the highest incidence of Lyme disease include:

• Pennsylvania
• New York
• New Jersey
• Maine
• Wisconsin
• New Hampshire
• Minnesota
• Maryland
• Connecticut
• Virginia

Lyme disease prevention

Lyme disease prevention mostly involves decreasing your risk of experiencing a tick bite.

Take the following steps to prevent tick bites:

• Wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts when outdoors.
• Make your yard unfriendly to ticks by clearing wooded areas, keeping underbrush to a minimum, and putting woodpiles in areas with lots of sun.
• Use insect repellent. One with 10 percent DEET will protect you for about 2 hours. Don’t use more DEET than what’s required for the time you’ll be outside. Don’t use it on the hands of young children or the faces of children under the age of 2 months old.
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus has been shown to give the same protection as low concentrations of DEET against mosquitoes.
• Be vigilant. Check your children, pets, and yourself for ticks.
• Remove ticks with tweezers. Apply the tweezers near the head or the mouth of the tick, and pull gently. Check to be certain that all tick parts have been removed.

Living with Lyme disease

After you’ve been treated for Lyme disease with antibiotics, it may take weeks or months for all the symptoms to disappear.

You can take these steps to help promote your recovery:

• Eat nutrient-dense foods, and avoid foods that contain a large amount of refined sugar.
• Get lots of rest.
• Try to reduce stress.
• Take an anti-inflammatory medication when necessary to ease pain and discomfort.

There it is.. don’t go crazy with this information.  Lymnes disease is a popular diagnosis that the professionals use often. Be vigilant.

We don’t have this problem locally..

xxk

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