In modern society, many people are trying to find ways to improve their health naturally. Some of the biggest problems involve microbial infections, many of which are developing antibiotic resistance, and inflammation, or the body’s immune response to an outside event. Coconut oil has received a significant amount of attention for its numerous benefits to overall health, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits. One of the more popular uses is called coconut oil pulling. This activity has a number of benefits that people should think about.
How to Pull Coconut Oil
Coconut oil pulling is the name given to swishing coconut oil around in the mouth. To do this, people should start low and go slow because it might be challenging. First, take a tablespoon of coconut oil. Then, swish it around in the mouth for a few minutes before spitting it out. The more people do it, the longer they will be able to do so. This will allow them to receive more of the benefits. After a while, people may be able to swish the coconut oil for up to a half hour. Gurgling the oil is not necessary and people do not need to swallow the oil to receive the full benefits. People should spit the oil out into the garbage after to avoid clogging the sink. Remember, brush those teeth afterward.
What are the Benefits?
There are numerous benefits to those who engage in coconut oil pulling on a regular basis. These include:
Improved Oral Health: By swishing the coconut oil around in the mouth, this, combined with brushing teeth regularly, has a few advantages for oral health. The enamel of the teeth, or the white surface that people brush regularly, will become stronger. The calcium content will be improved, leading to prevention of cavities and other forms of tooth decay. People may also start to notice that their gums bleed less, if it all, during brushing. The coconut oil will also help to keep the lips moist, reducing the cracking that people feel when their lips dry out. It also helps the breath smell better, reduces plaque, and cuts down on gingivitis.
Antimicrobial Properties: Coconut oil also has antimicrobial effects that can help to reduce infection. While some bacteria are supposed to be in the mouth because they help to digest food, others can lead to infection. Coconut oil helps to keep the normal flora in the mouth balanced and can help keep those invaders at bay.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Coconut oil pulling also helps to cut down on inflammation that people feel. Those who swish coconut oil around regularly may notice that their jaw feels less sore than usual. This is due to the reduced inflammation that pulling of coconut oil provides. By reducing inflammation, the muscles in the jaw, such as a masseter, will start to relax. This makes it easier for people to chew and digest their food.
In the end, these are only a few of the many benefits that people who pull coconut oil will enjoy. Start slow and incorporate this into the daily routine to explore the benefits.