Oil pulling and gut health?

[txtarheel]

I've seen a lot of talk about oil pulling lately. It seems to be the latest ancient technique that's been rediscovered and given over the top claims. I'm pretty sold on the oral health benefits, but I've seen a lot of claims of digestive/GI issues that have been helped by it.

I'm trying it out and hoping it will help with our oral thrush and my overall gum health, but thought I'd see if any of you have any other experience with it. I'm using coconut oil since the most recommended sunflower and sesame are out for us - plus I figure 20 minutes of swishing lauric acid around in my mouth sure couldn't hurt anything!

Here are a couple of links about it, for those unfamiliar -
http://www.oilpulling.com/
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/oil_pulling.html

[changingseasons]

:

[lil_miss_understood]

I had started oil pulling about 5 weeks before I found out I was pregnant- at which time, it was impossible to continue (anything in my mouth made me sick). I started for gum health, which it did seem to help with, and intend to start doing it again when I'm sure I'm at a point where I can tolerate it.
I started off slowly- only 2 minutes- and built up gradually to about 15 minutes. I'm skeptical of the other claims given to it, but still hopeful that it's possible.
I was using safflower oil for it's calming effects. I'd like to say that it helped with calming, but I'm not certain- I was also on a bunch of supplements, including one for my adrenals, so I can't attribute it specifically to oil pulling.
I'm also subbing to this thread so that I can see what anyone else has to say.

[Panserbjorne]

I have been doing it for years and love it. My dental health is great and I can absolutely tell when I slack off. LOVE IT. I notice different benefits with different oils. I can't speak to GI benefits. I have noticed that it can stop a cold in it's tracks though!

[lil_miss_understood]

Originally Posted by Panserbjørne

I have been doing it for years and love it. My dental health is great and I can absolutely tell when I slack off. LOVE IT. I notice different benefits with different oils. I can't speak to GI benefits. I have noticed that it can stop a cold in it's tracks though!

For those of us newer to this, can you give us an idea of what to expect from different oils (benefits, I mean )?
Also, I brush with tooth soap, pull and rinse with salt water then brush again- what's your routine?

[txtarheel]

I've been doing it every few days - already my tooth sensitivity is improving and that's been an issue since I was in grade school! The random soreness in my mouth (which I've also assumed was from low-level yeast) is also improving. I wish I could do it every day, but unless I have a chance for a shower first thing, I really can't have 10-20 minutes without talking to my kids.

I'm curious to learn more about the empty stomach requirement from the more experienced and knowledgeable folks. Everything I found online said 3 hours since food and 1 hour since drinking. With my diet and nursing, there's no way I can go that long during the day - first thing in the morning is my only chance. I really want to know why the empty stomach - does it pull nutrients from the food if too close to eating?

[Mona]

i've been OP for a week now, this is my 7th day i think.

txtarheel:
i've read a decent bit, and from what i've read the reason they say do it on an empty stomach is because it can be uncomfortable to do it with food in your stomach. So it is a personal thing- i would say at least eat 1 hour, but otherwise its up to you. I hope that is helpful txtarheel

fyi, my routine is coconut oil, bc that is what i have on hand, for 15-20 min (depending on life circumstances). I clean my teeth with my fingers after spitting it out and wash out my mouth. then drink a couple glasses of water. i've been trying to do this 3x a day, but sometimes its one or two.

I *think* i'm going through major detox, OR i'm just moving through a flu. I came down with a horrible case of chills/fever last tuesday night- all the classic flu symptoms. i assumed it was the flu. I felt a bit better the next day. But by the end of every day i was pretty wiped out, which is understandable. Well, every day since saturday, i get a relapse around 3pm, and feel like utter crap for a few hours. then i feel a bit better and wake up feeling GREAT! Each day i think i'm better, and then when the afternoon roll around i'm zonked with a low grade (i think, i can't find my thermometer) fever and some minor aches. TONS of phlegm all week, coughing all week which has just started to subside. WOOT!

I've also been taking epsom salt baths every night, consuming lots of raw garlic, vit C, and cayenne
i stopped with the garlic and vit c for a couple nights bc i thought i was "better" and then BOOOOM!

So, i still don't know if its detox or a flu.
I have read that detox can be like this. Or in the least can produce a lot of mucus.

thanks for reading!