OT - oil pulling

[moneca]

I decided to post on oil pulling here because a few of us were discussing the topic about a year ago. I recently started again because dh had a horrible report from the dentist on his gums. I decided to join him in OP.
The first time around I used OP for 3 months. I had an intermittent pain in my arm that had existed for a year vanish never to return. I lost the stale taste in my mouth and areas of my gumline that had been receeding started to grow back.
I've now been using OP for 3 weeks. I've done a lot of detox and chelation over the last few years. I was down to only needing to use an essential oil as a deoderant every other day or with stressful situations. For the last week I haven't needed any deoderant and have no body odor at all.
I'm curious as to any changes that the rest of you have found who have used OP.

http://www.oilpulling.com/

[TwilightJoy]

What oil are you using?

[CrunchyFarmGirl]

Wow, This sounds amazing. I'll be trying it right away, and post back with any results. Thanks for bringing this to light, I'm so excited!

[moneca]

The first time I did OP I used organic unrefined sunflower oil. My gums really started to hurt and bleed with brushing/flossing after about 3 weeks. Shortly after that I could tell that they were growing back. The gum sensitivity stopped immed. after I quit OP.
This time I'm using organic unrefined sesame oil. I haven't noticed anything other than fresher mouth and lack of body odor (this took 2 weeks).
The only immediate result I've heard from people is a fresher feeling to the mouth. Chronic issues can take up to a year of daily OP to resolve.
There are claims that OP detoxes, but I haven't seen any proof. The site speaks of the oil being examined under a microscope after swishing for 20 minutes and lots of bacteria being detected. I'd love to see a toxic chemical analysis of the oil after swishing. If money grew on the pines and aspens around our house I could have the analysis done myself.

[Jojo F.]

I used to OP but stopped for a while. Now I am PG and was wondering if this would be safe to do now.

[tanyalynn]

Moneca, where were you, health-wise, when you first did OP? Any negative side effects other than the local gum sensitivity?

Jojo--I asked a similar question a while back while I was nursing. I don't think there's anything definitive out there, but the responses I got made me think that by pulling out some toxins/bacteria/whatever, the balance in my body would change and more stuff will likely move into my bloodstream, and that would increase exposure to my nurseling. I decided to wait.

[moneca]

Originally Posted by Jojo F.

I used to OP but stopped for a while. Now I am PG and was wondering if this would be safe to do now.

I saw it printed somewhere that OP was safe during pregnancy. There was nothing to back this up, but seemed to be just matter of opinion of the writer. This is one of the reasons I'd love to see some sputum analysis of the oil for heavy metals and various chemicals that are prevalent in the environment. Personally, I would be very hesitant to use any treatment that even might "detox" while pregnant as that would increase the exposure of the fetus to toxins.

[moneca]

Originally Posted by TanyaLopez

Moneca, where were you, health-wise, when you first did OP? Any negative side effects other than the local gum sensitivity?

I first used OP early spring '07. At this point I had been eating TF (including daily superfoods) for 1 1/2 years. It had been just over 1 1/2 years since having all my amalgams removed. I had also been chelating with DMSA/ALA/NCD for one year at that point along with other supplements to support my organs. My adrenals and emotions had stabalized at that point. I was still having mild mercury detox symptoms.
Since the last time I used OP I have continued the TF diet/superfoods. I quit using chelating agents 9 months ago and continued the NCD/glutathione for 6 months past the point that I ended chelation. I have also been practicing bikram yoga (detoxes the body from my symptomology and experience) for the past year.

[tanyalynn]

Moneca, thank you for that detailed description! I am not there yet, I need to give this some thought, but OP sounds really interesting to add in at some point.

[moneca]

Originally Posted by TanyaLopez

Moneca, thank you for that detailed description! I am not there yet, I need to give this some thought, but OP sounds really interesting to add in at some point.

Detox can be a long road depending on body burden. You'll continue to see your body grow healthier with time and it will continue to get easier.

[tanyalynn]

Detox can be a long road depending on body burden. You'll continue to see your body grow healthier with time and it will continue to get easier.

I needed that reminder today, thanks. I've got some busy things coming up and my energy limitations will be impossible for me to overlook, and that just gets depressing. So it's good to remember all the people who've done this before me and that I will be successful as well.

[Leilalu]

My MIL does this.I think I may start too

[moneca]

I just noticed today (DH mentioned it too) that my teeth are looking much whiter. This is something I've seen mentioned frequently by those who OP, but I didn't happen the first time when I used sunflower oil. I wonder if using sesame this time made a difference with the teeth?