What do I share with Hollywood star Gwyneth Paltrow? A fondness for the unique experience of swishing hard coconut oil in my mouth. Yes, the GOOP queen herself endorses this practice, and so do I. Oil pulling, the trendy revival of the ancient technique of swishing oil for 10 to 20 minutes each morning before breakfast, is making waves on social media. It’s reminiscent of the neti pot frenzy of the 1980s, a time when only a select few were familiar with the device—unless you happened to live in an ashram.
Recently, while having lunch with my 87-year-old Aunt Mabel, she noticed my cold and excitedly exclaimed between bites of her pastrami sandwich, “Have you tried a neti pot? It’s fantastic!” She even offered to show me how to use one.
I can hear your thoughts: twenty minutes? That’s nearly half an episode of Mad Men. I completely agree; it feels like an eternity. A simple Google search for oil pulling yields an overwhelming amount of information. I feel like I’m arriving late to this wellness trend, so I spend the day immersed in articles. However, most of them echo similar sentiments, quoting celebrities and consulting local dentists who themselves have likely Googled the topic.
Numerous articles reference Dr. Marc Lowenberg, a prominent cosmetic dentist in New York City, who has treated celebrities like Russell Simmons and Cyndi Lauper. He advocates for oil pulling, stating, “The toxins in your body are fat-soluble, so they bind with the oil and are expelled when you spit it out. Given the amount of plaque in the mouth, it makes sense that there would be a reduction.”
Young actress Shailene Woodley is another vocal supporter, though she prefers sesame oil to Gwyneth’s coconut oil. Clearly, there’s an oil preference rivalry brewing.
I trust Gwyneth—who doesn’t? Yet, I think it’s wise to hear from professionals. Some sources credit Dr. F. Karach, M.D. for revitalizing this ancient practice when he presented his findings to a scientific audience in the USSR in 1992. Dr. Karach believes humans have the potential to live up to 150 years. Other advocates trace oil pulling back to the Ayurvedic text, the Charaka Samhita, written around 700 BC, which claims it can help with facial flabbiness, strengthen jaws, and improve taste sensation. It also asserts that those who practice oil pulling will not suffer from dry throat or cracked lips, and their teeth will remain strong and healthy.
This information is promising—I’m all for strong teeth and a less sagging face. Since the mid-1990s, many in India have credited oil pulling with various health benefits, from alleviating aches to reversing heart conditions. A survey conducted by the Indian newspaper Andhra Jyoti revealed that 89% of respondents reported positive effects, including clearer skin and better digestion. I wonder if this could also help with my persistent back pain?
However, skeptics from sites like snopes.com and skeptoid.com argue that the benefits are exaggerated.
To find out for myself, I decide it’s time to give it a try.
Day 1
The practice is meant to be done on an empty stomach in the morning. I wake up early and head straight for the oil. Following the advice, I scoop out a tablespoon. Almost instantly, the hard coconut oil transforms into a liquid. I sit and fidget before pacing around the house, unsure of how to occupy my time. Ten minutes in, my son Oliver wakes up, prompting me to spit the oil into the compost bin—never the sink, as it could cause plumbing issues.
My mouth feels astonishingly fresh, and my jaw is pleasantly engaged. I spend the next couple of hours running my tongue over my surprisingly smooth teeth—a sensation I haven’t experienced since my braces came off.
Day 2
After waking in the night, I seize the chance to swish uninterrupted before returning to bed. In the morning, my breath is fresh, and flossing is a breeze.
Day 3
I wake up alongside my two boys. Surprisingly, they find my oil pulling antics amusing rather than annoying. My tongue seems less distracted today. Later, I notice my skin appears clearer and my teeth whiter. However, my lower back pain has worsened. This could be due to a long day of writing or the dropping temperatures, but perhaps it’s a temporary reaction to the oil pulling, as some articles suggested.
Day 4
After a vigorous morning swish, I find my mood unexpectedly uplifted. At lunch, while eating sauerkraut, my teeth feel less sensitive. My gums also seem healthier, with no bleeding while flossing.
Day 5
Tonight, I indulge in a few drinks while watching the series Deadwood. The next morning, I wake up feeling queasy. My tablespoon of coconut oil looks less than appealing, but I’m committed to this GOOP-inspired endeavor. Remarkably, after oil pulling, I feel completely rejuvenated—my hangover has vanished.
Day 6
My son Oliver has been under the weather, and after some affectionate farewells, I wake up with the early signs of a cold. However, after fifteen minutes of oil pulling, I feel completely better. Can I get a “Hallelujah”?
After a week of oil pulling, I’m contemplating extending the practice. However, I must consider a few factors: my wife, Julia, is clearly repulsed by my spitting habits, which might affect our relationship. Additionally, I can’t continue speaking in mime as I prepare the kids for school. Plus, if this routine adds years to my life, I might miss out on precious moments with my family.
In conclusion, oil pulling has become an intriguing addition to my morning routine, producing noticeable benefits, but it’s essential to weigh the practicality of such health trends against daily life.
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Summary
In this exploration of oil pulling, a middle-aged dad shares his experience with this trendy health practice, highlighting both the benefits and challenges he faces while incorporating it into his daily routine. Along the way, he reflects on the insights gained from various articles and experts, ultimately considering the practicality of such wellness trends in the context of family life.