So, what do I share with Gwyneth Paltrow? Well, we both have a fascination for the luxurious experience of swishing hard coconut oil in our mouths. Yes, the queen of GOOP herself endorses this practice, and I’m ready to dive into the trend of oil pulling, which has been flooding my social media. It’s like how neti pots took over the ‘80s—back then, unless you were at an ashram, you probably didn’t know what they were.
Recently, while enjoying lunch with my 87-year-old Great Aunt Rita, she noticed I had a cold and excitedly suggested, “Have you tried neti potting? It’s fantastic!” She even offered to show me how it’s done.
I know what you’re thinking: twenty minutes of swishing? That’s practically half an episode of Mad Men! I get it. Who has that kind of time? A quick Google search on oil pulling reveals countless articles, making me feel like I missed the boat by a year. I spend the day scouring the internet, but most articles just recycle celebrity endorsements and dentist opinions, leaving me with more questions than answers.
Dr. Marc Lowenberg, a renowned cosmetic dentist in NYC, is a major proponent of oil pulling. He’s treated stars like Russell Simmons and Cyndi Lauper and claims, “The toxins in your body are fat-soluble, so they bind with the oil and are expelled when you spit it out.” Sounds promising, right?
Young actress Shailene Woodley also champions oil pulling—though she prefers sesame oil over Gwyneth’s coconut choice. There’s clearly a debate brewing over oil preferences here!
I trust Gwyneth, but I want some expert opinions. Some articles attribute the resurgence of oil pulling to Dr. F. Karach, who presented on the practice in 1992. He believes humans could live to 150 years old! Many proponents say oil pulling dates back to the ancient Ayurvedic text, the Charaka Samhita, which claims it can improve everything from facial firmness to tooth health.
By 1996, people in India were touting oil pulling for various ailments. A survey revealed that 89% of respondents reported improvements, from clearer skin to reduced aches and pains. Could this help with my nagging low back pain?
Skeptics, like those at snopes.com and skeptoid.com, say it’s too good to be true. The only way to find out is to give it a shot!
My Oil Pulling Journey
Day 1:
Following the instructions, I wake up early and grab a tablespoon of coconut oil. It melts quickly in my mouth. I fidget for a bit, then start pacing around my house, unsure how to pass the time. Ten minutes in, my son wakes up, so I spit into the compost bin—gotta keep the pipes clear!
My mouth feels fresh and clean; my jaw muscles are definitely awake. I spend the next couple of hours enjoying my super smooth teeth—almost as thrilling as the day my braces came off!
Day 2:
I wake up in the middle of the night and decide to swish before going back to sleep. In the morning, my breath is fresher, and flossing feels like a breeze.
Day 3:
This morning, my boys are up with me. Surprisingly, they find my swishing amusing and even mimic my gestures. I notice my teeth feel less smooth today, but my skin looks clearer. Oddly, my back is a bit worse—could this be a temporary cleansing reaction?
Day 4:
After a strong morning swish, I feel unbelievably cheerful. After eating sauerkraut for lunch, I realize my teeth are less sensitive, just as the ancient texts suggested.
Day 5:
Last night, I indulged in a few drinks while binge-watching Deadwood, and this morning, my tablespoon of coconut oil seems daunting. But after swishing, I’m amazed—my hangover disappears almost instantly!
Day 6:
My son has been ill, and I wake up feeling under the weather. But after fifteen minutes of oil pulling, I feel revitalized. Could this really be working?
After a week, I’m convinced I need to keep this up. But I also have to think about my wife, who isn’t thrilled about my spitting routine, and how it might affect our intimate life.
In conclusion, while I’m tempted to keep this oil pulling adventure going, the realities of family life and my wife’s reactions might just have me rethinking my new morning ritual.
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Summary:
A dad in his 40s tries oil pulling like Gwyneth Paltrow and documents his humorous journey through the practice. His experiences range from unexpected benefits to the challenges of fitting this trendy wellness routine into his busy family life.