Traditional Medicine vs Modern Medicine

What is Oil Pulling? Oil pulling is an age-old remedy that uses natural substances to clean and detoxify teeth and gums. How to Do Oil Pulling: How to do oil pulling: Put 1-2 teaspoons of oil into the mouth. I prefer to use 2 teaspoons of organic coconut oil. Spit oil into the trash can. I swish a few times with warm water to get any remaining oil out of my mouth. Brush well. I personally do this with coconut oil and brushing blend each morning before breakfast. Coconut oil is naturally antibacterial and has a milder taste that other oils and is my personal preference, though I’ve also seen it recommended by oral health experts. I’ve noticed whiter teeth since starting oil pulling, but most notably, my teeth are incredibly smooth! The most comprehensive resource I’ve seen on the topic is the book “Oil Pulling Therapy” by Dr. Bruce Fife. There are some scientific studies that support the benefits of oil pulling, including those showing its benefit on different types or oral bacteria, on dental caries, on plaque/gingivitis and on oral micro-organisms: TD Anand, C Pothiraj, RM Gopinath, et al. Effect of oil-pulling on dental caries causing bacteria. Effect of Oil Pulling on Plaque and Gingivitis. Journal of Oral Health & Community Dentistry: 2007 ;1(1):Pages 12-18 Effect of Oil-Pulling on Oral Microorganisms in Biofilm Models. Since I started using oil pulling while not pregnant, I feel comfortable continuing while pregnant, especially as oral health can decline during pregnancy, but I’d encourage anyone considering oil pulling to research it as well.

An outbreak of norovirus has been linked to the deaths of nine people at the Selkirk Place care facility in Victoria this month. The Vancouver Island Health Authority said although the cause of death in each case has not been determined, it believes the gastrointestinal virus likely contributed. Norovirus — once known as Norwalk virus — is highly contagious and often spreads in places like schools, cruise ships and nursing homes, especially during the winter. This latest outbreak comes just two months after 29 people on a cruise ship heading for Vancouver came down with the virus. Units at the Vancouver General Hospital and New Westminster's Royal Columbian Hospital were forced to close earlier this year after both were hit with norovirus outbreaks. A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the norovirus was being blamed for the nine deaths. The Vancouver Island Health Authority says the causes of the deaths have not been determined, but the virus likely contributed to the deaths.

Iowa has reported the most cases of the cyclospora bug, with 143 people falling ill. An investigation by the Iowa Department of Public Health has linked a prepackaged salad mix to the outbreak, after the agency determined at least 80% of reported cases were exposed to the same mix, reported CBS News. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, the salad mix is no longer being sold in the state. Other symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, increased gas, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches and low-grade fever. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cases have also been found in Texas, Nebraska, Florida, Wisconsin, Illinois, Georgia, Missouri, Arkansas, Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York and Ohio. The FDA recommends safe food handling and preparation measures, including washing hands, utensils and surfaces with hot, soapy water before and after handling food and thoroughly washing all fresh produce before consumption.