Health YOU Deserve
Nutrient Depletions Caused by Top 10 Drugs in 2014 This is list of the top ten drugs in 2014 per number of prescriptions written. 1. Synthroid, 22.6 million 2. Crestor, 22.5 million 3. Nexium, 18.6 million 4. Ventolin HFA, 17.5 million 5. Advair Diskus, 15.0 million 6. Diovan, 11.4 million 7. Lantus Solostar, 10.1 million 8. Cymbalta, 10.0 million 9. Vyvanse, 10.0 million 10. Lyrica, 9.6 million These top ten prescribed medications have the potential to create problematic nutritional challenges for the body. Here are the known nutrients stripped out and robbed from the body by these drugs. 1. Synthroid (Levothyroxine). This thyroid medication interferes with calcium causing it to be lost in the urine. 2. Crestor or statin drugs (HMG CoA Reductase Inhibitors). This type of cholesterol medication depletes coenzyme Q10 and interferes with vitamin K2 and selenium. 3. Nexium. This is the popular purple pill used to block stomach acid causing heart burn or GERD. Nexium, a proton pump inhibitor, is a monkey wrench in the digestive track because it blocks stomach acid production, which is vital to digestion of food. Proton pump inhibitors like Nexium are famous for depleting vitamin B12, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, but it also depletes iron, zinc, chromium, beta carotene and vitamin C. Anyone on long term use of Nexium is at risk. Other examples of common proton pump inhibitors include Prevacid, Omeprazole, and Protonix. 4. Ventolin HFA. This is also known as albuterol, a respiratory medication. Other common brand names include ProAir HFA, Proventil, Ventolin, and Proventil HFA. Albuterol is a short-acting, beta-adrenergic bronchodilator drug used for relief and prevention of bronchospasm or asthma. It is also used to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm/asthma. This medication depletes calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphate. 5. Advair. This respiratory drug is a combination of two active ingredients – salmeterol and fluticasone. Salmeterol is a type of long acting inhaler used for preventing exercise-induced bronchospasm or asthma. It is a beta agonist or long-acting, beta-adrenergic bronchodilator. Fluticasone is a type of corticosteroid used to treat inflammation of the lungs and bronchioles. Salmeterol is a longer acting agent than albuterol/Ventolin HFA, but the nutrients depleted are the same. Salmeterol depletes calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and potassium. 6. Diovan or Valsartan. This angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It depletes magnesium, potassium, and zinc. 7. Lantus Solostar. This is a long-acting form of insulin. Lack of magnesium and calcium may cause poor response to insulin. The adrenal hormone DHEA that balances cortisol is depleted with insulin. Yet, another delicate hormonal balance tugged at with drug stress. 8. Cymbalta. Scientists have not discovered any drug-nutrient losses yet with this anti-depressant SNRI. Other types and classes of anti-depressant medications are known to deplete coenzyme Q10, Vitamin B2, B6, and melatonin. 9. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamin demesylate) is a stimulant medication used to treat ADHD. Scientists have not discovered any drug-nutrient losses yet at this time. 10. Lyrica (pregabalin) is an anti-seizure medication that has a number of other uses. At this time, scientists have not identified any nutrients depleted by Lyrica. Other popular medications Here are some additional commonly used drugs that do have considerable impact and rob nutrients from the body. This is not an exhaustive list of medications, but provides a list of several medications that may commonly be found in a medicine cabinet. The longer the drugs are used the worse the risk and concern. Pain Medications/Analgesics: Acetaminophen/Tylenol: depletes glutathione. Glutathione is the master antioxidant for the whole body, but is especially important for liver function and detoxification. Acetaminophen is the most common drug-induced cause of liver damage in the US. Given the common use of Tylenol, coupled with at least 80,000 chemicals in the environment and rise of autoimmune disorders, it makes one wonder about the detoxification challenges, glutathione depletion, autoimmune issues since Tylenol has been on the market. Aspirin is not immune to nutrient depletion. Aspirin depletes folic acid, iron, and vitamin C. NSAIDs or Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, ketoprofen, indomethacin, Naproxen, etc): deplete iron and folic acid in part due to the digestive irritation caused by the drug. While NSAIDs are certainly popular, their effect on the body can be serious. Steroid medications, oral or inhaled (Advair, etc), deplete calcium, vitamin D, chromium, folic acid, magnesium, strontium, DHEA, and zinc. Antibiotics: Antibotics in general deplete: vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, folate, biotin, and vitamin K. There are different classes or types of antibiotics which exhaust other nutrients. Here are three common classes of antibiotics. Aminoglycosides (Gentamicin, Streptomycin, etc) deplete magnesium and potassium. Fluoroquinolones (Cipro, Levaquin, Norfloxacin, etc) deplete calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. Tetracycline drugs deplete calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and potassium. Diabetic medications: The long acting insulin medication was listed above, but how about non-insulin blood sugar medications such as Metformin. Metformin is a popular diabetic medication that robs the body of coenzyme Q10, folic acid, vitamin B1, B6, and B12. These are just some of the nutrients specifically needed to manage blood sugar function in the body. This again creates a vicious cycle of robbing and depletion of the body. Anti-Gout/Rheumatic: Methotrexate used for some autoimmune disorders and cancer treatments depletes folic acid. It also causes poor conversion of folic acid into the active form – folate. This makes the activated form of folate essential to consume in dark green leafy vegetables or in supplement form. Colchicine is another medication used for gout or rheumatic concerns. It robs the body of beta carotene and vitamin B12. Think about the elderly who are on meds that deplete B12 and folic acid. Cardiac medications: Cardiac medications provide a wealth of drugs robbing the body. Here are just some of them beside the Crestor/Statins listed above. Blood pressure meds such as hydralazine depletes vitamin B6. Catopril depletes zinc. Cardiac glycosides (digoxin) deplete magnesium. Cholesterol reducing meds like bile acid sequestrants (cholestestyramine, Questran, etc): deplete beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin K. Water Pills/Diuretics Loop diuretics (Lasix, etc) deplete calcium, magnesium, potassium, folic acid, vitamin B1, B6, and C. Thiazide and Thiazide derivatives deplete: magnesium, potassium, zinc, folic acid, vitamin B1. Often the physician will prescribe potassium along with these types of drugs, but what about the other nutrients stripped out of the body? Magnesium, potassium, and vitamin B1 naturally manage fluid activity in the body. Common GI Meds: GI medications are another category that silently strips the body of essential nutrients. The popular commercials certainly do not expose these harmful effects, and make them seem perfectly harmless to use long term. Acid blocking medications of different types, such as antacids, (magnesium salts or aluminum salts) deplete calcium, phosphorus, chromium, folic acid and iron. H-2 Blockers (Tagamet, Pepcid, Zantac, etc) deplete calcium, chromium, folic acid, vitamin B12, and zinc. Proton pump Inhibitors (Prevacid, Omeprazole, Protonix) deplete beta carotene, calcium, chromium, folic acid, iron, Vitamin B12 and C, and zinc. At the other end of the digestive tract, we have laxatives and enemas often used by seniors as bowel motility and function breaks down. Laxatives such as Mineral Oil deplete beta carotene, calcium, vitamin A, D, E, and K, and phosphate salts. Stimulant Laxatives (Senokot, Correctol, Dulcolax, etc) deplete potassium, calcium, and vitamin D. This can be especially problematic for some with the colonoscopy preparation solutions and mineral loss. Hormones: Steroid hormones were discussed earlier with the top 10 prescription drugs, but we cannot forget about other hormone prescriptions especially estrogen containing drugs. Estrogens (Estrace, FemPatch, Premarin, Prempro, etc) and Birth Control Pills that contain estrogen deplete folic acid, magnesium, vitamin B1, B2, B6, B12, vitamin A, C, and zinc. Central Nervous System Drugs: The three drugs listed in the top ten did not have known drug-nutrient depletions. There are, however, plenty of medications used for brain and mental health that do have known nutrient depletions. Rarely are these discussed when handed a prescription drug. Tricyclic Antidepressants (amytriptyline, Pamelor, etc) deplete coenzyme Q10 and vitamin B2. SSRIs (Prozac, Zoloft, etc) deplete iodine, and MAOs deplete vitamin B6. Each nutrient is essential for energy production and mood stability, the very thing that the drugs are prescribed for. Anti-seizure meds have several concerns and provide immense concerns for those with mitochondrial disorders or methylation defects that contribute to or cause the seizure disorders. Carbamazepine (Tegretol, etc) depletes biotin, acetyl-l carnitine, folic acid, calcium, vitamin D, E, and K. Phenytoin (Dilantin, etc.) reduces biotin, folic acid, acetyl l carnitine, vitamin B1, B12, D, E, K, calcium, and zinc. Valproic Acid (Depakote, etc) depletes folic acid, acetyl-l-carnitine, vitamin B3, and zinc. Lastly, anxiety meds (Xanax, Valium, etc) diminishes melatonin. Weight Loss Drugs: Xenical depletes beta carotene, vitamins A, D, E, and K. The point of the article and known research is that it is fundamental to replenish what the drugs steal from the body. The majority of these nutrients are vital for maintaining energy, cognitive skills, memory, bone health, immune integrity, antioxidant status and simply vitality. Certainly there is a time and a place for properly prescribed medications. Taking a quality multiple vitamin, multiple mineral, vitamin D, and coenzyme Q10 can go a long ways to stop this slippery dangerous slide that too many are on. If you have to be on a medication, work with your medical provider to take the drug in the smallest dose possible for the least amount of time. Replenish the lost nutrients as best as you can, otherwise this can lead to "new problems" and a downturn in health. Get rid of the other nutrient robbers in your life, i.e. white flour, white sugar, processed foods, alcohol, etc. and restore nutrients with a diet filled with colorful, well-balanced foods. Don’t let your health be robbed even further. Life has enough challenges as it is.
STUFF TO THINK ABOUT
The more added sugar (or carbs that turn into sugar) your diet contains, the lower your intake of important micronutrients such as calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, potassium, selenium, vitamin C (the body will take sugar over VitC and thus your teeth and gums are affected), vitamin D and zinc
Soybean oil, which is the most widely consumed fat in the U.S.,has been shown to play a significant role in obesity and diabetes, actually upregulating genes involved in obesity. Remarkably, soybean oil was found to be more obesogenic than fructose. It's also been shown to cause neurological changes in the brain.
Oil Pulling Benefits For a Healthier Mouth
https://wellnessmama.com/health/oil-pulling/
Oil pulling is an age-old regimen rooted in ancient Ayurvedic medicine. It’s now a home remedy that uses natural substances to clean and detoxify the mouth and teeth. But is there any evidence behind this practice and how do you do it?
Oil pulling, along with other elements of dental hygiene and regular dental visits, may help you avoid tooth decay and gum disease. It can also help whiten teeth naturally.
What is Oil Pulling?
The short answer is that it’s a process of swishing oil (usually sesame, sunflower oil, olive oil, or coconut oil) in the mouth for up to 20 minutes. The oil is then spat into the trash. The purpose is to improve oral health, and the best time to do it is on an empty stomach first thing in the morning.
The basic idea is that swishing oil in the mouth for a short time each day helps pull out the bad stuff and improve oral health. It’s similar to oil cleansing for the skin in that the principle of “like dissolves like” applies. The oil cuts through plaque buildup and removes toxins without damaging the teeth or gums.
The ancient practice of oil pulling (originally called gandusha) started in India thousands of years ago. But it wasn’t really used in the United States until recently.
It was first given the name “oil pulling” in the United States in the early 1990s. A medical doctor, Dr. F. Karach, used it successfully in his medical practice. He claimed it could potentially cure several diseases, including oral ones. The word spread quickly!
Benefits of Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an oral care practice with lots of anecdotal support but a lack of extensive scientific studies. Although there are some… (See the references below). Most sources agree that oil pulling is safe but debate its effectiveness.
Here are some of the reported benefits:
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Whiter teeth
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Improvement of dry mouth (“xerostomia”)
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Fewer cavities and cases of gingivitis
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Reduced plaque
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Stronger teeth and gums
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Improved periodontal disease
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Better breath (less “morning breath”)
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Improvement in jaw pain (less TMJ pain)
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Relief from sinus issues
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Fewer headaches
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Better skin (less acne, eczema, and psoriasis)
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Improved hormone balance
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Less arthritis pain
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And more…
A 2022 meta-analysis found oil pulling could help lower overall bacteria count in the mouth, improving oral health.
That confirms what was highlighted the year before in 2021: When oil pulling, surface cells on the inside of the mouth are covered with oil droplets. There’s also more saliva production. The result is that the oil-saliva mix captures the bacteria during oil pulling, making it easy to remove by spitting it out.
A 2021 study showed coconut and sesame oil both reduced plaque and discoloration.
My Experience With Oil Pulling
Though I’ve done this for a few years, my only personal experience is with increased oral health (no plaque) and less sensitive (and whiter!) teeth. Although I haven’t had personal experience with this, I’ve heard experts explain how bacteria and infections can enter the blood through the mouth. It does make sense that addressing these infections could impact other parts of the body.
At the very least, oil pulling can be beneficial. It should have no downside if it’s done correctly with a high-quality oil. The oil should be good enough quality to eat. Oil pulling is a very inexpensive therapy that could potentially benefit oral health. For those reasons, I see no downside to trying it and I’ve used it myself for several years.
Although more scientific research is needed, I’ve noticed the benefits personally. Dozens of Wellness Mama readers also swear by its effectiveness.
How to Oil Pull
The concept is simple: a person swishes a couple of teaspoons of fruit or seed-based oil (coconut, sesame, or olive) in the mouth for 20 minutes. They then spit it out and rinse well. It’s best to oil pull in the morning, before eating or drinking anything. However, it can be done before each meal, if needed, for more severe infections or dental problems.
Virgin coconut oil is an excellent option because its lauric acid makes it naturally antibacterial. It has a milder taste than other oils. Anyone with an allergy to coconut oil or coconut products should avoid using coconut oil in this way. Ayurvedic Medicine traditionally used sesame oil, just make sure it’s organic.
You can also add some mouth healthy essential oils to the coconut or sesame oil for extra benefits. The company I co-founded, Wellnesse, has a Balanced Mouth Blend that’s great for this. It features anti-microbial essential oils that help improve the oral microbiome.
Oil Pulling Instructions
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Put 1-2 teaspoons of oil into your mouth. The oil traditionally used in Ayurveda is organic sesame oil. Sesame is also the oil that’s been the most studied for use in oil pulling. Another option is organic coconut oil pulling. Whichever oil you choose, place 1-2 teaspoons in the mouth. I also pour a few drops of Brushing Blend (naturally antibacterial) into the mix. You can also plan ahead and make these easy coconut oil chews.
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Swish for 20 minutes. Timing is key. Dr. Bruce Fife is the author of a book on oil pulling called Oil Pulling Therapy. He says 20 minutes is long enough to break through plaque and bacteria but not so long that the body starts re-absorbing the toxins and bacteria. The oil will get thicker and milky as it mixes with saliva during this time. It should be creamy-white by the time it’s spat out. It will also double in volume during this time due to saliva. At first, it can be challenging to complete the full 20 minutes. I didn’t stress over it if I could only swish for 5-10 minutes when I first started.
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Spit oil into the trash can. Especially if you have a septic system as I do. Don’t spit into the sink, as the oil may eventually clog the pipes. Don’t swallow the oil, either! Hopefully, it’s now full of bacteria, toxins, and pus that are being removed from the mouth!
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Rinse well with warm water. Warm water seems to clean the mouth better (in my opinion). I swish a few times with warm water to get any remaining oil out of my mouth. Some sources recommend gargling with warm salt water.
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Brush well. I prefer to brush with Wellnesse whitening toothpaste to ensure no bacteria remain.
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Is Oil Pulling Safe?
Thankfully, this is one point all sources seem to agree on! Some sources claim that oil pulling doesn’t have the benefits often attributed to it or doesn’t actually detoxify the mouth. Still, all of them agree it shouldn’t cause side effects.
The oils typically used for oil pulling are edible oils that are considered healthy when eaten. So, they aren’t problematic when swished in the mouth. The only potential danger is swallowing the oil after it’s absorbed bacteria or toxins from the mouth. Ick. You don’t want to do that!
I asked my dentist for his thoughts on oil pulling. He shared that while we need more research to know for certain, it could be an effective and safe alternative to mouthwash.
Prescription mouthwashes contain a chemical called chlorhexidine, which may be harmful. Studies show that some of these oils used in oil pulling were just as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash. Another option is to make this herbal homemade mouthwash.
Which Oil is Best For Oil Pulling?
The oil you use for oil pulling depends on your goals. If the goal is teeth whitening, I’ve found coconut oil to be the most effective (especially when combined with this unusual remedy). According to the British Dental Journal (BDJ), coconut oil is also slightly more effective at removing certain bacteria from the mouth. These include Streptococcus mutans bacteria known for causing dental caries.
Sesame oil is the oil recommended by most sources (mostly because it was one of the more widely available oils when the practice began). It’s also the most well-studied and considered safe for those not allergic to sesame seeds. Sometimes olive oil is used, but it’s not as well studied.
The main thing is to avoid using high Omega-6 or chemically created oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, soybean oil, corn oil, etc.
Who Can Do Oil Pulling?
Not every natural remedy is safe for everyone. Here’s the evidence on who can (and can’t) safely use oil pulling.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
I’ve done oil pulling during pregnancy, but I was also already doing it regularly before I got pregnant. I asked a midwife, and she said it’s generally considered safe for pregnant women, especially after the first trimester.
Oral hygiene is especially critical during pregnancy due to the risks of infection. So, I’ve always been glad to have an extra way to keep my teeth and gums healthy while pregnant. I consider it the same as tooth brushing, flossing, or using mouthwash. (This is purely anecdotal, but I haven’t had a cavity, even while pregnant since I started oil pulling and following my oral health routine).
A 2016 randomized controlled trial looked at oil pulling in pregnant women. The researchers found it was just as effective as chlorhexidine at fighting bad breath. This study didn’t raise any concerns about oil pulling during pregnancy.
Oil pulling is generally considered safe while nursing, but check with a dentist or doctor to be safe. As with anything, check with a doctor or midwife before starting oil pulling, especially if pregnant.
Children
Several practitioners I’ve asked about this assured me that oil pulling is safe for kids once they’re old enough not to swallow the oil.
Those With Dental Issues
I got the okay to do this from my dentist and doctor with several (non-amalgam) fillings in my mouth. But I’d recommend checking with a doctor or dentist to be sure, especially if you have any metal fillings, crowns, or dental problems.
Note: Some people may notice a detox reaction for the first few days of using oil pulling. This can include issues like mild congestion, headache, mucous drainage, or other effects. I personally didn’t notice these effects, but I’ve read cases of others who did.
FAQs About Oil Pulling
There are several questions that repeatedly come up about oil pulling, so I’ve compiled them here along with the most common answers. I also included any research I could find:
Does Oil Pulling Help Remineralize Teeth?
It may, but more research is needed. I talked about my personal experience remineralizing my teeth here. I used oil pulling as part of this protocol, but I suspect the benefit may have come from certain oils combatting the bacteria that cause tooth decay rather than actual mineral support for the tooth.
Coconut and sesame oils aren’t excellent sources of the minerals that teeth need. So using them in the mouth may not be a very effective way to provide minerals for restoring teeth. Since we’re constantly replenishing the minerals in our teeth and enamel through saliva, it seems more important to ensure we’re getting enough minerals internally. Then they’re available in saliva.
Can People With Fillings Try Oil Pulling?
Dentist Lisa Matriste warns against oil pulling with amalgam (mercury) fillings. Mercury is lipophilic, meaning it’s attracted to fats.
“Oil pulling will pull mercury out of the fillings which will then be absorbed into your tissues, inadvertently poisoning your body with mercury at a faster rate.”
She goes on to recommend having any mercury fillings removed before oil pulling.
That said, I couldn’t find any scientific research on the safety of oil pulling with fillings. There’s some anecdotal evidence it could loosen them. Check with your dentist to see if oil pulling would be appropriate for your particular dental situation.
Does Oil Pulling Help Bad Breath?
There’s one benefit of oil pulling all sources seem to agree on: better breath. Likely because of its ability to help wipe out harmful bacteria in the mouth. Evidence shows oil pulling can help improve breathing and reduce plaque, which combats bad breath.
Can I Swallow the Oil? Or Where Should I Spit?
Again, please don’t swallow the oil after oil pulling. It may contain bacteria, dead skin, or other residues from the mouth and the whole purpose is to remove these toxins from the body. It’s also important not to spit this in the sink, shower, or toilet, as it may solidify and clog the drain. This especially pertains to coconut oil, which hardens as it cools.
I keep an old supplement container at my sink and spit the oil in it each morning. Then I throw it away when filled.
Do I Have to Swish for 20 Minutes?
I found it difficult to swish for 20 minutes when I first started. Though 20 minutes is the recommended timeframe, it isn’t a hard and fast rule. Neither is the recommendation to use a full tablespoon of oil. If you can only use a teaspoon and swish for 5 minutes, start with that and don’t stress about it.
Adding a drop of essential oil may also help with the taste and make oil pulling easier. Just make sure any oil you use is safe to use internally.
I also find the best time to oil pull is in the shower since this is the only time I’m not talking to my kids or doing something else. I don’t usually shower for 20 minutes, but this at least gets me part of the way through the time.
Does Oil Pulling Work?
My only personal experience is the oral health benefits, and I continue doing it for this reason. But there’s evidence that it might help with other conditions as well. The most comprehensive resource I’ve seen on the topic is the book “Oil Pulling Therapy” by Dr. Bruce Fife.
The American Dental Association (ADA) doesn’t, at this point, recommend oil pulling. Their recommended therapy against cavities is still fluoride. Learn how terrible fluoride is for your body by reading this article.
Although the research is limited, there are some scientific studies supporting the benefits of oil pulling. This includes its benefits for specific types of oral bacteria, dental caries, plaque/gingivitis, and oral micro-organisms. Because dental hygiene has a far-reaching impact throughout the body, oil pulling may improve overall health.
Have you ever tried oil pulling? What was your experience? Share below!
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Steven Lin, who is a Board accredited dentist trained at the University of Sydney. With a background in biomedical science, he is a passionate whole-health advocate, focusing on the link between nutrition and dental health. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor or dentist.
