Winter has arrived! And with it comes the beautiful crystallized white fluffy stuff called snow! As a skier I can’t be more excited about the time of year and the white fluffy stuff outside. But as a health coach, I wanted to talk with you about another white substance that can appear on your tongue. When you wake up in the morning, look in the mirror and stick out your tongue. If it’s covered with a thick white pasty substance, you might have what’s considered candida overgrowth. Candida lives in our bodies all the time. When it’s in balance with other microorganisms in our gut, it can help with digestion. But the issue arises when we have an overabundance of stress, eat too many processed foods or simple carbs, and take antibiotics or other steroid medications. It can happen. Especially during this time of year when holiday parties and family gatherings are abundant; so are simple carbohydrates such as sugar cookies, pasta dishes, alcoholic beverages and warm doughy breads. Other symptoms of candida overgrowth can be fatigue, depression, bloating, eczema, dandruff, sugar cravings, or poor memory. Candida overgrowth can also lead to fungal or vaginal infections, leaky gut or mood swings. Candida also lives in our mucus membranes such as our oral cavities. This is why when it’s imbalanced; our tongues can display a thick pasty white “stuff” in the morning. Here is a simple self-care tip that you can do to help with candida overgrowth… Oil pulling An ancient Ayurvedic technique that has more recently resurfaced. When swished around in your mouth, the antibacterial properties of oil, pulls out bacteria and fungus including candida! Oil pulling can also alleviate inflammation, congestion, and even allergies. It squelches bad breath, bleeding gums, cavities, gingivitis, plaque, and sensitive teeth, and moistens the mouth, lips, and throat. Oil pulling is even said to relieve stomach issues such as ulcers, improve kidney function, and kill strep throat bacteria. Here’s how you do this simple self-care technique:
Measure 1 -2 teaspoons of coconut oil which contains caprylic acid to kill yeast cells, or olive oil which contains antioxidants to help our bodies get rid of the yeast overgrowth. You can also use sesame or sunflower oil, but be sure it’s of good quality.
Swish your chosen oil around in your mouth for 20 minutes. (If you don’t have 20, start with 5 or 10 minutes.) It’s o.k. to take baby steps as long as you are taking care of yourself!
Spit the oil into the trash can so it doesn’t clog your pipes.
Rinse your mouth out with a swish of salt water or apple cider vinegar. The enzymes in ACV are said to help break down the candida. Plus it ensures that the tainted oil gets washed from your mouth.
Brush your teeth and smile!
Holli Bassin offers functional medicine know how and short, simple lifestyle suggestions to arrive at targeted solutions to improve your health. Want to Change Your Life? As a health coach, Holli will work with you to guide you to healthier nutritional and lifestyle choices. This has been proven to increase focus, improve energy levels, improve sleep patterns and alter chronic health issues. You can learn to decrease food cravings, manage stress, and help maintain a healthier balance in all areas of your life! Whether you are managing allergies, food intolerance, gut health, sleep issues, weight management or elimination diets, you do not have to face these issues alone. As a member of the American Association of Drugless Practitioners, , Holli Bassin, MBA is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and student at the School of Applied Functional Medicine who can help you work through these issues and resolve them. In good health!
Holli
Edited 11-17-23
This communication may contain general nutrition and lifestyle advice. I am not a licensed physician. My advice is not intended, and you should not use it to attempt to diagnose, prevent or treat diseases, ailments, pain or other medical conditions. Please consult your personal licensed physician to seek advice about diagnosing, preventing or treating specific ailments.