Living well with Bri

Oil pulling and supplementing with magnesium

Author

Bri Balafoutas
July 30, 2023

Happy Sunday! Today, we will be talking about the importance of oil pulling and supplementing with a quality magnesium supplement.

everything you want is beyond your comfort zone

This quote implies that achieving our desires and goals requires stepping out of our familiar and safe spaces. While our comfort zone provides stability, it can also limit growth and potential. By embracing discomfort and taking risks, we open ourselves to new experiences and opportunities for learning and self-discovery. Stepping beyond our comfort zone may be intimidating, but it allows us to gain resilience and broaden our perspectives. Embracing challenges and uncertainty can lead to personal growth and the realization of our deepest aspirations. Our mind is trained to keep us safe and seek comfort, but we must push ourselves to become better. It’s easy to stay in the same routine day after day and year after year, but what type of life is that? We should take as many risks as we can and take advantage of this life.

This is something that I struggle with every day - I love my comfort zone and wish I could stay there all the time. However, I know I will regret the safe decisions and always wonder, what if I just tried and took the risk? We all have the potential for greatness, the question is, will you take the necessary risks in order to achieve it?

~oil pulling~

I love oil pulling and think you should, too! Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing coconut oil in the mouth for about 15-20 minutes when you wake up to remove bacteria and promote oral hygiene. This practice is believed to have numerous health benefits, including healing our oral microbiome. Here are reasons why you should incorporate this into your daily morning routine :)

  1. Oral health: Oil pulling is thought to help reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth, which can contribute to dental issues like plaque, gum disease, and bad breath. Swishing oil in the mouth is believed to draw out toxins and bacteria, promoting a cleaner and healthier oral environment

  2. Teeth whitening: Oil pulling helps whiten teeth naturally over time by removing stains and discoloration.

  3. Gum health: Oil pulling may also help improve gum health and reduce inflammation, potentially benefiting those with gingivitis or mild gum issues.

Every morning or every other morning, I oil pull with organic unrefined coconut oil for 15-20 minutes before I brush my teeth. It’s important to remember to spit out the coconut oil because it has a lot of bacteria you don’t want in your system.

This is the coconut oil I use!

Magnesium

If there is one supplement we should all be taking magnesium. Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in numerous processes in the body. It is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, which are vital for overall health and well-being. Magnesium used to be more abundant in the soil, but modern agricultural practices and other factors have led to its depletion over time.

Here are some key reasons why magnesium is important for our health and well-being →

  1. Immune system support: Magnesium contributes to a healthy immune system, supporting immune cell function and overall immune response.

  2. Supports bone health: Magnesium is a key component of bone tissue, working alongside calcium and vitamin D to maintain strong and healthy bones.

  3. Relieves muscle cramps: Magnesium helps relax muscles and may alleviate muscle cramps and spasms.

  4. Promotes heart health: Magnesium supports cardiovascular function by helping maintain a regular heartbeat and supporting blood vessel relaxation.

  5. Enhances sleep quality: Magnesium may improve sleep quality by promoting relaxation and calming the nervous system.

  6. Aids in stress management: Magnesium has been linked to reduced stress and anxiety levels, contributing to overall mental well-being.

  7. Supports immune function: Magnesium supports a healthy immune system, aiding in the body's defense against illnesses.

  8. Regulates blood sugar: Magnesium helps with insulin function and glucose metabolism, potentially assisting blood sugar regulation.

These are two types of magnesium supplements I recommend. The magnesium spray you apply topically when you are feeling stressed or anxious.

Next time …

  • Sarcopenia → what it is and how to prevent it

  • The importance of lifting (esp as a women)

xo

Bri