DIY Toothpaste

DIY Toothpaste

Nobody I know loves going to the dentist. But if I told you it would help your heart, would you be more inclined to go?  We should go for our bi-yearly cleanings and make sure all is healthy and if not, address it. For a tooth infection can disrupt the whole gut flora system.  Mouth to anus is one long tube so a tooth infection can drip down and give stomach aches, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, etc.  Teeth infections can also cause headaches and it can also cause heart disease.

There’s a BIG link between oral health and heart health.

And if your oral health isn’t in tip-top shape…your gut and heart health could be at major risk.

And according to Harvard Medical School and The Mayo Clinic — swallowing too many of these “bad bacteria” can harm your blood vessels, increase blood pressure and put you at major risk of heart disease and stroke.
(https://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/heart-disease-oral-health
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/heart-disease-prevention/faq-20057986)

People think brushing their teeth more could help but it turns out brushing could actually be making the problem worse if you're using the wrong toothpaste.

Many toothpastes contain chemicals like:

• Triclosan, a pesticide and hormone disruptor.
• Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) which causes canker sores for many people.
• Artificial colorings, which are linked to ADHD and hyperactivity in children. Toothpaste does not need to be blue!
• Fluoride, which can be toxic if swallowed and doesn’t even work in toothpaste.
• Titanium dioxide, which is added to make a toothpaste white. Most of the data shows it’s safe and is not absorbed by the skin, but I have yet to find a study done to measure absorption by oral tissues. The EWG has a good list of safety concerns around titanium dioxide, but the take-home message: it can cause cancer.
• Glycerin, which isn’t toxic, but has no place in the mouth as it’s a soap that strips your body’s natural oral mucosa and leaves a film. This film could coat the teeth, messing with the structure of the biofilm which could alter the microbiome in the mouth and impact the natural remineralization process — your body’s natural cavity-fighting mechanism.
• Highly abrasive ingredients, which damage enamel, making teeth sensitive and more prone to gum recession and cavities. Toothpaste should be only a little bit abrasive — this graininess aids the brushing motion to remove the biofilm of the tooth.

These nasty toothpaste toxins do a number on your oral health… and over time, may INCREASE bad bacteria in your mouth. If you aren't sure of the ingredients of your current toothpaste, it's on the box that you threw out when you bought it.  So google the ingredients and  you can also look it up on ewg.org which gives it a health rating to help you figure out if it's healthy enough to use.

If your mouth has bad bacteria it means every time you swallow, you could be putting your body at risk.  To help kill the bad bacteria finding the RIGHT toothpaste is part of it.

The best ingredients to find in a toothpaste

• Coconut oil, which can help boost the microbiome in your gut (remember, the gut begins in the mouth!) and naturally prevent candida in the mouth. 
• Trace minerals drops, especially if you drink reverse osmosis water, which removes bad stuff from the water but also removes the good minerals too. I use ConcenTrace Trace Mineral Drops. 
• Crushed cacao nibs. Believe it or not, the ideal toothpaste would be a chocolate toothpaste, since compounds in cacao beans promote remineralization better than fluoride (and of course, much more safe). Crush the cacao nibs to a small size and it will  be a safe abrasive to break up the mouth's biofilm.
• Bentonite clay, which is a natural polisher rich in minerals that isn’t too abrasive. It’s also alkaline, so it helps reduce acidity in the mouth. Don’t be afraid of putting “dirt” in your mouth.  Great dental health is actually about achieving a balanced ecosystem of bacteria in your mouth, which protects us from illness and promotes tooth remineralization. 
• Xylitol for its abilities to reduce cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth. Just don’t add too much since it’s a sweetener — too much can reprogram your taste buds to crave too much sweetness.
• Baking soda, for its alkalinity. Our teeth and mouths are constantly under attack by acids thanks to the foods we eat. Neutralizing these acids with vegetables and water is essential to maintaining proper pH in the mouth to encourage the right bacteria as well as protect enamel from decay. Baking soda has a pH of 9 to 11 (alkaline), so it helps to neutralize acids while not being too abrasive to teeth. You could also buy and drink 16 ounces of alkaline water a day.  

Here are two toothpastes I have made in the past that I like. The first one is easy but I feel like the second one does a better job.
#1
Ingredients:
 

• ½ cup coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons of baking soda
• 2 individual packets of stevia
• 15-20 drops of peppermint essential oil

To make it, stir all the ingredients together in a bowl or Pyrex container until consistent. Then just put a little bit on your toothbrush, and you’re ready to go!

I love this toothpaste because it takes just a few minutes to make.  It’s extra powerful so I only have to put a tiny amount on my toothbrush — so it lasts a long time.

#2

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons Cold-pressed Organic Coconut Oil
• 4 tablespoons Food Grade Bentonite Clay
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 2 tablespoons Xylitol
• 4 capsules Probiotics 
• 1/2 teaspoons Cacao Powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Ginger Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon Vitamin E Oil
• 4 tablespoons distilled or filtered water (divided)

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, heat coconut oil over low heat until melted, about 1 – 2 minutes.
2. Add bentonite clay, baking soda, xylitol, probiotic, cacao, ginger and cinnamon to a food processor or high speed blender and blend for 10-15 seconds until all powders are evenly combined, tapping sides and top of blender so powder will fall to the bottom.
3. Wait a couple of minutes before opening to allow powders to settle, then pour one tablespoon of coconut oil into the blender. Blend for 10-15 seconds; mixture will be crumbly. Take the small end of a wooden spoon (a chopstick or small spatula will also work) and run it along the inside edge of the blender, making sure to combine all the powder with the oil.
4. Add the vitamin E and remaining coconut oil, and blend another 10 – 15 seconds. A this point, the mixture will be runny. Again, run the wooden spoon end along the edge of the blender to make sure all the powder is incorporated. Blend again if necessary to create a smooth and creamy texture.
5. With the blender running, slowly add the water and blend for at least 30 seconds, or until it is thoroughly mixed.
6. Transfer to a glass container with a plastic lid.

Storage tips & how to use

Dip a clean spoon into the toothpaste and apply to your toothbrush. Store half at room temperature and use toothpaste within 7-10 days. Store the rest in the refrigerator for later use. Alternatively, fill a refillable squeeze tube with your toothpaste and squeeze about a quarter teaspoon onto your toothbrush twice daily for best oral hygiene. Store in your refrigerator for extended freshness.

Detox Bath Recipes

Nothing is more relaxing than a warm bath… except perhaps a relaxing warm detox bath that also helps cleanse the body. Some of you may already have the epsom salt bath recipe from me that one of my patients shared with me but here are two other ones I would like to share with you as well! These detox baths will help remove toxins from the body and they also tend to make you tired so I suggest doing them before bed!

If you are detoxing, have a weak immune system or have skin issues these natural recipes are a simple and easy way to boost health! I’m always up for a warm bath, and these natural add-ons help improve health while you relax!

Before starting any bath dry brushing is recommended for it will help stimulate the lymphatic system and open up the pores for a deeper detox.

DEAD SEA SALT BATH

Dead Sea salt is rich in magnesium, bromide, sulfur, zinc, and sodium, which, when absorbed, all reap many health and beauty benefits.  While both magnesium and sulfur can be poorly absorbed through the stomach, studies show increased magnesium levels from soaking in a bath enriched with Dead Sea salt! Magnesium and sulfur are both easily absorbed through the skin. Sulfur plays an important role in the formation of brain tissue, joint proteins and the proteins that line the walls of the digestive tract. They stimulate the pancreas to generate digestive enzymes and are thought to help detoxify the body of medicines and environmental toxins and is great as an after-workout treat for it helps with sore muscles.

Directions:

Warm to hot bath (the hotter the water, the more intense the detox)
3-4 cups Dead Sea Salt
1 cup baking soda
Then pour 32 oz Hydrogen Peroxide right as you get into the water
Soak for about 20-30 minutes. Ideal to do at night, but any time of day will work!

You can also put grated fresh ginger (wrapped in cheese cloth or old nylon stocking) into the bath so it warms the skin and opens the pores for more oxygen to get into the system.


APPLE CIDER VINEGAR (ACV) BATH

This bath is a great overall detoxifier. It is also the best detox bath choice for those with candida issues that affect the skin as it returns the skin to an optimal, slightly acidic ph which is a difficult environment for candida to thrive. An ACV bath also draws excess uric acid out of the body. Uric acid is created when the body breaks down substances called purines in certain foods and drinks. Most uric acid is eliminated via the kidneys in the urine, but some folks such as those with gout can have issues with excess levels. An ACV cleansing bath can provide welcome relief for those with joint problems, arthritis, gout, bursitis, or tendonitis. It also is very helpful for those with excessive body odor problems.

Add 2 cups of pure apple cider vinegar (ACV) to a regular sized tub of water as hot as tolerated. Stay in the bath until the water has cooled which will be about 45 minutes. Towel dry and don’t shower for at least 8 hours.


CLAY DETOX BATH

This bath is great for removing a lot of toxins as the clay binds to heavy metals and the epsom salts help pull a variety of toxins from the body while replenishing magnesium levels.

1/2 cup bentonite clay
1/2 cup epsom salts
essential oils if desired

Dissolve the epsom salts in a warm/hot bath and add essential oils if desired. For the clay there are two options:

1) Vigorously mix the clay in to a small amount of water until the clumps are mostly dissolved. Do not use metal for this! I mix with a wooden spoon in a glass jar. Add the clay mix to the bath and soak for at least 20 minutes.

2) Mix that clay with a small amount of water to make a paste. Stand in the tub full of water and rub the clay mix all over your body to create a skin mask and let dry for 5 minutes before sitting down. This provides direct contact with the skin and effectively pulls toxins from the skin. Soak in bath at least 20 minutes or as long as desired. While soaking, use a wash cloth to scrub any remaining clay off the skin.

Hair Detox for Beautiful Hair

I help my patients detox from the inside out but what if we detoxed from the outside? I help people with premature balding, hair thinning and hair breakage that is beyond the normal wear and tear of over treated hair. I have even created my own Hair Rejuvenation supplement which people get great results with.  Even though a lot of times the hair loss is due to a heavy metal reaction and I am helping the body deal with those stressors with whole food supplements, wouldn’t it be nice to get the hair healthy from the outside too?

After you have eliminated all dead ends, you will need several basic items to detox your hair. Most of the items used are products that you will have around the house or can be purchased very inexpensively from the store. You will need:
1. Baking soda
2. Apple cider vinegar (ACV)
3. Bentonite clay
4. Raw honey
With these four basic products, you will perform a simple hair cleansing and detox regime. Instead of using shampoos and conditioners full of chemicals, you will use the the baking soda and ACV. Raw honey is used for deep conditioning.

Hair Care Procedure:
• Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of filtered water in a bowl.
• Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with one cup of filtered water in a second bowl.
• In the shower, first work the baking soda mixture through your hair. Rinse with cool water.
• Follow with the apple cider vinegar mixture and rinse with cool water.
• For added condition and shine, use a generous amount of raw honey after the ACV rinse. While your hair is completely wet, massage the raw honey through your hair, let it sit for a few minutes and rinse.

Now, the more often you wash your hair with baking soda and ACV, the faster your hair will detox. If your main goal is to detox, you can wash your hair with these mixtures every day.

Bentonite Clay Hair Mask to Hasten Hair Detox

To quicken the process, you can also use a Bentonite clay hair mask. Bentonite clay, essentially an absorbent ash, draws the toxins and excess oils out of your hair and scalp. I use bentonite clay in capsules for internal detoxing too.
The Bentonite clay hair mask is not a part of a daily cleansing regime, but should be used once a week at most.
To prepare the mask, you will mix equal parts bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar until it is the consistency of mustard.
After making the mask, cover your hair completely from roots to ends with the clay. Allow the mask to sit for about 30 minutes but take care to avoid letting it dry completely. You want your hair to still be pliable in order to easily wash it out.

Essential Oils and Such
During the hair detox, it is very important to avoid using any conventional products. After conditioning your hair with the apple cider vinegar, you may notice the smell lingering in your wet hair. Generally, the smell will dissipate in about a month as the detox process continues. Until then, you can use essential oils like lavender, jasmine, peppermint, or any of your favorite scents.
Here are two ways to apply the essential oils.
1. Before you get in the shower, you can mix the essential oils directly into the apple cider vinegar mix and cleanse as directed.
2. When you get out of the shower, you can apply a few drops of your favorite essential oil throughout your hair.

To replace conditioning or moisturizing products after cleansing, there are number of oils you can use. I’ve had good results 100% pure, organic argan oil to condition and heal the hair. Argan Oil has been used for centuries and is made from the Argan tree in the deserts of Morocco.

Wheat germ oil or coconut oil can also be used for conditioning. The great thing about all three of these oils is not only do they condition the hair, but they also protect against the ends from breaking off. As a result, the hair is strengthened which promotes hair growth.

Alternatives to Baking Soda for Hair Cleansing
Baking soda is inexpensive for detoxing your hair, but everyone’s hair is different. If you find your hair is detoxing, but reacting badly, fear not! Instead of the baking soda mixture, use pure Castile Soap instead. This soap achieves the same detoxing effects and even works better for some people. It’s all about finding what is best for you!
Enjoy beautiful hair!