The truth about oil pulling, apple cider vinegar, and other trendy cleanses
The array of so-called health cures that claim to purify your system, cleanse your aura, and just generally give you healthier vibes can be dizzying. But do any of these viral “cleanse” tactics actually help your body? Here’s the scoop on four of the most hyped detoxing techniques.
Apple cider vinegar
Its proponents say that the tangy brew’s “mother” – a cloudy combo of bacteria and yeast – is a cure-all for everything, including skin, metabolism, and weight loss.
- However, there have been few convincing studies on the effectiveness of ACV in humans, and even fewer on rats and other animals
- In fact, chugging ACV may actually do more harm than good: It’s been tied to tooth enamel erosion, gastrointestinal issues like reflux, and reduced potassium levels
Saunas
Dry saunas raise the pulse and boost circulation, which can promote cardiovascular health and mimic the effects of physical exercise.
- Regular sauna sessions have been linked to everything from pain reduction in patients with rheumatic diseases like fibromyalgia to a reduced risk of psychosis among Finnish men.
Oil Pulling
Advocates say that swirling coconut, sesame, or other oils in your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes a day can whiten teeth, freshen breath, prevent cavities, and suck various toxins out of your body thanks to the power of fat molecules that bind to bad stuff.
- However, the jury is out on how effective this practice really is
- Many attempts to research oil pulling have been flawed
- One 2017 review found that of examined 21 studies, only six were designed in a way that could yield accurate data
- There’s slightly more evidence that oil pulling can help oral hygiene, but not much
- At least for now, mainstream dentists don’t see oil pulling as a good substitute for toothpaste
Lymphatic massage
This technique involves using a light touch to first activate the lymph nodes.
- The idea is to prompt them to process lymph-a truly disgusting fluid made up of white blood cells, the remains of old or damaged cells, various salts and proteins, and intestinal fluid. The nodes filter out bacteria and foreign material in the lymph, then return the good stuff back into your blood.
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