​How a Quick Massage Can Help You Live Longer
HEALTH»WELLNESSA A A

QSince diabetes runs in my family, I try to eat healthy and exercise and watch my weight so I don’t get it, too. Are there any other—hopefully, easy-to-do!—things that will help?
AYou might want to make massage, especially after a workout, a regular part of your life.
While not proven to prevent diabetes, even a 10-minute massage leads to physiological changes that may be protective, according to recent research. A mini-massage may even help reduce insulin resistance, a key driver of diabetes.
MASSAGING YOUR MUSCLES TO FIGHT DISEASEResearchers were interested in studying massage immediately after exercise for two reasons. For one thing, practically speaking, that’s a common time for people to get a massage, since many people say that massage helps reduce muscle soreness from exercise. Another reason is that, biologically, it’s easier to measure differences in the effect of massage on cells after exercise because exercise puts the body into a state of temporary stress.
Volunteers in the study included 11 healthy, active men in their 20s who provided a bit of muscle tissue from one thigh for a baseline biopsy. Then researchers had the volunteers do 70 minutes of fast-paced cycling on a stationary bike. The volunteers rested for 10 minutes and then had a 10-minute massage on one thigh only. Immediately after the massage, researchers took second muscle biopsies, but this time from both thighs in order to compare massaged tissue versus nonmassaged tissue. Two and a half hours after the second biopsies, the volunteers underwent a third set of biopsies on both thighs to capture any changes that might have occurred a bit later after their massages.
STOP THE DAMAGE!Researchers found two very interesting differences in the muscles that had been massaged…
A gene pathway that causes muscle inflammation was “dialed down” in these muscles both immediately after the massage and 2.5 hours after the massage. (Specific genes can be present in our tissues but not always active.) This is helpful knowledge because muscle inflammation is a contributor to delayed-onset muscle soreness, so it confirms biologically what we’ve always believed through anecdotal observation—a post-exercise massage can help relieve muscle soreness. Inflammation also contributes to the development of diabetes.
Conversely, another sort of gene was “turned on” by the massage—this is a gene that increases the activity of mitochondria in muscle cells. You probably know that mitochondria are considered the “power packs” of our muscles for their role in creating usable energy. Better mitochondrial functioning has been shown by other studies to help decrease insulin resistance (a key risk factor for type 2 diabetes) and obesity and even to slow aging. And “mitochondrial dysfunction” is now being recognized as a potential contributor to diabetes.
Is it a stretch to link post-exercise massage to these benefits? They were not specifically studied, but since the question is posed, my reply is that it’s not unreasonable—there is a potential connection, and future research will need to be done to confirm it. One thing is clear: Stress, especially the way our minds react to stress, is increasingly being recognized as a diabetes risk. Anything you can do to break the stress cycle is a healthy thing.
TREAT YOURSELF TO MASSAGEThe massage type that the researchers used was a standard combination of three techniques that are commonly used for post-exercise massage--effleurage (light stroking)…petrissage (firm compression and release)…and stripping (repeated longitudinal strokes). It’s easy to find massage therapists in spas, salons, fitness centers and private practices who use these techniques. Or you could ask your spouse or a friend to try some of these moves on you. Even if his/her technique isn’t perfect, there’s a chance that it could still provide the benefits.
Massage after exercise was studied, but it’s possible that massaging any muscles at any time may have similar benefits—more research will need to be done to find out.
Remember, you don’t have to break the bank on a prolonged 60-minute massage—a simple 10- or 20-minute rubdown (which usually costs $10 to $40) can do the trick.
Source: Mark Tarnopolsky, MD, PhD, professor of pediatrics and medicine, director of Neuromuscular and Neurometabolic Clinic, McMaster University Medical Center, Ontario, Canada.Date: February 5, 2018 Publication: Bottom Line Health

By Deep Wadhwa 

​
Modern life does come with its share of problems, like a stressful work environment and more. Let's get to know few tips to avoid stress during these times.(Newswire.net -- March 1, 2018) -- Stress and anxiety, they go hand in hand. Sometimes, you can get too worked up and feel that your life is going down the drain. Modern life does come with its share of problems, such as a stressful work environment, a cranky boss, a family to look after with no me-time at all. Though we cannot really escape from the pressures of life, we can use different relaxation techniques to keep our mind fresh and light.
Stress can adversely affect our physical and mental well-being, and a good aromatherapy massage can greatly relax you and keep you in high spirits. Nowadays you can find many healing centers that help you in therapy like the new specialist studio that help people enjoy the magic of aromatic oils and vivid relaxing massage to get rid of anxiety. Let’s get to learn more about this aromatherapy massage and how would it heal your stress.
What Is An Aromatherapy Massage And Its Benefits:An aromatherapy massage is the art of using aromatic essential oils from plants to ease stress and improves your physical, mental and spiritual well-being as well. In addition to calming your nerves, aromatherapy can also reduce stress, aids in peaceful sleep, and improves creativity and complexion. In addition to this, an aromatherapy massage can help you in several other ways –
a)    Calms your mind
Essential oils such as lavender, Roman chamomile, peppermint and rose help you relax your mind to a great extent. Apart from leaving behind an amazing fragrance around the room, these oils relieve headaches and stress symptoms. Moreover, lavender essential oil also helps in soothing crying babies and promoting better sleep in both adults and children.
b)    Spreading positive vibes
Aromatherapy can comfort you, as it reminds you of happy memories. Applying or using a particular essential oil can emotionally heal you in many ways, especially if it’s connected to your favorite memories. Our brain can recognize scents from the past, and the scents work better if they stimulate our memories and emotions.
c)     Has medicinal qualities
An aromatherapy massage is the best solution for curing muscle tension and body aches. The skin readily absorbs the goodness of the essential oils and soothes the muscles. It also improves the body’s immunity, as stress can seriously weaken our body’s natural protective system. A luxurious body massage using aromatic oils stimulates certain chemicals in your brain that protect you from infections and bacteria. Lavender essential oil is widely used to calm people suffering from menstrual pain or even during childbirth.
d)    Helpful in meditation
An alternative to an aromatherapy massage would be to use body products that contain aromatic oils. They release a lovely scent and provide long-term health benefits to your skin. You can even use some drops of essential oils on the pulse-points on your skin for the same exhilarating scent and feeling.
e)    Is emotionally beneficial
The modern lifestyle has given rise to a number of psychological issues such as dementia, depression, and anxiety. Even though conventional medication is important, an aromatherapy massage with selected essential oils works to relax and heal these illnesses from the root. It also works to create a comforting atmosphere for those suffering from serious illnesses.
The power of aromatherapy works like a charm on you, melting away all the harsh realities of the day.
Source: http://newswire.net/newsroom/blog-post/00100399-how-can-aromatherapy-massage-relieve-you-of-anxiety.html

5 Emotional Freedom Technique or EFT Tapping Benefits for Stress, Pain & More

Know anyone who uses EFT tapping to help fight depression or anxiety? Wondering what “Emotional Freedom Technique” (or EFT) is all about, and how it works to manage tension in the body and worry in the mind?
EFT tapping therapy was first introduced in the 1990s by a man named Gary Craig, who considered his approach to be an effective combination of mind-body medicine and acupressure techniques. The underlying principle of EFT is that all emotions and thoughts are forms of energy; this energy, whether positive or negative, has very real physical manifestations that affect all functions of the body.
While the human body possesses a natural healing potential, stress and emotional problems can stand in the way, which is where EFT comes in. People who experience benefits from practicing tapping techniques find that it helps clear their mind, focus their attention on the present moment (much like meditation does), and improve their attitude so they have a better chance of overcoming challenges they may face.

What Is EFT Tapping Therapy?Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a self-help technique that involves tapping near the end points of “energy meridians” located around the body in order to reduce tension and promote a deeper mind-body connection. This technique goes by a few different names, including Emotional Freedom Technique, EFT Tapping or simply Tapping. According to the EFT Universe website, “EFT has been researched in more than 10 countries, by more than 60 investigators, whose results have been published in more than 20 different peer-reviewed journals”, which include the Journal of Clinical Psychology, the APA journals Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training and Review of General Psychology. (1)
One of the best things about EFT is that it can be done anywhere, at any time, quickly and without the use of any equipment, medications or supplements. What types of symptoms can EFT help to manage or prevent? People use EFT tapping techniques for:

• Reducing short-term or chronic stress
• Reducing muscular tension and joint pain
• Decreasing fatigue and boosting energy levels
• Decreasing tension headaches
• Coping with emotional problems such as low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety
• Improving athletic performance, focus and coordination
• Helping to improve sleep quality

EFT was introduced around 1995, following another mind-body method called Thought Field Therapy, or TFT. In the 1980s, TFT was developed by Dr. Roger Callahan, a clinical psychologist, who found that it helped people naturally manage symptoms of anxiety, phobias and physical problems related to stress. (2)
Gary Craig, one the lead creators of Emotional Freedom Technique, was one of Dr. Callahan’s students who further researched and refined TFT techniques in order to establish his own unique approach. Since 1995, a variety of EFT courses have been available to the public, focusing on teaching people how to easily use tapping techniques to overcome obstacles like fear, anger and feeling overwhelmed.

How EFT Tapping WorksHow and why does EFT work? Emotional Freedom Technique has certain things in common with Traditional Chinese Medicine practices like acupressure or acupuncture because it focuses on energy circuits that run throughout the body. These energy circuits are referred to as meridians, and although they cannot be seen or measured, many believe that they exist and have powerful effects.

• Mind-body healing techniques are believed to help direct the flow of energy in the body in a way that promotes well-being.
• With EFT, you tap near the end points of specific energy meridians in your body to promote physical and emotional healing.
• Something that makes EFT different from acupressure or other Eastern approaches is that it focuses on more than physical ailments and energy systems; it also brings attention to thought processes that contribute to stress and emotional problems.
• The EFT process combines tapping of the energy meridians with voicing of positive affirmations. In this way, EFT tapping combines an Eastern medicine approach with more traditional Western psychotherapies.

How to Perform Basic EFT Tapping:
What are the actual EFT tapping techniques that you’ll need to learn in order to reap the associated benefits? Some EFT practitioners teach that there are seven basic EFT tapping steps, according to the EFT “recipe” created by Gary Craig (some people summarize the process in five steps). The basic EFT tapping steps are: (3)

1. Identifying the Issue — Naming the specific problem or emotion you want to target with EFT. The goal is to focus on only one issue at a time for the most effects.
2. Creating a Reminder Phrase — You create a short phrase which helps you to refer to the problem or memory in a specific way by giving it a title.  This helps you to stay focused on the memory or current problem during the rest of the process.
3. Rating the Issue — Determine on an “intensity scale” ranging from 1–10 how significant the problem is to you (1 in the least significant and 10 the most).
4. Setting Up Your Affirmation — Come up with a self-affirming phrase that helps you feel powerful against the issue. The basic structure of positive affirmations is “Even though I feel X (fill in the problem or emotion you’re dealing with), I deeply and completely accept myself.” While you repeat your affirmation you start by tapping on your hand, specifically on the fleshy part on the outer side of your palm under your pinky finger.
5. Performing the Tapping Sequence — During a tapping sequence you will tap your finger over eight key meridian points. Use two fingers, usually the middle and index finger, and apply constant gentle yet firm taps. Keep speaking out loud while you’re tapping, repeating positive phrases to keep your attention focused. The meridian points to tap include (in this order): top of the eyebrows, side of the eyes, under the eyes, under the nose, under the chin, under the collarbone, under the arm and top of the head.
6. Tuning In for Re-Rating —  Tune in to how you are feeling about the tapping session, rating the problem once again on a scale from 0–10.
7. Repeating the Process — If you still feel stuck, find a new positive affirmation and repeat the process.

Again, what is EFT training? If you’d like to know much more about the origins of Emotional Freedom Technique, how it works and how it can be applied to different situations then you might be interested in taking an online EFT training course. You may also be able to find a trained EFT practitioner in your area who can introduce you the practice. To find out more information about EFT training either online or in your area try visiting the: EFT  Universe website or the EFT Certification website or the Online EFT website.

5 Benefits of EFT Tapping1. May Help Reduce Stress, Depression & Anxiety
EFT has been proven to help in the process of overcoming stress and related symptoms like trouble sleeping, fatigue and panic. What do scientific studies say about the effectiveness of EFT for reducing stress and anxiety? Over the past several decades many studies have been conducted in an attempt to validate the significance of EFT tapping and similar techniques and to determine how they might work.
A 2016 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease found that among 14 different studies emotional freedom technique treatment led to a significant decrease in anxiety scores among adults experiencing psychological distress. (4) There’s some evidence that EFT may work by helping to decrease cortisol levels, one of the primary “stress hormones” that can contribute to many ailments when it stays chronically elevated.
According to a 2014 review published in Medical Acupuncture, “Clinical EFT has been shown to regulate stress hormones and limbic function and to improve various neurologic markers of general health. The epigenetic effects of EFT include upregulation of immunity genes and downregulation of inflammation genes.” (5) Researchers concluded that at least six well-controlled studies have indicated that EFT works differently than placebo.
2. May Help Improve “Stress Biochemistry” by Lowering Cortisol Levels
Another 2012 study also published in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease found that when subjects were randomly assigned to either an Emotional Freedom Technique group, a psychotherapy group, or a no-treatment group, the group receiving EFT treatments decreases in cortisol levels and a number of improvements in psychological distress markers.
EFT treatment lasted 30 minutes, and salivary cortisol was measured before and again 30 minutes after the intervention. Results showed that the EFT group experienced significant improvements in not only cortisol levels but also scores for anxiety, depression and overall severity of symptoms. (6)
3. May Help Veterans Experiencing Psychological Trauma & PTSD
In studies, EFT has shown efficacy in treating post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related symptoms. Because it uses positive affirmations, EFT may work similarly to traditional “talk therapy” to some extent, but be more effective for certain people because it engages both the mind and body.
A 2013 longitudinal analysis that tested the effects of EFT training on veterans dealing with PTSD found that after three treatment sessions 60 percent of the participants no longer met the PTSD clinical criteria, and after six sessions this number went up to 86 percent. The majority of these improvements lasted for at least 3 to 6 months. (7)




4. Can Help Reduce Chronic Joint or Muscle Pains and Headaches
A number of studies have found that EFT can help manage symptoms in sufferers of tension headaches, those with fibromyalgia, people dealing with chronic injuries, and many others suffering from pain. One 2013 randomized controlled trial found that EFT training helped reduce frequency and severity of headaches while also improving other lifestyle parameters. (8)
A study of 86 women with fibromyalgia found that after completion of an 8-week EFT training program, statistically significant improvements were observed in the group assigned to EFT training compared to those assigned to a waiting list group. Researchers found improvements associated with EFT in variables including pain, anxiety, depression, vitality, social function, mental health, performance problems involving work or other activities, and psychological processes like frequent rumination, magnification and helplessness. The EFT group also showed significant increases in activity level. (9)
5. Can Help Improve Athletic Performance
A 2009 study published in Open Sports Sciences that investigated the effects of Emotional Freedom Techniques as part of a psychophysiological intervention for male and female basketball players found that EFT treatment helped to improve athletic performance. (10) The group of athletes receiving EFT treatment for 15 minutes were compared to a performance-matched control group received that received a placebo intervention.
Researchers measured performance by observing free throw success and vertical jump heights. Following treatment they found a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of free throw performance. There was no difference observed between treatment groups in jump height. The difference between groups was attributed to EFT helping with concentration and possibly performance anxiety/stress.
Another study found similar results in soccer players, who showed significant improvements in goal scoring abilities following intervention with EFT. (11) Other research has also shown that EFT tapping may help improve mental conditioning related to sports performance, including boosting confidence and reducing performance anxiety. (12)

Precautions When Using EFT Tapping TherapyEven though findings regarding the positive effects of EFT are promising, researchers point out that EFT should not be considered “standard treatment” for people with mental disorders and should not take the place of approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy. Emotional Freedom Technique should best be thought of as a adjunct therapy, used in combination with things like a healthy lifestyle (eating a nutrient-dense diet and getting enough exercise), traditional therapy, stress-relieving practices like meditation or prayer, and possibly medications.

Final Thoughts on EFT Tapping

• Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a self-help technique that involves tapping near the end points of “energy meridians” located around the body. People use EFT in order to reduce tension, promote a deeper mind-body connection, and manage symptoms of anxiety, depression or stress.
• Tapping focuses on resolving physical ailments by altering energy systems in the body, while also bringing attention to thought processes that contribute to stress and emotional problems.
• EFT may work by lowering cortisol level and the body’s stress response because it helps to promote relaxation.

​10 Natural Treatments for White Tongue Dr. Axe on Facebook4746  Dr. Axe on Twitter76  Dr. Axe on Pintrest3220 Share on EmailPrint ArticleDid you know that the tongue is one of the strongest muscles in the body? It’s actually the most sensitive place for our sense of touch, and it allows us to talk, taste food and swallow. Plus, according to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, the tongue plays an important role in determining and treatment health conditions. For that reason, white tongue can be viewed as a warning sign of a possible health issue, like oral thrush or poor oral hygiene.
There are simple, natural remedies that get rid of white tongue, get rid of bad breath and boost your oral health.

What Is White Tongue? Primary Causes + Risk FactorsA healthy tongue is pink and covered with papillae, small nodules that are on the surface of the tongue and have a rough texture. When your tongue appears white, that means food debris, bacteria and dead cells have been lodged between inflamed papillae. (1) White tongue is usually harmless and only temporary, but it can also be an indication of an infection or some serious conditions.
White tongue may be caused by the following factors:

• dehydration
• poor oral hygiene
• illness or infection
• dry mouth
• fever
• reaction to certain medications, including antibiotics or steroids
• candida yeast infection (oral thrush)
• smoking or tobacco use
• alcohol use
• spicy food, such as habanero and jalapeno peppers
• congenital heart disease in adults

The most common cause of white tongue is dehydration or dry mouth, which is a breeding ground for bacteria. In fact, if you don’t diligently brush your tongue and teeth at least twice a day, you increase your risk of developing white tongue.
White tongue is often due to an overgrowth of candida, a fungus that causes yeast infections or oral thrush. It’s actually perfectly normal for the fungus candida to live in your mouth, but when it accumulates, it can spread to the roof of the mouth, gums, tongue, tonsils and back of the throat — creating white tongue, white lesions, redness and even bleeding. (2) Aside from white tongue, other candida symptoms include chronic fatigue, skin and nail fungal infections, and brain fog.
Sometimes, white tongue that cannot be scraped off and doesn’t go away after using antifungal treatments is the result of a more serious condition. A white tongue and sore throat may be symptoms of strep throat. White tongue may also be due to bacterial infections, such as syphilis or periodontal disease, or a chronic autoimmune disorder called oral lichen planus. HIV/AIDs, leukoplakia (when cells in the mouth grow excessively) and geographic tongue (reddish spots on the tongue with a white boarder) are other conditions that may cause white tongue or white patches on the tongue. These conditions require medical attention.




Tongue coating is one of the most important foundations of tongue diagnosis in traditional Chinese medicine. It plays an important role in determining and treating health issues. According to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, the tongue coating is formed by the evaporation of stomach qi (which means “vital energy”), and it’s closely related to the conditions of body organs, body fluid and blood. It’s believed that changes of tongue coating can’t be separated from the inner environment of the body. (3)
Research published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicinesuggests that tongue coating is caused by processes of the spleen and stomach, and the tongue coating changes rapidly and obviously in the development of chronic gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach. (4)
When considering the views of Chinese medicine, it’s clear that a thick white coating reveals a lot about a person’s digestive and overall health. A thick white coating on the back or at the center of the tongue may be a sign of an overloaded digestive system. This can be caused by an imbalance of good bacteria in the gut, nutritional deficiencies and stress.
Whether or not your white tongue is a sign of a serious health concern, it’s pointing out that something isn’t right. That’s why you should work to naturally treat the issue by re-establishing the good bacteria in your gut, ridding the mouth of bacteria and avoiding the growth of candida with the following at-home white tongue remedies.

How to Get Rid of White Tongue: 10 Natural Treatments 1. Probiotics
An imbalance of the healthy bacteria in your gut can lead to oral thrush and a white tongue coating. Taking probiotic supplements and eating probiotic foods helps balance the bacteria in your gut and treat health conditions that are related to candida.
Several studies have suggested that probiotics can be beneficial for oral health purposes because they inhibit the adhesion of unwanted microbes. Probiotic bacteria seem to affect both oral microbiota and immune responses, so they can help prevent tongue inflammation and the growth of bacteria on the tongue. (5)








2. Baking Soda
One of the many baking soda uses is its ability to exfoliate the tongue, removing any residue that causes white tongue, and maintain good pH levels in mouth by neutralizing acids.
Plus, research shows that baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, possesses substantial inhibitory activity against Streptococcus mutans in saliva and plaque. Exposure to baking soda caused statistically significant decreases in the number of bacterial cells in the mouth in research conducted by the Dows Institute for Dental Research at the University of Iowa’s College of Dentistry. (6) Simply mix a teaspoon of baking soda with lemon juice until it creates a paste. Then add the mixture to your toothbrush, and brush your tongue and mouth.
3. Coconut Oil Pulling
Coconut oil pulling is one of the best ways to remove bacteria from the mouth. This oral detoxification is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurveda advises oil pulling to purify the entire system, as it holds that each section of the tongue is connected to different organs of the body. The oil sucks the debris and toxins out of your mouth and creates a clean, antiseptic oral environment.
Research shows that oil pulling can be used as an effective remedy in maintaining and improving oral health. It has shown to be just as effective as mouthwash at improving bad breath and reducing the microorganisms that may cause the buildup of bacteria in the mouth and white tongue. (7, 8)
Although you can use olive or sesame oil here, coconut oil benefits are superior, and that’s why it’s recommended for oil pulling. Coconut oil is highly absorbable, and it has the power to kill candida. Oil pulling is simply done by swishing a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 10–20 minutes. Then spit the oil out in the trash, rinse your mouth with warm water and brush your teeth as normal.
4. Sea Salt
There are many benefits of sea salt, including its natural antibacterial activities, so by gargling and swishing sea salt with water, you can eliminate bacteria and debris that causes white tongue. Plus, the coarse texture of sea salt works as an exfoliant, helping remove the white coating on the tongue. (9)
Unlike table salt, seat salt undergoes very little processing, leaving behind healthful trace minerals and elements that help to ensure proper fluid balance in your body’s cells. Start by combining sea salt and water to create a mouthwash. After using the mouthwash, brush your teeth and tongue with the sea salt.
5. Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera has antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it’s used to heal infections, wounds, burns and skin irritations. It also contains enzymes that help to remove dead cells and promote the regeneration of skin tissue. (10) To remove the white coating on your tongue, swish one tablespoon of aloe vera juice in your mouth two to three times a day until the coating has disappeared.




6. Colloidal Silver
Research conducted at UCLA Medical School found that over 650 different disease-causing pathogens were destroyed within minutes when exposed to small amounts of colloidal silver. (11) Colloidal silver is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, which is why it’s used for prompt action against irritating and highly infectious viruses and bacteria, like pink eye, herpes, shingles and HIV/AIDS.
Another colloidal silver benefit is it reduces inflammation and boots cell recovery. To get rid of white tongue, simply swish a tablespoon of colloidal silver with equal parts water in your mouth for five minutes, twice daily.
7. Garlic
Garlic’s antifungal activity makes it an effective natural treatment for white tongue. Research shows that allicin, one of the active compounds in garlic, demonstrates anticandidal effects and may be just as effective as fluconazole, a drug that’s used to treat fungal infections, including yeast infections of the mouth. (12)
To treat white tongue, especially when it’s the result of oral thrush or bacterial overgrowth, take one clove of raw garlic per day or use an organic raw garlic supplement.
8. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil has antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It serves as a natural antibiotic, so you can avoid white tongue that’s caused by conventional antibiotic drugs. A 2010 study published in the Brazilian Journal of Microbiology notes that oregano oil has powerful antifungal activity against candida and may represent an alternative treatment for oral thrush, a major cause of white tongue. (13)
9. Pau D’arco Tea
Pau d’arco tea has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, and it can kill candida overgrowth in the mouth naturally. (14) To treat oral thrush or white tongue caused by fungal overgrowth, try making your own pau d’arco tea at home. Put two cups of bark into four cups of boiling water and let it sit for 20 minutes. Then remove the heat and let it cool for at least an hour. Strain the water and drink small portions throughout the day.
10. Tongue Scraping and Oral Hygiene
One of the most important things you can do to prevent and treat white tongue is maintain proper oral hygiene. Make sure to brush your teeth and gums at least twice each day, including after meals.
You can also try tongue scraping, which is another practice of Ayurvedic medicine that can remove bacteria, debris and dead skin cells from the tongue. Tongue scraping helps get rid of white tongue and improves the smell of your breath too. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that a tongue scraper performed better than a toothbrush in reducing the production of volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath and other oral hygiene issues. (15)

White Tongue vs. Bumps on TongueWhen the pipillae, or small bumps on your tongue, grow, which is perfectly normal, they become more likely to harbor bacteria. Sometimes the natural bumps on your tongue aren’t worn down by daily activities, and they look larger than usual. This is when your tongue begins to change color and texture, which is more likely to occur when you have poor oral hygiene.
Sometimes your tongue may feel sore or have painful bumps. This can be due to accidentally biting your tongue or burning it when you eat something that’s too hot. It can also be caused by food allergies, a bacterial infection, a canker sore or a cold sore. If you smoke, that can irritate your tongue and cause it to feel sore or discolored. (16)
Small bumps on the tongue are usually harmless and only temporary. One bump on only one side of the tongue may be more serious and should be looked at by your dentist, especially if it’s painful.

White Tongue PrecautionsIf your white tongue doesn’t disappear within a few days of trying these natural treatments, speak to your health care provider about possible causes. White tongue is a symptom of a health condition. In most cases, it’s harmless and can be treated with oral hygiene and natural remedies, but sometimes it’s caused by a more serious condition that must be addressed by a professional.

Final Thoughts on White Tongue

• When your tongue appears white, that means that food debris, bacteria and dead cells have been lodged between inflamed papillae.
• White tongue is usually harmless and only temporary. It’s most commonly caused by poor oral hygiene or candida overgrowth, but it can also be an indication of an infection or some serious conditions.
• White tongue is a sign that something isn’t right with the body. Thankfully, there are natural remedies that help clear up the issue. Probiotics, baking soda, oil pulling, sea salt and oregano oil are just some of the easy and natural treatments for white tongue.

Read Next: 18+ Natural Ways to Heal Oral Thrush
From the sound of it, you might think leaky gut only affects the digestive system, but in reality it can affect more. Because Leaky Gut is so common, and such an enigma, I’m offering a free webinar on all things leaky gut. Click here to learn more about the webinar.

Doctors
By AMITHA KALAICHANDRAN, M.D., SUNITA VOHRA, M.D. and ROGER ZEMEK, M.D. MARCH 6, 2018


A few months ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a report about a young boy from Connecticut who developed lead poisoning as a direct result of his parents giving him a magnetic healing bracelet for teething. It seems every few months a story will cover a tragic case of a parent choosing an unconventional medical treatment that causes harm.
More often, the alternative treatments parents choose pose little risk to their kids — anything from massage therapy to mind-body therapies like mindfulness meditation and guided imagery. Research indicates that overall, there are few serious adverse events related to using alternative therapies. But when they do occur, they can be catastrophic, in some cases because caregivers or alternative care providers are poorly informed on how to recognize the signs of serious illness.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, part of the National Institutes of Health, now refers to these alternative treatments as complementary health approaches, or C.H.A. They are defined as “a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices and products not presently considered to be part of conventional Western medicine.” In some cases they complement traditional care. In others they are used in place of standard medical practices.
It’s a polarizing subject that unfortunately gets muddled with conversations about anti-vaccination. But while some anti-vaxxers use complementary health approaches, people who use C.H.A. don’t necessarily doubt vaccine effectiveness.
What’s less clear is the proportion of parents choosing complementary health approaches for their children, for what conditions, and their perceptions of effectiveness. We also know very little about parents’ willingness to discuss their use with their child’s doctor, and most doctors receive little training in C.H.A. use, especially in children, and how to counsel parents about it.
To explore these questions, we surveyed parents in a busy emergency room in eastern Ontario, Canada. As reported in our recent study, just over 60 percent said they gave their child a C.H.A. within the last year. Vitamins and minerals (59 percent) were the most common ingested treatment, and half the parents used massage. Our research found that parents with a university-level education were more likely to use a complementary treatment than those with less education.
Parents also perceived most of the C.H.A. that they used — from vitamins and minerals to aromatherapy to massage — as effective. However, less than half of parents felt that homeopathy or special jewelry would be helpful.
As reported in our recent paper, we then asked parents if they had tried a complementary therapy for the problem at hand before they came to the emergency room. Just under one-third reported using C.H.A. for a specific condition, most often for gastrointestinal complaints. Interestingly, in the case of emergency care, there was no correlation with the parents’ level of education.
In work we previously presented at the International Congress of Pediatrics, we asked these parents whether they believed their provider — a nurse practitioner or a doctor — was knowledgeable about complementary medicine. About 70 percent believed their health provider was knowledgeable about C.H.A., although this perception was less likely among parents with a university-level education. Surprisingly, 88 percent said they felt comfortable discussing their use of C.H.A. with their medical provider.
Previous reports have found that only between 40 percent and 76 percentactually disclose C.H.A. use with their doctor. In our study, we were talking to parents who had brought their child to an emergency room, where they would be more likely to talk about whatever treatments they had tried. In many cases, parents may refrain from even taking their child to the doctor if their problem is not a serious one. So it is likely that the overall proportion of parents who use C.H.A. for their children is an underestimate.