WHY YOUR TOOTHPASTE MAY BE DOING MORE HARM THAN GOOD You likely know there are good bacteria, which play a healthy, symbiotic role within our bodies, and bad bacteria, which cause infection and inflammation. However, antibacterial health care products, including toothpaste and mouthwash, don’t discriminate. They kill all bacteria in your mouth, even the ones serving a positive purpose. This begs the question: Are antibacterial products doing more harm than good? mouths using lozenges “contaminated” with K12. During check- ins one and two weeks later, volunteers reported “much sweeter breath.” It’s likely the helpful K12 bacteria beat out harmful bacteria in the oral environment. What’s the Deal With Antibacterial Dental Products?
Another factor to consider is that of digestion, which starts in the mouth. Enzymes in saliva get most of the credit (along with the teeth and their crushing power), but our mouths are home to probiotics as well. These probiotics may play an important part in triggering the enzymes to effectively begin the digestion process. If you kill these bacteria, the process isn’t as effective, which may have consequences in the gut, such as not being able to digest nutrients as well as you should. So, how can you be better at helping the good bacteria while taming the bad? A big part of it may come down to the products you use. It’s important to skip products labeled explicitly as “antibacterial.” Using products containing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide is also discouraged. Instead, focus on products that promote good bacteria and probiotic health. Finally, don’t forget that eating a healthy diet low in sugars and simple carbs can help too!
Many oral care products on the market today advertise their antibacterial properties, and this practice didn’t pop up randomly. As a society, the general public has come to fear microscopic organisms that cause tooth decay, gum disease, and general infections. While you should be practicing good hygiene habits that eliminate harmful bacteria, you should also be doing more to promote beneficial bacteria.
Some forms of bacteria, such as Streptococcus salivarius K12, may combat bad breath. Reported by Scientific American, researchers in Australia and New Zealand put this to the test. They boosted the presence of this bacteria in volunteers’
Luxurious
Vegan Chocolate Mousse
Making chocolate mousse with avocados may sound strange, but we promise it’s a match made in heaven! This sinfully delicious recipe is a great holiday treat.
INGREDIENTS • 4 oz vegan dark chocolate, chopped • 2 large avocados, pitted and skinned • 3 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup almond milk • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1–3 tsp maple syrup, to taste • Fresh berries, for garnish
DIRECTIONS 1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate. Heat in 15-second intervals, then stir and repeat until melted. Set aside to cool. 2. In a food processor or blender, combine the cooled chocolate and other ingredients. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding additional sweetener as desired. 3. Scoop into glasses and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Top with berries and serve!
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Inspired by WellPlated.com
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