Holistic Dentistry – Small Changes Make a Big Difference

There is a lot of information available on eating healthier and switching to a whole foods, plant-based diet.  Most of us, by now, know and understand the benefits of eating more fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes, ideally organic where possible.  But when we are in a hurry or on-the-go, we tend to find excuses and skip to the drive-through for some fast food to go.

Incorporating more plant-based foods, as well as natural products, into our lifestyle, contributes to health, longevity, disease prevention and elimination, as well as a general sense of well-being.  Not everyone can quick eating processed foods cold turkey, but small changes can mean a big difference, especially when applied consistently.

Here are some tips on how to start small and create better habits for a healthier you:

• eat more kale – kale is one of the most nutrient dense vegetables you can eat, with large amounts of vitamins, minerals, and cancer-fighting compounds.
• consider adding seaweed (comes in supplement form) – seaweed is highly nutritious, and particularly high in iodine, which is essential for optimal thyroid function.
• make garlic a staple – garlic is high in vitamins C, B1 and B6, Calcium, Potassium, Copper, Manganese and Selenium. It is also loaded with another incredibly important nutrient called Allicin, which has been shown to lower blood pressure and total and LDL cholesterol, while raising HDL… which should lead to a reduced risk of heart disease down the line.  It also has various cancer-fighting properties. Studies show that the people who eat a lot of garlic have a much lower risk of several common cancers, especially cancers of the colon and stomach.  Garlic is also very potent at killing pathogens like bacteria and fungi.
• include apples in your snack choice – apples are an excellent source of anti-oxidants. There are numerous studies that show that apples contribute to a reduction of bad cholesterol, and recently, have been shown to help reduce strokes by 52%.
• pick almonds over protein bars – Almonds are rich in nutrients, including magnesium, vitamin E, iron, calcium, fiber, and riboflavin. A scientific review, published in Nutrition Reviews, suggests that nutrient-rich almonds may promote heart health, and may help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

There are many other simple choices that will go a long way towards your overall health so stay tuned for upcoming posts.

Your holistic dentist can help work with you towards achieving better health.  Some of the changes we have made in our office to better improve oral health are:

• promote and inform patients about the various natural options available to them with respect to their oral health
• provide mercury-free alternatives to fillings and restorations
• eliminate the use of chloroform in the office
• provide digital X-rays which dramatically reduce your exposure to radiation
• provide natural product alternatives during your cleaning appointments
• created and incorporate the Seven Screenings Process in each hygiene appointment (call us for more information or stay tuned to learn more about the Seven Screenings in our upcoming posts)
• incorporate recyclable and green alternatives throughout our office
• work with your naturopath to provide optimal dental care