🖨️ Print post
What’s the secret to a long, healthy life? Dr. Alvin Danenberg recently participated in the “Human Longevity Project,” a documentary that explores the world’s “blue zones”–areas where folks are living long, happy lives. He knows well what it takes to nurture good health. A personal health crisis years ago led him to change his own diet and lifestyle. Now, at 71 years of age, he is healthier than he was decades ago. Today, he is a certified functional medicine practitioner, a primal health coach, and a periodontist who offers unique insights and tips to point us in the right direction. Among other hacks, he stresses the importance of diet (not just what we eat, but what we choose not to eat), the role of the microbiome in our overall health, the supplements to diversify gut bacteria, and how a 4-minute daily workout can bring immeasurable benefits to our bodies!
Notes:
Highlights include:
- how a stroke shook Dr. Danenberg’s world and led him to a healthier lifestyle
- how he first learned about Weston A. Price and his work
- why he now treats periodontal disease using WAPF principles
- why you’re never too old to make a change
- how he got involved in the Human Longevity Project documentary
- what “blue zones” are and why they are important
- why he believes that “chronic disease begins in the gut”
- the importance of quality of life, not just longevity
- the role of the gut microbiome in our health
- why dental plaque has a purpose and may actually be beneficial
- where modern dental hygiene falls flat
- why coconut oil pulling might actually be harming your teeth
- how our gums, gut, and microbiome are all tied together
- specific tips and hacks to improve health and longevity—including fasting, exercise, spore-based probiotics, vitamin K2, pulsed electro-magnetic fields
Resources
“The Human Longevity Project” Film
Dr. Danenberg’s Website
“Crazy-Good Living: Healthy Gums, Healthy Gut, Healthy Life” by Dr. Alvin Danenberg
Dr. Zachary Bush’s 4 Minute Workout
https://drdanenberg.com/my-5-essential-lifestyle-tweaks/
Almost every kind of toothpaste, even the alternative fluoride, SLS, and even glycerin free toothpastes, include xylitol as an ingredient. I found one kind that does not – Earth Paste Spearmint. Their other flavors do include xylitol. Even Estrella, the brand I purchased at the Pasadena WT conference, includes xylitol – for sweetener, but also b/c it kills bacteria. According to Alvin Danenberg in this podcast, it also wipes out our beneficial oral bacteria. I know some people make their own powders and pastes but I don’t want to do that. So I am glad I found Earth Paste. But what’s the deal? Even the lollipops on my holistic dentist’s counter are sweetened w xylitol, which can cause dyspepsia. Why don’t more dental professionals know about this? Why don’t the holistic toothpaste brands know about this? Why am I just learning about xylitol? And CCNO for that matter. Lots of people oil pull using CCNO because of its antimicrobial properties. But that’s another topic. If the guideline is, DO NOT USE XYLITOL because it prevents the natural remineralizing of your teeth via your saliva – why is it such a secret?!! Thanks, Elissa
I use Revitin toothpaste (www.revitin.com). It contains no xylitol. It is sweetened with non-GMO Stevia Leaf Extract. Some of the other oils in it probably contribute to its taste.
I have been doing oil pulling with coconut oil for years. Just because it is antimicrobial doesn’t mean it kills all the bacteria in your body. If it did, you would not have a gut microbiome if you ate it. Twenty minutes a day of oil pulling really has helped me tremendously. I have learned to multi-task while doing it, so it’s no big deal anymore.
No, the statement that xylitol prevents the natural remineralizing of your teeth via your saliva is not true. In fact, xylitol can promote remineralization. Here’s why:
Xylitol and Remineralization:
Stimulates Saliva Production: Xylitol increases saliva flow, which is essential for the remineralization process. Saliva contains calcium and phosphate ions that help repair demineralized tooth enamel.
Reduces Acid Production: By inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus mutans and other acid-producing bacteria, xylitol reduces the acid levels in the mouth, creating a more favorable environment for remineralization.
Maintains Neutral pH: Increased saliva flow helps neutralize acids, maintaining a neutral pH in the mouth. A neutral pH environment is crucial for the remineralization process to occur effectively.
Scientific Support:
Several studies have demonstrated that xylitol not only helps reduce cavities but also supports the natural remineralization process. Xylitol’s ability to enhance saliva production and reduce acid levels contributes to a healthier oral environment, promoting the repair of early tooth decay.
Therefore, using xylitol does not prevent the natural remineralizing of your teeth via saliva; instead, it supports and enhances this natural process.