Oral Hygiene & Natural Remedies for General Health

[Sinny91]

So as some of you may be aware, I recently went to the dentist for the first time in quite a while (24 months?) and I learned that I had a couple of small cavities .. which I proceeded to get filled in with a couple of nice white composites.

But as usual the dentist said that I wasn't cleaning or flossing 'good enough', which I believe has been said at pretty much every dental appointment I've ever attended.

Now, the most annoying aspect about that for me is the fact that I brush my teeth religiously, and quite fucking well from POV. I have mild OCD when it comes to that shit, and I really do spend a good few minutes at a time in there scrubbing about and trying to get to all the nooks and crannies.. Alas, it just never seems to be enough.

Now, I do have healthy teeth, I've got them all, and all in all - if I remember correctly - I have three fillings total. The only complaints I have about my actual teeth are about some slight overcrowding and consequent crookedness of two of them, which irritates me to no end, and makes rather self conscious. The other thing that annoys me about them is the subsequent 'dullness' to the colour of my teeth which is a subsequent of all the scrubbing I've done with quite abrasive toothpastes (only recently brought to my attention).

That also annoys me to no end because I feel like I've been punished for maintaining decent oral hygiene.

Now, it was only a year or so ago that I switched from hard bristled brushes to medium bristled brushes after my friend and flatmate at the time commented on how hard the bristles I was using at the time were. I didn't pay the subject much thought, apart from remembering what he said when I was out toiletry shopping one day, and so I picked up a medium bristled brush which I've stuck to ever since. Previously I actually had a preference for the harder/firmer brushes, as I felt that soft ones just weren't good enough.

Oh how wrong I was.

As the dentist I recently visited also brought it to my attention that I have caused damage to portions of my gums through what is known as "toothbrush trauma". Which is just what it sounds like.

Now, I don't have a 'gummy smile', and whilst I inspect my teeth quite often to see how my war against staining is fairing , I really wasn't paying attention to my gums.

But now I am, I can actually see the damaged I've caused, and it bothers me quite bit. Really. The most worrying aspect about this is that once you've damaged your gums, they don't just 'regenerate' like the rest of your body. The damage is mostly there for good, besides maybe only very very slight regeneration.

Now, as I say, my only saving grace is that I don't have a gummy smile, so apart from me broadcasting this over the internet, no one else would ever really know. But I know and that's enough.

So my attention now is turning toward making sure that I don't cause myself anymore damage, and trying to encourage the very slight regeneration which may or may not be possible.

I've been doing a hell of a lot of reading in regards to oral hygiene now, and looking at way I can improve mine.

I am somebody who abuses their mouth a lot. I smoke quite heavily, and I don't have the best of diets. Now, smoking full stop damages the mouth (durr), and so I really really really need to pull my finger out and cut a lot of that out (easier said than done, as I'm sure you can imagine). But it's because I smoke, that I brush my teeth so fucking much. It's not unusual for me to brush my teeth up to 4/5 times a day.. This is because, whilst I enjoy smoking, I fucking hate the taste. But, as I've just explained, my regime has actually caused me more harm than good.

So anyway, I've come to learn quite a bit about oral hygiene these last couple of weeks and so I intend to come up with a new regime.

Besides smoking and brushing excessively, I didn't realise what an impact diet and over all health also has on the teeth and gums. Turns out that a vitamin C deficiency, iron deficiency, and various other mineral deficiencies have a large impact on tooth and gum health.

I was diagnosed with anaemia several years ago, and I'm actually not aware if this is still something I suffer with or not, because just like my dental appointments I often neglect my doctors appointments too... And I am very aware, I could use a hell of a lot more vitamin C in my diet.

Now that I am aware of all these little things, and actually bothered by them, I intend to address them.

I know from experience that oral hygiene isn't usually at the top of peoples lists in regards to talking points. But I intend to change that, as all my friends have found out since I've been to the dentist, haha. I wanted to know all about peoples oral hygiene -and overall health, as a matter of a fact.

I want to turn my life style around, and in order to help with that, it would be nice if a few of my friends got on board with me... But I know that we all need to change the way that we view health... and I think a good starting point would be start re-evaluating what we think we know about health.

So here's some of things that I've been looking at in relation to oral hygiene health, and some things that intend to try:

Phillip's Blotting Technique ​

Even if you clean your teeth twice a day, every day, 90% of your mouth remains dirty. Not even mouthwash and flossing cleans the rest of your mouth properly. There is a solution though...

What Is The Strange, Almost-Lost Technique That Has Transformed The Dental Health Of These Individuals And Families From Around The World?

(And Why Do Dentists Want It Kept Out Of The Mainstream Public Eye When It Can Stop Adults And Children From Suffering With Teeth Problems They Might Not Even Know Exist?)

Take a look at what this almost-lost technique has done for people just like you...

Spoiler

“Both the Hygienist and the Dentist were shocked that there was no 'Plaque' - I then explained the brushes and I must confess that I felt good after their conclusions” - Michael Dixon

“I just wanted to tell you that I have cancelled 2 appointments with the dentist, and made an appointment with the hygienist. She said my gums were fine! Yippee. My gums have certainly improved, and they have returned to their proper place, moving down towards the teeth.” - Martha Ray, Portugal

“My mouth feels really clean all day. I wish I have known about them years ago. I doubt I would have gum recession now. I highly recommend this product for everyone” - Sharon Hulme, West Sussex

“My teeth now feel clean (bliss), my mouth is so much better at night, which means I can now sleep right through. So thank you very much, from now on I’ll be spreading the word to my family & friends” - S. Joiner, Truro, England

“Before I started using your brushes (about 3 months ago) my dentist (no longer) told me that I need to have all my teeth out and the gums cut by surgery to remove the affected parts. Thanks to the Blotting Brushes, my gums are now at least 70% stronger and getting better every day. This is a simple technique with such far reaching health benefits. With many thanks for your very kind help.” - Tina B., NSW, Australia

“My husband and I are very impressed with the Blotting Brushes. My teeth have never felt so clean and smooth. It's quite remarkable. I'm an alternative healthcare therapist and I'm for a gentle natural approach to alleviate all conditions. I will be recommending the blotting brushes to everyone.” - C.M. Fife

“I used a Blotting Brush this morning for the first time (without toothpaste), following the instructions from your book. My gums and teeth felt better than they have in ages after just one session” - L.M. Wiltshire

“I feel secure in now again having a source of the Blotting Brushes…Please feel free to use my endorsement of the Blotting Brush. I am 79 years old, and I have all my teeth but one. I started using the Blotting Brush in 1976”- Elizabeth Johnson

We get lovely emails like these all the time from people across the world who are stunned at how effective this simple technique is.

Why Toothpaste, Mouthwash And Flossing Isn’t Enough...​

(Hint: They do not clean the whole mouth)

This simple technique was developed by Dr Joseph Phillips (1922-2003) a forward-thinking dentist.

Originally trained as a dentist, Dr Phillips completed a postgraduate degree in Periodontics in 1967. Periodontics is an area of speciality where dentists study the supporting structure of teeth, diseases and conditions that affect them. He later went on to teach the subject at the University Of California, Los Angeles.

Here’s the interesting bit...

In his extensive research into the structure of teeth and gums Dr Phillips established beyond doubt that toothpastes, mouthwash and flossing was not enough. He found that gum disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, cavities, bad breath and much more could indeed be solved and eliminated using a special technique.

The statisticians tell us that 45% of people in the Western world use mouthwash daily. This is a needless exercise and an unnecessary expense. Mouthwash kills both ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria in the mouth and only temporarily covers bad breath; it doesn’t eliminate the plaque the bacteria feed on (the process that creates bad breath). Cleaning the tongue is the best way to eliminate bad breath.

The most effective mouthwash for you is your own saliva

Brushing your teeth, which many people think is enough to keep their mouth clean, merely polishes the teeth - it does not clean the tongue and gums.

Finally flossing, which many people either ignore or carry out too harshly, can damage the gum tissue. Whilst people should clean between their teeth, and flossing is better than not doing anything at all, they should do so using a technique that does not cause any damage to the structure that supports the teeth or harm the gums.

Knowing all of this Dr Phillips set out to develop a technique that he truly believed could make the world a healthier place; a technique known as the “Phillips Blotting Technique”.

Here’s How Dr Phillips’ Fascinating Development Works...​

The Phillips’ Blotting Technique differs from traditional oral hygiene methods as it can, if carried out properly, reduce and even eliminate the need for brushing with toothpaste, using mouthwash and flossing.

The most effective way to remove plaque from teeth is by using a special brush that Dr Phillips developed called a “Blotting Brush”. Although the Blotting Brush looks much like a traditional toothbrush, the specially-textured bristles draw plaque and debris from the gingival crevice using a capillary action. The Phillips Blotting Technique itself is based on capillary action; that is the principle at work when a sponge soaks up liquid or when paint is drawn up into the bristles of a brush. The capillary action lifts and holds plaque in the brush so that it can be removed. All brushes come with a maintainer cover to protect and reform the bristles.

Dr. Phillips’ patients described them as “the bristles with the split ends.”

It is recommended to change the brush every 2-3 weeks (depending on usage). A Blotting Brush is held differently to a normal toothbrush - like a pencil, with the elbow close to the body, and instead of brushing side-to-side or up-and-down, use a tapping or ‘blotting’ motion to reach between the teeth and gums, drawing out the damaging, trapped plaque which causes so many problems.

Many people brush their teeth and think that is enough to keep their mouth clean. But teeth only make up 10% of the mouth. This is like having a shower but only washing one arm. Even if you clean your teeth twice a day, every day, 90% of your mouth remains dirty. This leaves dead skin cells on the inside of your mouth which can cause gum disease among other nasty problems.

Dr Phillips’ simple, yet hugely effective solution, allows you to brush your teeth, tongue and gums using the Blotting Technique. This combination makes for a healthy, fresh mouth (and lower dental bills!). For those with calculus we strongly recommend having a professional clean from a dental hygienist first.

Now you may think to yourself “Can’t I do all of that with a normal toothbrush? Unfortunately not. As I explained earlier the bristles on the Blotting Brush are unique in their design and texture. Using a toothbrush for brushing and blotting will not do the job

http://www.toothwizards.com/


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BhuQFcE0u0



Oil Pulling

Oil pulling, also known as "kavala" or "gundusha," is an ancient Ayurvedic dental technique that involves swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth on an empty stomach for around 20 minutes. This action supposedly draws out toxins in your body, primarily to improve oral health but also to improve your overall health.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJciYPRiHgQ

One year after starting Oil Pulling, THE RESULTS!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaX-TYtI0qw

The science, logic of oil pulling, along with benefits and risks explained by Dr Lina

Spoiler

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRgg9vdv_1k

..And Wheatgrass is supposed to be as, if not more, effective than the Oil Pulling too. ​

 

[intp_xp]

I brush in the morning after breakfast and before I go to bed. A few times a day, I chew a piece of gum, usually after lunch for sure. It's good for saliva production and fresh breath. I don't use a specific length of time to brush (I think it's a kid thing) but make sure to get every side of every tooth I can contact, sometimes go over twice.

As for brushes, I used to like a hard bristle brush but then realized soft bristles are the best for flexibility and getting into the grooves better. They deform faster but better. Pressing harder was an original fault of mine.

A dental hygienist once asked if I flossed and I said I didn't because she did it once a year. Another after that thought I flossed but I told her I did not.

Anyway, glad you are getting things sorted out.

 

[Fukyo]

Get a Curaprox ultra soft toothbrush. It's more expensive than the regular brushes but it's well worth it. They're really gentle, but despite that the brush cleans my teeth well. I'm kind of a furious brusher too, and I feel like with these I have much less of a chance of damaging anything.

Mind you, it will feel too soft once you use it, but it cleans the teeth well.


Considering using mouthwash to get the smoking smell out of your mouth instead of brushing, just don't go for something aggressive like Listerine.

 

[Sinny91]

Get a Curaprox ultra soft toothbrush. It's more expensive than the regular brushes but it's well worth it. They're really gentle, but despite that the brush cleans my teeth well. I'm kind of a furious brusher too, and I feel like with these I have much less of a chance of damaging anything.

Mind you, it will feel too soft once you use it, but it cleans the teeth well.


Considering using mouthwash to get the smoking smell out of your mouth instead of brushing, just don't go for something aggressive like Listerine.

That's just what I need, thank you.

 

[Sinny91]

So, I started oil pulling today. I'm using coconut oil, I thought it might taste the least worse. It was gross but wasn't so bad, It should get easier. Lots of testimonials as to the benefits including detoxing, whitening and strengthening of the enamel. Got me soft toothbrush, and I'm remembering not to be heavy handed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2D1GWPMqWIo

Apart from that I've got healthy dinners in for the next couple of weeks - mainly based around herbs an spices.. I'm looking for a decent vitamin C supplement, as well eating fresher foods, and I'm working out intermittently, but need to step up and stop dodging the cardio.

I'm avoiding excess alcohol , but 'Sheshs' happen here and there - I'll be trying to keep them to a minimum.

I'm trying to cut down smoking and whilst some days are a real success, others are not so. It all depends how bored/content I'm feeling.

Chocolate and coffee will be the death of me.

Oh, and Green tea is now a regular on my shopping list- and I'm switching sugar to brown.

My friends will probably think I've been replaced by a clone.

Ha, "Go oil pulling or go home".

 

[Bad Itch]

Coconut oil is yummy and good for lots of things. I use it for cooking, pulling, snacks, skin "care". Makes a damn fine popcorn too.

 

[Sinny91]

I wouldn't use the word "yummy", lol.

 

[Bad Itch]

I wouldn't use the word "yummy", lol.

It is TOTES yummy!

Sometimes I'll eat a couple tablespoons of it right outta the jar.

 

[Sinny91]

You don't actually do that do you?

I'm gunna munch one last snack before bed and pull again.

 

[Bad Itch]

I surely do!

 

[Ex-User (9086)]

Do you use dental floss? Every dentist I've met told me brushing isn't enough and it's important to use it properly.

Also yeah, use a good toothbrush like the curaprox Fukyo mentioned. That's what my dentist friend told me she uses so I'd figured there's some merit to it if dentists use it on themselves. Apparently using a powered/sonic toothbrush is bad (because insert reasons I should've probably remembered but I wasn't listening to her) and she doesn't recommend it.

 

[Sinny91]

Do you use dental floss? Every dentist I've met told me brushing isn't enough and it's important to use it properly.

Also yeah, use a good toothbrush like the curaprox Fukyo mentioned. That's what my dentist friend told me she uses so I'd figured there's some merit to it if dentists use it on themselves. Apparently using a powered/sonic toothbrush is bad (because insert reasons I should've probably remembered but I wasn't listening to her) and she doesn't recommend it.

I do not, I find it too awkward, but I use a tooth pick which I find just as effective.

Ugh, I really struggled to put the oil in my mouth today. Room temperature melted it all down throughout the night, so my cousin put in the fridge and it solidified, and so I've had to melt it down again... nn eww.

I was thinking of trying wheat grass too. All these things are cheap and easy so I don't see why I shouldn't give em a shot, considering I'm always raging against big pharma.

 

[Bad Itch]

Ugh, I really struggled to put the oil in my mouth today. Room temperature melted in all down throughout the night, so my cousin put in the fridge so it solidified, and so I've had to melt it down again... nn eww.

I'm having mad giggles at the coconut oil going in the fridge. You'll get used to having to melt it quickly enough... at least it's easier to chew than raw octopus *shrug*. As the cooler weather sets in you might find it stays solidified at room temperature. I find it melts faster if you sort of chew it - breaks the mass up into smaller bits and increases the amount of its surface area exposed to the temperature inside your mouth.

Also... beware the sneeze. Projectile coconut oil is a bastard to clean up.

 

[Architect]

Old joke about Brits having bad teeth ... truth or fiction? At least with the exposure we get in the US the folks from GB (TV, IRL) do have worse dentition than you see over here. Second question, why is that so if true?

Otherwise get a mechanical brush like Oral-B and use it properly. It will give you the equivalent of a hygienist cleaning, really a no-brainier. Expensive and worth it (you only have one set of teeth.)

 

[redbaron]

Sinny, enamel is a dull yellow colour. Teeth are not meant to be pearly white so forget that shit. Ditch abrasive and chemical-laden commercial toothpaste and use a salt-based one.

Floss every tooth once per day, preferably at night before bed. It's a hassle but consider that more than 90% of the population have gum disease. Gums are not meant to be soft and red they're meant to be hard and pink.

Sorry about your gum damage but yes, brushing them really hard will cause your gumline to recede over time and damage them.

Commercial mouthwash is bullshit - stop using it if you do. Just rinse with salt water like every single decent Dental Hygienist would recommend.

Don't brush your teeth within 30 minutes after eating if you can help it. The chewing motion causes your body to acidify your saliva, in order to faster break down food. This acidification in conjunction with scrubbing your teeth can wear down the enamel. This especially applies if the food you ate had a high acid content or if it was sugary. Wait 30 minutes for your saliva to return to normal and then brush.

Don't chew gum except right after eating. As your saliva becomes acidic when you chew, what do you think chewing gum often does to your mouth? The only time gum is useful is if it's a sugar-free gum chewed right after eating for a couple minutes. After that, spit it out - it's not helping and potentially harming.

Stop smoking. It's shit for many reasons beyond mouth health, but you already know that.

If your diet is bad, you can't afford to skip days of flossing. I think you should rinse with salt water about 3-4x a day for 45-60 seconds too. Brush once in the morning and once at night, floss at night and don't eat after you brush/floss at night. Rinse with salt water regularly and stop smoking and your mouth health will improve heaps.

Source: partner is a dental hygienist and I get told this stuff all the time

 

[Architect]

Commercial mouthwash is bullshit - stop using it if you do. Just rinse with salt water like every single decent Dental Hygienist would recommend.

True. Use a diluted Hydrogen Peroxide instead. Whitens teeth and is reputably good for the gums and such.

 

[redbaron]

Peroxide is shit for your teeth because it damages and stains your enamel white, weakening it in the process and making it more susceptible to acid and abrasion damage. Teeth aren't meant to be white because enamel isn't "white". That's why rats have yellow teeth - because they have very thick enamel designed for gnawing.

The peroxide making your teeth white isn't because it's cleaning them better, you're just staining the enamel to the colour everyone is mistakenly told their teeth are meant to be.

All you need is salt water, brush twice/day with a salt based toothpaste (no SLS either) and floss daily. Also don't smoke. Congratulations, you are now part of the 5% of the population who doesn't have gum disease.

Oh and also, don't use toothpaste with SLS in it.

 

[Sinny91]

Well, I use salt water every other day, just cuz.. Maybe I'll up that up.

My new routine takes between 30 & 35 mins per day now...and my new mission in life is to get a compliment from the dentist, haha.

I don't like feeling incompetent, so here's to making that 5% cut
(really just 5%??.. Goes off to google)

Deffo thinking about ditching the fouride toothpaste.

Was just doing some more reading:

While coconut oil has dragged itself out of the muck of vast misrepresentation over the past few years, it still rarely gets the appreciation it truly deserves. Not just a "good" saturated fat, coconut oil is an exceptional healing agent as well, with loads of useful health applications.

Some examples of "good" saturated fat include

Fat-burning: Ironic, isn't it? A saturated fat which can accelerate the loss of midsection fat (the most dangerous kind). Well, there are now two solid, human studies showing just two tablespoons a day (30 ml), in both men and women, is capable of reducing belly fat within 1-3 months.

http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/13-evidence-based-medicinal-properties-coconut-oil

I totally need to drop some flab around the mid section.

Coconut Oil - Two human studies now exist showing that dietary coconut is safe and effective in reducing midsection fat in both women and men. In the women’s study, the treatment group received two tablespoons of coconut oil (30 ml), daily, over a period of 12 weeks, resulting in both a reduction in waist circumference, as well as a boost in their "good" HDL cholesterol levels. [3] In the male study, obese men received two tablespoons (30 ml) of coconut oil per day, taken in 3 divided doses, half an hour before each meal, for one month. The men experienced an average of over one inch (2.86 cm) reduction in their waist circumference, with no changes in their blood lipids. You can read the full study here.

Green Tea – Green tea has been called "the medicine which grew into a beverage." Indeed, our project has identified research on over 200 health conditions that may benefit from its use, with obesity on top of the list.[4] In a 2009 study published in the journal Obesity, the consumption of catechin-rich green tea was found to be safe and effective in reducing weight in moderately overweight subjects, including an over two inch reduction in their waist circumference.

http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/6-evidence-based-ways-burn-belly-fat-and-extend-your-life

Hmm.. Ew, dunno if I could swallow the oil. But for an inch? I might.

Examples of "good" saturated fat continued:

Brain-Boosting: A now famous study, published in 2006 in the journal Neurobiology of Aging, showed that the administration of medium chain triglycerides (most plentifully found in coconut oil) in 20 subjects with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment, resulted in significant increases in ketone bodies (within only 90 minutes after treatment) associated with measurable cognitive improvement in those with less severe cognitive dysfunction.

Yup, I could totally use a brain and memory boost.

Bone Health: Coconut oil has been shown to reduce oxidative stress within the bone, which may prevent structural damage in osteoporotic bone.[xi] [Note: Osteoporosis is a Myth, as presently defined by the T-Score]

http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/13-evidence-based-medicinal-properties-coconut-oil

And a bone boost.

 

[redbaron]

I dunno Sinny, I looked at the study about 'fat burning' and it was found to only be effective for males - statistically insignificant for females. The size of the groups, control groups, other diet factors and various other things are totally unaccounted for as well. It also flies in the face of what we know about fat loss, which is that it's actually quite simple - you put in less calories than you exert.

This has been proven effective by the twinkie diet.

A guy literally ate nothing but sweets and junk food for 10 straight weeks - but made sure to keep his total calorie intake below the amount his metabolism would naturally burn each day. He took a multivitamin and ate some green beans or a little celery each day to make sure he was still getting some essential nutrients in his diet, but the results are pretty clear: if you want to lose fat, you put in less than you put out.

It's very simple and if you think about it, is the only thing that makes sense. Food is essentially energy. Energy not used, needs to be stored in the body somewhere - so it gets stored as fat. So if you just think of food as energy and that any excess energy becomes fat, you start to understand that being unable to lose weight comes from one simple thing: inputting too much energy.

You also can't really manipulate your genetics - the places and the way your body stores fat is pretty much set in stone. If you want to lose bodyfat in a particular place, you need to lose fat, period - because it can't be controlled where you lose it first.

If you think you can change this by 'working out' certain areas, you'd be wrong. All you're doing is training the muscle underneath your fat - but you're not going to burn off the fat unless you're creating an energy (see food) deficit.

If you want to increase your energy expenditure, just walk. Every day. Just walk briskly for 30-60 minutes every day and you'll burn 150-500 calories depending what you do.

Then try and eat roughly 300 calories less than your BMR. Calculate your BMR here.

I would guaran-fucking-tee that if you increase the amount of calories you burn per day by a few hundred, as well as eat a few hundred below your BMR, you will lose weight. If you do it for 10 weeks, you'll 100% lose weight. It doesn't matter what you eat or how you exercise (but really, walking is the easiest to do) you will lose weight.

Walk daily. Eat less than your BMR. All weight problems solved.

~

Can't really be bothered arguing with the other stuff and it's probably fine. Coconut oil as far as I know is indeed healthy so I wouldn't discourage anyone from taking it...just not if they're doing it because they're interested in losing fat, while not restricting their food intake and exercising (yeah, good luck...)

 

[The Gopher]

Based on a weekly average I use around 2679 kcal per day. (conservative estimate) Does that sound right?

Yay! I looked it up and it seems right.

The problem I have with flossing is not even the dentist can do it with how close my teeth are but he still awkwardly tells me to floss at the end as if ignoring the fact it was physically impossible for him not 5 minutes ago.

 

[Sinny91]

I dunno Sinny, I looked at the study about 'fat burning' and it was found to only be effective for males - statistically insignificant for females. The size of the groups, control groups, other diet factors and various other things are totally unaccounted for as well. It also flies in the face of what we know about fat loss, which is that it's actually quite simple - you put in less calories than you exert.

This has been proven effective by the twinkie diet.

A guy literally ate nothing but sweets and junk food for 10 straight weeks - but made sure to keep his total calorie intake below the amount his metabolism would naturally burn each day. He took a multivitamin and ate some green beans or a little celery each day to make sure he was still getting some essential nutrients in his diet, but the results are pretty clear: if you want to lose fat, you put in less than you put out.

It's very simple and if you think about it, is the only thing that makes sense. Food is essentially energy. Energy not used, needs to be stored in the body somewhere - so it gets stored as fat. So if you just think of food as energy and that any excess energy becomes fat, you start to understand that being unable to lose weight comes from one simple thing: inputting too much energy.

You also can't really manipulate your genetics - the places and the way your body stores fat is pretty much set in stone. If you want to lose bodyfat in a particular place, you need to lose fat, period - because it can't be controlled where you lose it first.

If you think you can change this by 'working out' certain areas, you'd be wrong. All you're doing is training the muscle underneath your fat - but you're not going to burn off the fat unless you're creating an energy (see food) deficit.

If you want to increase your energy expenditure, just walk. Every day. Just walk briskly for 30-60 minutes every day and you'll burn 150-500 calories depending what you do.

Then try and eat roughly 300 calories less than your BMR. Calculate your BMR here.

I would guaran-fucking-tee that if you increase the amount of calories you burn per day by a few hundred, as well as eat a few hundred below your BMR, you will lose weight. If you do it for 10 weeks, you'll 100% lose weight. It doesn't matter what you eat or how you exercise (but really, walking is the easiest to do) you will lose weight.

Walk daily. Eat less than your BMR. All weight problems solved.

~

Can't really be bothered arguing with the other stuff and it's probably fine. Coconut oil as far as I know is indeed healthy so I wouldn't discourage anyone from taking it...just not if they're doing it because they're interested in losing fat, while not restricting their food intake and exercising (yeah, good luck...)

Yahh, my cousin was poking fun at me the other day because ever since ever I've always had layer of 'baby fat' right where my naval is.. and I was rather slim for most my life (UK 8), but these day's I've grown into a ten.. I can loose weight everywhere, except there! It's really annoying, I had a pack under there the once, but I could never get it defined.. .. humph!

I walk a fair bit, a work out here and there, but I know I need to up the cardio.
I'm glad you pointed that out, I'll refrain from swallowing the stuff, then.

I have a huge problem with binging. Some days I'm not interested in food, on others, after a smoke or something, I could eat and eat and eat..

Ahh.

 

[Sinny91]

It's great for avoiding conversation.

Just shove a spoon of oil in your mouth and shrug your shoulders.

 

[QuickTwist]

Found this gem:

https://cronometer.com/?logout=true&