If you do a quick Google search for "healing cavities naturally," you will surprisingly discover dozens of health and wellness blogs boasting about the exact same study and doctor. And while the doctor in question (from a very long time ago) had some brilliant nutrition studies, these bloggers are clearly being paid by somebody to promote the Paleo diet and natural healing. 

And while I am a proponent of healing everything naturally, and in fact have healed a cavity without dental intervention, I am calling bullshit on these bloggers. How is it that all of these folks stumbled upon the same treatment, which promotes cod liver oil and butter oil supplements along with fat soluble vitamins, and a diet that very much looks like the Paleo diet to heal their teeth?

Bullshit. 

And more bullshit surfaces when not a single one of these folks have photographic evidence of said miracles. Even the blogger who states that the photos prove that the cavity disappeared is clearly not showing healing.

And oftentimes, along with this miracle treatment, the writer talk about a study (which I couldn't find) in the British Medical Journal about kids who ate oatmeal and kids who didn't. Supposedly, kids who ate oatmeal increased the amount of cavities they ate even when following a very healthy "Paleoesque" lifestyle. 

Oatmeal? Seriously? I'm here to set some things straight. It isn't good ole fashioned oatmeal giving people cavities; I've been eating oatmeal for years and I don't have a mouthful of cavities. And so has my child. No fucking cavities. But do you know what we don't eat? Processed sugary oatmeal. I'll bet money that oatmeal is getting a bed reputation here because most Americans aren't eating oatmeal cooked in a pot.

They are eating oatmeal from a teeny tiny package loaded with sugar. Did you know that a small package of instant oatmeal (Strawberries and Cream, or whatever) has roughly 10 grams of sugar! What the fuck. Who the fuck wants to eat that much sugar for breakfast? Oh yeah, that's right, kids. Because kids love sugar.

But regardless, I'd still argue that even that isn't causing cavities. Most likely it is all of the other stuff that comprises Americans' diets.

Okay, I should get back on track. I wanted to save oatmeal from catastrophe by giving you my two favorite ways to make oatmeal, all of which use good old fashioned oats that must be cooked on the stove. 

If you are worried about phytates or other mineral-binding chemicals in this relatively innocent grain, I suggest soaking them overnight in water and a tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.

Oatmeal
I eat oatmeal every single day. Usually for breakfast. Lately, I am really in love with eating cold oatmeal, but nothing beats a hot bowl of oatmeal on a cold day. Some of my favorite oatmeal combinations are Almond Joy Oatmeal, Brownie Batter Oatmeal, Blueberry Banana Oatmeal, Peanut Butter Oatmeal, Yogurt and Pumpkin Seed Oatmeal, and Blackberry Cinnamon Oatmeal.

Oatmeal is loaded with fiber, B vitamins, and protein. Not to mention it digests slowly, leaving you full for hours. And if you throw in some vanilla soy protein powder, you may not eat until dinner.


Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is the best invention on the planet. I love peanuts, but something transformative happens to the peanut when it is crished to smithereens and whipped into peanut butter. Magic. Seriour magic. And I love to eat peanuts, peanut butter, crushed peanuts...mmmm.

And peanuts, despite what the Paleo folks would have you believe, are really good for you. A quarter-cup of peanuts gives you nearly half of your daily copper needs anda third of your manganese! Hello, that's amazing, isn't it? Peanuts are also loaded with the anti-aging antioxidant, resvertrol.  Oh, and guess what? They are loaded with MUFAs (monounsaturated faty acids), which may reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease...sounds pretty amazing to me.

It' s too bad people are allergic to peanuts or that the Paleo community says that they are bad for you because of "antinutrients"...if you aren't allergic to peanuts, then eat up because these bad boys deliver a good amount of protein and fat that will keep you energized for hours. I like to make a peanut butter banana smoothies on days that I know I won't have time to eat for awhile.

Beets
Beets are the cornerstone of my fall and winter pantry. I begin pulling beets from the garden mid-September and don't stop until February. Beets are delicious. They are bright and delectable--perfect for a salad or roasted.  I like to grate beets with apples and celery, and then toss them in apple cider vinger for a bright slaw-like alternative to traditional cole slaw. 

What makes beets so powerful and energizing? Beets aid in detoxification of the body and they give you a whopping dose of folate.  Folate will boost your energy levels fo sure.

Spinach
Spinach happens every single day in our house. We use it in smoothies, soups, casseroles, and even dessert. Spinach is packed with nine times the amount of vitamin K need per day in just one cup! Yep. That makes spinach better than kale or lettuce any day of the week. Oh and vitamin K is really cool-- it's been shown to increase the movement of electrons to improve energy levels and to increase insulin resistance.

​Consider trying spinach on pizza, in a dip, or a smoothie.