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It’s as natural a part of your routine as breathing – after brushing your teeth, of course you’d rinse the toothpaste out of your mouth. But one cosmetic dentist is causing confusion after suggesting that there is no need for that last step after all.

Dr Shahira Saad, a cosmetic dentist from California, shared in a TikTok video that rinsing toothpaste out from your mouth after brushing is unnecessary, causing much confusion from her followers.

Watch the video above.

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“You should spit and not rinse after brushing your teeth”, explained the dentist, “By rinsing after brushing your teeth, you’re essentially washing away all the active ingredients that re-mineralise your enamel and decrease sensitivity.”

Commenters were baffled by the suggestion.

“How do I get all the foamy tooth paste out of my mouth when I’m done brushing?” one questioned, to which Dr Saad replied, “By spitting or a very light rinse without swishing.”

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“I thought we had to rinse so we don’t swallow the toothpaste,” another added, with Saad replying, “Isn’t it crazy! If you read the directions on the back of your toothpaste it will often tell you to spit not rinse.”

She added that even she didn’t know this fact until she went to dental school.

She also added that using mouthwash after brushing is also “not necessary”, as it will also wash away all the helpful ingredients.

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If you must use it, she recommends one that is “alcohol free and has a pH higher than 5.5.

“If it meets that criteria than before you brush or as a refresh in the day. If it’s a fluoridated rinse like ACT it can be used after you brush,” she said.

She also shared a few more tips, namely that even if you feel the urge, you shouldn’t brush your teeth straight after vomiting.

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“By brushing your teeth right away, you’re essentially scrubbing all that acid directly into your teeth, which can wear away enamel and cause sensitivity.

“By waiting 30 minutes, you’re allowing your saliva enough time to neutralise all those acids, so you can safely brush your teeth.”

Instead, she suggested rinsing out your mouth with water or even add a bit of baking soda to your water to bring the pH of your mouth back to basic.

Saad also advised not to get a tongue piercing, as it can cause “irreversible damage” to your teeth by causing cracks and chips ion your enamel 24/7. “Is it really with the risk?” she questioned.

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If you’ve found things to be lacking a little in the bedroom lately, maybe you should try drinking a cup of coffee.

UK-based Dr. Karan Rajan has shared a video explaining the potential link between caffeine and improved orgasms.

After two TikTok users shared their stories of “wild” sex after drinking a cup of coffee, he jumped on the app to share the science behind the anecdotes.

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According to Dr. Rajan, when drunk in small doses, caffeine “has mainly a vasoconstrictor effect”, meaning it narrows your blood vessels.

But in higher doses, “it has a vasodilator effect,” which means that it “widens the blood vessels and improves blood flow”.

He explained how increased blood flow to the genitals, especially when aroused, can impact the quality of your orgasms.

“The better your circulation, the more flow to your erectile tissue,” he said. “Thus, the more likely you are to reach states of arousal that sets the stage for a great [orgasm].”

READ MORE: All your burning questions about running answered

Also, as we all know, caffeine makes you more focused, elevates your heart rate, and makes you more active – which in turn, could lead to a better performance in the bedroom.

Dr. Rajan’s video has now racked up over two million views, with people vowing to try it for themselves – or claiming that it’s worked for them in the past.

Last week, a woman shared a TikTok where she drank three shots of espresso before having sex, saying afterwards: “That was wild.”

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However, Dr. Rajan says that while the science is there, nothing has been actually confirmed in a medical setting.

A 2005 study found that female rats who were administered caffeine tended to engage in more sexual activity.

“There’s no real research into whether that can extend into the genitalia of humans,” the doctor added.

He ended the video by encouraging his viewers to conduct their own research.

“Not only do I feel like a study with humans would be easy to do, but I’d also like to volunteer to get paid to do this,” one person commented.

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You shouldn’t run away from your problems… but running to cope with them could be more effective than you’d think.

Researchers in Amsterdam have found that regular running can be just as effective at dealing with depression as medication is.

The scientists conducted a study in which some people went on regular runs, while some took antidepressants. The results showed that “both interventions helped with the depression to around the same extent,” Professor Brenda Penninx shared of their findings.

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For the study, 141 participants suffering from depression and/or anxiety were asked to choose between taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants or participating in a group run two to three times a week. After 16 weeks, their mental wellbeing was examined.

Of all the participants, 91 chose to run regularly, while 45 chose to take the medication. 

Fourty-four per cent of the participants reported feeling better, regardless of whether they’d been running or taking the antidepressants.

READ MORE: A professional’s guide to improving your mental health

The people who chose to go on weekly runs also had the added benefit of seeing their health improve.

“Antidepressants generally had worse impact on body weight, heart rate variability and blood pressure, whereas running therapy led to improved effect on general fitness and heart rate for instance,” Penninx said.

Exercising improved participants’ weight, waist circumference, blood pressure and heart function.

“In the end, patients are only truly helped when we are improving their mental health without unnecessarily worsening their physical health”.

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However, it’s important to note that not all the runners stuck with the habit through to the end of the trial. Only 52 per cent of them stuck to the plan, versus 82 per cent of those taking the pills.

“The study shows that lots of people like the idea of exercising, but it can be difficult to carry this through, even though the benefits are significant,” Penninx noted.

Other experts noted that those who chose to take the antidepressants – instead of exercising – may have been more depressed than the runners. This would impact the likelihood of them committing to and maintaining an exercise routine.

READ MORE: How to spot bad health advice online

The goal of the study wasn’t to dissuade people from taking medication, but instead to remind people of the importance to approach health issues holistically.

“We know that not treating depression at all leads to worse outcomes; so antidepressants are generally a good choice. Nevertheless, we need to extend our treatment arsenal as not all patients respond to antidepressants or are willing to take them,” Penninx said.

If you or someone you know is struggling, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

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If you find yourself tossing and turning in bed, unable to fall asleep no matter how tired you are, maybe you should try eating some pineapple.

Or at least, that’s what the latest TikTok trend claims.

Racking up millions of views, videos featuring the hashtag #PineappleHacks have some people claiming that the fruit has helped them get “the best sleep ever”.

But is there any science behind it?

READ MORE: What happens if you exercise but don’t eat well?

It’s been found that pineapple can increase melatonin in the body – a hormone that helps to reset your circadian rhythm. Melatonin doesn’t magically make you sleepy, but a higher level of melatonin in the body signals to your brain that it’s time to fall asleep for the night.

So if you have lower-than-normal melatonin levels that are preventing you from falling asleep, eating pineapple could potentially help.

If you don’t believe the science, there are plenty of users on TikTok touting the benefits of pineapple in getting a good sleep.

“Eat pineapple before bed if you struggle with sleep,” certified nutritionist Emma Leigh wrote in her caption.

READ MORE: Great news: Cheese isn’t as ‘unhealthy’ as everyone thinks

“Pineapple has been shown to increase melatonin in the body by 240 per cent,” she said. “Eating pineapple before bed helps me fall asleep faster and sleep so much deeper.”

Another user, a health coach, says that she snacks on frozen pineapple before bed or blends it into a tea to help her sleep.

“It’s also great for waking up not puffy!!,” she wrote in the video’s caption.

Pineapple isn’t the only food that will help your body produce melatonin.

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Tart cherry juice is another miracle food that some people swear by to help them sleep. Recent research from Louisiana State University found that drinking the stuff twice a day helps insomnia sufferers sleep for 90 minutes more on average.

Honey also has the same effect, by spiking your insulin levels, releasing tryptophan, which becomes serotonin and then melatonin.

Another sweet treat that can help you sleep is kiwi fruit, which is rich in potassium, calcium, phosphorus, folate, magnesium and more. A study from Taiwan found eating two kiwis an hour before bed significantly improved sleep.

Of course, one of the biggest factors affecting your body’s melatonin levels is screen time before bed.

Tim Stephenson, a sleep physiologist with sleep health company ResMed says “we need to limit that especially just before bedtime.”

“Light impacts production of melatonin, so when we are on our screens at night it is delaying the production of melatonin which is important in the overall sleep process.”

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There aren’t many things better on this planet than cheese.

But unfortunately, it’s often right near the top of the list when we think of foods which are “unhealthy”.

Thanks to its high fat content and link to high cholesterol – plus the fact it features in so many of our beloved comfort foods – cheese is often demonised as a “bad food“.

However, a new study has found that might not be the case.

READ MORE: What happens if you exercise but don’t eat well?

Researchers at the National Centre for Geriatrics and Gerontology in Obu, Japan took a look at the diets of 1500 participants over the age of 65. They found the people who regularly ate cheese scored higher on cognitive tests than those who didn’t.

But that’s not all – regular cheese consumption was also tied to lower BMI, lower blood pressure, faster walking speeds, and a more varied diet.

Though the researchers couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it is about cheese that led to these more positive health benefits, they noted it was possible cheese may contain nutrients which “support cognitive function”.

READ MORE: ‘Diet’ foods won’t actually help weight loss, says WHO

Yes, there are still some qualities of cheese that are “unhealthy”, as it is high in saturated fat and calcium. However, it is also rich in calcium and protein, and some fermented types contain probiotics.

Cheese can certainly be a part of a healthy diet, it’s just all about how you eat it, dieticians say.

“Eating cheese with foods like refined grains (white pasta, bread, crackers, etc.) and processed meats may negate its health benefits,” say scientists from Harvard University.

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”On the other hand, cheese may provide health benefits if consumed as a replacement for red and processed meats or eaten as a snack instead of potato chips.”

So basically, yes – cheese is good for you. But you can’t just eat a cheeseburger and call it a health food.

READ MORE: Dietitian ranks ready-made pasta sauces from ‘worst to best’

Just because cheese is high in fat, doesn’t mean it’s bad.

“We do need some fat in our diets,” dietitian Dr Duane Mellor told The Telegraph. “Fat is a key source of energy at times of food hardship, and it provides padding to protect our vital organs, but it’s important for much more than just that.

It’s all about choosing the right types of cheese as well.

“Tasty cheese is the highest source of calcium but also the highest in fat,” nutrition and wellbeing specialist Melanie McGrice told 9Honey.

READ MORE: The health-conscious guide to choosing cheese

“Low-fat cheeses tend to have more salt, and white cheeses such as ricotta and cottage cheese don’t have as much calcium or protein. It’s nice to have a variety of different cheeses – all have different pros and cons.”

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An Australian woman has been asked to leave her gym, for what she calls a “ridiculous reason”.

Kenzie Greaves from the Gold Coast shared a TikTok in which she complains about being booted from her gym over her choice of footwear.

Though she claimed she needed to wear open-toed shoes because of a foot injury, not everyone took Greaves’ side.

Watch the video above.

READ MORE: Five trainers share their number one tip for ‘weight loss’

In her video, Greaves explains that she wore socks and slides to the gym, instead of closed-toed shoes.

“I have a broken toe with a toenail almost coming off, that I’m probably going to have to have surgery to take it out,” she said.

“So I cannot wear shoes, even just socks is so painful.”

She explained that she wore the slip ons while walking around the gym but took them off to exercise because “they’re awkward to do stuff in”. But Greaves was quickly approached by a staff member.

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“A man comes up to me and says ‘you have to leave’,” she explained in her video.

Despite her reasoning behind her footwear choice, the gym attendant wouldn’t let her stay

“If I’m that dumb to drop a weight on my foot then it’s my own fault,” Greaves lamented, though wearing closed-toes shoes is one of the terms and conditions of entry to her gym, which she named.

“So probably going to cancel my membership there because that is so dumb,” Greaves said.

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People were quick to take the gym’s side in the comments section of Kenzie’s TikTok.

“You become a legal liability, it’s not that deep, all gyms have this rule,” one commenter wrote.

“You can’t walk around any business without footwear on,” another pointed out.

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However, fellow gym goers shared their sympathy, adding that lifting weights while barefoot is better for stability. “My gym encourages no shoes!! better for lifting,” wrote one person.

“Having shoes on or being bare foot, drop a weight on your foot & the outcome will be the same. Unless you’re wearing steal caps,” said someone else.

Greaves shared an update to Instagram a few days later, confirming that she had, in fact, joined another gym.

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As the weather warms up and people start to think about wanting to get in shape after the ‘winter hibernation’ period, weight loss becomes the goal for many.

Sadly, that mindset sees many Aussies take drastic measures to try and drop a few kilograms, including skipping meals and changing their diets.

Instead, we asked a group of fitness experts for their top tips when it comes to embarking on a healthier lifestyle journey.

Here, five trainers share their top tip with 9Honey Coach. And most of them agree, it’s not really about actual ‘weight loss’.

READ MORE: Fitness myth you need to stop believing

Kayla Itsines, Sweat trainer and global fitness star

“Investing in fat loss is firstly about educating yourself and being realistic. Enjoy a diet that is focused on protein, but is still balanced. Do strength training with cardio days in between – and when I say cardio, I’m not saying running.

It’s not unrealistic. It’s strength training three days a week with walks in between and you will see the biggest difference not only in the shape of your body, but your mindset.

And the probably the photo that you looked at and the person that you want to look like you don’t really care about that anymore. You just want to be the best version of yourself. It’s more than just a diet will do. Because it gives you positive endorphins. It makes you feel good.

And we need to stop with the scales. My god throw that shit out.”

READ MORE: How often should you change up your exercise routine?

Chontel Duncan, Gym owner and online trainer

“The foremost key to achieving successful weight loss lies in the harmonious integration of nutrition and training. It’s imperative to invest equal amounts of energy, time, and dedication into both facets.

My second tip, if I were to offer another, underscores the importance of considering the sustainability of your approach. Ask yourself whether the path you’re on is one you can envision yourself following consistently, even two years down the line. Sustainability ensures adherence, and this, in turn, leads to a more enjoyable and fulfilling journey toward your fitness goals.”

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Katie Martin, Sweat trainer

“My number one tip for weight loss is a simple equation. Strength training + walking + consistency = sustainable weight loss.”

Ben Lucas, Director of Flow Athletic

“Being consistent is my number one tip for weight loss.

My second tip is to control portion distortion. Many (but not all) of us fill up our plate with more food than we need.”

Prue Harvey, Training Educator at BFT

“Measure your success on how you feel, not the number on the scales. 

Also plan and prioritise your training and nutrition equally.”

Itsines, Duncan and Martin will be presenting at the FitHer Expo  in Sydney on October 7 and 8.

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A new study has found that people who work from home consume more calories each day than they do when in the office.

Diet tracking app MyFitnessPal found that when we work from home, we’re far more likely to snack and over-eat to the tune of about 800 extra calories.

Plus, working from home makes us far less active.

READ MORE: We tried the viral desk treadmill trend in the office

Of the over 2000 hybrid workers – who work both in the office and from home – nearly two-thirds admit to eating a far less healthy diet when they’re at home.

In Australia, 46 per cent of people work from home to some degree, as of 2022.

Participants were asked to log their food intake and their step count on days that they worked from home, and on days they were in the office.

Thirty six per cent of these workers also shared that they aren’t overeating due to hunger, but instead out of boredom or for something to do.

READ MORE: How often should you change up your exercise routine?

The fact that we’re at home, with full access to our kitchen – and not just the pre-prepared food and snacks we’ve taken to work – is definitely a contributing factor.

Behavioural research has repeatedly shown that one of the most significant reasons that we indulge in junk food is availability.

If you are finding that spending hours and hours at home each day is triggering the munchies, the best thing to do is have pre-prepped snacks on hand that you can reach for, instead of scoffing a bag of chips.

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Furthermore, the study found that those working at home walk 3,500 fewer steps on average, compared to when they head into the office.

Nearly half (45 per cent) of workers shared that they usually don’t even leave their house on work days that they’re not in the office. 

When you’re stuck at your desk for 8+ hours a day, it can be tricky to fit in time for movement.

Since the pandemic, however, there has been an increase in the number of people looking for ways to keep fit when staying at home. Investing in a standing desk, a walking pad, or an under-desk bike are great ways to burn calories and keep your blood pumping without leaving your home office.

READ MORE: Experts reveal the best ways to stay fit working from home

The main thing to remember is that even if you do find yourself overeating when you’re working from home, don’t stress about it. Sometimes you just need a Tim Tam or five to get you through that 3pm slump, which is A-OK.

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Coles is now selling kava, a Fijian ingredient which was banned from Australia until last year.

A Fijian-Australian shopper was absolutely gobsmacked to see the product being sold in the supermarket, calling its presence on the shelves “crazy” in a now-viral TikTok.

Kava is a plant native to the Pacific Islands, which is known for its sedative qualities, but it was banned from being sold in Australia due to its previous misuse – a ban that was lifted in 2022.

READ MORE: Diet Coke could increase risk of depression, study finds

When consumed, kava is said to elevate mood, well-being, and contentment, and produce a feeling of relaxation. And now, shoppers can buy it in Coles for $16 for a 50g sachet.

“I’ve never seen kava sold like this ever, you usually have to buy it by the kilo in Fiji, now you can buy 50 grams in Coles,” TikTok user Grace explains in the video which is filmed in the supermarket aisle, audibly shocked by its presence in a national Australian supermarket.

The product, called Fijikava, is consumed by dissolving a teaspoon in water, to which Grace says: “That is ridiculous. That’s crazy.”

READ MORE: The health benefits in chocolate

Kava has long been used in ceremonial practices in Fiji, including weddings, welcoming ceremonies, and meetings for elders. Its cultural significance is the main reason Grace was so shocked to see the product in Coles.

In a follow-up video, Grace says that she tried the kava from Coles. “The actual product is good… but I just feel like kava and Coles are just two worlds that should never collide.”

She continued: “Can you imagine taking that to ‘the village’ and giving them kava powder to drink out of a cup? That’s actually ridiculous.”

A TikTok user commented on the video that Fijikava, the brand of the product, is owned by their dad. “Is my dads company and he’s from Fiji,” they wrote, adding “the HQ is in QLD because we live here but all the kava is made in Fiji.”

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Fijikava is indeed owned by a Fijian, and while Grace was clear that she had no issue with the brand itself, she just found it so strange to see kava packaged in that way.

A Coles spokesperson told 9Honey: “We have had Fiji Kava Root Power available for customers since June 2022, and we have seen this product grow in popularity over the past year.”

Grace’s initial video racked up over a million views, with many people intrigued by the product or leaving their own reviews.

“I’m concerned it’s in the brekky aisle, that’s a whole heap of relaxed folks starting their work day right,” one commented, another adding that they’d tried it recently and were totally knocked out.

It’s also available in a capsule form, which claims to help you sleep and stay calm.

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Many people come up with elaborate routines to help with motivation, from 5am gym classes to locked chocolate boxes that can only be opened at a specific time.

But one woman has taken the cake with her out-there dedication to fitness.

Content creator Savina Chow shared a highly controversial video of her doing a plank while balancing over rows and rows of open lipstick containers.

READ MORE: Therapist reveals the easy 10-second cure for back pain

“POV: How I motivate myself to exercise,” she captioned the clip, which now has over 11 million views.

Watch the video above.

In the video, she places $2000 worth of lipstick on her floor, and proceeds to do her workout while hovering on top of it.

Balancing herself over 17 lipsticks in a variety of shades – most of them from the fashion brand Hermes – Chow can be seen holding a plank and side planks in her kitchen.

Chow suggests in the caption that Hermes lipsticks are best, presumably for their high price point. In Australia, they retail for $110 each.

READ MORE: Nutritionist explains what macros mean and how to get your daily intake

Viewers of the video were instantly shocked by her choice – one user who wrote “too dangerous” got 160k likes on her comment.

Another commenter was too scared to try the ‘hack’, writing: “I would rather put knives then any of my makeup.”

“What happens if you do fall, then $2000 worth of lipstick is gone and your pants are ruined?” another asked.

Others suggested using lighted candles in place of lipstick to encourage themselves not to drop.

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Workout hacks to maximise your exercise

Meanwhile, some commenters were simply in awe of Chow’s lipstick collection.

“Screw the lipsticks! If I can afford $2K in lipsticks I don’t need planks,” read one comment.

If you don’t have thousands of dollars of lipstick on hand, thankfully there are other ways you can stay motivated.

Sam Wood told 9Honey the most important thing is getting yourself into certain habits.

“You’re much better off having good habits, like moving in the morning, doing your meal prepping on the weekends, whatever it might be, rather than relying on waking up every day fresh and hoping that magically there’s motivation,” he said.

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