It may seem logical to keep your oral care products in the bathroom – but some experts say you might want to think twice about where to place your toothbrush.

Dr. Ellie Phillips, DDS, an oral health educator based in Austin, Texas, shared the gross reason she’d never recommend keeping your toothbrush near a toilet, especially in a small bathroom.

“The bacteria from the toilet will land on your toothbrush,” she warned. “And your toothbrush picks up all the bacteria in your mouth in a single use.”

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“You could actually brush your teeth with a brand-new toothbrush, clip off the end and send it to the lab, and they would give you the full profile of your mouth,” Phillips added.

In a toothbrush with dense bristles, bacteria can “go down and multiply” and then “become anaerobic,” which means it could become a more aggressive form, according to Phillips.

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“Toilet bacteria, or the air from bathrooms, can interact with this and create a worse scenario,” she said. “So, you will share the bacteria of people who you live in close community with.”

Bacteria in the bathroom air can interact with your toothbrush, according to the dental expert. (iStock)

This exposure to bacteria can aid in the development of dental diseases that could take a “long time to form,” Phillips cautioned.

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If keeping your toothbrush away from the toilet is not an option, Phillips recommends brushing your teeth in the kitchen sink instead.

The best way to clean a toothbrush is to allow it to dry fully, which will kill bacteria, the expert advised.

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She also recommends using a toothbrush that isn’t too soft, with “lots of bristles at different lengths” that can dry itself and clean the mouth effectively.

The expert recommended using a medium-bristled toothbrush with “lots of bristles at different lengths.” (iStock)

“You don’t need $350 worth of a toothbrush, but many toothbrushes are not effective. They’re too soft. They get infected easily, and you need to dry them,” she said.

“Look after yourself,” Phillips went on. “If your mouth is healthy with healthy bacteria and a healthy biofilm, it’s almost like a bulletproof internal skin over your teeth, gums and mouth that rejects intruder bacteria.”

Americans eat an average of 3,000 to 4,500 calories at Thanksgiving meals, according to estimates by the Calorie Control Council — and much of that comes from foods that are richer and heavier than people might typically eat.

For many, that can lead to digestive challenges in the hours and days following Thanksgiving — with constipation topping the list.

Even outside the holiday, the condition affects 42 million Americans each day, according to Dr. Daryl Gioffre, gut health specialist, celebrity nutritionist and founder of Alkamind in New York.

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“In fact, the average person has 5 to 15 pounds of impacted fecal matter inside their gut,” he said in a video shared with Fox News Digital.

If things aren’t moving like they should, it may be tempting to reach for the laxatives — but Gioffre cautions against that approach.

“When used long-term, laxatives can cause significant harm to your digestive system and overall health,” he told Fox News Digital.  

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“They work by forcing water from your organs into the colon to soften stools, which massively dehydrates your body and leaves vital organs like your kidneys and brain underhydrated.”

Over time, this can lead to dependency, weakening the muscles in the intestines and making it harder for your body to have natural bowel movements, Gioffre said. 

“Laxatives can also disrupt your gut microbiome, cause nutrient deficiencies and trigger dangerous electrolyte imbalances,” he added.

“The average person has 5 to 15 pounds of impacted fecal matter inside their gut,” a doctor told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

The doctor shared with Fox News Digital his top natural tips for getting digestion back on track.

“Add these things on a daily basis, and I promise this will help you gently get the bad stuff out and move you into a much healthier, stronger gut state,” he said.

1. Increase fiber intake

Fiber is critical to digestive health, according to Gioffre.

“When we have more fiber-rich foods, it’s like brushing the inner walls of our intestines — and that’s going to help us remove the constipation and get to where we want to go,” the doctor said.

Constipation affects 42 million Americans each day.

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Some of his suggested fiber-rich foods are quinoa, wild rice, sweet potatoes, root vegetables, and squashes like winter squash and spaghetti squash.

“Add fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut for probiotics and enzymes that optimize digestion,” the doctor added.

When planning fiber intake, Gioffre’s guidance is to add half a cup per meal, not to exceed one full cup per day. 

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The doctor also recommends what he calls an “internal shower shot,” which is a mixture of 6 ounces of water, 2 tablespoons of chia seeds, the juice from one lemon slice and a pinch of sea salt. 

“When you drink this on an empty stomach, it’s going to go into all the little nooks and crannies of your gut … and it’s going to help you start to detoxify and gently give you that ‘internal shower’ effect.”

2. Reduce inflammation

“At the end of the day, we don’t die of old age — we die of inflammation,” Gioffre cautioned. 

The doctor compared the gut to a “big, hollow tube.”

“When it’s open, you’re good. When you’re inflamed, not so good.”

Suggestions for fiber-rich foods include quinoa, wild rice, sweet potatoes, root vegetables, and squashes like winter squash and spaghetti squash. (iStock)

Some plant-based foods that lower inflammation include chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds, avocado and coconut oil.

“These are packed with omega-3s and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which reduce inflammation, support gut lining repair and lubricate the digestive tract to ease constipation,” Gioffre said. 

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For those who eat animal products, the doctor recommends wild-caught salmon, mackerel, trout, anchovies and sardines. 

He also offers a recipe for detox tea on the Alkamind website, which includes turmeric, ginger, pepper, lemon and his “Acid-Kicking Greens.” 

3. Add magnesium-rich foods

Magnesium is a nutrient that is commonly used to relieve constipation.

“It’s the fourth most abundant mineral in the body, but the biggest single deficiency in the American population,” Gioffre said.

“Magnesium is a game-changer for digestion, brain health and beating constipation, yet the standard American diet is severely lacking it,” Gioffre said. 

The doctor recommends consuming magnesium-rich foods, including leafy greens like spinach, kale and chard, as well as green juice, green smoothies and green soups.

“These magnesium-rich powerhouses relax your intestinal muscles, soften stools and keep things moving, all while feeding your healthy gut bacteria,” Gioffre told Fox News Digital.  

“Water is essential for softening stools and promoting regularity, yet 90% of us are chronically dehydrated.”

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A high-quality magnesium supplement can also combat this deficiency and give the body the support it needs, he added.

“You can also do an Epsom salts bath, which is magnesium sulfate,” he added, or apply magnesium lotion to the skin.

4. Stay hydrated

Hydration is “absolutely critical” for relieving constipation and promoting healthy digestion, the doctor told Fox News Digital. 

Hydration is “absolutely critical” for relieving constipation and promoting healthy digestion, a doctor told Fox News Digital.  (iStock)

“My mantra is solution by dilution first — water is essential for softening stools and promoting regularity, yet 90% of us are chronically dehydrated,” he said.

“Think of your body like a wilting plant — when it lacks water, it struggles and dies, but when properly hydrated, it thrives.”

Instead of turning to medications and laxatives for constipation, he recommends drinking more water. 

“Aim for at least half your body weight in ounces of water each day to keep your digestive system functioning smoothly,” he advised.

5. Keep moving

Movement is also key to promoting digestive health, Gioffre said. 

“Physical activity increases blood flow to your digestive organs and stimulates bowel motility,” he told Fox News Digital. 

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One of his favorite, cost-effective exercises for relieving constipation is using a rebounder (mini trampoline). 

Movement is also key to promoting digestive health, Gioffre said. “Physical activity increases blood flow to your digestive organs and stimulates bowel motility,” an exprert told Fox News Digital.  (iStock)

“This gentle, low-impact exercise not only improves circulation, but also stimulates the digestive tract, helping to get things moving naturally,” he said.

“Combining proper hydration with regular movement creates a powerful, drug-free strategy to support digestive health and prevent constipation.”

When to see a doctor

If you suffer from persistent constipation that lasts for more than three weeks — even after making lifestyle changes like improving diet, increasing hydration and exercise — it’s recommended to see a doctor. 

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Gioffre added, “You should also seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, blood in your stool or unexplained weight loss, or if constipation alternates with diarrhea, as these could indicate more serious underlying conditions requiring further evaluation.” 

This week, many American families will sit down to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal together — but those who live with a heart condition may need to put some extra thought into what goes on the plate.

Nearly half of U.S. adults live with some type of cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association — and diet has a major impact on the risk of heart attack and stroke.

“Thanksgiving is a holiday that often results in overindulgence of food and alcohol, which can pose a risk to individuals with known or unknown heart disease,” Dr. Philip Nimoityn, clinical assistant professor of medicine at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, told Fox News Digital.

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Dr. Sam Setareh, a cardiologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, often sees the effects of that overindulgence. 

“Every year after Thanksgiving, I see patients that present to the emergency room or my clinic with heart failure exacerbation, hypertensive emergency or diabetic crisis,” he told Fox News Digital.

Foods to avoid 

Salty, high-sodium foods are the main cause of congestive heart failure exacerbation and high blood pressure, according to Setareh. 

“Canned gravies, processed meats (such as ham and sausage stuffing), and salty snacks can lead to fluid retention and elevated blood pressure,” he said. 

Instead, he recommends opting for homemade alternatives with no added salt.

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Trans fats and saturated fats can raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, Setareh said.

To prevent that, he recommends avoiding buttery mashed potatoes, heavy cream-based casseroles, gravy and store-bought baked goods.

When it comes to meats, Nimoityn suggests avoidingfo the fattier choices.

“Thanksgiving is a holiday that often results in overindulgence of food and alcohol, which can pose a risk to individuals with known or unknown heart disease.”

“Dark turkey meat from the thigh and leg contains significantly more fat than white meat, and ham contains significantly more sodium than turkey,” he said.

Also steer clear of store-bought cranberry sauce, advised Dr. Alan Rozanski, a professor of medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine and director of nuclear cardiology at Mount Sinai St. Luke in New York City.

“They’re often packed with added sugar,” he warned.

“Traditional pies and sugary drinks can spike blood sugar and contribute to weight gain,” a doctor cautioned. “Choose desserts made with less sugar or natural sweeteners.” (iStock)

When it comes to beverages, Nimoityn recommends avoiding or limiting alcohol because of its direct effects and additional calories, as well as apple cider, which contains a significant amount of sugar. 

Sugary desserts are another culprit to avoid. 

“Traditional pies and sugary drinks can spike blood sugar and contribute to weight gain,” Setareh cautioned. “Choose desserts made with less sugar or natural sweeteners.”

Heart-healthy foods

For those with a heart condition, Setareh recommends choosing lean proteins.

“Turkey (without the skin) is an excellent source of lean protein,” he said. “Avoid deep-fried preparations.”

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When choosing sides, the doctor recommends fiber-rich options.

“Focus on vegetables like roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans and sweet potatoes (baked or mashed without added sugar),” he said. “Whole-grain stuffing is also a better choice.”

For a flavorful, nutritious side, a doctor recommends roast green beans, asparagus or carrots with olive oil and herbs. (iStock)

For heart-healthy fats, Setareh suggests incorporating ingredients like walnuts, almonds and olive oil into recipes. 

“These provide omega-3 fatty acids and support heart health,” he said.

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For dessert, fresh fruit salads or baked apples with cinnamon are heart-healthier alternatives to traditional pies.

“Taking larger portions of the healthier foods will result in having smaller portions of the foods that are higher in fat, carbohydrates and sodium,” added Nimoityn.

6 healthy twists on traditional faves

Rozanski believes people with heart conditions can still enjoy Thanksgiving favorites by giving them a heart-healthy twist. 

“Dark turkey meat from the thigh and leg contains significantly more fat than white meat, and ham contains significantly more sodium than turkey,” an expert said. (iStock)

Below are some of his tips.

Turkey: Use whole grains, fresh vegetables and low-sodium broth for a healthier stuffing — and go easy on the gravy, he advised.

Non-starchy vegetables: For a flavorful, nutritious side, Rozanski recommends roast green beans, asparagus or carrots with olive oil and herbs. “Classics like sweet potatoes with marshmallows and brown sugar, buttery mashed potatoes, creamy green bean casserole, and glazed carrots often come with loads of added fats and sugars,” he cautioned.

Salad: “A fresh, leafy green salad with nuts, seeds and a light vinaigrette adds a vibrant, healthy option to your table,” he said.

Mashed Potatoes: Swap traditional mashed potatoes for mashed cauliflower as a lighter alternative, Rozanski suggested.

Dinner Rolls: The doctor recommends choosing whole-grain rolls over refined ones.

Desserts: “Enjoy pie in moderation or try healthier treats like fresh fruit, dark chocolate or air-popped popcorn with light seasoning,” Rozanski suggested.

6 more heart-healthy tips

The doctors shared some additional Thanksgiving health tips for those who have heart conditions.

1. Cut out the “high-ticket” items

Nimoityn recommends avoiding some of what he calls the “high-ticket” items that are often added at the table, such as butter, salt and sauces.

“This can markedly decrease the amount of these components in your meal,” he said.

Patients with heart conditions should consult with their doctors for specific dietary guidance. (iStock)

2. Start small

“Serve modest portions for your first plate,” Rozanski advised. 

“Long meals often encourage seconds, so keeping your initial serving manageable is key.”

3. Eat mindfully

“Eating slowly and taking a break to enjoy the company of family and friends before rushing to fill a second plate can help to prevent overeating,” Nimoityn suggested.

“Give your body 10 to 15 minutes to recognize fullness before refilling your plate.”

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Rozanski echoed that advice, encouraging people to “savor every bite.”

“Put your fork down between bites, chew thoroughly and focus on the flavors to help prevent overeating,” he recommended.

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Before going for seconds, Rozanski said it’s best to pause.

“Give your body 10 to 15 minutes to recognize fullness before refilling your plate,” he advised.

Experts recommend taking a brief walk after eating the Thanksgiving meal. (iStock)

4. Walk it off

Experts recommend taking a brief walk after eating the Thanksgiving meal.

“A post-meal walk can aid digestion, lower blood sugar and support heart health,” said Setareh.

5. Adhere to medications

“Ensure that you take all your prescribed medications as usual and avoid foods or beverages that may interact with them, such as excessive alcohol,” Setareh advised.

6. Make nutrition a habit

“Having a heart-healthy diet throughout the year — combined with comprehensive screening by a physician for future cardiovascular risk, including evaluation of lipid and vascular inflammatory markers — may help to prevent adverse cardiac events in the future,” Nimoityn said.

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Patients with heart conditions should consult with their doctors for specific dietary guidance, he added.