Monday, June 2, 2014

How to Clean the Lymph System

How to Cleanse the Lymph System


The lymph system consists of lymph nodes, lymph vessels, and organs. The primary jobs of the lymphatic system are to isolate and fight infections, and to absorb excess fluid, fat and debris from our bodies. As these materials build up in the lymph system, it may become congested or blocked. Because the lymph system cleanses our entire body, symptoms of a blocked system can manifest in many ways from frequent cold and infections to joint pain. Follow healthy nutritional and lifestyle guidelines to cleanse and rejuvenate your lymph system.


Clean up your diet to cleanse your lymphatic system


A healthy diet produces less waste for your lymph system to clean up, reducing your chances of congestion.
•Avoid processed foods that are high in salt, sugar and preservatives.
•Replace simple sugars and carbohydrates with whole grains, complex carbohydrates and fruit.
•Identify any food allergies you may have and avoid eating those foods.

Drink 6 to 8 glasses of filtered or purified water daily

Your body needs to be well hydrated to keep your lymph system operating properly.

Practice deep breathing from your diaphragm and through your nose to keep your lymph fluids moving

Learn proper breathing techniques to get the proper amount of oxygen throughout your body.

Get regular physical exercise

Jumping up and down on a trampoline or playing jump rope for 5 minutes a day is great for your lymph system. Other moderate exercise, such as walking and stretching, is also helpful if done regularly.

Relax in a sauna or steam bath and let your body sweat out toxins to cleanse your system


Wear clothing that fits properly

Tight clothing restricts your lymph system and contributes to blockage. For the same reason, women should avoid under-wire bras and try to wear no bra for at least 12 hours each day.

Deal with stress, depression and other emotional issues

Just like a congested lymph system can lead to emotional problems, so can the reverse occur. Sometimes when we are stuck in stress or other emotional issues, these feelings manifest in physical problems.

Consider alternative therapies

•Acupuncture has been found to do wonders for keeping our lymph system flowing.
•Regular treatment from a massage therapist who is familiar with lymph drainage massage is a great way to keep your entire body healthy and your lymph system running smoothly.

Do a detox and colon cleanse treatment following manufacturer instructions

•Choose one that is supported by liver enzymes to ease the burden on your liver and kidneys, and to decrease the pressure they place on your spleen.
•If you are under a doctor's care for any medical conditions, you should check with her before doing a detox and cleanse.



Do you know????

•The appearance of cellulite is often a sign of a congested lymph system. Massage the areas of your body where the cellulite exists, as well as the lymph nodes in your groin to help improve the condition.
•Self massage can also be beneficial to cleanse your lymph system, especially if done around your abdomen and breasts.

Here's Some Apple Cider Vinegar Cleanse(s)


1 cup water
1-2 caps full of ACV
(I make my ACV with 32 ounces of water)
8 ounces equals 1 cup
You can mix honey with it for taste

Here's another ACV technique


In the blender put:

1 cup apple cider vinegar (organic unfiltered)
1 cup raw honey (local is best)
8 cloves of garlic

Mix it for 1 minute on high speed. Put it in a glass container and keep it in the refrigerator for five days. Now, take 2 teaspoons every morning before breakfast - be sure to mix it in water or juice. Diluting it makes it very easy to take.

The other recipe is:


•Chop a small onion and a few cloves of garlic. Put them in a jar and fill the jar with honey. Let it sit for a couple of weeks. You can use this honey which becomes kind of thin and syrupy just to eat as is, with or without straining.
•Or add 2/3 cup of raw apple cider vinegar to 1/3 cup of the honey mixture that has been strained. Dilute 1 Tablespoon of the mixture in juice or water and drink it every morning.



Get Informed! Get Healthy! Stay Healthy!

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Health Benefits of Cauliflower

The Health Benefits of Cauliflower


Cauliflower ( Brassica oleracea, in the family Brassicaceae) is a white, flowering, and may I add delicious cruciferous vegetable (other cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, cabbage, and bok choy). Vegetables in this family have been found to have a multitude of medicinal benefits.

Here are some health benefits of cauliflower that may make you want to include it in your diet on a regular basis.

Cancer Prevention

Sulforaphane, a compound released when cauliflower is chopped or chewed, may protect against cancer. A diet high in cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower has been been linked to a significant reduction in the risk of cancer, especially prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, and bladder cancer. One Canadian study found that eating a half cup of cauliflower per day reduced the risk of prostate cancer by 52%. Boiling reduces the levels of these compounds, with losses of 20–30% after five minutes, 40–50% after ten minutes, and 75% after thirty minutes. However, other preparation methods, such as steaming, microwaving (which I don't recommend for many reasons), and stir frying, have no significant effect on the compounds.

Better Digestion

Cauliflower is a great source of dietary fiber, which is essential for optimal digestion. When you get enough fiber in your diet, it helps to keep things moving smoothly through the intestines. Cauliflower also contains a compound called glucoraphin, which protects your stomach and intestines from certain health conditions such as cancer and ulcers.

Antioxidants

Cauliflower contains a high amount of antioxidants, which are essential for the body's overall health and help to prevent heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Antioxidants are also essential in destroying free radicals that accelerate the signs of aging.

Anti-Inflammatory

Because of the omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin K in cauliflower, it helps to prevent chronic inflammation that leads to conditions such as arthritis, chronic pain, and certain bowel conditions.

Pregnancy

Cauliflower provides a good amount of folate (B9), a B vitamin that is necessary for a healthy pregnancy. Folate deficiency in pregnant women can lead to problems such as birth defects and low birth weight.

B Vitamins

In addition to folate, cauliflower is also loaded with other important B vitamins like niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and thiamine.

Heart Health

Cauliflower protects from heart disease in many ways. It contains allicin, which has been found to reduce the occurrence of stroke and heart disease. Additionally, cauliflower can help to lower cholesterol levels in the body.

Weight Loss

Cauliflower is a great food to include in your diet if you're dieting because it's low in calories and can be used in a variety of ways. Try grating the cauliflower into a rice and using it in stir-fries instead of regular rice. You can also boil cauliflower and mash it into a healthier version of mashed potatoes.

The benefits of Cauliflower can and will benefit you and and your body.

Get Informed! Get Healthy! Stay Healthy!