If you are my friend, you know that I credit of the remarkable turnaround of my health, which kept me bedridden for over eight years, to nutritional cleansing. I am on a mission. I believe that everyone who is living, breathing, and eating in this world should be cleansing. The reason? We are so bombarded by toxic elements in our environment, food and air that we have opened ourselves up to all sorts of diseases and cancers.
I hope that all I know and love will view this video .... I think it is one of the most important videos I have ever seen. Please watch because I love you.
.
About Me

- Donna H - LCG Queen
- Former teacher, clinical social worker and now entrepreneur. My focus, no matter what career I am engaged in, has been on helping people. Now I am on an incredible journey to change life in a leaner, cleaner, greener way. I hope you will join me in this transition.
Showing posts with label detoxification. Show all posts
Showing posts with label detoxification. Show all posts
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Lose the Toxins -- Lose the Fat
What have I learned about toxins and fat and weight loss? I have been overweight all my life. For fifty years I lost weight, only to regain it along with the proverbial 5 to 10 pound bonus. Then I learned about the link between toxin overload and my inability to lose weight and fat.
I started a deep cleansing program and have subsequently lost 90 pounds of fat in less than five months, while I gained lean muscle mass. Even when I decided to take a break from my active weight loss program and went on maintenance, I was able to maintain that 90 pound loss for a year because I kept cleansing weekly.
I have added back the weight loss aspect of my program, and once again the weight and fat is just melting off.
I have included excerpts from two books that explain this link between toxins and fat.
Please contact me if you would like more information.
From Suzanne Somers book Sexy Forever:
Other excerpts from Suzanne Somer's book:
Dr. Walter Crinnion points out in his book, Clean, Green & Lean, that excess fat hiding toxins are making you sick AND fat:
* Asthma
* Autoimmune disease (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto's Thyroidtis
* Bone marrow cancer (lymphomas, leukemia, multiple myeloma)
* Chemical sensitivity
* Chronic fatigue
* Diabetes
* Fibromyalgia
* Infertility
* Parkinsonism
* Obesity
I started a deep cleansing program and have subsequently lost 90 pounds of fat in less than five months, while I gained lean muscle mass. Even when I decided to take a break from my active weight loss program and went on maintenance, I was able to maintain that 90 pound loss for a year because I kept cleansing weekly.
I have added back the weight loss aspect of my program, and once again the weight and fat is just melting off.
I have included excerpts from two books that explain this link between toxins and fat.
Please contact me if you would like more information.
From Suzanne Somers book Sexy Forever:
"Obesity rates have more than doubled in the past thirty years. Doesn't this raise the question of why? Toxins make you fat. It's that simple, and that complex. Here's why. Mitochondria are the little powerhouses inside every living cell in your body. They provide power for your cells by creating energy from fats and sugars, thereby driving your metabolism and fueling your whole body.
When toxins enter your body the buildup damages the mitochondria, your cellular power plants, so they no longer work effectively. As a result fats and sugars that aren't being burned for fuel pile up all over the body in the form of extra pounds. Also, without the mitochondria working optimally, you lose your physical energy."
Other excerpts from Suzanne Somer's book:
"Scientific studies show a strong correlations between levels of toxic burden, higher body weight, and the risk of diabetes."
"No matter how the toxins get into our bodies, whether through the lungs, stomach, or skin, they all meet in the liver at some point and from there get sent to the kidneys and colon for elimination, become trapped in bones, muscles, tissues, or other organs, or they get locked in the liver itself, or they get stored away in fat cells!
The fact that many toxins get trapped in fat cells deserves special attention. Fat cells don't get broken down easily, so the toxins literally weigh the body down. If you carry excess fat, burning up that fat releases toxins into the bloodstream for proper removal. As toxins accumulate, they act in unsuspected ways. You begin to experience health problems, like allergies, colds, migraines, and infertility, or major diseases like breast cancer and dementia."
Dr. Walter Crinnion points out in his book, Clean, Green & Lean, that excess fat hiding toxins are making you sick AND fat:
* Allergies"If you're more than 25 pounds above your ideal weight and you're suffering from one or more of the following illnesses, your body is telling you that it's in toxic overload."
* Asthma
* Autoimmune disease (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto's Thyroidtis
* Bone marrow cancer (lymphomas, leukemia, multiple myeloma)
* Chemical sensitivity
* Chronic fatigue
* Diabetes
* Fibromyalgia
* Infertility
* Parkinsonism
* Obesity
Labels:
body fat,
cleanse,
cleanse for life,
cleansing,
detox,
detoxification,
diet,
fat burning,
fat loss,
Isagenix,
medical condition,
natural products,
nutrition,
visceral fat,
weight loss
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Why Isagenix? Your Body Will Love You!!! -- Video
I am so grateful that I found Isagrenix. My husband and I have lost a ton of weight, I have turned my poor health around so now I am healtier and more vibrant. We have also supplemented our income to we can live a life of comfort.
If you would like to know a little more about our products and and company, please watch this video. If it sounds like something you would like to know more about write to me at newtraditions99@yahoo.com or log on to my website: http://www.thehealthyhelms.com.
If you would like to know a little more about our products and and company, please watch this video. If it sounds like something you would like to know more about write to me at newtraditions99@yahoo.com or log on to my website: http://www.thehealthyhelms.com.
WHY ISAGENIX?
Contact us Today!!
Labels:
choices,
cleanse for life,
cleansing,
detoxification,
diet tips,
health,
health tips,
Isagenix,
Isagenix Health,
IsaLean Shake,
natural products,
nutrition,
organic,
shakes,
video,
wealth,
weight loss,
wellness
Monday, April 22, 2013
How the Detoxification Process Works
![]() |
Image from Isagenix |
For those of you who, like my husband, need a scientific explanation for everything, here is an article from Isagenix Health which gives a great explanation of the detoxification process.
The Basics of Detoxification
from Isagenix Health
Whether out for a run, grilling your favorite meats on a hot summer day, or spring cleaning the house, our bodies are exposed to millions of chemicals considered “toxins”. These toxins in our environment (exotoxins) and that our bodies produce (endotoxins) have the ability to disrupt the essential biological structures needed for the body to function such as DNA, cellular membranes, and protein. Repeated exposure to various toxins can contribute to adverse health effects in the short-term such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue; and in the long-term can contribute to weight gain and chronic health outcomes.
Detoxification is essential for ridding the body of toxins and preventing their “health robbing” effects. Although all cells have the ability to detoxify toxins, the most important organ for detoxification is the liver–known as the body’s filter and purification system.
Fat Cells House Toxins
Toxins enter the liver as either water- or fat-soluble molecules. Water-soluble toxins are rather easily metabolized and excreted into the urine. In contrast, fat-soluble toxins can be stored in fat cells where they are protected from the body’s detoxification systems.
Excess fat stores, especially organ-bathing visceral fat, are linked to several diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic dysfunction. The addition of toxin exposure to an overweight or obese individual may only serve to increase these risks (1).
Three Phases of Detoxification
There are three phases of detoxification (2). In the first step, the toxin is metabolized by phase I detoxifying enzymes resulting in an intermediary metabolite. Although there are several phase I enzymes, the most abundant and important are the cytochrome P-450s (P-450s).
During detoxification, P-450s perform two functions: 1) they make toxins more water-soluble, and 2) they convert the toxin into a molecule usually less toxic and, therefore, less reactive towards our DNA, proteins, etc. (Interestingly, sometimes this reaction converts a less toxic molecule into a more toxic molecule, which is where phase II detoxification steps in.) The result is a more water-soluble, less toxic molecule easily transported into the blood, through our kidneys, and out into the urine for elimination.
After undergoing phase I detoxification many toxins are then subject to phase II detoxification. At its most basic level, phase II enzymes place a water-soluble small molecule onto the toxin.
One of the most important phase II detoxifying enzymes is known as glutathione (GSH) transferase. As the name implies, the GSH transferases transfer a GSH molecule onto the toxin. Like phase I detoxification, this step also serves to make the toxin water-soluble and less toxic to the body.
Besides GSH, the body uses several other molecules to bind to the toxin and increase its solubility including sulfates, amino acids, and glucuronic acid. The use of these water-soluble small molecules makes sense considering that our cells have a surplus of these molecules inside or outside the cell. However, if we’re exposed to excessive amounts of toxins they could rapidly deplete our GSH levels resulting in too little GSH to do what it does best, which is to protect against free radicals and detoxify toxins.
Finally, phase III of detoxification involves the elimination of toxins from cells. In this step, the products of phase I and II reactions are transported out of cells and into the bloodstream for elimination.
Proper Nutrition Essential for Detoxification
To ensure optimal functioning of our detoxification systems it is essential to have an adequate dietary intake of vitamins (B vitamins, vitamins C, and E), minerals (selenium, zinc, copper), and other bioactive nutrients such as coenzyme Q10 and polyphenols. These nutrients bolster our detoxification defenses either through their roles in phases I, II or III of detoxification or by providing antioxidant support (3). Nutritional support is essential in the detoxification process because some toxins are produced as the result of free radicals. Additionally, nutritional support is needed to counteract the oxidative damage caused by toxins.
Plant botanicals including ashwagandha, aloe vera, and turmeric (Cleanse for Life), milk thistle (Product B), resveratrol, and other antioxidant vitamins and botanicals (Ageless Essential Daily Pak) have all been shown to improve detoxification. Beyond these micronutrients, the detoxification system also needs an adequate source of the amino acid cysteine, the sulfur-containing amino acid essential for GSH production. Luckily, cysteine is abundant in whey protein found in IsaLean Shakes, Bars, and Soups.
Calorie Restriction and Intermittent Fasting Stimulate Detoxification
Although not yet extensively examined in humans, subjecting animals to calorie restriction (CR) or intermittent fasting (IF) has also been shown to increase efficiency of detoxification pathways. The precise mechanisms responsible for the benefits of CR or IF on detoxification are unclear, but it’s thought that these two cleansing protocols “turn on” genes that increase synthesis of our detoxification enzymes within the phase I, II or III pathways.
Additionally, the reduction of fat mass—the primary target for toxin storage—stimulates the release of toxins into the circulation. Once in the bloodstream toxins are more easily metabolized and excreted from the body. When the body has the additional nutritional support of amino acids, vitamins, polyphenols, and other bioactive ingredients, the detoxification enzymes can perform at peak function.
The Isagenix system ingeniously incorporates both intermittent fasting on Cleanse Days and calorie restriction on Shake Days to help you burn fat and stimulate the release of fat-stored toxins. The polyphenol-rich nutrients and plant extracts found in Cleanse For Life provide plant-based antioxidants (4-7) that support the detoxification enzymes responsible for toxin elimination. Also, the whey protein in IsaLean Shake supplies essential amino acids such as cysteine that can boost GSH production (8,9) and facilitate toxin removal.
References:
1. Holtcamp W. Obesogens: an environmental link to obesity. Environ Health Perspect 2012;120:a62-a68.
2. Liska DJ. The detoxification enzyme systems. Altern Med Rev 1998;3:187-98.
3. Yang YM, Noh K, Han CY, Kim SG. Transactivation of genes encoding for phase II enzymes and phase III transporters by phytochemical antioxidants. Molecules 2010;15:6332-48.
4. Vinson JA, Al KH, Andreoli L. Effect of Aloe vera preparations on the human bioavailability of vitamins C and E. Phytomedicine 2005;12:760-5.
5. Kim BH, Hong SS, Kwon SW et al. Diarctigenin, a lignan constituent from Arctium lappa, down-regulated zymosan-induced transcription of inflammatory genes through suppression of DNA binding ability of nuclear factor-kappaB in macrophages. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2008;327:393-401.
6. Ahmad MK, Mahdi AA, Shukla KK et al. Withania somnifera improves semen quality by regulating reproductive hormone levels and oxidative stress in seminal plasma of infertile males. Fertil Steril 2010;94:989-96.
7. Krikorian R, Shidler MD, Nash TA et al. Blueberry supplementation improves memory in older adults. J Agric Food Chem 2010;58:3996-4000.
8. Bounous G, Gold P. The biological activity of undenatured dietary whey proteins: role of glutathione. Clin Invest Med 1991;14:296-309.
9. Sekhar RV, Patel SG, Guthikonda AP et al. Deficient synthesis of glutathione underlies oxidative stress in aging and can be corrected by dietary cysteine and glycine supplementation. Am J Clin Nutr 2011;94:847-53.
Detoxification is essential for ridding the body of toxins and preventing their “health robbing” effects. Although all cells have the ability to detoxify toxins, the most important organ for detoxification is the liver–known as the body’s filter and purification system.
Fat Cells House Toxins
Toxins enter the liver as either water- or fat-soluble molecules. Water-soluble toxins are rather easily metabolized and excreted into the urine. In contrast, fat-soluble toxins can be stored in fat cells where they are protected from the body’s detoxification systems.
Excess fat stores, especially organ-bathing visceral fat, are linked to several diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic dysfunction. The addition of toxin exposure to an overweight or obese individual may only serve to increase these risks (1).
Three Phases of Detoxification
There are three phases of detoxification (2). In the first step, the toxin is metabolized by phase I detoxifying enzymes resulting in an intermediary metabolite. Although there are several phase I enzymes, the most abundant and important are the cytochrome P-450s (P-450s).
During detoxification, P-450s perform two functions: 1) they make toxins more water-soluble, and 2) they convert the toxin into a molecule usually less toxic and, therefore, less reactive towards our DNA, proteins, etc. (Interestingly, sometimes this reaction converts a less toxic molecule into a more toxic molecule, which is where phase II detoxification steps in.) The result is a more water-soluble, less toxic molecule easily transported into the blood, through our kidneys, and out into the urine for elimination.
After undergoing phase I detoxification many toxins are then subject to phase II detoxification. At its most basic level, phase II enzymes place a water-soluble small molecule onto the toxin.
One of the most important phase II detoxifying enzymes is known as glutathione (GSH) transferase. As the name implies, the GSH transferases transfer a GSH molecule onto the toxin. Like phase I detoxification, this step also serves to make the toxin water-soluble and less toxic to the body.
Besides GSH, the body uses several other molecules to bind to the toxin and increase its solubility including sulfates, amino acids, and glucuronic acid. The use of these water-soluble small molecules makes sense considering that our cells have a surplus of these molecules inside or outside the cell. However, if we’re exposed to excessive amounts of toxins they could rapidly deplete our GSH levels resulting in too little GSH to do what it does best, which is to protect against free radicals and detoxify toxins.
Finally, phase III of detoxification involves the elimination of toxins from cells. In this step, the products of phase I and II reactions are transported out of cells and into the bloodstream for elimination.
Proper Nutrition Essential for Detoxification
To ensure optimal functioning of our detoxification systems it is essential to have an adequate dietary intake of vitamins (B vitamins, vitamins C, and E), minerals (selenium, zinc, copper), and other bioactive nutrients such as coenzyme Q10 and polyphenols. These nutrients bolster our detoxification defenses either through their roles in phases I, II or III of detoxification or by providing antioxidant support (3). Nutritional support is essential in the detoxification process because some toxins are produced as the result of free radicals. Additionally, nutritional support is needed to counteract the oxidative damage caused by toxins.
Plant botanicals including ashwagandha, aloe vera, and turmeric (Cleanse for Life), milk thistle (Product B), resveratrol, and other antioxidant vitamins and botanicals (Ageless Essential Daily Pak) have all been shown to improve detoxification. Beyond these micronutrients, the detoxification system also needs an adequate source of the amino acid cysteine, the sulfur-containing amino acid essential for GSH production. Luckily, cysteine is abundant in whey protein found in IsaLean Shakes, Bars, and Soups.
Calorie Restriction and Intermittent Fasting Stimulate Detoxification
Although not yet extensively examined in humans, subjecting animals to calorie restriction (CR) or intermittent fasting (IF) has also been shown to increase efficiency of detoxification pathways. The precise mechanisms responsible for the benefits of CR or IF on detoxification are unclear, but it’s thought that these two cleansing protocols “turn on” genes that increase synthesis of our detoxification enzymes within the phase I, II or III pathways.
Additionally, the reduction of fat mass—the primary target for toxin storage—stimulates the release of toxins into the circulation. Once in the bloodstream toxins are more easily metabolized and excreted from the body. When the body has the additional nutritional support of amino acids, vitamins, polyphenols, and other bioactive ingredients, the detoxification enzymes can perform at peak function.
The Isagenix system ingeniously incorporates both intermittent fasting on Cleanse Days and calorie restriction on Shake Days to help you burn fat and stimulate the release of fat-stored toxins. The polyphenol-rich nutrients and plant extracts found in Cleanse For Life provide plant-based antioxidants (4-7) that support the detoxification enzymes responsible for toxin elimination. Also, the whey protein in IsaLean Shake supplies essential amino acids such as cysteine that can boost GSH production (8,9) and facilitate toxin removal.
References:
1. Holtcamp W. Obesogens: an environmental link to obesity. Environ Health Perspect 2012;120:a62-a68.
2. Liska DJ. The detoxification enzyme systems. Altern Med Rev 1998;3:187-98.
3. Yang YM, Noh K, Han CY, Kim SG. Transactivation of genes encoding for phase II enzymes and phase III transporters by phytochemical antioxidants. Molecules 2010;15:6332-48.
4. Vinson JA, Al KH, Andreoli L. Effect of Aloe vera preparations on the human bioavailability of vitamins C and E. Phytomedicine 2005;12:760-5.
5. Kim BH, Hong SS, Kwon SW et al. Diarctigenin, a lignan constituent from Arctium lappa, down-regulated zymosan-induced transcription of inflammatory genes through suppression of DNA binding ability of nuclear factor-kappaB in macrophages. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2008;327:393-401.
6. Ahmad MK, Mahdi AA, Shukla KK et al. Withania somnifera improves semen quality by regulating reproductive hormone levels and oxidative stress in seminal plasma of infertile males. Fertil Steril 2010;94:989-96.
7. Krikorian R, Shidler MD, Nash TA et al. Blueberry supplementation improves memory in older adults. J Agric Food Chem 2010;58:3996-4000.
8. Bounous G, Gold P. The biological activity of undenatured dietary whey proteins: role of glutathione. Clin Invest Med 1991;14:296-309.
9. Sekhar RV, Patel SG, Guthikonda AP et al. Deficient synthesis of glutathione underlies oxidative stress in aging and can be corrected by dietary cysteine and glycine supplementation. Am J Clin Nutr 2011;94:847-53.
Labels:
article,
cleanse,
cleanse for life,
cleansing,
clinical study,
detox,
detoxification,
health tips,
natural products,
study,
tip,
tips,
toxins,
university study,
weight loss,
weight loss tips
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Body Brushing How-To -- Video
I read this testimony from one of my friends on Facebook and I decided to look into this technique further. She said "brushing does AMAZING things for tightening skin. Since doing it I haven't seen a lot of those results because I still have lots more to lose. But I have a friend who started the same time and she had a "tummy" of loose skin from when her youngest was born (19 years ago) , after 6 months of consistent brushing... GONE! It's amazing!"
The skin is an organ of elimination, just like the kidneys and liver and even without extra help, it discharges more than a pound of waste products every day. Given the extra boost of daily body brushing, this elimination process can become much more effective, not only improving the appearance of your skin but also giving general health benefits - such as improved blood circulation and immune system.
In this video, Kate Leinweber demonstrates HOW to dry brush:
For reasons of hygiene, we recommend you keep a separate body brush for each member of the family and wash the brush itself every couple of weeks; and allow to dry in an airy place. Sensible precaution: a body brush should not be used on cut, broken or very tender skin or over varicose veins.
Then follow your shower by applying the IsaDermix Ultra Hydrating Hand and Body Cream. This rich formula absorbs quickly to provide deep, all-day moisture. Nourishing botanicals and antioxidants restore, replenish and revitalize your skin. Shea butter, sweet almond oil and sunflower oil provide deep hydration, and Vitamin E and other antioxidants such as green tea, pomegranate, grape seed, cucumber and oat kernel extract nourish and protect.
Why is Body Brushing Good for Your Skin
Body brushing is an easy and inexpensive way of stimulating
your circulation and lymphatic system, helping to eliminate toxins.The skin is an organ of elimination, just like the kidneys and liver and even without extra help, it discharges more than a pound of waste products every day. Given the extra boost of daily body brushing, this elimination process can become much more effective, not only improving the appearance of your skin but also giving general health benefits - such as improved blood circulation and immune system.
In this video, Kate Leinweber demonstrates HOW to dry brush:
Body Brushing Directions from Liz Earle's Skin Care Website
The traditional Chinese version of skin brushing uses the
dried fibers of a ground fruit called 'silk squash' - more commonly known as loofah
- but natural bristle brushes are proven to be far more effective. The brush
should have a long handle (making it easier to reach all areas of the body),
firm, natural bristles and must always be kept dry.
Once a day, preferably first thing in the morning before you
take a shower or a bath, sweep the brush over every surface of the body except
the face or any areas of sensitive or delicate skin. It's important to brush in
the right direction (always towards the heart) starting with the soles of the
feet and working upwards. Use long, smooth strokes and brush arms, legs and
buttocks in an upward direction. Then brush your back and torso in a downward direction
and finally sweep across the shoulders. Concentrate on the hips and thighs to
help improve the appearance of cellulite and dimpled skin. It may seem
laborious to begin with but it will soon become second nature and is truly
invigorating! Start off with gentle strokes but gradually increase the pressure
after the first few days or weeks as you get used to the sensation.For reasons of hygiene, we recommend you keep a separate body brush for each member of the family and wash the brush itself every couple of weeks; and allow to dry in an airy place. Sensible precaution: a body brush should not be used on cut, broken or very tender skin or over varicose veins.
My Recommendation for Skin Care Products
For your shower I recommend the Isagenix Refreshing Body
Wash (IsaDermix Skin Care Line) because it boosts your skin’s natural repair
process after daily exposure to environmental aggressors that can damage and
prematurely age the skin. It also nourishes, hydrates and softens the skin
using beneficial botanicals—aloe vera, green tea, pomegranate, grape seed, and
oat kernel extracts.Then follow your shower by applying the IsaDermix Ultra Hydrating Hand and Body Cream. This rich formula absorbs quickly to provide deep, all-day moisture. Nourishing botanicals and antioxidants restore, replenish and revitalize your skin. Shea butter, sweet almond oil and sunflower oil provide deep hydration, and Vitamin E and other antioxidants such as green tea, pomegranate, grape seed, cucumber and oat kernel extract nourish and protect.
Monday, April 15, 2013
How Does Cleansing Work?
If you would like to get started with your own Cleansing Routine,
write me at newtraditions99@yahoo.com.
![]() |
Poster Image from www.IsagenixHealth.net |
Labels:
cleanse,
cleanse for life,
cleansing,
detox,
detoxification,
diet,
diet tips,
health,
health tips,
Isagenix,
natural products,
nutrition,
organic,
study,
tip,
tips,
toxins,
weight loss,
weight loss tips
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Nutritional Rebalancing Is NOT a Diet
This is why I have been successful with the Isagenix program.
It really does work!!
For more information go to http://www.thehealthyhelms.com
Labels:
cleanse,
cleanse for life,
cleansing,
detox,
detoxification,
diet,
fat burning,
fat loss,
gluten free,
health,
health tips,
Isagenix,
natural products,
nutrition,
organic,
poster,
rebalancing,
toxins
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Healthy Cilantro and 2 Recipes
FLAT TUMMY SMOOTHIE RECIPE
This smoothie is a cross between a juice and a smoothie, so you get double the benefits. Try to make this 4 to 5 times a week for breakfast or lunch:
Greens are power-packed with antioxidants and will help boost your immune system. The high fiber content of this smoothie will help with bowel movement. You will also feel full fast and will eat less!(Constipation creates bloating and your tummy will look bigger).
A medium Apple contains around five grams of fiber. Compare this to bran cereal which has about seven grams a serving.
Cucumber will rehydrate you as it is full of water and is low calorie.
Spinach is a low calorie food and has ONLY 7 calories per 1 cup of raw leaves, yet it offers twice as much fiber as other greens and it will fill you up.
Cilantro and parsley will help you cleanse and detox. They will stimulate digestive assimilation and relieve constipation. One-fourth cup of cilantro has only 1 calorie.
Lemon juice is one of the top fat flushers by boosting your body’s detoxification process. It may help you lose weight but it isn’t a miracle cure. It is one component of a healthy weight-loss plan.
Avocado is highly nutritious fruit and will help you get all the nutrients and will help you manage your weight.
Cayenne pepper and Turmeric: even though you probably don’t think of spices as weight-loss enhancers, cayenne and turmeric show promise in reducing appetite and increasing energy.
Apple, Cucumber and Cilantro Smoothie
Blend:
1 green apple
1 cucumber
2 cups fresh baby spinach
3/4 cup cilantro loosely packed
½ cup parsley loosely packed
1 small avocado
½ cup lemon juice
1 cup filtered water
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp turmeric
a dash Himalayan salt
Make sure all the ingredients are organic.
Enjoy!
Monday, October 29, 2012
The Benefits of Body Brushing
![]() |
Image from terawarner.com |
Your skin is your largest single organ within your body, and the one responsible for removing about a quarter of the toxins from your body daily. Because of this, it is the most important of all of your waste elimination organs!
The History of Dry Brushing:
In her article entitled “The Key Benefits of Dry Brushing and How to Do It,” Vanessa O’Neill explains that dry brushing is an ancient technique and aids the skin in the process of releasing and removing toxins from your body. Many cultures have historically practiced dry brushing. For example, the Japanese have traditionally used the dry brush techniques (or loofah) to vigorously brush their skin prior to taking a hot bath. In our own country, Comanche Indians traditionally used river sand to scrub their skin, and Cherokee Indians used dry corn cobs in order to enhance the strength and beauty of the skin.
Benefits of Dry Brushing:
There are many benefits of dry skin brushing. Dry skin brushing works to exfoliate dead skin cells, aids in stimulating circulation, assists the lymphatic system in removing toxins from the body, and promotes healthy, glowing skin. It is probably one of the simplest and most cost effective ways of promoting overall health and beauty available.
1. Dry brushing cleans the lymphatic system. The lymph system is an important part of our immune system because detoxification starts here. This system is made up of white blood cells (called lymphocytes) and interstitial fluid. The combination of the blood cells and interstitial fluid bathes our cells, removes cell waste and delivers nutrients to the cells.
2. Dry brushing strengthens the immune system. Dry skin brushing may reduce the duration of infections and accelerate the clearing of toxins. One example of the benefit is that the brushing helps support the immune system during cancer and other chronic illness treatments. By stimulating the lymph vessels to drain toxic mucoid matter into organs of detoxification we can purify the entire system. After several days of dry brushing, sometimes you may notice a gelatinous mucoid material in your stools. This is a normal sign that the intestinal tract is renewing itself.
3. Dry brushing stimulates the hormone and oil glands, which helps all of our body systems perform at peak efficiency. The skin is your body's largest organ. If your skin is not properly taken care of the process of eliminating toxins from your system fall on your kidneys. Daily brushing before you bathe or shower will keep your skin clean and rejuvenated. This daily routine allows blood to flow to the skin surface making it easier for the toxins to escape.
4. Dry Brushing tightens the skin by increasing the flow of blood. Believe it or not, dry skin is a sign of detoxification. With daily brushing, you are removing dead skin cells and revitalizing the skin and improving the skin texture and cell renewal. This process moves toxins and lessens the appearance of cellulite. Our bodies make a new top layer of skin every 24 hours. Skin brushing removes the old top layer, allowing the clean new layer to come to the surface, resulting in softer, smoother skin.
5. Dry Brushing tones the muscles. Hate doing free weights but still want to tone those muscles? Dry skin brushing helps to tone muscles by stimulating the nerve endings which causes the individual muscle fibers to activate and move. Brushing also helps mobilize fat and helps to even out the distribution of fat deposits.
6. Dry brushing stimulates circulation. I mentioned that brushing helps stimulate blood circulation earlier in this post, but did you know that your skin actually breathes? For most people, their pores are so clogged with dead skin cells and un-removed waste (which was excreted through perspiration), the toxins are unable to eliminate your body’s metabolic wastes. The increased blood flow to your skin will increase electromagnetic energy and you will feel more energized and invigorated.
7. Helps digestion. Dry skin brushing helps your skin to absorb nutrients by eliminating clogged pores. Healthy, breathing skin contributes to overall body health. When you brush, the pores of your skin open allowing your skin to absorb nutrients and eliminate toxins. Healthy, breathing skin contributes to overall body health.
How to Choose the Right Brush:
When choosing a body brush for dry skin brushing, you will want to choose a natural bristle brush because synthetic bristles can actually produce toxins themselves. Body brushes generally come in two different styles – ones that fit in the palm of your hands and ones with a handle on them. Sometimes you can find a palm brush that includes a handle to extend it. Body brushes with handles work well on the back of your body, but may be a little difficult to use in close in areas such as your feet. Choose the stiffest bristles you can stand. The stiffer the bristles are on your body brush, the better as you will be able to generate more lymphatic system stimulation. If your skin is really delicate currently, you may have to work your way up to a stiffer brush over time. Cactus body brushes are excellent for this technique and aids in stimulating circulation, assists the lymphatic system in removing toxins from the body, and promotes healthy, glowing skin. It is probably one of the simplest and most cost effective ways of promoting overall health available.
Dry Skin Brushing Technique:
![]() |
Image from veggienook.com |
1. Always use brush strokes inward and upward toward your heart. Brushing towards the heart facilitates detoxification, while brushing away from the heart can adversely affect circulation in the blood vessels and lymph system.
2. Start with the bottom of your feet first. Acupuncturists tell us that the nerves in the soles of our feet are connected to every other area of your body. Include clockwise and counterclockwise strokes on the bottoms of your feet.
3. Move up from the feet to the legs, brushing up your torso. Start at the fingertips and move inwards towards your heart. When brushing the sensitive areas like your breast and neck, begin with gentle strokes and work up to stronger strokes as you become more accustomed to dry brushing. Use several clockwise strokes on the stomach, both sides of the chest, and your arm pits. Then repeat these areas with counterclockwise motions. You can also brush in a circular motion on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet. Concentrate on areas which suffer from dryness or cellulite, but avoid areas of broken skin or rashes.
Tips:
■Its best to sit or stand on a towel or in your tub to collect any dead skin from exfoliation.
■Do not wet yourself or the brush – this will stretch your skin and you will not get the same benefit.
■Wash your body brush after use to every few weeks and allow it to dry completely before using again.
■It is generally recommended to use dry brushing once or twice a day.
You can experiment to find a method of brushing that is comfortable to you
So now you know the facts. Keep up your dry brushing and you will assist your body in its detoxifying process, increase your circulation, and increase the natural beauty of your skin. Skin brushing is also notorious for increasing your energy level because of these effects.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)