The back-to-school season is a time for new opportunities and beginnings. For some students, especially those with compromised immune systems, the susceptibility to illness increases. Protecting your child(ren) and yourself against common colds or other infections that circulate the classroom can be a lot easier with the right steps in place. 

Developing a back-to-school routine is a challenge in and of itself. Waking up earlier, establishing a quick and efficient routine, and leaving the house on time can prove difficult, especially after summer vacation. Many health officials state that immune health is tied to diet, sleep, and exercise. Building a healthy diet and establishing movement and proper sleep hygiene can enhance immune function, which your child needs as they face the new school year. Hopefully, the following tips can help better prepare your child’s immune system for the back-to-school reality.

Get Plenty Of Sleep

The Sleep Foundation encourages school kids between the ages of six and 13 to get nine to 11 hours of sleep every night. Without sufficient sleep, the body has a more difficult time regulating biological rhythms. Not to mention, insufficient sleep makes the body more susceptible to sickness. If you or your child has trouble sleeping, there are practices that have proven to be quite effective. Click here to learn more about methods that help you fall asleep.

Drink Water

Water is essential for a healthy life because it has many roles in the body. Not only does it help with waste elimination, but it also helps the immune system function optimally. If the body is in a dehydrated state, it cannot effectively produce white blood cells, which help fight off bacteria, pathogens, and viruses. Drinking plenty of water can also help flush toxins from the body, which keeps the immune system functioning optimally. Need help getting your kiddos to drink more water? Spice it up by adding fresh fruit to the water, or consider blending some fruit with water to make a healthier rendition of a punch.

Eat The Right Foods

Dietitians agree that one of the best ways to boost the immune system is to eat the right foods. Focus on fruits and vegetables because they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that boost the function of immune cells. High-fiber foods also work to maintain a healthy digestive system. What foods do you eat to encourage better immune function? Consider packing the following snacks in your child’s lunch: 

• Oranges: One orange can have up to 75% of the daily value (DV) of vitamin C. 
• Mandarins: Mandarins pack a considerable amount of vitamin C and make for the perfect lunch snack. They are easy to peel, easy to put in lunches, and their seedlessness makes them easy to enjoy!
• Sunflower seeds:  Make sure to opt for the unsalted, shell-less sunflower seeds because they are very easy to eat. Sunflower seeds are also rich in vitamin E, which exhibits antioxidant effects in the body. 
• Almonds: Similar to sunflower seeds, almonds are naturally rich in vitamin E, which helps to fight off free radicals and boost immune function. They also contain heart healthy fats, protein, and lots of fiber. 
• Broccoli: It may be very difficult to get your child to eat broccoli, but it is an excellent source of vitamin C and sulforaphane, both of which encourage immune function. Sneak broccoli into meals like broccoli tater tots or fruit smoothies!

Exercise Regularly

It’s no secret that kids like to run amok like they haven’t a care in the world. The important thing to remember is to not let your child immediately plop on the couch or bed and watch TV or play video games from the time they get home to the time they go to bed. Even if your child is active in school sports or playground activities, make sure they remain active outside of school hours. This is especially important as they progress through the year and the weather starts to cool off. 

Maintain A Healthy Weight

Childhood obesity is a serious problem in the United States, and it puts children and adolescents at risk for poor health. Between 2017-2020, 19.7% of children between the ages of two and 19 were affected by obesity. Obesity prevalence between two- and five-year-olds amounted to 20.7%, and 22.2% among six- to 11-year-olds. Data revealed that obesity prevalence was higher in Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black children than it was in non-Hispanic White children and non-Hispanic Asian children. Aside from decreased immune function, obesity increases the child’s risk of other health problems. Consult your family doctor if you notice the child’s weight is becoming a problem.

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As a child, your parents tell you to clean your room or take care of other household chores. When you graduate to adulthood, the cleaning doesn’t stop. The only difference is that you don’t have someone bribing you with an allowance to clean your space. If you decide to have kids of your own, you will likely find out that they aren’t so neat. The moral of the story: the cleaning cycle never ends. 

We don’t mean to sound like defeatists, but cleaning is a part of life. If you are a maker of messes, you have to know how to clean up properly. If you clean up after your kids, you may want to consider using natural cleaning products, as the harmful chemicals in commercial products may be dangerous to young ones. You can also reduce your own risk of chemical exposure by switching to all-natural cleaning products that you make yourself. 

Why Make Your Own Natural Cleaner?

First of all, it can be very difficult to create or find an all-purpose and all-natural cleaning spray. Maybe you experiment with a concoction of your own, only to find that it really doesn’t do much. The cleaning power of the all-purpose cleaner in this recipe uses essential oils, borax, vinegar, and castile soap to help remove grime, soap scum, and everyday dirt. 

Making your own cleaner takes less than a minute, and you can save money in the process. It is eco-friendly and free of the toxins found in many conventional household cleaning sprays. Plus, you can customize the surface cleaner by adding different essential oils that work for you. 

Borax

You can incorporate borax into an all-purpose cleaning spray and use it on countertops, appliances, and windows. Some people find that it is highly effective at removing tough stains, dust, and food residue. You can often combine borax with water, shake it up, and pour in a spray bottle for use. In the case of this all-purpose cleaner, you combine it with other ingredients for safe and effective cleaning. If you are weary about using borax, you can always omit it from the recipe. 

Essential Oils

First of all, not all essential oils are created equal. There are many essential oils out there, but a lot of them are not pure essential oils. That means that other ingredients are added, so you won’t get the maximum benefits. When making a cleaning product, make sure to add your essential oils last to the spray bottle. Oils and water don’t mix well, so make sure to give your bottle a good shake prior to use. 

Washing Soda

Washing soda is different from baking soda. Baking soda is usually used alongside detergent to help get rid of stains or foul odors. It is usually gentler than washing soda, so it is not as efficacious. Washing soda is like a more amped-up version of baking soda that does a better job of removing stains and brightening colors when doing laundry. If used in excessive amounts and too frequently, though, it can be harsh on certain materials, specifically fabrics. 

Natural All-Purpose Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon borax
• 1 teaspoon castile soap
• 1/2 teaspoon washing soda (not baking soda)
• 4 drops lemon essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops orange essential oil
• 2 cups distilled water

Instructions:

• Place the borax, castile soap, washing soda, and essential oils in an amber glass spray bottle.
• Pour in the distilled water until the glass is nearly full. Make sure to leave room for the sprayer to slide into the bottle. 
• Screw on the lid, shake well, and use as needed. It is great for bathrooms, kitchen, or even on toys.

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When you sweat, the body loses the fluid that keeps it hydrated. In addition to losing water, the body also loses electrolytes, putting you at risk of dehydration. To avoid dehydration, you have to continually replenish fluids as you sweat them out. Water is an obvious solution, but enhancing your beverage intake with electrolytes is even better. 

The Importance Of Electrolytes

If you have seen the movie, Idiocracy, you probably know that electrolytes are what plants crave. People in the movie can no longer grow crops because they pour sports drinks on the soil. To be completely honest, sports drinks don’t do a great deal for your body, unless you are working so hard that you can burn off all the sugar that comes with them. 

Electrolytes are a category of electrically charged minerals that the body both produces and derives from different foods and beverages. Such minerals include potassium, sodium, magnesium, phosphate, and chloride. All of these electrolytes are vital if you want to sustain a healthy body and mind. They balance your fluid levels, maintain healthy blood pH, and keep the nerves, muscles, and brain cells firing. They also work to transport nutrients to cells throughout the body and excrete toxins from healthy cells. Basically, they are more than just workout fuel. 

Signs Your Body Needs Electrolytes

The body will let you know if it needs something, but you have to know your body and pay attention to it in order to read the cues. It lets you know if it needs any macro- or micronutrients in your diet. When your body needs electrolytes, you’ll want to pay attention to the following signs. Doing so can help you avoid dehydration and other serious health outcomes that result from that. 

Your Stomach Is Upset

If you feel nauseous or have gastrointestinal issues, you may need more electrolytes. Obviously, these two symptoms can result from myriad things. According to health experts, a lot of runners can experience nausea at the end of long runs. Experts experimented with giving runners more sodium prior to, during, and after runs to alleviate nausea, and it proved effective. 

Your Heartbeat Isn’t Normal

Need more proof that electrolytes are vital to overall health? Well, this is it. Functional medicine experts and dietitians note that electrolytes like calcium and potassium support proper heart rhythm. Any imbalance can lead to abnormal heart rhythm, rapid heartbeat, or palpitations. Severe electrolyte imbalances may even pose a threat to your heart. For this reason, always make sure that you have optimal electrolyte levels at all times. You can always check in with your doctor if you are unsure about your levels. 

Your Sodium Levels Are Low

In severe cases of an electrolyte deficit, a person may experience hyponatremia, a condition stemming from low sodium levels. This usually happens if someone does not replace their sodium that they lose via sweat. Hyponatremia, however, is a serious medical condition that causes mental confusion, lethargy, muscle weakness, and nausea. Severe cases may even cause death, so talk to your doctor if you experience these symptoms after a long day of sweating. 

You’re Just Feeling Off

Notice any sudden mood swings or find yourself to be more irritable than usual? Dietitians say that you are most likely lacking electrolytes. Electrolyte imbalances can occasionally affect brain function, resulting in irritability, mental confusion, or even mood swings. 

Your Muscles Are Cramping Or Weak

As mentioned in the beginning of the article, electrolytes aid with proper muscle and nerve function. If you experience cramps or muscle weakness, your body is likely telling you that you need to replenish your electrolytes. When you are active, the body uses more of these nutrients, so replenishing them regularly can help you avoid these problems. 

Electrolytes are just as essential as any vitamin or mineral, so you should incorporate them into your daily diet. Most people don’t get enough electrolytes on a daily basis because the Standard American Diet is devoid of many micronutrients. Pay attention to your body and it will communicate when it needs more electrolytes.

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If you are trying to secure some Ozempic for yourself, you better make sure you aren’t buying fake GLP-1 drugs. High prices and market shortages make certain websites very appealing to consumers, but counterfeit drugs can pose serious health risks. How can you know what’s in these fake drugs? Should you want to start using Ozempic, make sure to verify the legitimacy of any only pharmacy you use. 

GLP-1 drugs, like Ozempic, increase insulin sensitivity and stimulate insulin secretion. These drugs also reduce blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Because they can make you feel full, they have become a popular drug to promote weight loss, especially amongst overweight or obese people. Unfortunately, GLP-1 drugs can be very expensive without insurance. One carton of Ozempic, for example, can cost about $1,000 at U.S. pharmacies. 

All of these factors create opportunities for people to sell fake prescription drugs, ultimately taking advantage of consumers. One report found that social media websites were popular spaces for promoting fake drugs. Of the 3,968 fake listings removed in 2023, almost 60% were found on Facebook. Some experts believe that these fake sites target Facebook because the users tend to be a little older and less likely to spot a scam. 

Why Are Fake Drug Websites So Dangerous?

Registered dietitians have given remarks about the recent emergence of fake GLP-1 drugs. They say that the biggest danger with buying from fake drug websites is that you don’t know what you are getting. You take a big risk when you take an unregulated drug because it could contain anything. What’s the best case scenario? You get an inert placebo. On the other side of the coin, you could put something incredibly dangerous in your body. 

One of the major risks with taking these fake drugs is that they could be laced with heavy metals and other harmful toxins. Hundreds of ER visits every year are due to severe allergic reactions or lead poisoning, which people acquired from unknown sources. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also indicates that because most GLP-1 drugs are injected, the risk of infection is high, considering the sterility of needles can’t be confirmed. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, notes that you cannot confirm the efficacy of fake medications. That could be very dangerous for people who use these meds to control blood sugar. 

How To Know If You Are Buying Fake Medications

The language on the sites selling fake medications is typically the same copy on real online pharmacies. Fake sites use deceptive tactics to not only appear genuine, but also to fool consumers. In fact, some sites will copy the branding and logos of reputable pharmaceutical companies. The discounted price is a big factor that tends to entice consumers who don’t want to pay the full price tag. It’s like looking for an item on a website and then looking somewhere else for the knock-off version. If you want to determine the legitimacy of the medication, consider the following: 

• Beware of suspiciously low prices: Super discounts could mean that the product is expired or counterfeit.
• Use reputable online pharmacies: Make sure that the contact information is verified and that the payment methods are secure. Additionally, look for accreditation from authorities. 
• Look for accreditation: Verified seals or certifications can indicate credible websites. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy provides a database of credible pharmacies. 
• Verify the credentials: Before you make the purchase, make sure that the pharmacy has an active license in the state where it dispenses the medications. If it looks suspicious or you don’t have a good feeling about it, abort the mission. 
• Check the authenticity of the medication: Make sure to research the appearance of the medication, how it’s packaged, and the manufacturer before you order or use it. Compare what you are looking at with the real medication. Novo Nordisk, for example, may offer real and fake photos to help you discern the real meds from the fake ones.

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If there is one thing that is consistent with the beginning of the year, it is the desire to either get healthy, get fit, or lose weight. Losing weight, or detoxing, is a common New Year’s resolution because of all the holiday eating that happens before the beginning of the year. Most holiday meals are heavy, carb-centric, and full of unhealthy fats, sugar and sodium. People have the power to eat unhealthy throughout the year, though. We want to help you dig yourself out of the hole of heavy meals and into a healthier, lighter self. 

Detoxing does not mean that you have to abstain from food. On the contrary, you want to eat food, but it has to be food that provides essential nutrients to the body. Additionally, you want to eliminate unwanted sugars, processed foods, and excess carbohydrates. Finally, flood the body with water and herbal teas to properly hydrate and flush toxins from your system. Below, you’ll find some helpful tips to detox after a lot of heavy eating.

Drink Healthy Waters

This is not an endorsement to purchase bottled sugary, electrolyte beverages from the store. If the color is reminiscent of a nuclear fluid (think lime green, blue, or bright yellow), you can count that out. Good old fashioned filtered water is life, but you can enhance this water to encourage detoxification. Add fresh cucumber slices, lime wedges, orange wheels, berries, pineapple cubes, and herbs to your water. Infusing these types of ingredients into your water can impart their nutrients into the liquid. Not only do they enhance the nutritional properties of your water, but they also make your water taste that much better!

Load Up On Negative Calorie Foods

There is no such thing as a food that has zero calories. There are, however, foods that are so light in calories that the body burns just as much or more calories digesting them. The idea behind detoxing is that you want to give the body a lot of nutrients and water. Foods that are very low in calories and high in water include cucumbers, asparagus, apples, watermelon, blueberries, lettuce, cantaloupe, broccoli, and cauliflower. The combination of the nutrients and water content will help the body flush out all the excess food you consumed. 

Don’t Be Afraid To Nap

It should be noted that you can nap too much. If you decide to nap, especially in the afternoon, try to keep naps to 20-30 minutes in length. Sleeping too much can negatively affect your sleep cycle, or make it difficult to fall asleep at night. Sleep is necessary for the body, as it is the body’s way of rejuvenating itself. Just don’t rest too much, or you will feel groggy and out of sorts. Lack of sleep can negatively affect digestion, metabolism, and energy levels, which impairs your ability to naturally detox.

Dry Brush Your Body

Dry brushing is a way of stimulating lymphatic flow. The lymphatic system helps remove waste and toxins, but you need to activate it in order to facilitate this process. In order to promote lymphatic detoxification, you just have to move, but you can also use a technique called dry brushing. You can give yourself a lymphatic massage with your hands, or you can use a brush with firm bristles. The easiest way to start is to brush is to start with the feet and legs, always brushing up towards the heart. Once you get to your thighs, start at your palms and work inwards toward the heart. You can then do the abdomen and armpits, followed by the back and face. Click here to learn more about dry brushing. 

Get To Sweating

The gyms are more crowded than ever in the beginning of the year. People are filled with ambition and ready to drop some pounds! You don’t need a gym membership to get your sweat on, though. Not only does exercise encourage you to sweat, but it also boosts your mood. Sweating is one of the body’s way of getting rid of excess toxins. If you feel puffy after a lot of heavy eating, your body is most likely retaining water, especially if that food was heavy on the salt and sugar. A good sweat session can help you de-puff and get you out of your funk. After an aerobic workout, consider getting in the sauna to sweat even more.

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Wormwood sounds like an herb that you would receive from a shaman during a medieval quest. Believe it or not, wormwood is one of the three key ingredients in absinthe, which Pablo Picasso, Edgar Degas, and Vincent Van Gogh used to drink. Maybe that’s why they were such incredible artists!

What Is Wormwood?  

Wormwood, known scientifically as Artemisia absinthium, helps to eliminate intestinal worms, specifically roundworms and pinworms. The plant, which is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, has a bitter taste and has been used for centuries in medicinal applications. Researchers note that wormwood is a perennial herb that exhibits a wide range of health benefits. Continue reading to learn about six of the many impressive health benefits of wormwood.

Aids Digestion

According to historical evidence, wormwood has helped treat flatulence, indigestion, gastritis, and other digestive issues. Wormwood contains bitter compounds that stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, which enhance the absorption of nutrients from the foods you eat. The terpenes in wormwood also stimulate saliva, stomach mucus, and intestinal secretions, all of which may ease digestive symptoms. Wormwood may also reduce stomach acids that contribute to acid reflux and peptic ulcers. 

It Exhibits Anti-inflammatory Properties

Wormwood contains artemisinin, a compound that researchers believe to have potent anti-inflammatory properties. A few studies suggest that wormwood may also temper the actions of cytokines, which are proteins that help instigate inflammation. In doing so, wormwood may ease redness, warmth, swelling, and other symptoms of inflammation. Most of the research about wormwood’s anti-inflammatory properties have been focused on people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. A 2016 study monitored people who took 150 milligrams of wormwood extract per day for 12 weeks. The results indicated that they experienced less joint pain than the group that took a placebo. 

It Has Antimicrobial and Anti-parasitic Effects:

Wormwood has exhibited potent antimicrobial properties against many pathogens, from bacteria to fungi, and even parasites. Studies show that wormwood is most effective when it comes to eliminating pinworms and roundworms from the body. Other studies found wormwood to be effective against gut parasites like Giardia lamblia and Helicobacter pylori. For these reasons, wormwood may be a promising natural alternative to traditional anti-parasitic medications or drugs.

Enhances Liver Function

Historically, wormwood was used to help support liver function. Wormwood contains compounds that help promote the secretion of bile, aiding in the breakdown of fats and toxins. Reports suggest that regular consumption of wormwood may help detoxify the liver, which helps protect it from free radical damage.

May Fight Cancer Cells

Several studies found that the artemisinin compound in wormwood may fight against iron-enriched breast cancer cells. It actually fights these cancer cells the same way it eliminates malaria-causing parasites. Cancer cells can be rich in iron because they soak it up, which facilitates cell division. A 2012 study tested samples of breast cancer cells and normal breast cells that had been treated to maximize iron content. After that, the cells were treated with a water-soluble form of artemisinin. Results revealed that normal breast cells showed little change. Within 16 hours, however, the cancer cells were dead, with only a few normal cells killed. 

May Offer Pain Relief

In the past, wormwood was used in herbal remedies as a pain-reliever. Because it contains analgesic properties, wormwood may alleviate various forms of discomfort, including headaches, menstrual cramps, and muscle pain. Researchers don’t fully understand the mechanisms behind these effects, so more research is necessary.

Precautions

Although wormwood offers a variety of health benefits, it is crucial to exercise caution when using it. Because wormwood contains thujone, a compound that can be toxic if consumed in excessive amounts, there are certain people that should avoid it. Pregnant women, individuals with seizure disorders, and those with liver disease should not consume wormwood. Should you want to incorporate wormwood into your diet, consider speaking with a healthcare professional, especially if you have a health condition or take specific medications.

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Second only to the skin, the liver is the largest organ in the human body. It has quite a few responsibilities, some of which are more well-known than others. Some of the liver’s primary jobs include filtering the body’s blood, storing energy, and processing nutrients. Due to the liver’s many responsibilities, it is highly vulnerable to scarring (cirrhosis) and complete failure, which can lead to cancer. 

Although most people associate liver damage with alcohol abuse or misuse, other factors can play a role. In this article, we aim to highlight the various health conditions, drugs, and lifestyle habits that can damage your liver. 

Health Conditions That Damage The Liver

Various health conditions, one of the more notable ones being hepatitis, can directly damage the liver, or increase the risk of liver complications. Some of the primary health conditions include genetic diseases, obesity, and certain autoimmune disorders. 

Hepatitis

Chronic hepatitis B and C are the root cause of most liver cancer cases worldwide. Hepatitis C is the more common cause in the United States, while hepatitis B is less common because of vaccine availability. Hepatitis C is spread via contact with infected blood, e.g. sharing needles, unprotected sex, and (rarely) blood transfusions. Chronic hepatitis C is a silent killer because most people don’t know they have it. If left untreated, the condition can cause liver damage, cirrhosis, liver failure, and even death. 

Autoimmune Disorders

There are certain autoimmune disorders that can harm the liver. Autoimmune hepatitis is characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking the liver. Medical experts don’t fully understand why the body turns on itself, but genetic factors may play a role. This disease usually affects people assigned female at birth, and it is more common in people with existing autoimmune disorders. Even people with autoimmune diseases can keep things under control and live a normal life if they have the right treatment and lifestyle habits. 

Lifestyle Factors That Damage The Liver

When it comes to genetics and autoimmune disorders, you may not have complete control of your risk of liver damage. What you do have control over, however, is how you live your life. Certain lifestyle habits, including the medications you take, the foods you eat, and exercise you do or don’t do, can influence liver health. 

Alcohol

Alcohol remains a major cause of cirrhosis and other forms of liver disease. Roughly 10-15% of heavy drinkers will develop liver scarring, but those with liver damage should abstain from alcohol. Drinking in moderation, or not at all, goes a long way in keeping the liver healthy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines recommend no more than one alcoholic beverage a day for women and no more than two for men. One drink is considered to be 12 ounces of beer or five ounces of wine. 

Sugary Beverages And Sodas

Popular in the Standard American Diet, sugary beverages and sodas can cause weight gain and liver damage. A 2015 study found that people who drank one or more sugar-sweetened beverages per day had increased markers of fatty liver disease than those who didn’t drink any sugary drinks. That isn’t to say that diet drinks are healthier; rather, it highlights that sugary beverages do more damage than you think. Additional research found that people who consumed two sugary drinks a day for six months showed signs of fatty liver disease. 

Smoking

Yet another reason to quit, smoking can increase the risk of liver cancer and cirrhosis. According to a 2013 study, smoking was linked to an increased risk of liver cirrhosis independent of alcohol intake. Additionally, the toxins in cigarettes can cause inflammation, which can eventually lead to cirrhosis. If you have hepatitis B or C and you smoke, the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma increases drastically. 

Medications That Damage The Liver

If you have ever read the “Directions” section on certain cold and flu medications, you know not to take too much. Some ingredients, like acetaminophen, in these medications can be harmful in high doses. There are many other medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, that can damage the liver. 

Acetaminophen 

Acetaminophen exists in many medications, including DayQuil and NyQuil, Tylenol, and prescription medications like Vicodin or Percocet. In high doses, acetaminophen can cause liver failure and even death. Never take more than the recommended dose of acetaminophen, or any medication for that matter. Acetaminophen is a common ingredient in over-the-counter cold and flu medications, so always check the ingredient labels and directions to ensure that you don’t exceed the recommended dose.

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There are many massage variations and each one has its purpose. The effects of a Swedish massage are quite relaxing, while a deep tissue massage, though painful in the moment, helps get out stubborn knots. Rolfing may help to improve mobility and Thai massage incorporates stretching to loosen up the joints. There is another type of massage that you should know about if you want to help promote detoxification: lymphatic drainage massage. 

What Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

Manual lymphatic drainage massage, or simply lymphatic massage therapy, is a light-pressure massage that uses circular and pumping movements to encourage the movement of lymphatic fluid throughout the body. A trained lymphatic drainage massage therapist uses stretching, cupping, and gliding motions to stimulate lymphatic flow. It is a very gentle, rhythmic type of massage that does not require oil. Even though there are trained experts in this type of massage, you can easily do it yourself. 

Lymphatic drainage massage has been around for over 100 years, and it has recently grown in popularity. Nowadays, many spas offer this service, which has been widely used in European countries for quite some time. In fact, it is the most prescribed type of physical therapy in Germany! 

What Are The Benefits?

According to health experts, lymphatic drainage massage is a great treatment option for lymphedema. This condition is characterized by swollen lymph nodes caused by a blockage in the lymphatic system, typically in the arms or legs, that results from the removal or damage to lymph nodes as a part of cancer treatments. Primarily, lymphatic drainage massage helps to detoxify the body, ridding it of harmful chemicals that are easily absorbed every day. From skin care products to environmental pollution, toxins bombard the body and affect you, whether you know it or not. 

The body’s primary detoxification channels are the colon, lungs, skin, liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system. When you support these pathways, you support overall bodily health. Increasing the flow and removal of toxins via lymphatic massage, then, is a great addition to your cleansing routine.

Besides aiding the elimination of toxins, lymphatic drainage massage may help those who suffer from fibromyalgia. A meta-analysis looked at the effectiveness of massage therapy for fibromyalgia and found lymphatic drainage massage to be the most beneficial. Not only was it better than connective tissues massage in regards to stiffness, but it also improved quality of life and reduced depression. Lastly, lymphatic drainage massage helps to reduce tension and the appearance of cellulite. Most toxins are held in fat cells, so stimulating lymphatic flow can reduce that build-up. 

How To Do A DIY Lymphatic Drainage Massage

There are several techniques that help promote lymphatic drainage. Doing this therapy on yourself is a great way to assist with the body’s natural detoxification processes. You can easily fit this therapy into your day because it only demands a few minutes of your time. The best part about this DIY lymphatic drainage massage is that you can lie on your back while doing all of the the steps, which are detailed below:

• Step 1: Lie on your back in a comfortable position and take a few deep breaths. Feel the rise and fall of your abdomen and continue this type of breathing throughout the massage. 
• Step 2: Cross your arms across your chest and, with your fingers touching the tops of your shoulders, lift your elbows up toward the ceiling a few times. This movement aims to flush the lymphatic areas beneath your collarbones. 
• Step 3: Return your arms down, but keep them crossed. Start massaging the outside of your neck just above your collarbones. Work your way toward the center of the neck in a fluid motion. Repeat this flow of massage strokes a total of 10 times. 
• Step 4: Uncross your arms and extend them to the sides to form a T with your body. Bend your arms and interlock your fingers behind your head. Lean your head forward and to the sides to stretch your neck, while simultaneously applying gentle pressure at the base of your neck. 
• Step 5: Place your left hand behind your head and cup your right palm under your armpit. Gently pull the skin down and in toward your body for a total of 10 times before repeating on the other side. 
• Step 6: Relax your arms by your sides. Cross your right arm over the body and gently pull the skin on the inside of your left elbow towards your shoulder. Complete 10 pulls and then switch sides. 
• Step 7: Lymph can easily build up in your lower extremities, so this step aims to release fluid in the legs. Place both hands behind your right knee, interlace your fingers, and gently stretch the skin towards your glutes. Complete 10 pulls and then repeat on the left leg. 
• Step 8: Place your right hand behind your head and your left hand on your right hip. Gently stretch the skin upwards toward the armpit. Repeat this several times before switching sides. 
• Step 9: For the last step, you want to move lymphatic fluid away from your fingers and toes. To do this, simply start at your fingertips or toes and gently slide your hand(s) up towards your armpit or groin, respectively.

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If one buzzword has remained constant within the past 10 years, it’s the word “detox.” The body is regularly exposed to harmful toxins from foods in the Standard American Diet, beauty products, and the environment. That’s why health experts strongly encourage regular detoxification. The body has the ability to detox on its own, but the onslaught of toxins and harmful chemicals make those processes difficult. So a little helping hand from natural ingredients is necessary from time to time.

Detoxing works to improve energy levels, may enhance immunity, and aids with weight loss. A detoxing juice or smoothie is a great way to help deliver necessary nutrients to your body. The foods are pre-digested, meaning your body does not have to work to break them down when you consume them. Nutrients in the ingredients in this detox smoothie can aid the body’s detoxification processes. Pineapple is a rich source of vitamin C and other antioxidants, which are necessary for optimal immune function. It also contains bromelain, an anti-inflammatory enzyme that helps the body break down protein.

Cucumber is a great detoxifier and has a naturally high water content. Not only does it help enhance hydration efforts, but it also contains mineral like magnesium, silicon, and potassium. It also contains sterol, a compound that researchers praise for its detoxifying properties. Finally, the lemon juice is naturally rich in powerful antioxidants, which work to protect the body’s cells from damaging free radicals that cause oxidative stress.

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Some people are more prone to body odor (BO) than others. Excessive perspiration or particular foods you eat can cause an unbearable stench. Sometimes, the root cause of your BO is poor gut health, i.e. a gut that doesn’t have a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria. Whatever the cause of your stinky pits, you don’t want to be the one smelly person. Why not detox your armpits, then?

What’s Wrong With Commercial Deodorants?

Commercial deodorants, especially anti-perspirant deodorants, are replete with chemicals that can harm the nervous and endocrine systems. Those chemicals can actually cause you to sweat and stink more than a natural deodorant can. Some common ingredients that are problematic are detailed below:

• Phthalates: These endocrine disruptors are found in plastic and can cause hormonal imbalance, or even infertility, especially in men.
• Formaldehyde: This known carcinogen may kill germs, but it can seriously harm the body. 
• Parabens: These hormone disruptors have unfortunately been found in biopsied tissue with breast cancer. 
• Aluminum: There is some evidence that links aluminum to cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, but more research is necessary to confirm this. 
• Propylene glycol: The common name for this toxin is antifreeze. The Environmental Working Group reports that it carries a moderate risk of immunotoxicity and allergies. It is a highly controversial ingredient in personal care products. 
• Antibacterial Substances: Antibacterial substances are bad? Well, some of these substances are known endocrine disruptors and can negatively affect immune function. 

Does Armpit Detoxification Work?

We’ll say this up front: there is no concrete medical or scientific evidence that supports the concept of armpit detoxing. A person’s body does not simply detox via the armpits. The liver, kidneys, lymph nodes, and spleen filter toxins that enter the body. The body then eliminates toxins via sweat, urine, and feces. The skin does not typically filter toxins, as armpit detox proponents claim. 

Some ingredients that people use to detox their pits can often cause irritation or other problems. Apple cider vinegar, for example, can irritate the skin, especially if the person has dry or sensitive skin. However, there are some supporters of armpit detoxification, but they stress that you should not use a scrub if you notice a rash under the arms. Additionally, if you use the underarm scrub in this article and find that it causes irritation or burning, stop the use. 

Whether or not an armpit detox works may be entirely personal. Some people swear that a regular armpit detox helps eliminate odor, even without wearing any deodorant. Other people notice that they sweat less after trying the armpit detox. All of this is completely personal and not based on scientific evidence. However, should you want to experiment with an odor removing underarm scrub, consider the recipe below. 

Odor Removing Underarm Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sea salt
• 1 tablespoon each: lemon juice and lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon each: melted coconut oil and honey

Instructions:

• Mix the sugar and salt together in a large mixing bowl and then add the lemon juice and lemon zest. Mix well to combine. 
• Drizzle in the coconut oil and honey and mix well before scooping into a glass container. Make sure to store in a cool, dry place and use one to two times per week for fresh underarms and smoother skin.

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