5 Myths Of Detoxifying Your Body

Detoxification has been practiced for centuries in cultures throughout the world. A vital part of Chinese and Auyervedic medicine the concept of detoxifying your body is becoming more mainstream and I am hearing others talk about it more and more. But there are some misconceptions floating around about detoxification so I wanted to write an article on this subject to help clear up a few things.

1. You need to fast in order to detox. 
This could not be further from the truth. Detoxifying is about resting, cleaning and nourishing your body from the inside out. There are detox programs out there that require fasting like "Master Cleanse" a 10-day fasting program where you consume only lemon juice, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper. But these are totally ineffective and one of the worst things you can do for proper detoxification. Fasting causes your body to do the exact opposite of flushing toxins out of your body and instead it holds on to fat tissue in particular, which is where you store most of your toxins. Another factor to consider is when you are properly detoxifying and flushing the toxins out and are not replacing that newly created space in your cells with nutrients your body will likely grab onto another toxin. Your body needs a specific set of nutrients found in whole organic natural foods in order to perform a proper detox.

2. If you eat healthy you do not need to detox. 
We are exposed to more and more chemicals every year. There are over 3,000 chemicals added to our food supply while over 10,000 chemical solvents like emulsifiers and preservatives used to process our food. Even if you eat healthy you are still exposed to toxins in your environment that are impossible to control. Eating healthy is great but if your cells are full of toxins your body cannot absorb the nutrients of all the healthy food you are eating. A cell is a singular space, so if its holding onto a toxin by definition it cannot hold a nutrient, you can't get two things into a single space. To get the most of your healthy food you should aim to detox every 3 months to keep your body absorbing all the good vitamins and minerals so that your body can be healthy and strong.

3. There is no real benefit to detoxing. 
Toxins accumulate in your body over time. If you think about it for even a second the concept of flushing toxins out of your body makes complete sense. We as a society take in an enormous amount of toxins every day then eat food that does nothing to help nourish and cleanse the body and instead puts more toxins in the body. Toxins stay trapped in our bodies contributing to the obesity epidemic, cancer, heart disease, auto immune disorders; I could really go on and on for pages about the damage toxins have on your body. When you are putting so many toxins in your body it would only make sense that a regular detox is necessary and essential to your health. Detoxing allows your body to unlock and eliminate these harmful toxins before they build up in your body.

If you experience; fatigue or are constantly tired, bloating, cravings for are continually snacking, get headaches or migraines, have allergies or skin disorders, are anxious or depressed, or have digestive problems such as diarrhea, constipation, stomach aches, and indigestion then you absolutely would benefit from detoxing. These are all signals your body gives you that it's on toxicity overload and needs attention.

4. Detox is expensive and should be done in a clinic.
Detoxing is very affordable and you do not need to be supervised by a medical professional while cleansing. If you have a health concern as always you should discuss it with your health care professional. You should not detox if you are pregnant or nursing and is not recommended for children.

5. Detox is just for the liver and colon. 
Your liver is the second largest organ in your body performing over 500 tasks! Obviously when you detox you are cleansing your liver and colon but that's not all. You are also cleansing your digestive system, your body tissues, and cells. Cleansing removes toxins and impurities from your whole body restoring and rejuvenating your mind, body, and spirit.

Detoxifying your body is essential to the overall maintenance of your body on the inside for optimal long-term health. After detoxing you'll notice you feel lighter, more energetic, and clear minded. You may notice your eyes are brighter and your complexion is radiant. These are all amazing signs that your body is healing itself from the inside out.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Running On Empty? 10 Top Tips To Gain Energy

Do you remember the energy, the drive of your younger days? Fatigue is a common complaint of almost everyone once they arrive at middle age. Rather than adapting to the feeling of being run down and out of gas... do something to gain energy and get yourself going again!

1. Check for a health problem - fatigue is a symptom that appears with many illnesses, things like diabetes, heart disease arthritis, anemia, thyroid disease and even sleep apnea. And don't forget to check the medicine cabinet... often drugs can contribute to those feelings of exhaustion. Suspect drugs for blood pressure, as well as antihistamines, diuretics or narcotic medications. If you're unusually tired after starting a new medication, talk with your doctor.

2. Exercise - even though it might be the last thing you want to do, many studies have shown that being active boosts energy levels. It sure gets your blood pumping, which improves your circulation, making it easier for blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the brain and muscles of the body. It's been found that those who are active have a greater sense of self-confidence, but also have stronger, more efficient hearts, lungs and muscles.

If you're struggling to get motivated, use an iPod or MP3 player to create a workout playlist of songs (120 to 140 beats a minute) to help keep you going. The tunes aren't just a distraction form all the sweating and straining, research has found that matching the tempo of your workout to music can increase you capacity for exercise by 15%.

Yoga might be especially effective for giving you more energy. A British study reported improvements in clear thinking, energy and confidence after only six weeks of once a week yoga classes. University of Oregon researchers offered yoga classes to 135 subjects (men and women) who were 65 to 85 years old, and at the end of six months, the subjects reported an improved sense of well-being and a boost in their overall energy levels.

3. Drink lots of water - dehydration takes away your energy and hurts your physical performance. It makes sense that being dehydrated can cause fatigue even when you're just doing things around the house and yard. Dehydration also has been found to decrease alertness and impact concentration. You will know if you're drinking enough water by the color of your urine - pale yellow or straw colored is okay, anything else is a sign you need to be drinking more water. Eating water based fruits and veggies is another great choice, but be sure to include a serving of a potassium rich food as well. Any non-alcoholic drink, water included, over ice is an almost instant pick me up.

4. Eat small meals, more often - some people battling fatigue might benefit from eating smaller meals regularly during the day as this helps to steady blood sugar levels. You will also want to choose whole grains and complex carbs as they take longer to digest and help keep blood sugar levels stable. And remember, more often does NOT mean bigger portions, be sure and keep an eye on the size of the meals. Small means small.

There's also been research that suggests low doses of caffeine during the day work are better than the giant cup to start the day. Researchers found that those who work odd hours got a better boost from caffeine when they drank small amounts, and they did better on cognitive tests.

5. Get enough sleep - sounds obvious, but lack of sleep is one of the main causes of fatigue, so if you're burning the midnight oil understand you can't do this forever. Eventually you'll need to get to bed early enough to catch up on your sleep. When those participating in a 2004 Stanford University study were allowed to sleep as long as they wished, they had more vigor and were less tired. Experts are also finding that good sleep habits may also have critical health benefits.

If you're up late on a regular basis, consider an afternoon nap. Hardly an indulgence, napping restores wakefulness and helps in performance and learning. A ten minute nap is usually enough to get you going again, but don't nap longer than 30 minutes or you're likely to impact your nighttime sleep.

6. Get some omega-3 fish oils - according to a 2009 Italian study, subjects who took a fish oil capsule for 21 days demonstrated faster mental reaction times than those who didn't take the capsule. The capsule-takers also said they felt more vigorous. Another fatigue busting food is dark chocolate (with at least 60% cocoa) as it contains a stimulant that boosts energy without giving you the jitters that come with other sweets, so you feel energetic for longer.

7. Be aware of your own body clock - some of us have all kinds of energy in the morning, others don't warm up until later on... at their best by the end of the day. You need to be aware of your own daily energy patterns and schedule demanding things when your energy level is up.

8. Lose extra weight - dropping a bit of weight can give you a major energy boost. Even small reductions help with mood, feelings of vigor and the overall quality of your life. The most pain-free weight loss comes from cutting back on your portion sizes, eating a balanced (lots of fruits and veggies) diet and being more active overall.

9. Get rid of clutter - all that mess lying around is a drain on your energy, reminding your silently of things you've yet to do. Working in small increments to clean up - say a half hour a day, or a bookshelf each afternoon - is the way to go, you'll see the progress but won't be overwhelmed by the task.

10. Change up your daily routine - doing the same things day after day drain your energy, instead switch things up and the reward chemical of the brain, dopamine, is released. This gets the body ready for action. Even just taking a new way to work, shifting up your workout routine, or eating outside instead of the kitchen table can be enough.

If all else fails experts suggest you fake it - slap on a smile, put on a brightly colored shirt or try a new perfume - by faking having energy, your body soon catches on and you actually gain energy. Research has shown that a simple smile releases endorphins and ups serotonin levels, and all this helps you come to feel the energy and vigor you're faking.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Aloe Vera Juice Benefits

Aloe vera is known primarily for its cooling and soothing properties, especially for treating burns, irritation, and various skin conditions. But this herb has other uses, which are not as popular but certainly no less beneficial. Aloe vera juice benefits include improved digestion, blood circulation, detoxification, and pain relief.

Aloe vera gel is obtained from the leaves of the aloe plant, and may be applied topically or added to drinks. Aloe vera juice contains various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, B-complex, iron, copper, calcium, potassium, and manganese. It is also safe to drink daily - in fact, experts recommend drinking at least two glasses every day to obtain maximum aloe vera juice benefits. Here are some of the most common aloe vera juice benefits:

Digestive aid

Aloe vera juice stimulates colonic irrigation, the process of loosening and washing out waste materials from the digestive system. These include food residues, toxins, and bacteria. These wastes can clog the intestinal lining and prevent nutrients from getting fully absorbed. Studies show that taking aloe vera juice regularly over several weeks can help break down residues and improve colonic irrigation. It also regulates the production of stomach acids, preventing digestive problems like ulcer, acid indigestion, colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Anti-inflammatory and pain relief

Aloe vera juice benefits people with rheumatoid arthritis analgesic and anti-inflammatory abilities. It helps relieve joint pain, reduce stiffness, and improves joint movement to prevent waste buildup. It also contains mucopolysaccharides, which are basic sugars essential in cell regeneration. This helps rebuild muscle tissues and disperse damaged cells. Its cooling ability also alleviates pain and inflammation.

Cancer and blood disease prevention

Another important element in aloe vera juice is acemannan, which is believed to increase the production of white blood cells. This helps the body fight bacteria and viruses, as well as prevent the growth of cancer cells. It is currently being studied for potential use against breast and ovarian cancer, leukemia, and diseases caused by low blood cell counts.

IMPORTANT: Aloe vera juice is considered a dietary supplement, so it is does not follow the same regulations as standard medicines. Some aloe vera products contain silica, starch, gluten, or other extenders that can hinder aloe vera juice benefits and even harm your health. To stay safe, buy only products that are GMP-compliant and avoid those that contain artificial additives, such as food colors and flavorings.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Do You Know The Benefits Of Kefir

It is clear that commercial kefir does not come close to the benefits the home-made variety has to offer as commercial Kefir is made from either a freeze dried powdered form of the culture which means it has considerably less healing power.

On the other hand homemade kefir contains billions of friendly organisms per millilitre, and the organisms are reproducing right up until the kefir is consumed along with ample amounts of kefiran and variations of the polysaccharide.

Kefir benefits from an abundance of tryptophan which is one of the essential amino acids and is, well-known for its relaxing effect on the nervous system. Therefore kefir has a particularly calming effect on the nerves. Rich in the B Vitamins: Kefir is an excellent source of Vitamin B7 (biotin), which aids the body's absorption of other B vitamins, B1 (Thiamine), B2 (riboflavin) B3 (niacin), B6 (Pyridoxal phosphate), B9 (folic acid), and B12 (cobalamin).

As an experiement the bacteria E. Coli was injected into Kefir. Within 24 hours the E. Coli was destroyed by Kefir whey's beneficial bacteria. Kefir has also demonstrated the ability to kill H. pylori infections when bacteria alone could not. 

In addition, the complex micro flora of Kefir has also shown a keen ability to greatly stimulate our immune system, ward off infections. This is because when Kefir is consumed as a drink, it creates a healthy mucous lining in the colon, which acts as a good medium to support the growth of beneficial bowel flora which helps to prevent parasitic infections and cancer as well as constipation. This means Kefir is beneficial in preventing many gastrointestinal disorders.

20 of the known health benefits of live Kefir:

1. Strongest natural remedy against any allergy

2. Strongest natural antibiotic without side effects

3. Treats liver disease

4. Treats gallbladder, dissolves gall bladder stones

5. Clears the body of salts, heavy metals, radionuclides, and alcoholic products

6. Cleans the body of chemical antibiotics

7. Treats kidney stones

8. Good bacteria in kefir are able to fight off pathogenic microorganisms

9. Lowers level of LDL cholesterol

10. Cleans the gastrointestinal tract

12. Treats gastritis

13. Treats pancreatitis

14. Treats ulcers

15. Prevents and treats colon cancer

16. Improves digestion

17. Improves the body functions

18. Improves the human immune system

19. Cures Candida

20. Cures hypertension

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

Your Summer Body Detox Menu

Summer is here and its time for a summer detox to get your body feeling great. Help your body clear waste, remove excess fluids and beat the heat by incorporating some delicious, detoxing foods into your summer diet. Here are some tips to get you started.

Fresh fruits and produce should be the basis of any body detox program. Fresh fruits are full of antioxidants and natural vitamin water to keep you feeling fresh and light. Antioxidants are known to help the body fight cancers so you get that extra natural immune boost, too.

Fresh vegetables contain natural minerals and other compounds to help you get your nutritional boost without all the extra calories. Celery is one of the best to beat the heat with. It is an all around body detoxifier that is high in Vitamin C and a compound called phthalides, which research shows helps lower blood pressure and even reduces stress hormones. The natural balance of sodium and potassium also help regulate fluid balance and stimulate urine production, which helps your body eliminate excess fluids.

Speaking of sodium, avoid table salt and high sodium processed foods during your summer body detox. Unfortunately, most of our dietary salt comes not from healthy, balanced sources such as celery, but from processed foods because it is a cheap preservative as well as an appetite stimulate. And salt addiction is a real phenomenon that can drain energy, promote fat storage and increase unhealthy food cravings.

Fortunately, your taste buds adjust fairly quickly. After only a week or so of limiting table salt and processed foods, you will be surprised at how salty many foods are. By eating a healthy detox diet based on just the two above principles, more produce and less processed foods, you will be on your way to feeling your best this summer. Here is a summer body detox menu outline to get you started.

Start your day with fresh fruit like berries, which are abundant and sweet in the summer time. Have an organic yogurt along with it to help balance digestion and throw in some unsalted nuts for protein.

For lunch, a hot summer day almost seems to require a fresh, crisp salad made with plenty of greens, fresh shredded carrots, sliced radishes, cucumbers and sprouts. Have this with fresh, grilled chicken or turkey. To cook your poultry, experiment with a variety of fresh herbs and olive oil as a marinade. Use a dressing made with olive oil and flavorful apple cider vinegar (Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the tastier brands found in your local health food store). If you are feeling experimental, try blending a cucumber, 1/2 avocado and a date or two with lemon juice as your salad dressing.

For dinner, choose from a variety of proteins, vegetables and low sodium grains. Try broiled skewers of lean beef or chicken using a low-sodium, organic marinade and onions, red and yellow bell peppers and tomatoes. Another choice might be broiled halibut marinated in lemon juice topped with fresh chopped tomatoes, onions and cilantro. Have a variety of fresh grilled or steamed asparagus on the side and 1/3 cup of brown Basmati rice.

For those extremely hot days or when feeling exceptionally fatigued, try drinking some energy. An excellent body detox drink can be made with a home juicer. Add plenty of celery, cucumber, kale, green apple apple, and add about 1/4 inch of ginger root for flavor. This combination will provide plenty of energy, nutrition and help your summer body detox. You may even find your skin clear after a week or so.

Keep your body health and fit with regular intervals of body and colon cleansing and detoxification. When done for shorter periods, from two to four weeks, your body will respond better and you may find it easier to follow. And of course, if you take medications, always check with your doctor before any diet changes.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Excellent Benefits Of Fruit And Vegetable Juices During Summer

You can refresh yourself in summer with the help of fruit or vegetable juices. These delicious, healthy juices can refresh you and replenish your depleted energy levels. Even though juices can be enjoyed any time of the year, they become much more enjoyable during summers.

You can prepare tasty health drinks at home which can provide you with important nutrients like proteins and vitamins and also help in overcoming the effects of the scorching summer heat. As you might be aware, fruits are very important for our body as well as for a healthy skin.

Fruits and vegetables consist mainly of water and fiber, but they also provide a lot of other important nutrients like minerals, vitamins, phyto-nutrients. It is a very healthy habit to consume fresh fruits and vegetables on regular basis, specially in summer season.

The problem is most people do not like to consume whole fruits or vegetables. Such people can enjoy juices made from them. For example, no one would like to eat 10 carrots at once. But if you make a glass of carrot juice using those 10 carrots, you can easily gulp it down.

Fruits and vegetables provide nutrients which are essential for the growth and healthy functioning of the body. They provide us energy and help in regulating our metabolism. They contain minerals which are necessary for the nerves and muscles of our body. However, keep in mind that vegetable or fruit juices should not be used as substitutes for whole foods, but as supplements. They can be a perfect food supplement, specially for our eat-on-the-run lifestyles. You can make a glass of juice easily and quickly.

Vitamin C present in some juices can be good for the skin. If you regularly drink juices which are rich in Vitamin C, you can notice a significant improvement in the smoothness and beauty of your skin. Vitamin C also helps in joint flexibility and is good for the hair. Grapefruit juice is a good source of Vitamin C and can be helpful in preventing arthritis, cataracts. But people with type 2 diabetes should avoid it due to its high sugar concentration. Orange juice is another good source of Vitamin C.

Carrot juice contains a large amount of beta-carotene, potassium and vitamins. It helps in strengthening the immune system, improving the eyesight and preventing heart related diseases. It can also be helpful in reducing cholesterol levels, healing of wounds and preventing cancer.

Sugarcane juice is very popular during summer season because it quenches our thirst and re-hydrates our body, giving us instant burst of energy. It is also effective in fighting against prostate and breast cancer.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

8 Health Benefits Of Coconut Water You Didn't Know Yet

Refreshing, healthy, and nutritious! That's coconut water - the ultimate thirst quencher... It is now renowned for its full-packed health benefits. Its healing effect to treat and cleanse urinary tract infections has been known worldwide. That is why we decided to compile the best 8 health benefits of this amazing Nature's offer:

1. It's low in calories.

What set aside coconut water from plain water, it is not entirely calorie-free, but at 42 calories per serving (240g) it's still low in calorie. Thus, it makes a great alternative for any one of your regular, sugar-sweetened drinks, perfect if you're in a weight loss program diet.

2. It contains cytokinins.

Although not too famous, cytokinins, is one of the highly beneficial compounds that can be found in coconut juice. Various researches have revealed that cytokinins can slow down the formation of cancer cell. In addition, coconut water is loved by many as it can also slow down the aging process.

3. It can quench thirst and aid dehydration.

To keep your body healthy and properly hydrated, consuming enough water is one vital requirement. Coconut is one of the best choices since it contains about 95%. It can hydrate your body the way plain water can offer.

4. It is rich in potassium.

Potassium is an essential mineral in your body. It's needed by the brain and nervous system to function properly. It also aids in providing the needed amount of potassium. Do you know that 1 serving of coconut water will cover about 13% of your daily potassium needs? Yes, that's right!

Photo: Bodyandsoul.com.au

5. It contains magnesium.

Although magnesium is also one of the important components of our diet, only 32% of people had can consume it well. Low level of magnesium leads to low energy levels and can end up to serious health conditions such as asthma, osteoporosis, and diabetes. One serving of coconut water takes care of about 14% of your daily magnesium requirement.

6. It contains copper.

Another vital mineral for the body is copper. If copper is absent in your health, your organs and your metabolism simply can't work well and that would affect your overall health. A serving of coconut water will provide about 11% of the daily copper requirements.

Photo: Seafoodnet.info

7. It contains antioxidants.

It is full of antioxidants, which aid in preventing the damage to the body due to free radicals. Since today it's very difficult to avoid free radicals, it's very important that we have enough antioxidants. Good thing, coconut water can help you with that!

8. It can remedy hangover.

Sometimes, we can't avoid drinking too much and the next day it's very uncomfortable. Consume coconut water to ease your stomach due to hangover. It would surely replenish the body by replacing the essential electrolytes taken from the body caused by frequent urination and vomiting.

Do you know other health benefits of coconut? Feel free to share.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

6 Reasons Why You Should Detox Your Body | VIDEO

Detoxification is a great way to get you body cleaned from harmful unnecessary things that are stored in your body and give it a fresh start in order to feel better and boost your overall well-being. A lot of people are very critical whenever the word ‘detox’ is used but if it is done correctly, it can only be beneficial to your body because taking care of your internal body is just as important as taking care of your outside appearance.

We live in a world that too often feels out of balance. Add constant stress from busy schedules with too much fast food, throw in environmental pollutants, mercury from dental fillings, preservatives in foods, toxins from plastics, cleaning agents, and poor air quality, and it’s easy to see why our bodies may be suffering unhealthy consequences.

All this toxicity may be causing your body’s natural systems to function at less-than-optimal levels, and when your systems are under stress and out of balance, they can’t work as efficiently. Consequently, you may suffer from low energy, weight gain or loss, and weakened immunity. So what can you do to combat these negative effects?

6 good reasons why you should detox your body

1. Remove toxins from your body
Toxins are harmful substances and can be the reason why your skin does not look well, why your internal organs don’t work as they should and why your hormone balance is not as it should be. Toxins destroy your immune system storing themselves in cells throughout your body and block they way for everything good that should reach the vital parts for your body to function at its best.

2. Improve your immune system
Immune system is weakened and becomes vulnerable to illnesses when it is overloaded with toxins. This can seriously affect your quality of life and your daily activities. Right detox programme can help to strengthen your immune system.

3. Prevent chronic diseases
Our bodies are incredibly smart and have their own detox functions but now and then event the smartest systems need a bit of help and care. This is where detox can be very helpful in assisting and improving your body’s natural way of getting rid of toxins and other bad substances.

4. Improve mental and emotional state
Detox has a positive impact on our mental and emotional state. During detox, as we cleanse our bodies, also our mental state becomes clearer.

5. Increase energy and feel better
After detox you will feel much better mentally, physically, and emotionally. After detox course you will notice that you sleep better, have more energy during daytime, have much better mood, feel more energetic and happy.

6. Improve the quality of your skin
A lot of things that we use daily - personal care products, house cleaning items, free radicals and even certain foods can cause our skin to look dull, unhealthy and also age quicker. Detox will help your body to cleanse it inside which in turn will have a positive impact on your appearance and skin restoring its glow and healthiness.

For years, working in beauty sector, I have explored and studied different skincare products that I am happy to use myself and recommend to my clients. Knowing that detox is a vital part of achieving the best results also in skincare, I have explored different detox programmes and products in order to find the best available solutions that would guarantee the best results inside and out. Since I strongly believe that nature always have the best ingredients for everything that we need, I have sourced amazing natural products that I have tested myself and have been absolutely impressed with the results.

I always recommend that you carefully read the label of the products that you are going to use or ask advice to a trusted specialist who can make assessments and recommend the best that your body would need.
_________________________

If you are interested in more information about cleansing supplement Restoriix to support your body’s normal detoxification processes and to help you reach your peak balance potential, please get in touch with me: erica@peacheslime.ie. Restoriix ingredients have been gathered from around the world and combined to create a cleansing supplement that works in synergy with your body to restore its natural balance and vitality.

Restoriix features a combination of zeolite, charcoal, and nutrient-dense superfoods that attracts and removes free radicals and unwanted substances, balances pH levels, and supports healthy immune function. It will help rid your body of unwanted toxins and restore balance that may have been lost.

Restoriix contains:

• Zeolite - natural volcanic minerals with honeycomb-like structure. It works at the cellular level as a magnet to trap unwanted materials and free radicals to it. Zeolite supports healthy immune function, maintains balanced pH levels, boosts healthy alkalinity levels which supports the body’s natural defenses.
• Chlorella - a pure green algae rich in chlorophyll that aids in processing oxygen, thus supporting the body’s natural cleansing processes in key elimination systems such as the bowel, liver, and blood. It supports immune function and healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels, helping to digest food more efficiently.
• Activated Charcoal of Willow Tree Bark - it can bond to and carry thousands of times its own weight in toxins and other chemicals. Because of these properties, activated charcoal is a commonly used decontamination agent around the world.
• Organic Spirulina - derived from fresh-water algae, provides protein, iron, vitamins, minerals, and many essential micronutrients often missing in the diet due to irregular eating habits, hectic lifestyle, or lack of proper dietary knowledge.
• Chia Seeds - a very abundant source of omega-3 fatty acids and is high in antioxidants. Chia seeds are also full of fiber and trace elements like calcium, phosphorous, manganese, copper, molybdenum, zinc, and more.
• Chlorophyllin - one of the most powerful life-giving substances on the planet and the pigment that gives green foods their color. Chlorophyll-rich foods have a very deep green color, and they are useful in building new blood cells and purifying the body. Chlorophyll also assists in oral hygiene and deodorization of the body.

5 Ways Activated Charcoal Will Benefit Your Life

What if you could soak up poisons and improve intestinal health from a small black pill? No, this 'magical' isn't something like the pill on the Matrix. Instead, it's made from insoluble carbonized wood that's oxidized by gases at high temperatures.

For over 10,000 years, healers from Chinese medicine have used it for it's absorption capabilities. Just 2 grams of activated charcoal powder has nearly the same surface area as a football field. Now imagine the powerful impact this has in your stomach.

Photo: Via Makansutra

A detoxifying super giant

The oxidative process that creates activated charcoals creates very fine pores and results in it's ability to absorb 100 times its weight in toxins, bacteria, chemicals, and unwanted medications.

When the charcoal enters your system it attaches to the foreign bodies so that they are passed out of the body by elimination. This prevents you from replicating or absorbing certain material into your bloodstream. Many air and water filters use charcoal for it's absorption capabilities. 

When you bought a Brita you may have seen black in the water during your first flush. Aquasana takes this a step further with it's 3 stage filtration using activated carbon, ion exchange and sub-micron filtration to significantly increase surface area. There's a reason charcoal has been used for 10,000+ years and so many companies use it for toxin absorption. So why are you missing out?

Photo: Via Coalisthenewblack.com

Activated charcoal benefits

By now you know that activated carbon has a pretty hefty way to absorb foreign material. But what does this mean for you? Will your poop turn black, will it absorb your food nutrients, and will it flush out your good gut flora? Not quite. It binds to foreign invaders, toxins that shouldn't be allowed in your body. Think more along the lines of alcohol, crappy food, metals, and bacteria.

Here are the distinct activated carbon benefits:

• Overall detoxification: Chronic exposure to toxins will create cellular damage, allergic reactions, poor immunity, and increased aging. By taking activated charcoal you'll remove this unwanted toxins from your body.


• Relieves digestive issues: Upon digesting foods like beans, the decomposition from bacteria creates unruly gas or diarrhea. You remember the song "bean, beans, the magical fruit... " don't you? Activated charcoal binds to the byproducts created by bacteria and alleviates these digestive issues.


• Neutralizer for drugs, chemicals, poisons & alcohol: If you ingest poisons such as alcohol, chlorine, or unwanted drugs, taking a single large dose of activated carbon will help your body flush the poisons faster. Activated charcoal adsorbs most organic chemicals, many inorganic chemicals, drugs, pesticides, mercury, and even lead, before they harm your body.


• Anti-aging: As you age your brain becomes incredibly sensitive to toxins. Activated carbon slows this rate and encourages better cognitive function. It also prevents many cellular changes associated with aging, adrenal gland, and kidney function.


• Heart health: Activated charcoal lowers the amount of total lipids, cholesterol, and triglycerides in your blood, liver, heart, and brain.

Photo: Via Journalofnaturalmedicine.com

When should you take activated charcoal?

Let me clear something up. Taking activated charcoal isn't your excuse to force feed toxins through your mouth. Overdoing alcohol, drinking poor quality water and eating bad food will always result in a worse you.

However, there are times you should take advantage of activated charcoal:

• Take it when you've had one too many drinks
• Take it when you have to eat at a subpar restaurant with poor quality meat and produce
• When you feel yourself getting tired or moody
• Put it on your toothbrush for stained teeth
• Take it when you feel bloated or have stomach pains
• It is helpful for jet lag
• Take it during pregnancy to bind toxins

Activated charcoal benefits are many! Whether you're using it to correct indirect digestion of foreign material, or to help with poor decisions you made, it's a must have remedy in your daily arsenal.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Seasonal fruits and veg for your nutrition this month | February

Eating a wide variety of seasonal fruit and vegetables will promote good health and will give your body the right nutrients it needs at this time of the year.

Fruit and vegetables contain no saturated fats, salt or added sugars and are a good source of fibre. Eating enough fruit and vegetables will also help you to maintain a healthy weight, lower your cholesterol and blood pressure and benefit your dental health. It can also help protect you against chronic diseases such as heart disease and stroke and may reduce your risk of some types of cancers.

Here is a list of seasonal fruits and veg for February that you can include in your spring lunch and dinner menu, detox drinks, smoothies or eat just raw.

Seasonal fruits

Kiwi, oranges, lemons, tangerines, clementines, grapefruits, apples, pears, and dried fruits.

Seasonal vegetables

Beetroot, broccoli, artichoke, cardoon, chicory, carrot, cauliflower, white cabbage, Savoy cabbage, Brussels sprouts, sauerkraut, beet tops, fennel, endive, lettuce, leek, red radicchio, turnip, scorzonera, scorzobianca, spinach, Jerusalem artichoke, valerianella, pumpkin, radishes, kale, sweet potato, potato.