Today’s blog is republished from my friends at TheAlternativeDaily, a leading publisher of daily alternative health tips that I personally read every day…

By Ryan Mallett-Outtrim, TheAlternativeDaily.com

Lemon water is delicious and healthy. It’s an easy way to boost your intake of vitamin C, which can help lower blood pressure and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. It can also improve your skin health and support weight loss, while aiding digestion. Plus, it can keep your breath fresh and lemony.

Oh, and did we mention it tastes pretty yummy?

Unfortunately, like everything in life, it’s possible to have too much lemon water. In excess, lemon water can have some surprisingly worrying impacts on your health. While a cup or two a day might not hurt, guzzling large amounts of lemon water can do more harm than good, and in the long term, snowball into serious health problems.

Bear in mind that there’s no set amount of lemon water that’s considered unsafe; we’re all different, and all have different tolerance levels. That said, here are six health issues that can arise from drinking too much lemon water. If you’re experiencing any of these, then it might be time to take it easy on the lemon water.

1. Lemon water can harm your tooth enamel

We all know that sugary treats are bad for your teeth, but did you know lemons are also pretty rough on your enamel? Lemons are highly acidic, and the American Dental Association warns their juice can erode your enamel if consumed in excess.

Signs of enamel damage include a yellowing of the teeth and a sensation of roughness. Run your tongue along your teeth; if they feel sand papery instead of pearly smooth, then you might have some enamel damage.

Another common sign of tooth problems is more obvious: pain or sensitivity. For example, if you feel a jolt of stabbing pain in your teeth whenever you drink something particularly hot or cold, then you might have a problem. In fact, if you experience any of the above, then it’s probably time to cut back on the lemon water and perhaps pay a visit to your dentist.

2. Lemon water can exacerbate cavities

Lemon water doesn’t just strip your teeth of their enamel; it can also exacerbate issues with cavities. Cavities are typically caused by bacteria that munch on sugar and excrete acid. Pure, natural lemon juice won’t do much to exacerbate cavities on its own. However, if you use a lemon concentrate or add a bit of sugar to your lemon water, then you’re creating the perfect environment in your mouth for the development of cavities.

3. Lemon water can mess with your tummy

For some people, lemon water can be quite soothing, but not everyone. We’re all unique, and our stomachs can have moods of their own. For some people, lemon water can put their stomachs in a seriously bad mood, causing pain and irritation. Anyone with a stomach ulcer should steer well away from lemon water, as it can worsen the pain and make you feel absolutely terrible.

Also, excessive consumption of acidic foods and beverages like lemon water has been linked to the development of gastroesophageal re-flux disorder. This is a gut condition that can lead to nausea, vomiting and heartburn.

4. Lemon rinds are gross

This is less of a problem with lemon water, and more of a concern with the rinds themselves. In 2007, a study published in the Journal of Environmental Health found evidence to suggest as much as 70 percent of lemon rinds served in restaurants are contaminated with organisms like the notorious E. coli, which can make you extremely ill.

Regular consumption of lemon water with the rind submerged in the beverage can expose you to these contaminants, so be careful. If you regularly consume lemon water, ensure you either wash the rinds thoroughly or remove them entirely.

5. Lemon juice can give you migraines

This one certainly doesn’t apply to everyone, but lemon juice might give you one hell of a headache. A number of studies have shown a clear link between citrus and migraines. It’s worth noting these results aren’t consistent, with some studies failing to find a clear link. Nonetheless, there’s enough evidence on the table to lead many doctors to advise migraine sufferers to avoid citrus, especially if they suspect fruits like lemon exacerbate their migraines. So if you likewise experience migraines from time to time, you may want to consider avoiding lemon water.

6. Lemon juice can make mouth ulcers worse

Mouth ulcers (canker sores) are horrible. They hurt and make eating unpleasant. Due to their highly acidic content, lemons can make these ulcers even more painful, according to the American Dental Association. So if you’re prone to mouth ulcers, then keep away from lemon juice.

What’s your experience with lemon water? Let us know about the good, bad and ugly in the comments below!

— Ryan Mallett-Outtrim
(The original article source is here)

In India, Ayurvedic practitioners use lemon to heal stomach issues, referring to its value as a “promoter of gastric fire”.

The Romans used lemons as a cure for all types of “poison.”

Historians report that 12th century Egyptians prized lemons for their “vast medicinal power.”

And in 1953 Sir Edmund Hillary uncovered a new secret weapon—something never tried before by other climbers. It was a special all-natural healing tonic —that research showed could dramatically boost their level of fitness…and thus, increase their chances of finally reaching Everest’s summit.

What was in that Tonic? …Copious amounts of hot water with lemon to combat the acute effects of dehydration at altitude.

Let’s take a look at some of the other powerful benefits of lemons and lemon water…

> 13 Ways that lemons heal & flush your body (benefits for blood pressure, digestion, sleep, cancer, diabetes, detox & more)

Take this short quiz to discover the one veggie you should avoid.

Quiz: The #1 Veggie To AVOID (causes weight gain, saps energy & harms your gut)

A: Broccoli
B: Corn
C: Kale
D: Spinach
E: Other

Make your selection above or click here to skip straight to the answer.

==> Click Here To Discover The #1 Veggie To Avoid

The post 6 Scary Reasons To Avoid Drinking Too Much Lemon Water appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

By: Susan Patterson

Cold water can interfere with a number of healthy bodily processes and actually be detrimental to your well-being in the following ways:

• Cold water robs you of nutrients: The body’s natural temperature is 37 degrees Celcius. When you drink something that is very cold, your body has to spend an exorbitant amount of energy to regulate your core temperature. This takes away from energy that is needed to digest food and absorb nutrients.

• It may cause a sore throat: Extremely cold water may cause respiratory mucosa to build up, resulting in increased chance of infection causing a sore throat.

• It can increase your risk of headache: According to a 2001 study, women who had experienced a migraine in the last year were twice as likely to trigger a headache by drinking cold water.

• Heads up, cold water may contain dirty ice: We recently reported that ice is often dirty, coated with bacteria and fungus. This often is true of your ice at home.

On the flipside, here are some of the amazing health benefits of drinking warm water:

Warm water provides pain relief

Forget cold water, drinking warm water can help prevent constipation.

Drinking warm or hot water has a soothing effect on the muscles of the abdomen. It can provide relief from menstrual and abdominal cramping, as well as muscle spasms.

Boosts your weight loss

By drinking a cup of hot water first thing in the morning, you can jump-start your metabolism. Warm water increases body temperature and increases the rate at which your metabolism burns calories.

Prevents premature aging

Drinking warm water helps to flush compounds from the body that can accelerate aging. It also improves skin elasticity by aiding in cellular repair.

Clears nasal and throat congestion

Hot water is a wonderful natural treatment for colds. It can naturally dissolve phlegm and clear your airways. It not only clears out nasal congestion, but it also soothes sore throat symptoms as well.

Prevents constipation

Hot water can help you to maintain bowel movement regularity. Dehydration is a frequent cause of recurring constipation problems. Not to mention that the movement of the bowel slows down as it fills up. The hot water can finish breaking down food remnants and flush them through the intestines.

Aids your digestive process

It is believed that drinking cold water during a meal might promote hardening of oils in the food and lead to a fat deposit in the intestine. As mentioned previously, warm water boosts metabolism and aids the digestive process.

Detoxifies your body

The act of drinking hot water naturally raises the temperature of the body. As the body temperature rises it activates the process of sweating, which flushes toxins out of the body through the pores of the skin. The extra hydration also helps the function of the kidneys to flush waste material out of the body, along with toxins.

Improves your outlook

According to Dr. Michael Wald, the director of Nutritional Services at Integrated Medicine and Nutrition in Mount Kisco, New York, consuming hot water activates receptors found in the stomach, esophagus, intestines and mouth. This stimulates pleasure regions of the brain.

Maintains balance in the body

Practitioners of Chinese Medicine believe that drinking warm water that is similar to the temperature of the body maintains balance. They believe that extremes of either hot or cold throw off the body’s yin and yang. Imbalances are believed to be responsible for symptoms like chills, depression, thirst, “foggy” thinking, sleepiness, bloating and more.

Enhances blood circulation

Drinking warm water breaks down fat deposits that are present in the body and blood stream. The warmth increases the flow of blood circulation and promotes the removal of toxins. The increased circulation induces muscle relaxation, which can reduce pain.

Try warm lemon water

My favorite way to drink warm water is by adding a squeeze or two of fresh lemon juice. This is especially beneficial first thing in the morning. Lemons contain citric acid, magnesium, bioflavonoids, vitamin C, pectin, calcium and limonene, which supercharge our immunity so that the body can fight infection. They also help to lower the activity of free radicals and increase the breaking down of body fat, also known as adipose tissue.

Along with the power of water, combining water with baking soda gives it a super nutritional boost.

Do you want to incorporate the healing powers of baking soda into your life?

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The post What cold water does to your body appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

Lemons and limes are some of the most popular citrus fruits in the world.

Lemons and limes are often used interchangeably for cooking purposes, but what about their health purposes? Are lemons and limes alike? Though they have a lot in common, they’re also distinctly different in some ways.

These two fruits are well known for their acidity and sourness, which makes them useful in a variety of dishes, salads, soups and drinks.

Lemon and lime essential oils made from the rinds are often used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes. They’re also included in many household cleaning products for their fragrance and antibacterial properties.

Many people often mistakenly think limes are just unripe lemons but that is not the case. Lemons and limes are two totally different citrus fruits but closely related.

Lemons grow on a small evergreen tree that is actually native to Asia. Limes are thought to be a hybridized fruit and actually come in several varieties from various parts of the world. Lemons and limes are now grown all over the world.

However, lemons — formally known as Citrus limon — are typically grown in moderate climates, while limes — or Citrus aurantifolia — grow better in tropical and subtropical regions.

Round vs Oblong

Lemons and limes definitely look different—if you look closely. Lemons are bright yellow and oblong, while limes tend to be smaller, rounder, and green. Some types of limes actually do turn yellow when ripe, but they do not turn into lemons.

Harvest

While limes are not unripe lemons, they are unripe limes and are harvested before they ripen. When harvested early and while still green, they have a rich, sour flavor and more citric acid. Once a lime is mature and yellow, they lose their acidity and their sour taste and become bitter.

Lemons are picked when ripe, yellow and mature.

Taste

Lemons and limes have a similar taste and are often used as substitutes for each other. But they do taste different. Lemons have a distinctly sour taste, while limes tend to be slightly more bitter but seem to have more flavor. Lemons contain about 2% sugar, while the bitter lime only contains 0.5% sugar. Limes tend to be more acidic than lemons. Some lemons, like Meyer lemons have a much mellower and sweeter taste.

Lemon vs Lime Nutrition

While neither lemons or limes have huge amounts of vitamins and minerals, both lemons and limes have generous amounts of vitamin C. Lemons win out here though, as they have substantially more vitamin C than limes do.

Ounce for ounce, (or gram for gram) lemons have more vitamin C. For example, 100 g of lime contains approximately 29mg of vitamin C, while 100g of lemon contains 53mg of vitamin C. In addition, they also have more potassium, vitamin A, vitamins B6 and folate.

Both lemons and limes have some great health benefits—let’s take a look.

Strengthen Immunity

Lemons and limes contain a good amount of vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, which helps to strengthen the immune system, helping your body fight colds, flu, and other pathogens. Vitamin C helps to increase white blood cells, our little ‘army’ that fight off illnesses and infections.

Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant which helps prevent damage to the DNA of our cells, protecting and helping insure we have healthy cell reproduction. This review from the Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism shows that vitamin C helps reduce the duration and severity of respiratory tract infections.

Lemons and limes also fight inflammation. You can also keep your immune system strong by avoiding foods containing sugar or processed foods, eating probiotic rich foods and getting regular exercise.

Good for the Heart

Vitamin C is also valuable for the heart, helping you fight heart disease and lowering blood pressure. One study from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston looked at the diets of 126,399 adults over a period of eight to 14 years and found that each serving of fruits and vegetables was associated with a 4 percent decreased risk of heart disease. It was found that the vitamin C-rich fruits and veggies, like lemons or limes had the biggest impact.

Another study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism in 2014 found daily consumption of lemons or limes was associated with a decrease in blood pressure, as well.

Prevents Kidney Stones

The citric acid in lemons or limes helps to prevent painful kidney stones. Lemons and limes are also slightly diuretic, helping to increase urine volume and cleanse the kidneys.

One small study published in the Journal of Urology treated 11 participants with lemonade therapy for nearly four years. Researchers found that stone formation dropped significantly, from an average of one kidney stone per year down to just 0.13 per year. And this study showed that treating kidney stone patients with lemon or lime juice increased urinary citrate levels and decreased the amount of calcium in the urine, suggesting that citric acid may be a potential alternative treatment for preventing kidney stones.

Cancer Fighting Citrus

Lemons and limes share powerful cancer-fighting benefits. These citrus fruits have lots of antioxidants in them, fighting free radical damage which can negatively alter our cells and make us more prone to developing cancer. Lemons and limes’ phytochemicals include flavonoids, flavones, triterpenoids and limonoids.

Another compound identified in limes was found to block colon cancer cell growth by 67%. Other studies show both lemons and limes to be effective in fighting other types of cancer, including breast cancer and pancreatic cancer. This study from Saudi Arabia, showed that lemon fruit extract helped kill breast cancer cells.

Lemons and limes also contain compounds like hesperidin and d-limonene, which have both been shown to have cancer-preventing properties. This makes lemons and limes some of the most powerful weapons in the fight against cancer.

Aids Digestion and Increases Iron Absorption

Iron is an important mineral for our bodies; it helps build red blood cells which carry oxygen to all parts of our bodies. Deficiencies in iron can cause anemia which can result in dizziness, weakness, fatigue and a lowered immune response. Vegans and vegetarians have a more difficult time absorbing iron, especially if they only eat plant-based foods. Women who are menstruating also have higher iron needs. Athletes and people who live at higher altitudes also need a great supply of iron in their diets.

Vitamin C, in the form of ascorbic acid helps to enhance iron absorption from foods. This is also why cooking foods high in iron with a type of acid, like lemons or limes to enhance absorption. One of the best ways to get some extra iron in your diet is to cook in a cast-iron skillet. Adding a squeeze or two of lemons and limes helps to leach iron from the skillet which cooks into your food.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition even found that consuming 100 milligrams of vitamin C with a meal, increased iron absorption by 60 or more percent.

Aids in Weight Loss

Lemons and limes are very low in calories, yet they add mouth-watering flavor to water and increase your saliva, preventing a dry mouth. Drinking lemon water can help with weight loss. Many times when we reach for a snack, we are actually just thirsty, so a glass of lemon or lime water helps to fulfill your thirst and help you stay away from munching. And the sour flavor actually help you feel slightly more satiated.

If every day you traded in a glass of high sugar juice or soda, you avoid almost 40,000 calories in a year! That is over 11 pounds of fat! Plus you avoid all the toxic corn syrup and its negative health benefits it has on your body.

Hydration

Lemons and limes contain citric acid which actually helps your body absorb water better. Lemon water has gained a lot of popularity as ‘the’ drink to have first thing in the morning. The reason is that lemon water helps to hydrate you, helps your body wash out toxins and excess fluids, and balance your pH. Lemons and limes also contain a good balance of electrolytes which help your body re-establish its fluid levels better than plain water.

It is considered much healthier to have a more alkaline pH which helps to prevent disease and boosts the immune system. Even though lemons and limes are very acidic, they help our bodies become more alkaline. Some research shows that a more alkaline diet can be beneficial for things like pain relief, bone health, and preventing cancer.

Lemon or lime water provides a burst of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that isn’t found in regular water. While lemon water gets the spotlight as the new healthy drink, limes are also rich in vitamin C, minerals, phytochemicals and antioxidants. Lime water benefits are similar to the benefits of lemon water and can boost antioxidant intake, support weight loss, and keep you healthy and hydrated with an added dose of flavor.

Add lemon or lime juice to most all of your dishes. Adding a squeeze of lemon or lime can really enhance the flavor of vegetables—especially the more bitter ones like broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts and spinach. Lemon or lime juice, combined with a bit of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs or spices, makes a delicious all-purpose salad dressing or a great base for marinades, especially fish or chicken.

Lemon or lime—both of these are highly beneficial to your health and relay a variety of health benefits, so use them in drinks, dishes and desserts, and pucker up!!

If you are interested in some of the other powerful benefits of lemons and lemon water… check out this article from our friends Alternative Daily.

You know already that lemons can help with weight loss and renew your energy, but did you there is fruit that can absolutely destroy it.

Blueberries vs. Strawberries vs Oranges… (the #1 WORST fruit for energy)

According to the best-selling author and world-renowned heart surgeon, Dr. Steven Gundry, there’s one fruit people over 40 should never eat.

This fruit can disrupt your hormones. Both sapping you of energy and forcing your body to create “sticky” fat cells that can NOT be “burned off” with normal diet and exercise.

Do you know the fruit I’m talking about? Make sure you do by clicking the one below you think it is, and get the answer from Dr. Gundry himself on the next page:

>> Blueberries

>> Strawberries

>> Oranges

>> Goji berries

References
https://draxe.com/limes/
https://draxe.com/lemon-nutrition/
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/difference-lemon-and-lime.html
https://draxe.com/benefits-of-lemon-water/

The post Lemons vs Limes, which is healthier? appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

Nearly everyone talks about doing a ‘detox’ diet, especially as a New Year’s resolution. But almost anytime is a good time to detoxify your body. A detox can help you make a starting point for a clean diet that results in better health, weight loss or fighting cancer. A detox diet can be a healthy way to get back on track both mentally and physically, and to clear out toxins so your body knows exactly what it needs to do to optimize your health. Think of it as a way of cleaning house.

Our bodies have the ability to be constantly detoxifying. Our skin, our kidneys, our digestive system, our livers, lungs and lymph system are all working hard to continually detox our systems from toxins that come from our environment, the air we breathe, pesticides and chemicals in our food, and toxins in products we use on our bodies.

The problem comes when things like stress, a buildup of chemicals from ultra-processed foods, air pollution, or other toxic substances overload our system and clog up the body’s natural ability to clean. A toxic system means increased inflammation, a lowered immune response, mutated DNA and unhealthy cells, and an open door to serious, chronic disease like heart disease, obesity, diabetes, dementia and cancer.

Removing the ‘toxic sludge’ so to speak will help get your body back in balance and allow it to detoxify and remove unhealthy substances, absorb and assimilate nutrients better, and rebuild. It is a great way to ‘reset’ your system. You will feel more energy, feel clearer headed and be in a better mood, sleep better, recover from exercise better and enjoy life more with a clean, healthy, functioning system.

If you have ever been diagnosed with cancer, or maybe you fear you may get it at some point—or even if you have just gotten way off-track with your diet, now is the time to detox.

Even if you are perfectly healthy, your body is invisibly fighting off cancer cells, infectious pathogens, inflammation and serious disease, so a detox is a good way to ‘clean house’ first as a healthy foundation for optimal health. Serious disease like cancer, is a sign your body has been poisoned, so cleaning out the dirt and muck will allow your own body’s defenses to take over and optimize your health and well being.

YOU are in control of your body and YOU are in control of your health.

There are many different types of detox diets available online. Just do a search of “detox diet” and you will find hundreds. Don’t feel like you have to buy bushel baskets of raw vegetables and juice every day. A good detox diet just needs to supply plenty of super-food antioxidant nutrients that your body needs, while also cleaning out the chemicals, sugar, junk and added ingredients that it doesn’t.

Following a few easy guidelines and incorporating some detox foods into your diet is the best way to optimize your body’s own built-in detox system and supply your liver, kidneys, and digestive system with the tools needed to clear out toxins efficiently.

Basic Detox

1. Remove the sugar

Cancer cells LOVE glucose and feed off of it! While the explanation for how sugar affects cancer cells is somewhat controversial and complex, sugar of all kinds promotes cancer, diabetes, heart disease, inflammation, gut dysbiosis, and obesity. In addition, sugar weakens the body’s immune defenses.

Removing all sugar and refined carbs will help to starve cancer cells, reset the body’s fat burning ability, and lower blood sugar. Cut out ANY foods that contain sugar, refined carbohydrates, grains, and even fruit—for now. Especially be sure to remove any fructose or high fructose corn syrup—this is like cancer ‘fuel’. Avoid all of these types of sugar:

• fructose (natural sugar from fruits)
• lactose (natural sugar from milk)
• sucrose (made from fructose and glucose)
• maltose (sugar made from grain)
• glucose (simple sugar, product of photosynthesis)
• dextrose (form of glucose)

Remove all processed carbohydrates such as breads, pastas, muffins, cookies, crackers, chips, cereals, etc. While these foods are often considered ‘healthy’, they are not. They are full of added sugars, highly refined grains (which turn into sugar in our bodies), additives and pesticide residues including glyphosate, a known carcinogen.

Avoid convenience meals, frozen dinners, and fast foods. Baked or fried carbohydrates are also full of advanced glycated end products, or AGE’s as well. This substance contributes to aging and chronic disease including cancers.

2. Keep it Ketogenic

On a detox, you want to not only help your body remove toxic sludge, but you also want to reset your blood sugar levels and your body’s primary energy source. Too many carbs and sugars in the diet will cause your body to not only store all that excess glucose as fat, but you will also stop burning fat for energy—your body’s best energy source.

While the body can easily burn through sugar and carbohydrates for energy, it is meant purely to be an emergency fuel for the ‘fight or flight’ response. A keto detox diet consisting of vegetables combined with select organic, naturally-raised meats/poultry/fish and healthy fats will turn your body back into a fat burning machine, lower inflammation and starve cancer cells in the process. Burning ketones for fuel (your body fat), helps you think more clearly, reduces hunger, eliminates excess fluids, lowers blood pressure, boosts fat loss, and improves your cholesterol.

Studies now show that a ketogenic diet can help lower risk factors for heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes. In addition, a keto diet starves cancer cells, reduces seizures in epileptics, helps the brain recover from brain injuries better, and improve symptoms of Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis.

3. Move more

Start pumping the oxygen naturally by getting in some light to moderate exercise each day for 45 minutes. When you exercise, you get your heart pumping harder, which increases your circulation and circulating oxygen.

Exercise also helps to stimulate your immune system and get your lymph system in gear removing toxins and clearing out dead cells. Exercise and oxygen actually help to starve cancer cells as well. And, exercise helps improve your mood by increasing your endorphins—your ‘feel good’ chemicals. A positive mood actually helps the body heal better and faster.

However, keep in mind your body is working hard to rid itself of toxic waste and you may be tired, so keep exercise moderate, and avoid heavy weights and high intensity workouts for now.

4. Get plenty of sleep

Part of a detox is allowing your body to rest and reset. A good detox will most likely make you feel more fatigued and lethargic, and possibly moody as you being to mobilize toxic substances out of your body. Your body needs to focus on cleaning and healing, so be sure to give it the rest it needs to do its best work. After a couple days of fatigue and rest, you may feel especially energized as your body starts to regain its balance and strength.

5. Distance yourself from electronic devices

Cell phones, WIFI, computers, electronic pads, even televisions all emit electromagnetic waves that can totally disrupt not only our own bio-electric functions, but they have been linked to a variety of cancers, especially brain cancers. To be safe, keep your cell phone as far away from your body and your head as possible, and avoid being bombarded with WIFI if you can. Try to limit your time on electronic devices and if you cannot avoid WIFI, at least get outside and far away from it as much as possible!

6. Remove the chemicals

Commercially-prepared shampoos, soaps, lotions, creams, hair products and deodorants are all loaded with hormone-disrupting, DNA damaging chemicals and carcinogenic ingredients. Revamp your toiletries by tossing out the chemical-laden ones and replacing with organic, natural products or stop using them all together. Also avoid using plastics and aluminum foil and baking dishes for cooking food storing leftovers, drinks, or microwaving.

7. Use only natural cleaning products

Home cleaning products are often extremely toxic. Avoid using window cleaners, antibacterial hand soaps, commercial laundry soaps, toilet cleaners, bathtub/sink scrubs, dish-washing liquids, etc. These products are full of carcinogens that get released into the air, onto surfaces, and absorbed by your body.

Replace all with natural cleaning supplies like vinegar, water, essential oils and natural/organic cleaning products. And if you are using any chemicals on your lawn or weeds like weed killer, bug spray and fertilizers, toss these out immediately! Better to have a weed or two in your lawn and garden than to have cancer!

8. Hydrate

Drinking copious amounts of clean spring water helps to cleanse and detox the kidneys, liver and digestive system and even improve cellular function. You should aim to drink at least half your body weight in ounces of clean, pure water either from a reverse osmosis system or fresh spring water. You can also add in a pinch of sea salt or Himalayan salt to get necessary nutrients, trace minerals, and electrolytes.

Organic herb teas contain powerful nutrients and antioxidants which help to purify and strengthen the body. Herb teas also contain natural detoxifying antioxidants and immune boosting ingredients such as green tea, rooibos, peppermint, dandelion and licorice root.

Include lots of lemons in your water. Fresh lemon juice contains an atomic structure similar to the body’s own digestive juices and the stimulate the liver into producing bile, which moves waste through and out of the body. Lemon water also acts as a mild diuretic, draining your system of excess fluids and furthering the detoxification. And lemons are full of vitamin C, an important antioxidant for your immune system.

9. Eat REAL organic, naturally-raised foods

Eat only one-ingredient/real, mostly plant-based foods, including lots of raw foods, naturally-raised meats/poultry/fish and healthy fats including coconut oil, grass fed butter and avocado, along with lots of nuts and seeds.

• Include lots of bitter greens—like dandelion, chard, kale and mustard greens—which help cleanse the kidneys, liver and gall bladder, as well as the digestive system. Dandelion greens, arugula, mustard greens and watercress contain powerful detox chemicals which cleanse and strengthen the body. Also include other deep green leafy veggies like chard, spinach, and kale. Cilantro and parsley naturally remove toxic metals from the body, and contain massive amounts of chlorophyll, phyto-chemicals, antioxidants and magnesium to boost your health.
• Brightly colored organic vegetables like deep green leafy veggies, cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli and kale, red peppers, tomatoes, onions and garlic all contain the highest amounts of antioxidants. These are super-foods and will not only help to detoxify the body but will strengthen and build up the body’s defenses by adding in tons of powerful phyto-chemicals, antioxidants and massive amounts of vitamins and minerals.
• While many detox diets recommend you follow a purely plant-based diet, there are many good reasons to include small amounts of high quality, organic, and naturally-raised/wild caught meat/poultry/seafood.

Grass fed and grass finished beef, bison, and poultry along with wild caught fish are full of healthy, anti-inflammatory omega 3 fats. Omega 3’s not only help to strengthen cells, lower inflammation, power up the immune system, but they also help to fight cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and other chronic conditions. Omega 3’s help supply your brain and nerve cells with the healthy fats they need to work efficiently.

A study at California State University also showed that the conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a type of healthy fat in grass fed/grass finished meat helps fight cancer, discourages weight gain, and helps build healthy lean muscle. CLA is also in butter from grass fed cows.

After a few days to a week or two of a detox diet, you may want to consider Intermittent Fasting. Researchers have also found that intermittent fasting lowers the risk of degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s, dementia and even helps with recovery from strokes. It is thought IF protects the neurons against various kinds of damaging stress.

The point of intermittent fasting is that the periods of food deprivation allow your body to rest, further detoxify, renew and regenerate. Plenty of scientific studies on both animals and humans show that periodic fasting not only helps you lose weight but also increases your longevity.

Caloric restriction through fasting also helps to turn on genes that repair DNA and cells. This adaptation of IF may allow certain cells to actually live longer, preserving the body’s energy, according to a study published in the journal, Cell Metabolism. This may also be part of the reason that fasting helps to extend longevity as well.

There you have it. A good detox diet can open the doors to better health and well being and keep you on a healthy eating track. And, the basic principles of a detox diet like this can be utilized long term to help you sustain a healthy diet beyond a few days or a week—or help you get back on track after a period of poor food choices.

Stick to these basic rules of thumb, and include the healthy, detox-boosting foods in your diet regularly to stay on track with your health!

Most people who want to detox are looking to release a few pounds from their body while lifting brain fog, gain more energy, reduce bloat, and just simply feel better.

If that’s you, I urge you to read this.

This is especially important if you’ve tried one (or really ANY kind of diet at all) in the past, and failed. There’s a very specific reason it didn’t work for you, and this page explains everything.

Go here to read it now.

References
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/garlic-fact-sheet
https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/12-ways-to-prepare-detox-cleanse/
https://draxe.com/detox-diet/
https://draxe.com/cancer-fighting-foods/
https://drjockers.com/plant-based-ketogenic-diet/
https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/cancer-fighting-benefits-of-curcumin/
https://www.lifeextension.com/Magazine/2016/11/How-Pomegranate–May-Protect–Against-Cancer/Page-01
https://foodrevolution.org/blog/ginger-cancer-treatment/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321410.php
https://www.cancertherapyadvisor.com/fact-sheets/cancer-reishi-mushroom-fact-sheet/article/647081/2/

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Spring allergy season is upon us, and for some of us, that means, itchy red eyes, runny nose, sinus headaches, aches and pains, and for some, even life-threatening asthma. Respiratory allergies are the most common, for the simple reason that we do not have much choice of the air we inhale. Pollens, dust, and other airborne allergens are everywhere, even indoors.

Allergies are closely tied to inflammation, which is also the beginning of many diseases. The key then is to treat the inflammation. Many people, especially those who are eating a standard American diet of processed foods, vegetable oils and sugar have even higher amounts of inflammation. Result—bigger and stronger allergic reactions.

Allergies and allergic reactions have increased over the last fifty years, and continue to grow, while climate change and warmer winters have created longer and longer allergy seasons as well. While allergic folks try to avoid the triggers that cause reactions, often that is impossible with seasonal allergies. You are literally surrounded by allergens in the air.

Allergies are natural substances that the body reacts strongly to—the same as if a dangerous pathogen has entered your body. The immune system goes into overdrive, trying to fight it, all the while releasing immunoglobulins that contain histamine, creating the allergic reaction. The most common allergens include: pollen, dust mites, mold, insect stings, animal dander, latex, medications, and then foods.

While there are plenty of medications to help with seasonal allergies, they often have undesired side effects, such as sleepiness, dryness, agitation, impaired immune response, and even weight gain. There are some effective alternative natural supplements that help, and essential oils are at the top of the list of safe, natural and effective treatments.

One of the primary ways essential oils help with allergies is to reduce inflammation. Much of what we experience as allergy symptoms is actually the result of inflammation. Tame the inflammation and you tame the response. Essential oils also boost the immune system which can often be run down, fighting the imaginary invaders that allergens are. Essential oils can also help to detox and eliminate parasites, bacteria, viruses, and unhealthy fungal infections. There are also specific essential oils that can mitigate asthma issues, sinus and respiratory problems, and soothe nasal passages, bronchial tubes and even allergic skin reactions.

I put together a list of the most effective essential oils to help overcome allergies, with the help of Dr. Josh Axe’s recommendations on utilizing them.

1. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is at the top of the list when it comes to one of the most effective essential oils. Peppermint is a very effective alternative treatment that can help to clear congestion, open airways, unclog the sinuses, and help relieve a scratchy throat. Peppermint is also valuable for coughs, asthma, sinusitis, and bronchitis.

This study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology investigated the effects of peppermint oil on the trachea and the conclusion was that peppermint oil acts as an antispasmodic, making it extremely effective at calming a cough—without the harmful side effects of over the counter cough medicine. And this study shows the anti-inflammatory effects of peppermint oil, helping to stop the chronic inflammation of seasonal allergies and asthma.

Peppermint oil can be used topically, diffused in the air, or ingested in small amounts. Use about 5 drops of peppermint oil at home to diffuse in the air to help unclog sinuses and open airways. 1-2 drops of peppermint oil can be taken internally to help reduce inflammation in the body. You can also add a couple drops of oil to water, coffee, tea, etc.

Diffuse five drops of peppermint essential oil at home to unclog sinuses and treat a scratchy throat. This will also help to relax the nasal muscles, enabling the body to clear out mucus and allergens like pollen. To reduce inflammation, take 1–2 drops of pure peppermint essential oil internally once a day. To relieve a headache, rub a drop of peppermint oil on the temples, forehead, over the sinuses (stay away from the eyes) and on the back of the neck. To open up and unclog the nose and sinuses, you can also rub a small amount under the nose.  I like to mix 10-12 drops of peppermint oil into a few tablespoons of coconut oil and put it in a tiny tupperware container, and then rub the coconut oil and peppermint oil mixture beneath my nostrils each day.

Peppermint is also a mood lifter and helps to make one feel more energetic and alert, and has even been shown to increase and improve your fitness workouts.

2. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil has a variety of uses, and is a great oil to keep on hand for many different ailments. Lavender oil is excellent for seasonal allergies because it contains natural antihistamines which help to tone down your body’s reactions to pollen, dust, animal dander and other airborne allergens. Lavender oil is also an effective antibacterial cleaner in the home and can be used to disinfect many surfaces safely without creating the super bacteria that many toxic household cleaners do.

Rubbing a small amount on the palms and inhaling it periodically helps to clear your sinuses and reduce inflammation. It also smells great! One idea is to carry a few cotton balls with lavender oil in a container during allergy season, so you can use it as needed. Or try dabbing a bit on the forehead, cheeks and chest.

This oil is mild and will not irritate the skin. Lavender oil is also especially soothing for allergic reactions like rashes, blisters, insect bites, etc. You can rub directly on the affected area or add a few drops to a cool compress. Lavender is also very calming and relaxing and works well at nighttime near your bed. Use a diffuser for its anti-inflammatory, soothing properties and to help you sleep better.   You can also try several drops of lavender oil in your hot tub or in a hot bath at night to help relax you before bed.  Add some epsom salt with your lavender in a night time bath for the extra benefits of magnesium for relaxation and muscle recovery.

3. Basil Oil

Basil has very powerful antioxidant capabilities, along with its anti-inflammatory properties. Basil also helps to not only strengthen the immune system, but it also has the ability to reduce the inflammation from allergies. Basil oil helps to balance and support the adrenal glands, which has much to do with lowering stress response, and balancing other hormones in the body.

Basil is also a scientifically proven, highly effective antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory substance. Basil is also very effective at fighting yeasts and molds and can help ward off an asthma attack or other illnesses such as colds and flu.

Dr. Josh Axe recommends one drop of basil oil taken internally by adding it to foods such as soups, drinks, salad dressings, etc. For the respiratory system, add 2-3 drops basil oil to a couple drops of coconut oil and apply topically to chest, back and temples.

4. Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil is that refreshing, slightly medicinal, menthol smell that helps to open up the sinuses and bronchial tubes. That cold, slightly numbing feel it produces in the nose actually helps to improve breathing.

Citronellal, one of the primary ingredients in eucalyptus, helps to treat and prevent respiratory infections as well as helping reduce the inflammation from allergies, according to a 2011 study in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Patients who were treated with eucalyptus spray reported an improvement in the severity of their most debilitating respiratory tract infection symptoms compared to participants in the placebo group.

Diffuse 5 or so drops of eucalyptus at home in your diffuser or apply it topically to the chest, back or temples. You can also try adding a couple drops of eucalyptus oil to a bowl or boiling water, and place a large towel over your head to keep the steam in, inhaling deeply for 5-10 minutes. This helps to treat any respiratory issues and any inflammation from allergies.

5. Lemon Oil

Lemon oil’s fresh, sunny smell will help to drain the lymph system (part of the immune system that cleans toxins and pathogens out of the body), and sooth respiratory issues. Lemon essential oil also fights bacteria, molds and viruses, all the while boosting your immune function. Lemon oil is especially effective, when diffused, at killing bacteria, molds and other allergens that are airborne.

Lemon water is also a great detox aid, stimulating the immune function by increasing white blood cell production. On the other hand, it helps to detox the liver, which helps to calm down the immune system and protect against overreaction to allergens. You can also add a couple of drops of lemon oil to water to help balance the body’s pH. Generally, when the body becomes too acidic, you become more prone to illnesses, so it’s a good idea to keep the pH in balance.

Lemon oil, with its fresh, clean, yummy smell also helps to kill germs and mold around the home, which are often allergic triggers as well. It works as well as bleach, without any harmful side effects. Add lemon oil to your laundry, or dilute with water for cleaning.

6. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil should be on hand in everyone’s medicine cabinet. It has an amazing variety of uses from antibacterial to antifungal and everything in between. Tea tree oil is not to be ingested, but is safe for use on the skin without dilution. Tea tree oil works well for skin irritation, such as redness, inflammation, and even swelling from poison ivy or allergic rashes, insect bites and other allergic reactions.

Tea tree oil has the ability to destroy bacteria, molds and viruses that are airborne. A 2000 study conducted in Germany found that tea tree oil exhibits antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacteria, yeasts and fungi. These microbes lead to inflammation and force our immune system to work on overdrive.

Use tea tree oil on rashes and hives, or use as a household cleaner to eliminate bacteria and mold—common triggers for allergies. While tea tree oil can be used directly on skin, if you are sensitive, as many allergic people are, you can dilute with a carrier oil first.

Other effective uses for essential oils include taking 1-2 drops of lemon or peppermint oil internally to calm down an allergic reaction from foods; tea tree oil or basil oil work well on rashes, as well as lavender oil.

Use lemon oil and tea tree oil for cleaning around the house by adding about 40 drops of lemon oil, and 20 drops of tea tree oil to water and a small amount of vinegar. This kills bacteria, molds, dust mites, viruses and also catches any animal dander or pollen that may be floating around or sitting on the surfaces of your home.

And lastly, combining 2 or 3 drops of peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender oil together with coconut oil, makes a great massage oil, especially on the temples, back, chest and bottoms of the feet for allergies.

Essential oils are powerful aids in fighting off the effects of seasonal and other allergies, but combined with a clean healthy diet that eliminates all processed starchy foods, grains, sugars, and chemical preservatives, and is high in fresh, organic, antioxidant filled veggies goes a long way towards calming allergic reactions.

References

Axe, J. DNM, DC, CNS. 2016. Top Five Essential Oils for Allergies. Retrieved from https://draxe.com/essential-oils-for-allergies/?utm_campaign=Article-Feb-2017&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_term=oilsforallergies

Bright, S. 2016. Top 8 Essential Oils to Beat Common Allergies and How to Use Them. Natural Living Ideas. Retrieved from http://www.naturallivingideas.com/essential-oils-for-allergies/

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