What You Need To Know About Detox Side Effects

Merry Thursday everyone!

The last couple of posts, I have been sharing detox methods with you; it is time to now share information to help you understand the side effects that can happen if you over detox.

It is important, as with any new program, to first talk with your doctor or nurse practitioner, especially if you are on medications. After you and your doctor eliminate any possibility of medication interaction, you can start slowly with your detox program.

~Peace~

What You Need To Know About Detox Side Effects

Your body can naturally eliminate many toxins and ,if you take good care of yourself, can manage quite well on its own. However, with a busy lifestyle it's easy to overindulge in food and drink, and sometimes its impossible to escape smoke, smog and exhaust, never mind the 100,000 new chemical that have been released into the environment in the last 50 years.

The best way to make sure you don't detox excessively is by targeting areas and following a set routine. You should remember that your body may no be used to some of the activities or remedies suggested and there may be some nasty side effects. Always start slowly to avoid discomfort.

Symptoms Of Detox

There are many benefits to embarking on a detox program, but you need to be aware of the common side effects. This is not to say you will definitely experience them, but it's best to be forewarned and prepared to avoid any undue upset.

Some effects include:

• Feelings of weakness
• Headache and nausea
• Loss of body heat
• Unfocused vision
• Irregular bowel movements, diarrhea, constipation due to loss of fluids
• Weight loss
• Rashes and Blemishes

Such symptoms shouldn't disrupt your day and are usually short-term. Be sure to stay rested and hydrated; i you suffer severe reactions, these could be a symptom of something else-so consult your doctor.

How To Avoid Detox Side Effects

Avoiding Emotional Stress~It is important you avoid disruptions to your normal mood and emotional state while you're following a detox program. You may be feeling less than 100% while your body purges toxins and you may be ill-prepared to deal with stress.

A recent study concluded that harsh words and hot-tempered exchanges between spouses weaken the immune systems of both partners. Explosive anger can cripple your immune system in the short term and have its own side effects, but a milder expression of irritation will often soften the argument and lead to a form of resolution.

You're trying to be good to yourself by detoxing , so this could be an excellent time for you to reflect on how you deal with emotionally stressful situations, at home, at work and at large.

Spring Cleaning Your Home~You've heard the saying  "Clean home, clean mind". Next time you decide that it's time for some spring cleaning, make sure you really are cleaning away the cobwebs and toxins instead of welcoming more in. This is especially vital to keep in mind when you detox because you may be more susceptible to these factors- ones you can actually control.

The air in your home can have up to 20 times more pollutants than the  air outside, but you can combat this by monitoring what you bring into your home.

First, make sure you take your shoes off in the hall as they can track in all kinds of pollutants from the sidewalk. Next, pay attention to what extras are included with a new carpet, paint or furniture; fumes and fire retardants can cause headaches, but airing out your house will help get rid of that "new smell". Next, buy non-aerosol, people and environmental friendly cleaning products - there is a variety of effective products available. Finally keep your home truly "green" with the inclusion of houseplants to keep the atmosphere fresh.

Grin And Bear It



During your detox there might be a day or two where you feel you're not looking your best, so take heed. When was the last time you washed your washcloth or cleaned your makeup brushes? These tools can carry bacteria and need to be washed or replaced regularly. Your skin may have heightened sensitivity during detox, so investigate the ingredients in your soap, shampoo and lotions.

Keep harsh detergents and alcohols to a minimum; a good lather doesn't always mean a great clean and it may strip away your body's natural oils ( that sound that makes you think your hair is "squeaky clean" is actually your hair stripped of it's oils).

When you moisturize opt for Shea butter or almond oil, which don't have preservatives such as parabens or scary additives.

Have a wonderful New Year!



Detoxing The Liver

Merry Thursday my wonderful, faithful readers!

With New Years Eve right around the corner, I thought I would tell you a bit about detoxing the liver. I also have enclosed, for you party hounds out there, a recipe for the hangover a lot of you will have....so read on peeps!
                                         ~Peace~

Detoxing The Liver

Your liver converts all htat you eat, breathe , and absorb through your
skin into life-sustaining substances. It plays a vital role in digestion since it is responsible for producing bile, a substance stored in the gallbladder that aids breakdown of fats. Your liver also processes digested food and disperses it through you.

The liver also acts as an excretory organ, filtering toxins from your blood and converting them into waste, which is excreted into the bile - produced for this purpose-or blood and expelled in the form of feces or urine.

A diet high in fats, sugars and alcohol, along with environmental toxins such as pesticides and nitrates, seriously affects your health by interfering with the liver's functions. Fortunately,  your liver has amazing powers of regeneration, and a liver detox can work wonders for your whole body.

The Anatomy Of The Liver



The liver is the largest organ inside your body and has an enormous amount of blood flowing through it every minute. It consists of two main lobes, which appear flat and smooth bur are actually made up of many thousands of microscopic cells.

These liver cells are separating by spaces that act like a filter or sieve through which the unfiltered blood flows. Liver cells play an essential role in ridding the blood of unwanted substances. They ingest and break down toxic matter such as dead cells, microorganisms, chemicals such as nitrates or preservatives, drugs and other debris from the bloodstream.

Detoxing The Liver

Protecting Your Liver

Alcohol~Excess alcohol causes the liver to metabolize fat less efficiently, so that it's stored in the liver and other organs. The livers becomes fatty and inflamed, functioning less efficiently. Avoiding alcohol is the best answer, but drinking responsibly can help.

Medications~Many prescription drugs and over-the-counter remedies can damage your liver. Ask yourself if a medicating is really necessary and , if not,try an alternative remedy.

Environmental~It is impossible to avoid toxins such as pesticides and food additives, but you can limit your intake by being a more discerning consumer. For example, buy organic foods and wash vegetables before cooking or eating them.

Fatty Foods~A high-fat diet overworks the liver. As many toxins are fat-soluble, they will be stored in fat rather than being excreted. Try limiting your intake of processed foods to combat this.

Boosting The Liver

As well as reducing toxin intake, try adding the following liver-boosting foods

Avocado~A rich source of glutathione and lecithin, avocados help to clear the body of harmful fats, taking the burden off the liver. Avocados are also a rich source of antioxidants.

Beets~Beets help regulate the digestive system and support liver function because they contain betaine, which aids fat metabolism. Rich in potassium, beet juice is also a blood cleanser and tonic.

Artichoke~A known liver tonic, artichokes detoxify the body and help to increase bile production.

Herbs~Herbs such as dandelion, licorice and milk thistle detoxify and also help to prevent and reverse liver damage.

The Dreaded Morning After

While most people are aware of the damaging effects of alcohol, the occasional drink can be enjoyable. To reduce the strain on your liver, never drink on an empty stomach and alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic ones to ensure that you do not become dehydrated.


Your liver is able to process the equivalent of a pint of beer an hour, so pacing yourself and not drinking too much too quickly is a good idea. Before going to bed make sure you drink plenty of water. It is always tempting to reach for a coffee on the morning after, but try to resist the urge - coffee is a diuretic and will dehydrate you further.

Instead of coffee, try the following placed in a blender:

• 1 Glass of Water
• 1 tbsp of cold-pressed Olive Oil
• The Juice of one Lemon
• 1/2 The Rind of Lemon
• A Piece of Fresh Ginger Root

Blend for 1-2 minutes, strain out the contents and drink the mixture on an empty stomach. Drinking this will rehydrate and flush out your system.

 

Thanks for reading and making all this typing worthwhile!

Using Detox Methods For Clearing Cellulite

Top o' the mornin' to ya! With 95% of women having cellulite, I thought it was very important to share today's post. There are many expensive items on the market that manufacturers would have you believe cure cellulite, but you cannot "cure" cellulite; you can, however, curb it with proper diet and exercise.

Below you will find specific tips and helpful treatments to help your body fend off and reduce the appearance of cellulite at a much lower cost. 

Using Detox Methods For Clearing Cellulite

Most women, and even some men, suffer from cellulite - areas of puckered, dimpled skin, typically appearing on thighs, buttocks, abdomen and upper arms. In fat, more than 95%of women are affected by this skin condition, regardless of their shape or size.

Cellulite is caused by a  build up  of toxins underneath the skin. A chemical reaction causes these toxins to fuse with the fat in the skin and become hard, which produces cellulite. A Popular misconception is that cellulite only affects larger women, but it also afflicts women with smaller figures.

Sadly, there is no miracle cure fr cellulite, although many cosmetic companies would have you believe that expensive creams and lotions hold the answer. Only with determination can you smooth away cellulite and improve the appearance of skin.

How Do You Get Cellulite?

Scientists believe there is a positive connection between the levels of the hormone estrogen in the body and development of cellulite, and studies conducted recently show that women now have more estrogen in their bodies than ever before.

It appears that cellulite develops when there is an excess of estrogen-causing waste matter being transported away from the organs. Diet and lifestyle, however, are also important factors. Foods containing great amounts of preservatives, chemicals and additives add to the toxic load. Resulting in a sluggish circulation and the increase of cellulite.

How To Reduce Your Cellulite



Exercise For Cellulite~Expensive creams may promise miracles, but the only real cure for cellulite is the boost your circulation. This helps your lymphatic system to clear waste matter before it settles to become cellulite.

Boost Fitness~Increase your fitness levels with exercise will help boost your overall circulation, helping to clear cellulite. If your cellulite is limited to specific areas, you could also focus your exercise regime on these regions, for example with squats and lunges to tone your legs and buttocks. Yoga also good for skin tone, as  each Asana is designed to boo lymph and blood flow and improve muscle tone.

Use leg stretches to reduce the cellulite in the thigh region. Squat thrusts are an easy way to reduce cellulite in the buttocks.

Diet And Cellulite



Nutrition is an important part of reducing cellulite. Processed and refined foods, sugar, coffee and alcohol all increase toxin levels within your body, exacerbating cellulite levels. Eliminate these foods from your diet, substituting them with low-fat foods, fruit and vegetables that are rich in vitamins and minerals and are good sources of antioxidants. Prepare foods as naturally as possible; for example, by steaming rather than frying . Drink as much water s you can - around eight glasses a day - as this combats fluid retention and flushes toxins.

Helpful Treatments For Cellulite

There are a number of natural treatments you can use to help banish cellulite.

Dry Skin Brushing~This is one of the cheapest and most effective ways of boosting your lymphatic system and encouraging the drainage of excess fluid from cellulite-prone areas. Using a natural bristle brush, use long strokes towards the heart to firmly brush your limbs and encourage blood flow. Use circular brushing movements on your buttocks.

Massage~Massage is a wonderful way to boost lymph and blood flow and improve skin tone. It can be performed after dry skin brushing. When used with oils with anti-cellulite properties, such as clary sage, black pepper or lemon, the effects are even greater.

Detox Bath~Make your own detox preparation using about 1-2 cups of Epsom salts added to a hot bath, then soak in ti for around 15 minutes. Make sure you drink plenty of water afterwards, as your body will continue sweating and eliminating toxins.

Cold Showers~This sounds unappealing, but cold water helps to tone the skin, boost immunity and re-energize the body. At the end of a nice warm shower, turn the tap to cold and try to remain under the cold water for five minute to shock your skin into detoxification.

Thank you very much for visiting my blog today.

Featured Artist Tuesday!

Merry Tuesday Everyone!

I just want to say, before we begin, how honored I am to be able to feature so many great artists.

 With so much corporate mishandling of the people's trust, I believe it is more important then ever to support your local (and not so local ) handcraft artisans. Not only do you have better pricing, due to lower over-head costs, you also know your item was made with love instead of machines mass producing.

With that I present today's

...........Judy Goddard

My name is Judy Goddard. I’ve been an artist all of my life. From the

time that I was able to hold a pencil!

I’ve drawn on just about anything I could find, like the side of the hamper. the venetian blinds, but mostly the margins of my school papers.

As an adult I started my career as an artist by batiking T shirts. I put myself through community college.

After several other less than successful artistic endeavors, I tumbled into Etsy. I was equally less than successful for the first year and a half.

 Then, in November of 2009, my Godmother asked me to paint a cane for her. She wanted it covered with Christian symbols.

She instantly loved it and the more she showed it around the more folks asked me to paint one for them!

Now, with the canes and my handmade, hand painted canvas growth charts I feel like I’ve finally “figured” it out!

I’m planning on extending my exposure and including high end craft shows to my opportunities to bring beautiful and functional artwork to a population that continues to grow.

You can find Judy's wonderfully unique items @:

www.JudyAGoddardArtisan.blogspot.com
          www.JudyAGoddard.Etsy.com

           http://www.facebook.com/judyagoddard

How Your Body Handles Toxins

No way!

You made it through the holidays as well???

 Me too!

                                 Okay, let's not get too excited, we still have to make it through the New Year! 

Today I am going to share more info concerning with how your body with toxins. The way I figure it, the holiday season is an especially urgent time for our bodies to be pampered.

So grab your coffee and your Snuggie and prepare to love your body!

~Peace~

How Your Body Handles Toxins

The vital organs work together to rid your body of potentially harmful toxins. Everything you consume is broken down to release useful products, while unwanted by-products and toxins are converted into waste and expelled from your body in the form of urine, feces, sweat and carbon dioxide.

Normally, the body is extremely efficient at processing waste. However , if it is overburdened with toxins, excretion - the elimination of waste - becomes compromised and the body begins to store toxins instead.

As the level of harmful toxins in the body begins to builds up, the efficiency of the organs is reduced and the immune system becomes suppressed, greatly impairing your overall state of health and well-being.

Adjusting your diet and lifestyle can reduce your exposure to toxins and aid more efficient excretion.

Symptoms Of Toxic Buildup



Toxic overload manifests itself as a feeling of malaise, with the following symptoms:

• Regular headaches
• Constant Fatigue
• Poor complexion; dull hair and eyes
• High levels of catarrh and congested sinuses
• Cellulite, water retention and a feeling of bloatedness
• Sluggish digestion and susceptibility to bowel disorders such as constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Mood changes, depression and anxiety
• A weakened immune system

 The Excretory Organs

The Lymphatic System~This is a series of vessels that runs alongside the blood vessels but does not rely on he pumping action of the heart to transport their contents ( lymph fluid ). Toxins and waste drain into the lymphatic system and are transported to the lymph nodes where they are filtered out.

High levels of toxins slow down the lymphatic system, leading to a poor immune system and the buildup of cellulite.

The Skin~The skin is actually your body's largest organ, protecting and insulating your internal organs.

Every pore of your skin eliminates waste in the form of sweat and sebum ( an oily substance that moisturizes the skin ). The state of your skin is a reflection of your health, as stress, poor health and the buildup of toxins can all manifest themselves in a poor complexion.

The Kidneys~Your kidneys work together to filter your blood, removing toxins and expelling them in the form of urine.

The kidneys also play a role in regulating the amount of fluid in your body and processing the by-products of digestion. Too much alcohol and persistent infections can damage your kidneys.

The Lungs~These organs filter out airborne pollutants such as carbon monoxide, allowing oxygen to enter the bloodstream and waste products to be removed in the form of carbon dioxide. However, as levels of toxins in the body build up, this can lead to recurrent health problems such as excess catarrh, a sign of poorly functioning respiratory system.

The Liver~Your liver is an incredibly complex organ, processing everything that enters your body. It has a number of functions, including the removal of toxins from the bloodstream.

Harmful substances are neutralized by the liver and passes into the intestines in the form of bile, where they are eventually expelled as feces.

If the liver becomes overworked, it begins to store toxins rather than neutralize them. This can lead to problems such as diabetes, hepatitis and liver cirrhosis.

Digestion~Your health is more or less governed by what you eat. As food passes through your body, the useful products such as nutrients are absorbed via the stomach wall and intestines, while waste products and toxins are excreted via the bowels.

Helpful bacteria in the gut play an important part in the digestive process, if theses become depleted, however, due to poor diet, antibiotics or toxin overload, then food can remain in the intestines semi-digested and a number of digestive problems can arise such as constipation, painful gas and IBS.

That is alot of interesting and helpful information, don't you think?

Your body is your temple and to your temple you are god!

Understanding Sources Of Toxins

G'morning everyone!

Well as we draw nearer and nearer to Christmas and New Years, we are going to bombard ourselves toxins, actually we bombard ourselves with toxins on a daily basis; toxins are everywhere, in the food we eat and the air we breath, but there are ways to limit your exposure to the most common sources..

.....So read on my friends...if you try some of these I would love to hear from you.....

~Peace~

Understanding Sources of Toxins

It is impossible to avoid toxins, more so in the 21st century than ever. Harmful substances are everywhere - externally, in the environment and internally, produced by the body itself.

Even "healthy" activities such as a walk in the park or enjoying a piece of fresh fruit actually subject the body to potentially harmful toxins.

It has been estimated that, every year, the average adult consumes around a gallon of pesticides ( in fresh foods ), 10 pounds of chemical food additives and a teaspoon of solid pollution ( via the lungs ).

You can't escape toxins; they are an inevitable part of life. However, there are steps you can take to limit your exposure and to actively help your body become more efficient at eliminating them. Recognizing common sources of potentially harmful substances is the first step to avoiding them.

Preventing The Buildup Of Toxins

Your body is an extremely efficient waste-disposal system. However, a 21st century lifestyle, complete with a diet high in processed foods, can mean that the body becomes overburdened with toxins. When this occurs, your body begins to store toxins rather than eliminating them.

This buildup of toxins can have a negative impact on your health, affecting your body's vital functions such as digestion and circulation.

Some studies even suggest that the buildup of toxins is associated with the development of serious conditions such as heart disease and cancer. The benefits of detoxing the body are increasingly obvious, with many people giving their bodies a helping hand o flush out toxins.

Recognizing Toxins

Dietary Toxins~Processes foods are low in nutrients and tend to contain additives that are potentially toxic. Even if you avoid such foods in favor of fresh produce, you are still exposed to toxins.

Almost half of the fruit and vegetables we consume contain pesticides residues. Traces of organophosphates have been detected in high quantities in several kinds of fresh foods.

Recently, there has also been concern over genetically modified foods and irradiation, while some drinking water has been found to contain heavy metals, pesticides, arsenic, asbestos and fertilizer. This may explain the alarming rise in food allergies seen in recent years.

Alcoholic Beverages~Alcohol is toxic in high levels, but it can take its toll even in moderation. Long term consumption of alcohol can damage the liver - the main organ responsible for the excretion of waste - compromising the break-down of other toxins. It also depletes levels of nutrients and dehydrates the body.

Also, morn production methods meant that most drinks contain pesticides, colorants and other harmful additives, putting further strain on the liver.

Coffee~Caffeine is a highly addictive stimulant enjoyed by most people on a daily basis, in products such as coffee, tea, chocolate and carbonated drinks.

An excessive amount of caffeine can lead to disorders such as insomnia, anxiety, irritability, headaches, and even high blood pressure. It can also impair your body's ability absorb certain vitamins and minerals.

Toxic Tobacco~Many people try to exercise and eat sensibility, while overlooking the harmful effect that smoking has on their health, not to mention that of others!

With every puff, you inhale extremely toxic substances, depriving yourself of oxygen and impairing your body's ability to regulate vitamins and minerals. There is no doubt that the buildup of toxins from smoking is linked to the development of cancer.

Our Everyday Environment~Every time you inhale, you fill your lungs with airborne pollutants such as cigarette smoke, traffic fumes and industrial pollution.

Even in your home, no matter how clean you keep it, you are exposed to pollutants such as dust, cleaning fluids, dyes, glues, paint and detergents.

Even the deodorant you use is likely to contain toxins such as aluminum, while some toothpastes can contain ethanol and ammonia. Of course, it is impossible to avoid environmental toxins altogether, but you can reduce your exposure to them by adapting your lifestyle and taking care over the products you choose to buy.

We are at the conclusion of this post, did you learn anything?

 How about a show of hands of who's quiting smoking?

How about bringing down the amount of alcohol and coffee?

Even if you can only get rid or reduce one toxin, it will help your body.