7 Easy  Ways  To  Detox  Your  Body

   Image: RebootwithJoe

 

Let's face it, we live in an increasingly toxic world.  From EMF to the foods we eat, and the air we breathe, like it or not, we are living a toxic lifestyle. 

 

With the following tips, you may be able to give your body a break and enable it to recoup somewhat…

 

First, what are some common signs of  bodily intoxication?  Well, things like: bloating, fatigue, skin eruptions, allergies, under eye bags to name just a few.

Detoxification involves cleansing the blood and the major organs…

 

#1.  Take a nature trip or hike…Just being around nature is restorative just be sure to leave your gadgets home.

 

#2. Use a detoxifier….YES works at a cellular level to detoxify the blood and lymph. Purchase here, FREE shipping!

 

#3. Fast for 72 hours. Fasting is a way to help the body process an accumulation of overages…it takes about 72 hours to reset your gut.

 

 

#4. Take Probiotics…improving digestive function means less toxins.  We have gotten accolades on our exclusive Maxbiotic which is the best there is.  Buy Here….FREE Shipping!

 

#5. If you have access to a sauna, or a hot yoga class overheating the body to the point of sweating will move toxins leading to #6

 

#6. Skin brushing or exfoliation..if you have accumulated too many dead skins your skin will not be able to remove toxins efficiently..pay particular attention to the soles of your feet.

 

#7. Use Dandelion capsules.  Yes, the weed you see on your lawn is a potent liver detoxifier…take 3 to 9 capsules per day for a week and feel lighter.  Purchase right here: FREE shipping.

 

This concludes our series for April…next month's topics will be posted on the first…the next topic will be How to lift your face with 20 needles, two hands and NO surgery.  Sign UP so you don't miss it!  See you.

 

 

 

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Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN

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Something has gone dangerously awry. In just the five years between 2010 and 2015, the number of U.S. teens who felt useless and joyless – classic symptoms of depression – surged 33 percent in large national surveys. Teen suicide attempts increased 23 percent. Even more troubling, the number of 13- to 18-year-olds who committed suicide jumped 31 percent.

A study published in Clinical Psychological Science,  shows that the increases in depression, suicide attempts and suicide appeared among teens from every background – more privileged and less privileged, across all races and ethnicities and in every region of the country. All told, the analysis found that the generation of teens I call techgen – those born after 1995 – is much more likely to experience mental health issues than their millennial predecessors.

What has occurred so that so many more teens, in such a short period of time, would feel depressed, attempt suicide and commit suicide? Psychologists are saying the advent of the smartphone.

Pointing at the screen

According to the Pew Research Center, smartphone ownership crossed the 50 percent threshold in late 2012 – right when teen depression and suicide began to increase. By 2015, 73 percent of teens had access to a smartphone.

Not only did smartphone use and depression increase in tandem, but time spent online was linked to mental health issues across two different data sets. It has been found that teens who spent five or more hours a day online were 71 percent more likely than those who spent less than an hour a day to have at least one suicide risk factor (depression, thinking about suicide, making a suicide plan or attempting suicide). Overall, suicide risk factors rose significantly after two or more hours a day of time online.

Two followed people over time, with both studies finding that spending more time on social media led to unhappiness, while unhappiness did not lead to more social media use.  A third randomly assigned participants to give up Facebook for a week versus continuing their usual use. Those who avoided Facebook reported feeling less depressed at the end of the week.

The argument that depression might cause people to spend more time online doesn't also explain why depression increased so suddenly after 2012. Under that scenario, more teens became depressed for an unknown reason and then started buying smartphones, which doesn't seem too logical.

What's lost when plugged in

Even if online time doesn't directly harm mental health, it could still adversely affect it in indirect ways, especially if time online crowds out time for other activities.

Teens now spend much less time interacting with their friends in person. Interacting with people face to face can be a huge source of support, without it, our moods start to suffer and depression often follows. Feeling socially isolated is also one of the major risk factors for suicide. Findings demonstrate that teens who spent more time than average online and less time than average with friends in person were the most likely to be depressed. Since 2012, that's what has occurred en masse: Teens have spent less time on activities known to benefit mental health (in-person social interaction) and more time on activities that may harm it (time online).

Teens are also sleeping less, and teens who spend more time on their phones are more likely to not be getting enough sleep. Not sleeping enough is a major risk factor for depression, so if smartphones are causing less sleep, that alone could explain why depression and suicide increased so suddenly.

Depression and suicide have many causes: Genetic predisposition, family environments, bullying and trauma can all play a role. Some teens would experience mental health problems no matter what era they lived in.

But some vulnerable teens who would otherwise not have had mental health issues may have slipped into depression due to too much screen time, not enough face-to-face social interaction, inadequate sleep or a combination of all three.  Not studied, but certainly something to think about is the unavailability of family members due to their own screen time commitments…clearly it is something to think about.

 

I don't even have children but I have noticed a big change in them during this interval and it is not for the better….If I did I would seriously curtail their use of smartphones...frankly, I am considering eliminating mine.  To Detox from EMF vibes try our YES solution!  Visit our store for hundreds of natural products, GREAT Prices and FREE shipping on each order!  

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Dandelion root has been used as an herbal food therapy since ancient times. It is able to treat allergies, lower cholesterol levels, to improve bile production, and detoxify the liver. Also, it has diuretic properties and if good for pregnant women and for those with menopausal symptoms.

Spring is the best time to harvest dandelion roots, particularly in the beginning of April. It is best to pick it from places that are less polluted, such as areas away from town and the road.

You may not know that all parts of dandelion have medicinal properties. Its leaves are rich in  many vitamins and you can use them in a salad, or with potatoes and eggs. I personally buy organic dandelion leaves and add them to soups.

Dandelion stem has the power to relieve stomach problems, boosts the function of the gallbladder, regulates metabolism, and purifies the blood. Also, the stem can be used to treat diabetes, while the milk from the stem can be used to remove warts.

In addition, people can use dandelion flowers to prepare homemade dandelion syrup. It will help your body to purify the blood,  relieve a cough and improve digestion.

A recipe for dandelion syrup

Pour 3 liters of water over 400 yellow dandelion flowers. Next, cut 4 oranges and 4 lemons into slices and add them to the mixture. Leave it for 24 hours.

After 24 hours, strain the mixture and place it in a pot. Add 2 cups of sugar into the pot and cook for 30 minutes.

Remove it after it boils and gets thick enough. Then, place the syrup in sterilized jars. Treat cold, cough, or bronchitis with this syrup.

Dandelion root – its health benefits and properties even fight cancer

Dandelion is long used and popular for its medicinal properties. Nowadays, modern medicine validates the health benefits of this flower and says it is even able to cure cancer. Current trials are being conducted regarding its power for leukemias and lymphomas.

If you want to prepare and store dandelion roots, you need to peel, cut, and dry them on a fresh air. Leave them to dry for 2 weeks or until they get brittle under the fingers. When they become dry, place them in a jar and keep it in a dark and cool place.

Dandelion roots are able to clean kidneys, liver, lymph, and gallbladder. They are helpful in treating gallstones, constipation, hepatitis, acne, edema, and rheumatism. Additionally, they are effective for women in prevention and treatment of problems with breast tumours.

A recipe for dandelion tea:

Dry, chop and mince some dandelion leaves. Place the mixture in a jar and keep it for use in the future. Add half a teaspoon of this mixture in a glass of water and your tea is ready.

Another option is to combine 60 grams of a fresh mixture and 30 grams of dried dandelion root. Place the mixture in a pan with 2.5 ounces of water with a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, cover the pan, and simmer for around 20 minutes. Then, strain the mixture and drink three cups every day.

You can also take dandelion capsules...FREE shipping!  Visit our store.

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More than 30 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis making it one of the most common age-related diseases.

Now, a study from scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) explains why the risk of osteoarthritis increases as we age and offers a potential avenue for developing new therapies to maintain healthy joints.

The study's findings suggest that FOXO proteins are responsible for the maintenance of healthy cells in the cartilage of our joints.

"We discovered that FoxO transcription factors control the expression of genes that are essential for maintaining joint health," says Martin Lotz, MD, a TSRI professor and senior author of the study, published today in the journal Science Translational Medicine. "Drugs that boost the expression and activity of FoxO could be a strategy for preventing and treating osteoarthritis."

Previous research from Lotz' lab showed that as joints age, levels of FoxO proteins in cartilage decrease. Lotz and his colleagues had also found that people with osteoarthritis have a lower expression of the genes needed for a process called autophagy. Autophagy ("auto" meaning "self" and "phagy" meaning "to eat") is a cell's way of removing and recycling its own damaged structures to stay healthy.

For the new study, researchers used mouse models with FoxO deficiency in cartilage to see how the FoxO proteins affect maintenance of cartilage throughout adulthood.

The researchers noticed a striking difference in the mice with "knockout" FoxO deficiency. Their cartilage degenerated at much younger age than in control mice. The FoxO-deficient mice also had more severe forms of post-traumatic osteoarthritis induced by meniscus damage (an injury to the knee), and these mice were more vulnerable to cartilage damage during treadmill running.

The culprit? The FoxO-deficient mice had defects in autophagy and in mechanisms that protect cells from damage by molecules called oxidants. Specific to cartilage, FoxO-deficient mice did not produce enough lubricin, a lubricating protein that normally protects the cartilage from friction and wear. This lack of lubricin was associated with a loss of healthy cells in a cartilage layer of the knee joint called the superficial zone.

These problems all came down to how FoxO proteins work as transcription factors to regulate gene expression. Without FoxO proteins running the show, expression of inflammation-related genes skyrockets, causing pain, while levels of autophagy-related genes plummet, leaving cells without a way to repair themselves.

"The housekeeping mechanisms, which keeps cells healthy, were not working in these knockout mice," Lotz explains.

To determine whether targeting FoxO has therapeutic benefits, the investigators used genetic approaches to increase FoxO expression in cells of humans with osteoarthritis and found that the levels of lubricin and protective genes returned to normal.

The next step in this research is to develop molecules that enhance FoxO and test them in experimental models of osteoarthritis.  It is unknown whether any nutritional or natural interventions can assist in halting this genetic expression. Still, we have had excellent responses to HA, which functions as a joint lubricant.  Also, there are growing numbers of studies that demonstrate that protein requirements increase with age.  It stands to reason that increased protein intake could facilitate the body's need for repair and rejuvenation several studies are supportive of this.  Next week I will discuss how exposure to common substances may be causing major lung and breathing difficulties.  Sign up! so you do not miss a thing.  Also: Please visit the store for excellent products, prices and FREE shipping on each order.  Thanks very much and best of health!

 

 

 

 

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It's the season for spring-cleaning! For your liver, to be precise. Following is a simple plan for a two day spring liver cleanse.

According to various branches of Eastern Medicine (TCM, Ayurveda…) Spring season corresponds to the liver, and its accessory organ, the gallbladder. According to these traditional medical systems, we must go with the flow of nature to stay healthy and balanced. Real detoxification happens when we use and follow the healing energy and wisdom of nature to rebalance the body in the way it needs. Each season tells us we need change in its own unique way.

The liver is one of our most vital organs and it plays a huge part in how the body detoxifies. Simply put, we need healthy liver function for any lasting, deep detoxification to happen. So cleanses and fasts are not effective when we forget to nourish this organ!

See Where Your Body is

Going with the flow of nature doesn't mean forcing things. It's so easy to go all into cleanses and take them to the extreme. But the level of rebalancing needed for each person varies according to how out of balance one is. Too much of a good thing is not necessarily a good thing. Remember: balance is the aim. Are you experiencing things like springtime allergies, difficulty losing winter weight, stuffy sinuses, PMS, higher blood pressure, emotional stagnation or mood swings, fatigue, hormone imbalances, headaches, joint inflammation, colds and flus, breakouts or excess anger? These often pop up during Spring – it's nature's way of telling us how connected we are to it and that we're out of balance in some way. If you are Spring-symptom free, the aim for you is prevention – by following the tips in the upcoming weeks, you can maintain a state of balance in the liver to keep your whole body functioning smoothly. Maybe that just means adding in a Spring detox recipe into your diet a few times a week. Listen to what your body needs, and don't go further than that.

Spring Clean Your Space.

Your house, your office, your closet, your fridge, your room, your studio – we give you full permission to set aside a day or two and finally get around to cleaning it out. When energy isn't moving freely or correctly in the environment around us, it's hard for it to move freely within us. Get rid of the clutter, the junk, and store away the winter comforts that you no longer need. Add more green plants. Make space for the freshness of spring. If you want to go the extra mile, pick up a feng-shui book for  energy decorating tips according to Chinese astrology!

Prepare Your Body.

Before we add new, liver-strengthening recipes into the body, we need to make space. That means clearing out and cutting out old crap. Heavier winter foods were needed at the time, but now we can slowly ease off and become lighter. Eliminate caffeine, alcohol, and sweets and OTC medications for a little while and begin to drink more fluids and eat more whole foods. Now is also the time to stop with the nuts and nut butters (remember, the liver produces bile which helps digest fat: let's give it a break). Let's prevent the body from shock when detoxification begins – do it slowly and lovingly. And most importantly, do it because it feels really damn good.

ADD These Foods.

Some of the best foods for a liver detoxification are dandelion greens, Chrysantheum tea, organic liver, green tea, dandelion and chamomile,  brassica family vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussell sprouts, and  sauerkraut,  sardines, seafood, green leafy vegetables like kale, sweet potatoes or squash, organic eggs, tahini, pumpkin seeds or organic almond butter. Please note all these foods should be organic or you will not derive anywhere near the benefits.

 

 

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Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN

 

 

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Being metabolically challenged is pretty common in this world. There are apps for the tech inclined, and there is no shortage of research and literature available on the subject that may provide advice on how to accelerate and enhance the metabolism to assist in weight loss. There a ton of things that can recharge metabolism and  assist in burning off unwanted and troublesome fat. That being said, even though there is an overwhelming amount of advice and tips, the true secret in how to kick start the metabolism lies within the foods you eat. Vitamins and minerals play an important role in how fast or slow the metabolism is.

 Avoid yo-yo diets that offer big gains quickly. The results are temporary and always result in an even greater weight gain when you stop. Try to prevent the body from experiencing damaging lows and highs by avoiding these diets such as low calorie diets, or any diet void of health carbs and proteins which are actually metabolism slowing. Slow and steady does indeed win the race, and it applies to healthy, sustainable weight loss efforts. To speed up the metabolism in a safe manner it will take time, it is important that you consume adequate amounts of food, water, and to exercise daily to prevent the loss of muscle during weight loss. Quick diets, yo-yo diets and such only serve to hurt the body in the long run by decreasing muscle mass. Yes they may help you lose weight rapidly, maybe, BUT they are deceptive, when you lose weight too quickly you are losing muscle mass which is crucial to burning calories!

 It can becomes harder for the body to maintain and produce muscle tissue consuming enough protein will help to build and maintain muscles keeping the metabolism regulated.  Studies show that every pound of muscle will use around 6 calories a day to sustain itself alone, meaning that the more muscle you have, the higher your resting metabolic rate will be. 

Always find time to fit in exercise. Incorporating aerobic workouts such as kickboxing and Zumba will help you burn more calories, the more intense the workout is, the more calories you will burn helping to boost the metabolism. Strength training increases muscle mass, which will not only make you stronger, but adds to muscle which burns calories even when you are at rest. Studies show that regular exercise has huge health benefits such as the alleviation of lipotoxicity which can decrease lipids in the body and improve metabolism. 

Hot showers are most enjoyable and relaxing true, but cold showers can serve to rev up the metabolism. Cold water can be somewhat shocking to the body helping to kick starting the cardiovascular system which can boost metabolism for the day. Significant generation of biochemical and physiological changes in the body such as increasing blood pressure, heart rate, peripheral catecholamine concentration and metabolism are known to occur by submerging in cold water.

 Not only is green tea delicious and soothing but it provides a big metabolism boost. For certain people one study has shown that drinking 4 cups of green tea each day led to reductions in weight and systolic blood pressure, as the catechins found in green tea are an antioxidant that triggers the release of fat from fat cells, and helps to speed the liver's ability to turn fat into energy.

 Sleep plays a crucial role in the way the metabolism functions. Not getting enough sleep can affect how the body is able to metabolise energy from food that contain carbs. Lack of sleep causes changes to upregulation of appetite, glucose metabolism, and decreased energy expenditure in the body. Upwards of 30% of adults between 30 to 64 years of age report getting less than 6 hours of sleep per night. Unfortunately this correlates with the spreading obesity epidemic. Weight gained by lack of sleep will be caused by the upregulation of your appetite from insufficient sleep which will create more time in which to eat and a decrease in energy expenditure. If you have ever noticed that the less you sleep the more unhealthy foods you crave, that is the reason.

 There are many way to fix a slow metabolism in a healthy way.  Many supplements too can assist in energy expenditure and calorie burning but they depend upon your metabolic type.

 

If  you are interested  in getting some help with this important health problem, please contact me for an appointment @ 8475774455.  Until then, try these suggestions!

Friday we will discuss a spring cleanse for your health…it will be sent by email to you. Please SIGN UP so you don't miss this…Thank YOU!  And don't forget to visit our STORE with hundreds of top professional products, excellent prices and FREE shipping on each order!

 

 

 

 

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Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN

Naturopath

Acupuncturist

Clinical Nutritionist

Dietitian

Professional Vitamins and Supplements

Chinese Herbs

Natural Skin Products

Arlington Heights, IL

www.apple-a-day-clinic.com

 

We specialize in Acne, Skin, and Digestive disorders!  Please contact us for a free consultation!  I do work long distance.  Thank you from the bottom of our cart!  We truly appreciate your product purchases, visits, and referrals!  They enable us to give people the help they need and continue our valuable work.

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Heartburn is a common symptom that many people will experience at sometime. It is diagnosed as GERD or Gastrointestinal Esophageal Reflux Disease when it becomes  chronic. It may occur with or without known triggers. Some commonly known triggers such as chocolate, coffee, spicy foods, citrus fruits and tomatoes are often avoided by people with symptoms.

I find that the considered known problems are rarely the root cause of the problem. Yes they can create irritation once the problem has evolved, but I rarely find spicy foods or tomatoes, for example, to be the causative factor. There are many long term health risks to having GERD, with the most common ones being gastric ulcers and Barrett's esophagus.

Barrett's esophagus is a pre-cancerous condition of the lower esophageal cells caused by long term exposure to stomach acid. An ulcer is caused by constant irritation to the lining of the stomach leading to inflammation that may or may not bleed, but will cause pain once contact with food and liquids occurs. If ulcers are not properly treated, they can develop into cancers. Being pre-cancerous, both these conditions have to be monitored closely.

My advice to patients is always to get to the root cause. Many simple changes to your diet and lifestyle can prevent development of heartburn into GERD, not to mention avoiding any further complications.

The most common culprit in causing GERD is disruption of the bacteriology in the gut which triggers inflammatory changes causing GERD.

Dealing with Heartburn

While diagnosing and treating the root cause is the only ‘cure' for hearburn, there are some lifestyle factors to consider while this journey is taking place. Adhere as strictly as possible to the following to prevent recurrent symptoms:

1) Never leave your stomach empty! – This is not a pass to overeat but a golden rule to avoid heartburn. It is important to ensure that you do not have stomach acid floating around with no food to digest. Eat a small meal/snack every 3-4 hours. Having only 2 or 3 large meals with long hours in between can worsen your heartburn and increase risk of ulcers.

2) Eat breakfast within the first hour of waking up – this is in line with rule #1 since technically you have been ‘fasting' through the night. Unless you are in the habit of having a 3 AM snack!

3) Avoid caffeine drinks in the morning without adequate food -the worst thing to do first thing in the morning would be to pour coffee or tea (acidic foods) into your empty stomach. If you insist on having some tea or coffee, have it with your breakfast. Green tea is your best option in terms of least amount of caffeine and high amounts of healthy anti-oxidants. Water, is even better!

4) All your meals and snacks should include proteins and good fats. Examples include nuts, seeds, beans & lentils, eggs, organic cold cuts, tuna salads. Again, be mindful of your individual triggers.

5) Drink plenty of water. Sipping water throughout the day rather than just gulping a glassful every few hours is recommended. Try to drink half your weight in ounces of water each day.

All of the above rules are in addition to two general rules that most doctors will relay to their patients. These are:

• avoid overeating

• don't lie down immediately after meals, wait at least 1/2 hour

What can I do if my Heartburn is Giving me a lot of Pain?

Most patients who complain of heartburn will at some time need to take something for immediate relief. Besides the common over-the-counter antacids like Tums, Rolaids, Prilosec and Pepcid, there are herbal and natural alternatives available.

Deglycerrhized Licorice (DGL) is most commonly recommended by Naturopathic Doctors as it has the most soothing effect and is easily available. It is also a safe form of licorice for patients with high blood pressure. Based on your case history and other symptoms, your Naturopathic Doctor or clinical nutritionist might recommend other herbs such as Slippery Elm, Brassica extract, Plantain extract, Marshmallow extract or aloe vera.

Each herb has soothing properties with additional functions such as being an astringent or tonifier for your gut. The form of the herb is usually selected based on individual patient needs – tea, tincture, capsule or tablets.

Heartburn is Not Always Due to Excess Acid

While it would seem obvious that heartburn is caused by excessive acid that is not always the case. Many, many patients may experience heartburn due to inadequate acid production rather than excessive acid. This can be due to inappropriate eating patterns and excessive stress.

Working with your Naturopathic Doctor can assist you to figure out if this is your problem. For example, if you have a history of infections or parasites, abnormal bowel movements and symptoms such as bloating and gas, you may belong to this category. When there is inadequate acid in the stomach, any food that makes contact with its irritated lining will cause pain.

In addition, such patients often have spurts of excess acid production as the body tries to recover from the stress – high amounts of acid when there is no food available can cause that intense burn and chest pain. Appropriate snacking and adequate acid with meals is key for these patients. As always, it is important to find the root cause underlying the problem of low stomach acid.

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Do facial exercises actually work?  There are no scientific studies on facial exercises although  there are some for stroke rehabilitation.   While there are many devotees of facial exercises and facial yoga, I am one…the medical community especially dermatologists and plastic surgeons typically state that not only do they not work, they will also create wrinkles….I haven't experienced this at all…There are many online sources of facial exercises and Youtube videos. Your best bet is to watch several and find ones that focus on your problem areas.  After that, prepare to be patient. Like all natural healing methods it will take a commitment of time and effort to begin to reap results but you will experience cumulative effects after a while, I think 3 months is the minimum.  I have also found that facial exercises, by increasing circulation to the skin, have a profoundly good effect on collagen and elastin production.

The exercises listed below are all fairly simple and straightforward, thus offering newcomers a solid starting point.

• Nose Wiggle — Using the muscles in the rest of your face, wiggle your nose as far as you can from side to side. Wiggle for several seconds before moving on to the next exercise.
• Eyebrow Lifts — Begin by raising your eyebrows as high as possible. Proceed to hold them in that position for 5-10 seconds. Repeat this process 5-10 times per session.
• Mouth Stretch — Open your mouth as wide as you can. Maintain this position and simultaneously stick your tongue out as far as it will go. Hold position for several seconds and repeat accordingly.
• Neck Workout — Find a comfortable place to sit and look straight up. Pucker your lips and push out as far as possible. This will also work your neck muscles. Stick your tongue out as far as it will go while still puckering your lips. Repeat.
• Smile Push-Ups — Apply gentle pressure to your cheeks with the three middle fingers of each hand. While pushing down, smile as exaggeratedly as you can in order to engage your cheek muscles. You should be able to feel your cheeks press against your fingers. Repeat exercise 5-10 times per session.
• Happy Duck — Form the shape of a letter “O” with your lips and push them outward, making a “duck face.” After pushing them out as far as possible, transform your lips into a big smile that pulls the lips back. Repeat several times during each exercise session.

Long Face — The goal of this exercise is to stretch your face out as long as possible. Begin by raising your eyebrows as high as they'll go. Open your eyes as wide as you can and, at the same time, attempt to frown. Hold for 5 seconds and repeat as you see fit.

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Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN

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Happy Valentine's Day!  February is National Heart Health Month!  Following are the best herbs for cardiovascular wellness.

 

Cinnamon's Blood-Sugar Lowering Powers

Though often reserved for pastries, cinnamon is one of the powerful healing herbs and spices that deserves more widespread use in the kitchen. For people with Type II Diabetes,not only does it help lower blood sugar by supporting insulin sensitivity and function, but cinnamon is very impressive when it comes to antioxidant potential. In fact, scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), listed ground cinnamon as one of the top healing herbs and spices for increasing antioxidant levels in the blood (other noteworthy spices include ground cloves, and dried oregano, rosemary, thyme, and turmeric).

The Anti-Inflammatory and Healing Power of Garlic

A powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent, this alleged vampire repellant has a long history in folk medicine. Almost 2,500 years ago, Hippocrates recommended using garlic to treat wounds, infections, leprosy, cancer and digestive disorders. Later, in the 20th century, garlic earned its reputation as “Russian Penicillin,” because Russian army physicians often successfully used garlic to control infection and gastrointestinal disorders throughout World Wars I and II.

Today, cardiologists often recommend garlic to promote cardiovascular health. Garlic, one of the most healthy herbs and spices in the world, is both a powerful antioxidant and blood thinner. It is commonly recommended as a cholesterol-lowering agent, and has been shown to help lower triglycerides – blood fats that are closely linked to heart disease. Garlic can even lower blood pressure as effectively as some drugs (as shown in studies where subjects supplemented with daily dosages ranging from 600 - 900 mg over a period of 3-6 months.

This incredible herb also helps safeguard against cancers, especially those of the stomach, colon and ovaries, and it can knock out the Borrelia bacteria responsible for Lyme disease. Eating or supplementing with garlic is also a great way to get more sulfur in our diets. An important and largely ignored mineral, sulfur helps us build muscle and connective tissue, contains enzymes important for countless chemical reactions and shields us against toxicity and oxidative stress.

Ginger's Natural Blood-Thinning and Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Like garlic, ginger is also a natural blood thinner*  it is often referred to as “smart man's aspirin.” Ginger is also commonly used as a digestive aid and is particularly helpful for treating nausea, especially if due to motion sickness or medications like codeine or morphine.

You can get your daily ginger dose in a few ways. Peel and grate or chop ginger root and add it to sauces, stir-fries, soups and even fruit and vegetable drinks. You can also make ginger tea from the root and drink it hot or cold; try it plain or with honey and lemon. If you don't have the time to prepare your own ginger meals and drinks, you can also takeaginger supplement.

Since garlic and ginger can thin the blood much like aspirin, patients taking pharmaceutical blood thinners like Coumadin (warfarin) should consult with their doctors about how much of these herbs they consume in food or supplement form.

Turmeric/Curcumin a Heart-Healing Spice

Turmeric, the spice which gives yellow curry powder its distinctive color, contains a compound called curcumin, which has powerful healing potential. Some researchers believe the predominance of curry in the Indian diet explains why there is so little arthritis or Alzheimer's disease there, compared with the U.S. Curcumin has a long history as an anti-inflammatory agent in Chinese and Indian medicine, and has proven itself in numerous clinical studies.

As an effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, curcumin helps protect against cancer and enhances cardiovascular health. Not only does curcumin help support healthy blood pressure and prevent blood clots, but it can raise HDL cholesterol levels by almost 30 percent. Additionally, researchers in Japan have found that curcumin helps prevent cardiac hypertrophy (enlargement of the heart chambers) associated with heart failure. Clearly this is another of the healthy herbs and spices you want to consume.

Cayenne's Herbal Healing Benefits

Widely used to give meals some extra punch, cayenne peppers have also been utilized as an herbal medicine. C This healthy herb can help provide relief from stomach aches and gas. When mixed with water it can be gargled to help combat sore throats. Rubbing it on the skin can also bring temporary relief of arthritic pain and muscle aches, not a surprise since the key medicinal compound in cayenne – capsaicin – also happens to be the main ingredient in various over-the-counter creams which ease muscle and joint pain.

Cilantro Can Lower Cardiovascular Risks

Although cilantro and coriander are different names for the same plant, most people associate cilantro with the leaves and coriander with the seeds. Both forms of this plantare commonly found in Chinese, Mexican and Indian cuisines.

High in beta-carotene, cilantro is a healthy herb that can help lower risk of cardiovascular events and prostate cancer, and increase one's immunity to colds and flu. As a powerful detoxifying agent, cilantro is also used to help chelate mercury from the body. As such, it is especially beneficial for diabetics, who produce more toxic metabolites due to compromised metabolism.

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Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN

Naturopath

Acupuncturist

Clinical Nutritionist

Dietitian

Professional Vitamins and Supplements

Chinese Herbs

Natural Skin Products

Arlington Heights, IL

www.apple-a-day-clinic.com

 

We specialize in Acne, Skin, and Digestive disorders!  Please contact us for a free consultation!  I do work long distance.  Thank you from the bottom of our cart!  We truly appreciate your product purchases, visits, and referrals!  They enable us to give people the help they need and continue our valuable work.

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