Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

Need another and effective way of detoxing your body plus more? Activated charcoal powder is great for detoxing and digestive problems such as excess gas or diarrhea. 

Activated charcoal works by adsorbing excess of toxins, gases, metals and other chemicals which may be harmful for the body. When activated charcoal is taken, it adsorbs excess as it passes through the body. This process renders any toxins harmless as it is attracted and held by the charcoal. 

Activated charcoal can also deodorize gases in the stomach as well as bad breathe. It also has anti-aging properties, reduces cholesterol and fights viruses and bacteria. 

Although activated charcoal has many benefits and almost no negative side effects it is best to seek advice from a medical professional first and take it in moderation. Large and constant dosages can interfere with other medications and cause constipation. 

Also, the prize for the draw arrived in the mail today. Here's a peek at what it is... (Macbook not included)

 

The prize pack includes: Rice Extract Body Milk, Rice Grain Charcoal Soap, Shiso and Green Tea Facial Cleanser, Rice Extract Lip Balm and Shiso and White Tea Facial Moisturizer/Sunscreen

 

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

Okay, so since we've been on the topic of detox for a few days now, I feel I need to cover an important area of detox. As a student of Chinese medicine, it is important for me to recognize that the kidneys are the centre of a person's hereditary energy and plays an important role in vitality and longevity of life. The kidneys cleanse, filter, reabsorb nutrients, excrete toxic waste, control blood pressure and so much more. For the older folks, as you age, the first organ to usually weaken are the kidneys and one of the clear signs of a weakening kidney is hearing loss. So let's take care of our kidneys with, you got it, parsley!

Parsley aids kidney function by eliminating waste and toxins in the kidney and prevents the re-absorption of those toxins. Thus, effective against many kidney and urinary complaints.

There are so many other health benefits of parsley that one could probably write a book on it. But here is the gist of it:

- Acts an anti-oxidant in the blood stream

- Kills bacteria

- Reduces bad breath

- Purifies the blood and helps to repair vessels

- Aids in digestion of proteins and fats (Good for those guys who wanna bulk up!)

- Lowers cholesterols

- Boosts the immune system

- Aids in irregular menstruation and pain

- Acts as a diuretic and reduces edema and water retention

- Fights fatigue

And so much more...

But wait, how can I forget? Aids in weight loss by removing dreaded water retention.

Now you're probably wondering how you can use parsley. Easy! Just boil a handful of parsley in hot water, let it steep and drink. Do this once a month to keep the pipes clean!

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

Detoxing doesn't just happen under the skin, you need to detox your skin as well! Exfoliation is a form of detoxing your body of harmful toxins. How does that work you ask? Exfoliating the skin removes dead skin cells and opens up pores allowing toxins to come out. Exfoliating also increases blood flow in the skin which breaks down fatty deposits and firmer skin, thus eliminating cellulite. Exfoliating will leave your skin refreshed, healthy and glowing. And yes, men need to exfoliate as well! Happy scrubbing!

Exfoliating of the body can be done using a dry brush method before a shower. Using a dry bath brush with natural bristles (not acrylic because it may cause irritation), gently scrub your skin from the toes up. 

For the face you can use over-the-counter products or make your own aspirin mask using aspirin, water and honey. Place 4 aspirin pills in a bowl with 3 drops of water then add a little squirt of honey. Allow the aspirin pills to swell up and breakdown. Mix with fingers and apply to skin. Wait 10-15 minutes and rinse off gently with warm water. Once it's all off your face, splash with cold water to close up the pores. (Make sure to use uncoated aspirin).

For men, exfoliating of the face is key when you need to shave. It will soften the facial hair and allow for a cleaner and smoother shave. 

I would recommend exfoliating once or twice a week. Any more may cause skin irritation or aggravate acne breakouts, especially for the face.

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

How often have you asked for a detoxing plan and have been given a list full of ingredients and procedures? Well, here's a simple detox plan for you! It requires one full day at home and one magical ingredient: Sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes contain a ton of fiber and magnesium, both excellent for digestion and soothing of the stomach and intestines. Plus, they also taste great as well! When you've got a full day at home, eat sweet potatoes for breakfast, lunch and dinner and your body will be sparkling from within. (It's okay to do this once a month)

Detoxing is very important for your body. Not only will you shed those extra pounds but will also bring balance and harmony within your body. With much of our foods processed these days, these foods contain a lot of chemicals and preservatives that don't digest well in the stomach. Our bodies have a hard time excreting these toxins and therefore remain in our system. These toxins eventually lead to more serious health conditions down the road. 

The benefits of sweet potatoes goes on:

- Strengthens immunity 

- Reduces inflammation

- Relieves asthma and bronchitis

- Eases arthritis

- Reduces stomach ulcers

- Reduces risk of cancers mainly in the intestine and colon

- Regulating blood and water

- And of course, weight loss