| Healthy breasts |
"I can't give up my bra!" If that's what you said after reading "Breast Cancer - The Bra Connection by Sydney Ross Singer and Soma Grismaijer in last month's issue, then you need to learn about additional ways to drain and keep your lymph system healthy. Even if you elect to give up your bra, helping your body drain toxins can only add to your well being. The Lymph System and Its Important Job The Lymph System, one-sixth of the entire body, is made up of space called interstitium, and the fluid contained within this space is called interstitium fluid. This fluid flows into the lymphatic vessels and becomes the lymph. The contents of this fluid include considerable sodium, some fat, sugar, water, free oxygen and carbon dioxide. Think of your lymph system as a stream that carries harmful toxins and usually releases them through sweat. When the lymphatic circulation becomes slow and overburdened with waste materials, congestion results. This congestion is a build up of catarrh and mucus. When this happens, the body's resistance to stress and illness is weakened and it becomes susceptible to disease. Organs in the lymphatic system are also susceptible to disease. Tonsils and adenoids are lymphoid tissue. Many individuals have had these removed, a sign that they were overworked and enlarged as a result of excessive toxic material they were unable to eliminate. Other organs relating to the lymph system are the appendix and spleen. You can see why it's important to keep your lymph system cleansed. But how can you do it? Here are some things you can do to keep your lymph system flowing. Exercise Exercise is essential because lymphatic circulation is based on muscular contraction. A regular exercise program that brings you to a natural sweat is suggested. Diaphragmatic breathing can also improve lymphatic function. Even basic walking will help your body to perspire naturally and help your body to flush toxins properly out of the lymph system. Antiperspirants Antiperspirants prevent your lymph system from sweating. If your body can't sweat, where are those toxins supposed to go? They build up in the lymph system, causing headaches, cysts, lumps, breast pain, breast cancer, and other illnesses. There are billions of marketing dollars spent every year in setting a perception of what is "acceptable" as far as sweating. It should be acceptable to sweat. It is important to allow your body to flush naturally. In Europe and other countries, sweating is more acceptable. There are many natural deodorants available that can help kill the odor-causing bacteria. You may have to try a few to find something that you prefer and some people switch between a few to get the results that they want. If you have to use antiperspirants, maybe for a special event or something, be sure to wash it off when you get home, so that your lymph system can flush through the night, allowing your lymph to breath normally. Herbs
that Flush There are several herbs that stimulate macrophage activity and may also improve lymph function. Included in this category are:
Ginger baths Try a ginger bath to pamper yourself and get rid of toxins at the same time! To use ginger for this purpose, place 2 tablespoons in a hot tub of water. It is easiest to do this with dried ginger. Be careful NOT to use too much ginger. If you do, and your lymph system is very toxic, your lymph system can dump into your digestive system, causing you to vomit. You will feel great afterwards, since your body will be detoxed, but it won't be a lot of fun to go through! Dry brush A very effective and inexpensive way to stimulate your lymph system is to gently dry brush your skin all over your body. A simple natural body brush and some soft strokes can help to gently remove dead skin cells, stimulate your lymph to flush, improves circulation, and stimulate your immune system as well. This is something that can be done daily to yourself, your children or your partner. Steam room, saunas Another fun way to flush your lymph system is to take a steam or sauna. Available in many health clubs or spas, steam rooms and saunas help the body to sweat, thereby flushing out toxins. They also stimulate circulation. If you have high blood pressure, check with your doctor first to make sure they are safe for you. Massage Massage is a great way to flush your lymph system. There are specific lymphatic drainage massages, but most any massage will help to stimulate circulation, and lymphatic drainage. Plus, it feels great. Try them all or just one of these lymph
draining methods. You'll feel better, have more energy and just enjoy life more-with
or without your bra! |