Fall is here! The Temperature is getting colder, and the leaves are beginning to fall. With back to school, work, meaning for most this is a schedule back to a routine.

Getting back to a routine means taking better care of ourselves and our health. Read below to see ways to improve your immune system with a healthy approach.

Our Lymphatic Drainage System

Our lymphatic system is part of our immune system. It is a composition of lymph vessels, nodes, and fluid. This network is what helps keep the body clean by flushing the not unwanted toxins away out of our system.

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped areas that chamber some of our immune cells including T cells and B cells which help to fight off infections. Our lymphatic vessels are large tubes located within the body to transport lymphatic fluids from the tissue. 

The human body accumulates all sorts of waste and toxins that it must remove to stay healthy. The lymphatic system has the additional obligation of absorbing fatty acids and fats for nutrients. Though it is part of the circulatory system, the lymphatic system has assorted key differences. Alternatively of circulating blood, the lymphatic system transfers a liquid called lymph, which performs countless supporting tasks including returning proteins to the bloodstream and transporting bacteria to be eliminated.

Where are the lymph nodes located in the body?

  1. Pre-auricular (in front of the ear)
  2. Post-auricular (behind the ear)
  3. Occipital (back of the head at the base of the neck)
  4. Anterior cervical & Posterior Cervical (on the side of the neck)
  5. Deep Cervical (deep on the side of the neck)
  6. Submandibular (under your jawbone)
  7. Submental (under your chin)
  8. Supraclavicular & Infraclavicular (above & under your collar bone)
  9. Inguinal (in the groin area)
  10. Axillary (in the armpit)

Targets within Detoxifying  

When our system gets overloaded it’s important to detoxify any of the unwanted toxins out of our system. As it’s in many things we eat, supplements, and medicine we may take.

Even the chemicals that we place on our body such as face products including soaps, creams, serums, makeup and so much more. It’s important to make sure that you're reading the labels of the products you use. Targeting all-natural base products or gentle and non- toxic for the body.

The liver neutralizes toxic substances so they can be eliminated via bile and the kidneys. It also helps to filter our blood with our kidneys. Detoxifying your liver is extremely helpful especially after a moment of indulging. Staying on track to lessen the chances of liver failure and other side effects.

The kidneys are two small organs placed on either side of the spine below the rib cage. Kidneys allow toxic end-products to be eliminated through the urine. It also helps filter our blood. 

Hydration is a key element for proper kidney function. To avoid the possibilities of a urinary tract infection. Chronic kidney disease also called kidney failure involves a gradual loss of kidney function. One major factor the kidney organ does is remove waste product and excessive fluid from the body. These waste products and excessive fluids are removed through the urine.

The lymphatic system deals with fluid movement inside of us allowing it to move from one area to another. It also chambers part of our immune system. This makes it incredibly important.  

It helps to destroy invading substances/pathogens as well as transport them to certain areas to be destroyed and eliminated. Without the lymph unwanted substances would be stuck in one area and would not be able to be removed. Improving lymph flow to help decrease inflammation, swelling and infection. 

A great exercise for inflammation within the face would be to use a gua sha stone. With these movements and continuous daily exercise can help remove unwanted substances in the face region to help eliminate the inflammation and swelling. 

Coffee contains antioxidants such as polyphenols, therefore helping fight free radicals and can be used as an anti-inflammatory. Coffee contains caffeine that could keep certain people up late at night depending on the time of day it was consumed. Tea is great to have on a detox however checking the amount of caffeine as each kind is different. There are some teas that are caffeine free.

Eliminating sugar and sodium during your detox to maximize the potential of your cleanse. Implementing regular exercise to encourage body movement.

Why is a Detox Important? 

Doing a gentle detox cleanse can help eliminate unwanted toxins within our system. A gentle cleanse is recommended twice a year in the fall and springtime. The motive can be simply to target weight loss or to stay on a healthy track.

Examples of toxins include:

  • Pesticides
  • Chemicals and preservatives used on foods
  • Antibiotics used in meats
  • Chemicals used in cleaning products
  • Gas
  • Endogenous hormones
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Additives in vaccines
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Smoking
  • And so much more

Detox diet doesn’t have to be a scary term as it might for most. There’s no need to take the aggressive approach and cut everything out of your diet. Of course, in moderation and a healthy balance is more beneficial to a more successful end result.

Losing weight can become stressful and unpleasant for most. Added stress does not help promote a healthy lifestyle. Going at your own pace and what you feel comfortable doing is the direction to take. 

Implementing a workout schedule to help stay on track and keep motivated. Meal prepping is always an advantage for cost savings and especially watching what you eat. So, when hunger arrives, rather than grabbing take-out or a bag of chips, meal prepping can eliminate those not-so-healthy choices.

Eating plenty of organic fruits and vegetables to maximize your vitamins, iron and mineral intake. Drinking lots of water helps wash away any cravings you may have and of course, hydrating is key. Keeping hydrated helps promote a more active immune system by keeping your organs working and helps keep the skin fresh and clear.

Benefits of a Detox 

  • Help prevent bloating
  • Help with weight loss
  • Help Eliminate Unwanted Cravings
  • Remove Unwanted Toxins
  • Boost Immune System
  • Increases Energy Levels
  • Happier mood

Now, who’s feeling in need of a detox, you joining in?

 

 

Disclaimer 

Pascoe Canada does not offer health or medical advice as we are not a healthcare practitioner. Please speak with your healthcare practitioner before beginning any program related to nutrition, diet, exercise, fitness, medical, and/or wellness. All content published by Pascoe Canada is developed through collaborating with licensed medical professionals and contributors. This includes text, graphics, images, and other material on the website, newsletter, and products (“Content”). This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please always do your own research on whether this is for you along with your healthcare practitioner advice. Always consult your healthcare practitioner prior to using specific herbs because you might have underlying conditions that need professional care. The content is general in nature and is subject to change. It is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.