Tag Archives: detox

Possible Detox Side Effects

7 May

I had recently written about a detox diet I was on. It actually was not really a diet, but a way to cleanse the toxins out of my system. Since our skin is the largest organ of our bodies, yes I said organ, it comes into contact with so many toxins throughout the day, let alone our lives. The air we breath, the food we eat, the water we drink, the things we touch, all contain some form of bacteria as well as toxins whether we realize it or not. While some bacteria is a good thing for us, there are many that are not. Same goes for the toxins.

Being in my mid forties now, realizing I had never detoxed, I felt I had wanted to try. I had read so much about a variety of detox modalities, liking this one the best, I chose a natural detox that I would be willing to share with you if you contact me. The thing about this detox as opposed to others is you are able to eat on this detox. You are never food deprived, however if you eat foods that are “bad” for you, for example fried foods, or heavy, rich, fat laden foods, you may experience some cramping from any drinkable detox. The reason being that you intestines are working overtime trying to get the poisons out of your body and here we are adding more into it…hence the cramping.

What people also tend to forget about detox is that you are removing all essential vitamins and minerals from your system. These vitamins and minerals MUST be replenished in the form of healthy foods and/or a vitamin mineral supplement. If you forgo the supplement, you may initially feel like you have more energy, but after a weeks time you may being to feel lethargic and fatigued once again.

Another point about detox is the need for rest. While your body is working overtime cleansing itself, it needs additional rest in order to recuperate and become more energized. Sleep is essential during a detox period. A few people who had done a variety of detox products along with me during the week of my detox treatment had mentioned that they were now feeling more fatigued. After speaking with them about their experiences it came to light that indeed they were not getting enough rest and they were not taking a supplement of any type to replenish their systems.

Another thing to avoid during detox is caffeine, chocolate, alcohol and meats. These tend to alter the effect of the detox and may also induce more cramping and slight abdominal pain.

Following the suggestions listed above, your detox should go smoothly. Feel free to add comments and tell us your favorite detox therapy.

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detox = water, and a lot of it

2 May

When people detox you must always remember that you have to drink plenty of water!  I recently got an email from someone who told me that they had severe abdominal cramping from using a detox drink.  The suggestion I told her was to drink more water.  Water will push the detox through your system faster, thereby affording you the benefits of the cleanse along.  The idea is to cleanse, not to store the detox herbs in the body.  The herbs and marine botanicals in some detox can cause some cramping.  The answer for ANY detox is drink more water.  If of course you are on medications, it is always advisable to consult your doctor to see if there are any contraindications between the detox ingredients and the medications you take.  But always remember W-A-T-E-R, and at least 64 oz in total per day.

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Who does not love a massage?

30 Apr

I have a weekend ritual I share with my husband. Saturday mornings we work out for 1 hour with a personal trainer. Afterwards we try to go for a massage in a couples room at a local massage studio. Although the massage I get is amazing, a good friend of mine is a massage therapist and her massages truly take you another level. I just feel badly imposing on her all the time since she is a good friend.

The benefits of massage are countless. Massage not only does great things for your body, it’s good for your skin too. Massage increases circulation, which improves skin tone by bringing more nutrients to the skin and removing toxins. Add the hydrating creams and lotions used in most massage sessions, and you’ve got a great combination that nourishes and hydrates your skin.

Massage is perfect for those people who work out. Whether you are dong weight training or cardio training, your muscles can get sore. A sports massage can greatly help reduce your recovery time. Paired with a detox bath, the lactic acid build up can be eliminated from your muscles and make you feel like a million bucks in no time at all.

One of my favorite types of massage is a hot stone massage. This a deep massage technique that uses smooth, water-heated stones, which are applied to key muscles and muscles groups on your body to help reduce stress and restore balance. The massage therapist then performs a massage using the hot stones, where the heat of the stones is relayed through muscles leading to deeper tissue, providing greater relief and relaxation, not to mention improved circulation. This type of massage is especially ideal if you have back pain, arthritis, insomnia, depression, anxiety, or circulatory problems.

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Day 5 – 7 Detoxing

29 Apr

I gotta tell you, I have so much more energy then I did before starting the detox. Just wondering how long it will last! I have an easier time falling asleep and a much easier time waking up. I feel like I can jump on my treadmill and just run run run. This all came after the last few days of running to the bathroom. It seemed that the detox did catch up with me. Maybe it was cause I was drinking less water. Instead of having the 32oz detox and another 32oz of water I was drinking less. My sister in law suggested that maybe cause I was drinking so much water that I was feeling better. I guess that can also be the case. Water would flush the system and everyone always says you need drink a bunch during the day to stay hydrated and well. It all makes sense, but I have to have some faith in the fact that drinking products from the sea including algae and marine botanicals has to do something good for your system? From everything I have read online about the detox drink ingredients, it is all good stuff, each with its own benefits to our bodies. All I can say for sure is that I am going to drink more everyday regardless of detox or not and I will try the detox again next month just to see if there really is a difference.
Viva la Detox!
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Detox Day 3-4

28 Apr

Well I am well on my way to health, or so I am thinking!  I am feeling a lot better, less tired than I typically get during the later hours of the day.  I just contributed that to my kids running me ragged. :)  I am running to the bathroom a bit more then I did when I started this program, but thats fine, its not terrible.  My stomach has never grumbled like some other people were telling me it would do from the drink.  I feel fine and the taste of the tea is not bad at all.  It tastes like a strong tea with a lot of lemon in it.  Its scent is very herbal though.  The best part is i am down about 3 pounds and I am eating normally.  I am thinking I can do this once a month as it is suggested.  Read more about the detox program here.
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Detoxing in 30 minutes

28 Apr

Things can get crazy in life, I know and am speaking from quite a lot of experience.  We tend to overlook the simple things in life that can help us feel better and even heal our bodies.  After all who has time for themselves these days.  All my friends are always saying they wish there were more hours in the day.  Well with more hours in the day, comes more stress and more fatigue.  I am always telling everyone, “aren’t you worth taking some time for yourself?”.  I rarely ever take my own advice, but who does?  

With all the stress and fatigue, our bodies are bearing the brunt of it all.  Toxins invade our bodies and create all types of other problems for us…illness, weakened immune systems, more fatigue, even disease. To keep your body and soul happy, all you need is 30 minutes!  IN that time you can sit and meditate, do yoga, watch your favorite television show (although I like the first 2 options better) or DETOX!  

Detoxing will improve just about everything, mind, body and spirit.  Finding a great product like Arbonnes Detox Sea Soak Bath makes all the difference in the world.  It combines  a variety of sea rich minerals and botanicals that draw out all the impurities in your body, it can even draw out lactic acid helping fatigues muscles after working out.  As the water from your warm bath cools even more toxins are drawn out.  The effect afterwards is a renewed spirit, more energy and best of all you did something for yourself!  Aren’t you worth 30 minutes?
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Day 2 of the Detox

22 Apr

And I thought I got away easy and needed no cleansing…HA! It all hit about 11 pm last night. I started using the detox cleanse late morning, and should have waited until right before bedtime as it was suggested on the box. But I knew better, right? Well since I started it so late, it hit about 11 pm and was not as bad as I would have thought. As I was sitting playing my nightly game of literati on yahoo, I had felt a gurgling in my stomach and ran! Ended up forfeiting the game. :( But that was better then what may have happened should I have finished. lol As I sit here sipping day two of detox I am debating leaving the house to run a couple errands.

The detox itself tastes a bit like tea that was heavy on the lemon. Its all of 32oz when mixed with the water in my pretty blue bottle. Then when I finish this, I have to drink another 32 oz of water. The thing is, had I started drinking before bed, I most likely would have ended up all night peeing if nothing else, so I started much earlier.

Tonight I may treat myself to a detox bath using the detox sea salt/mineral in the tub. It smells awesome, like a french spa I once had the pleasure of visiting. It brings back a bunch of memories. Smells do that for me, more so then anything else.

Gotta go run some errands before it gets too late! Will keep you informed on how this detox is going! Any tips?
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Detox Diary

21 Apr

I have been reading a lot about detox programs and have inquired with my brother who is an acupuncturist in Seattle about various methods of detox sine he has done a bunch of them throughout his life. The topic was a pretty hot one for me for about 1 month, then I sort of lost interest in it for a bit…until last weekend.

Last weekend my husband and I attended a National Training Convention in Atlanta Georgia for Arbonne International. The company that I work for. As I sat there waiting patiently for the announcement about the new products line for this NTC I began thinking once again about a detox program having eaten so poorly while on this trip with a hectic schedule. Just as I was about to start eating the fries that I had bought because I it was not about 2 pm and I had yet to eat a morsel from the time I woke up, the program began with the launch of the new line…..a full detox program.

At first I thought I was hearing things, but when the image came on the screen I knew that indeed Arbonne had read my mind and was launching this new line of products! I took it as a personal sign from something more powerful then myself that indeed a detox program was in the stars for me.

After NTC I came home with my new detox products and started using them. At first I thought nothing more of them then another line of great skin care…..but about 2 days later after almost using my entire trial size samples up on myself, I realized that I was having an effect from using them. At first I thought I had a bug. Instantly I blamed an upset stomach from flying on the plane. Afterall, we all know that there are a ton of germs and illnesses floating around in the recycled air we breath in during the flight. However after speaking to another conference attendee, she too told me of her stomach issue and having used the detox skin products as well and she called Arbonne to see if those results could be from the skin care. Indeed they were. Since the skin is a direct link to the blood stream, the products we used were detoxifying us and we were hardly aware at all.

I figured if this is what it will be like, I will go the entire 9 yards and use the beverage detox as well. so I ordered it. When it arrived I stood the 7 little royal blue vials on my bathroom sink, staring at them for a couple days, afraid of being a slave to the toilet if I started them. Trying to check my calendar to make sure I would have time to dedicate to this detox program. I would need 7 straight days and a bunch of toilet tissue.

Being a big chicken I did some research about detox and found a bunch of articles on the subject. Then this morning I decided to bite the bullet and start. I proceeded to spill the contents of one blue vial into 32 oz of water as I read on the directions. I drank it all within about 3 hours. I then started on my second 32 oz of straight water. If the detox was the peeing part, I was good for that…all day! But I was waiting for the rest of the detox effort to strike and stayed around the house all day. Here I sit, the evening of, and still nothing at all different. So I figure I will keep something like a journal over the next week on the detox effort and let you all know how it is coming along. In the meantime, here is some info on the detox program I am doing.

It is SeaSource Detox Spa line of products from Arbonne International. Before detoxing, dry brushing is recommended. This removes old skin cells, stimulates the lymphatic system and draws out toxins through your skin. You should use a dry brush made of soft vegetable bristles. Before you take a shower, lightly brush your feet in circular motions towards the chest area for 2 minutes.

I just started using Arbonnes detox spa line and believe it or not, I have felt a difference in my energy levels. I am going to keep a journal of my detox experience and share it with you all, the good, the bad and the ugly. :)

Arbonnes product line contains 7 key products to help in toxin elimination.

Foaming Sea Salt Scrub – A gentle body buffer that lathers into a rich foam as it exfoliates the skins surface without disturbing the skins gentle balance. Some key ingredients are: sea, kelp, spirulina, bladderwrack, sea fennel, jojoba, and vitamins E and F.

5 in 1 Essential Massage Oil – Enriched oil infused with stimulating ingredients that help soothe the skin and deliver nourishing minerals, resulting in relaxation. Can be used as a bath soak, an air purifier, a facial steam, or aromatherapy. Key ingredients are sea kelp, bladderwrack, sea fennel, spirulina and jojoba.

Detox Rescue Wash – Gently washes away impurities on the face, hair and body. Blended with stimulating and detoxifying ingredients from the ocean. Protects against free radical damage and lays a moisture barrier on skin surface. Key ingredients include, chamomile flower, rosemary extract, sage leaf, plankton, soy protein and spirulina.

Sea Mud Face and Body Mask – Invigorate your face and body in a enriched sea that contains marine botanicals and detoxs the skins surface. Active Ingredients consist of spirulina, sea algae, kelp and plankton.

Sea Soak – Seawater is full of life and this soak is no different and extremely therapeutic. Sea minerals help to purify your skin and return the skins condition to the same as we were born with. The scent is very rejuvenating and gives a renewed sense if spirit and energy. Contains bladderwrack, sea kelp, sea fennel and spirulina.

Hair Mask – Potent botanicals that remove the evryday harsh toxins we encounter no matter what we are doing during our days. This hydrating formula helps to strengthen and condition the hair as well as repair and revitalize hair shaft. Provides a wonderful luster and is perfect for chemically treated hair. Contains sage leaf, rosemary, chamomile, spirulina, and shea butter.

Re-Mineralizing Body Lotion – An enriched formulation to help firm and tone the appearance of tired looking skin. Ideal for sun damage. Traps water into the cells and helps to keep skin hydrated. It is self adjusting so if skin is parched will add water to the cells to nourish and revitalize them. Contains sea kelp, imperata root, shea butter, plankton and Vitamins E and B5.

Renewing Body Gelee – refreshing properties, cools as it glides on skin. Ideal for sun burned skin or parched dehydrated cells. It restores the skins ionic balance. Contains green tea extract, vitamin E, butchers broom, algae and kelp.

The final step….7 day Body Cleanse Supplement – A cleansing beverage of detoxification that actually tastes good. An intense internal treatment that is gentle on your intestines and will not have to running to the toilet every 5 minutes. Marine botanicals infused into this concentrated treatment help stimulate, strengthen and support beauty from the inside out by assisting with gentle elimination and flushing out excess fluids. Contains Chlorella, blue green algae, red marine algae cascara segrada, senna leaf, aloe vera, rhubarb root and meadowsweet herb.

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The Importance of Detox

21 Apr

After going to NTC (National Training) for Arbonne in Atlanta last weekend, I was inspired by the new line of products Arbonne just released. A full line of internal and external detox products called SeaSource Detox. It was inspired by the ocean, and drawn from the finest European Spa therapies that stimulate, strengthen and support your body inside and out.

This line of products allows you to experience a full spa experience in the comfort of your own home. It is a restorative treatment that detoxifies your body using all marine ingredients. These highly responsive marine botanicals help prepare skin to perform its proper function. There are 4 basic types of spa experience.

Balneotherapy, which purifies the skin and improves circulation with therapeutic bathing in mineral salts, seaweeds and essential oils.

Algotherapy, which fortifies the skin for a vibrant, younger looking appearance with the macro nutrients and trace minerals found in deep sea algae.

Thalassotherapy, relaxes and lets stress melt away with the therapeutic effects of the ocean.

Hydrotherapy, which invigorates the body, opens pores and stimulates circulation with therapy that contains heat with vital sea nutrients.

Why Detox?

Detoxification supports the bodys natural ability to cleanse and restore itself. Over time, toxins can build up and overwhelm the body, weakening the immune system and leading to:

  • Poor digestion
  • Fatigue
  • Stress
  • Skin breakouts
  • Stiffness
  • Weight gain
  • Premature aging

An article from The Vegetarian Times stated, “Of all the polite topics of conversation, the state of one’s intestines is probably at the bottom of most people’s lists. Let’s face it: Irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, gas, diverticulitis and colon cancer are simply not things we like to discuss. And yet, as the old expression goes, death begins in the colon. Don’t believe it? Ask any coroner. Autopsies often reveal colons that are plugged up to 80 percent with waste material.” - Vegetarian Times, March, 1998

Today detoxification is as essential to well-being as a healthy diet and exercise. When your energy levels are very low, your body aches and your mind is drained, it is time to detox your body. Detoxification mostly involves blood cleansing by way of eliminating impurities from the blood in the liver, through the kidneys, lungs, intestines, lymph and skin.

One of the best sources of product for detoxing are botanicals from the ocean and marine life. These botanicals help detox, stimulate, strengthen and support healthy beauty that glows from within naturally. Toxins invade our bodies through the air we breath, the water we drink, the objects we touch and the food we eat. Detoxing offers the ability to deeply cleanse and help rid your system of the internal and external toxins within our bodies.

European health spas know the riches the sea has to offer in its living plants and purifying elements. By harvesting sea derived botanicals and blending them with marine technologies a powerful therapeutic detox system can be obtained. Marine products help to strengthen, support and stimulate the body both internally and externally.

Sea Lettuce (aka Ulva lactura) helps improve the skins surface elasticity and protects skin natural moisture barrier.

Sea Kelp (aka Laminaria digitata) is known to help stimulate the skins surface with vitamins and oligo elements.

Sea Algae (Spirulina maxima) nourishes and helps to support collagen and elastin with multivitamins, trace elements protein and amino acids.

Bladderwrack (aka Fucus vesiculosus) with vitamins A, C and B12 soften the skin as it soothes and protects with anti-inflammatory properties.

Atoligomer is partially sodium free spray dried sea water. It is known for its ability to remineralize and revitalize tired looking skin due to its rich mineral and trace element content. This modern sea water extract helps improve the condition of the skin’s surface and naturally contains restorative mineral and trace elements of magnesium, copper, zinc, maganese. selenium, potassium, calcium and iron.

Japanese cracked shell chlorella is a nutrient dense superfood and is one of the greatest nutrients for cleansing. It is also rich in B vitamins that are important for energy and revitalization.

Nori Sea Lettuce support detoxification and antioxident status.

A combination or usage of all the above elements are a sure success when trying to detox. Make sure that you take a multivitamin during your detox to be sure to get the required vitamins and nutrients you need on a daily basis. Many people also suggest a diet containing mainly fruits and vegetables, preferably organic in nature, is ideal during a detox as well.

Most importantedly, get enough rest, its a time for your body to rejuvenate and replenish, sleep is an essential element in the game.

Do you have any detox tips?

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Menstrual Cramps Got You Down?

19 Feb

Menstrual cramps are a natural part of life for women. They are the perfect excuse to take some aspirin and lay on the couch all day long. Cramps are a natural part of the menstrual cycle — the result of hormonal fluctuations that cause the uterus to contract. Normal menstrual cramps, known as primary dysmenorrhea, increase in intensity with the increase of prostaglandins, the fluctuating hormones. Ways of dealing with this painful time of your monthly cycle include:Over the counter pain reliever that contains aspirin or ibuprofen. When taking this OTC remedies, make sure to take the dose listed or you can weaken the overall effect and possible damage the lining of your stomach or liver.Use applied heat to relieve menstrual cramps. Apply the heat directly to the area of your body most affected by the cramps (usually the abdomen or lower back). Heating pads, a warm wet towel, a hot bath, and time in a sauna are all effective methods of dealing with menstrual cramp pain.Drink lots of water and herbal tea to get rid of cramps. One excellent remedy I found in dealing with cramping is an herbal Detox Tea. Although this tea is part of a weight loss program, the benefits are actually better for menstrual cramping then weight loss, according to a friend of mine who is a naturopath in NJ. It contains Dong Quai, an herbal supplement that has been used for centuries in Asian cultures to help alleviate womens health issues dealing with the reproduction system, especially painful menstruation, recovering from childbirth, and exhaustion. Proponents of Dong Quai claim that the herb has estrogen-like qualities that alleviate gynecological problems. This tea helps to support the normal functions of the liver, kidneys anad blood while supporting toxin elimination.Even if you already feel bloated, staying hydrated will improve you overall feeling of wellbeing. And the herbal elements in a cup of hot chamomile, mint, or gingerroot tea can help relieve some menstrual cramp pain along with the warmth of the liquid.Light exercise can relieve menstrual cramp pain by raising endorphin levels, which the brain associates with pain relief. A light cardio or yoga workout can get your blood pumping and stretch out your tense muscles. Anything more intense, like lifting weights or hard running, might just make you more miserable.Stretch out your pelvic muscles to relieve some of the menstrual cramp pain. Create a triangle by standing with legs spread past shoulder width, then bending sideways to reach your left/right hand down to your left/right ankle and holding right/left arm up in the air. Sit on the floor and create diamond with your legs by pressing the soles of your feet together then bending forward while exhaling. Curl up in the fetus position, with your face and legs down on the floor and your arms at your sides.


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