The dog days of summer are the perfect time to re-build the body in preparation for cold weather when our immunity often struggles. Today let’s look at how you can support your health by re-building the blood and the lymph.
In many cases, we don’t give a lot of thought to the health of our blood unless we are diagnosed with a blood illness. Of all the processes our amazing bodies perform, the blood’s transport of oxygen and nutrients to the body may be the most under-appreciated. The transport of oxygen and nutrients aren’t important just to keep us alive; they are also essential for healing any part of the body, whether it be an acute injury or the effects of a chronic illness.
Signs that you may need to focus on the health of your blood include:
- Anemia
- Low energy
- Paleness in the face or tongue
- Dry skin and nails
- Thinning hair
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Menstrual irregularities
Nutrition for Blood-Building
Perhaps the most important aspect of blood-building is the food we eat. Primary in this category are animal foods, which are rich in B12, bio-available protein and iron; and choline. There is no more nutrient-dense source of food than animal livers (such as beef liver from grass-fed beef), other animal organs, and egg yolks. Leafy greens, which are high in chlorophyll and folate, are another great blood-builder. Brightly colored vegetables and fruits are good sources of Vitamin C Complex, another essential element of blood-building.
Supplementation for Blood-Building
A well-crafted supplement plan can help you plug nutritional gaps in your diet. But supplements can also provide concentrated benefits that are nearly impossible to get from diet alone. Here, we feature two Standard Process supplements that help build the blood, which we will feature for 10% off for the month of July.
- Cyruta Plus – Cyruta Plus contains concentrated rutin, an extract of buckwheat. Rutin helps repair blood vessels, which can be damaged from medications, vaccines, excessive dietary linoleic acid, or even excessive sugar consumption. Cyruta Plus is helpful for a host of conditions, including varicose or spider veins; hemorrhoids; bleeding gums; ulcerative colitis; and easy bruising.
- Chlorophyll Complex – Chlorophyll’s molecular structure is nearly identical to oxygen; and this likeness to oxygen is no coincidence. Chlorophyll not only strengthens the blood, it’s also a powerful anti-inflammatory. Chlorophyll fights guanidine, a pain-causing chemical. Chlorophyll is especially powerful for any kind of internal lesion, such as ulcers in the stomach, colon or veins. It can also be used externally in ointment form for cuts and burns. This complex pairs chlorophyll with fat-soluble vitamins to promote healing.
The lymphatic system is often under-appreciated, and for many of us, undernourished and not well taken care of. While it’s a key part of our detoxification abilities, the lymphatic system has no pump. We must make a conscious effort to provide enough movement for the lymph to do its job. Signs that your lymph may be stagnant include:
- Increased swelling in fingers, wrists, ankles and feet
- Itchy skin, rashes or eczema
- Breast swelling and tenderness during periods
- Bloating and weight gain
- Fatigue
- Slow digestion/constipation
- Excess phlegm production
- Acne
- Swollen lymph nodes
The lymph can’t do its job without help from us. If you already exercise daily, your lymph is likely satisfied. But if your lifestyle doesn’t include a daily exercise routine, we suggest considering one of the following daily practices to move lymph:
- Rebounding – Rebounding is simply jumping on a trampoline. Even a small trampoline does the job. You don’t have to do back flips or acrobatics to get the benefits. Rebounding is also great for promoting balance and core strength. It’s often a great exercise for the elderly or patients with some disabilities, such as inflexible or damaged joints. Best of all, rebounding is not dependent on the weather, so can be done any time of year.
- Massage – Any type of massage can move the lymph, but some massage therapists also specialize in lymphatic massage. Lymphatic massage can be especially helpful for people who already know their lymph is suffering.
- Deep Breathing – Breathing exercises can help increase lymphatic flow, can decrease heaviness of lymph fluid, and can encourage decongestion of the lymphatic system.
- Dry brushing – A tenet of Ayurveda, dry brushing is easily and inexpensively accomplished at home. Beyond movement of the lymph, additional benefits include reduced cellulite and softer and clearer skin. Dry brushing should be done just before showering or bathing. Also note that it can be rather energizing, so we don’t recommend dry brushing right before bedtime.
Supplementation to Support the Lymph
While daily movement is critical for lymph health, supplementation can be used to further support the lymphatic system. We are featuring Standard Process Thymex at 10% off for the month of July. Thymex is helpful for those with stagnant lymph, weak immune systems, stress, and allergies. A key ingredient of Thymex is thymus gland, which is instrumental in the production of T-lymphocytes. T-lymphocytes fight pathogens and are a key part of your body’s immune system.
At Body in Harmony, we want to help you strengthen and build your blood and lymph; two under-appreciated and critical parts of your well-being. If you would like to develop an eating plan or supplement routine to promote your good health, we can help! Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
